Commission Information

1. Fill out the commission application
2. Once approved ill reach out to Coordinate any further design details based off of your application
3. Sketch and quote will be created
4. Fill out Shipping/Payment form + Sign contract
5. The down payment is collected
6. Throwing: the initial form for your commission is made
7. Trimming: Excess clay is removed shaping and refining the thrown form
8. Handles: A handles will be created and attached
9. Sculpting, this is one of the most intricate steps taking the biggest chunk of time
10. Drying: this is usually when drying takes the longest sometimes even weeks
11. Under glazing: adding some are colors normally to the sculptures
12. Bisque Firing: Once the work is dried out it will go through the first of two firings in the kiln
13. Under glazing / Glazing the final colors are applied and finished
14. Glaze firing this is the second and final time the work will go through the kiln
15. Sanding, I sand any surface that the work stands on to s smooth 3000 grit
16. Clean, I thoroughly wash my work after its done going through the process
17. Complete the reaming transaction
18. Pack and ship off to its new home

If at any point you would like to change or add something please let me know immediately. The applicable changes differ depending on what stage the commission is in. Please always feel comfortable enough to be honest about how you are feeling about the work. Commissions take great communication, but also trust within the creative process. Requesting changes that were not part of the pre-discussed sketch may result in additional charges and I reserve the right to turn away the change if it is not within reason. 

If I'm currently at max capacity with commission work then I will reach out and tell you, that you will have the option to be waitlisted. If you are comfortable with this then all normal procedures will follow. Your 60% deposit will be due to hold your spot. If you do not want to be waitlisted then please feel free to reach back out monthly to see where I'm at. 

Things can and sometimes go wrong during the making process but no matter what happens I will make sure your commission gets made. Have an open mind and be accepting if any changes have to be made to our original vision and trust in the creative process. 

Mishaps that can happen through the process and will not qualify you for a refund of your original paid deposit. If any accidents do happen, then depending on what stage we are at in the process it can change the time line or shift our original vision. Sometimes depending on what happens I can fix it and keep moving forward or we may even have to start over. This is just a part of the pottery process and the learning curve of creating custom work especially when working on new designs.

Mishaps typically happen when the pottery undergoes a firing in the kiln. As you can imagine this puts lots of stress on the materials used. Pottery undergoes 2 - 3 rounds of firing. Some mishaps affect functionality and safety and some are simply cosmetic. If any of these do happen I will message you with all the options we many have, what I recommended and I will give you the choice on how to move forward.Although most cosmetic blemishes are minor and will be acknowledged, they are not considered substantial enough to warrant starting over. Depending on their complexity, they most likely will not result in a discount

• Glaze/underglaze colors can shift in color, such as a green turning to a brown. Underglaze can sometimes burn off in the firing process causing it to disappear almost completely.
• Glaze can "run", glaze is made up of different chemicals that melt during the firing, sometimes it can run into an undesirable area, such as running over a mushroom. Glaze can run off the pot and onto the kiln shelf, this can ruin the piece or cause some cosmetic blemmishes. 
• Glaze can “skip” meaning that the final application of a glaze may decide to not stick to a small section of the pot for whatever reason. 
• Glaze can bubble or create a different texture than originally expecting I find this to be more common when using matte glazes. 
• Pottery can crack, pots can get anywhere from a hairline crack to bigger cracks
• Pottery can explode in the kiln or causing the whole pot to go into pieces or just a section of the pot
• Pottery can warp, this is more common with large flat pottery such as plates or platters. 

Payments will be divided into two separate transactions. The first payment/security deposit is 60% of the total cost. This first payment is a non-refundable security deposit. Once the commission/product is complete, I’ll ask for the remaining 40% as the final payment. I will send you a payment request, please complete all payment requests ASAP or within 24 hours. After the initial 24 hours payment request will be terminated and your contract will be at risk of termination.

Payment example: $100 mug + $20 shipping = $120 for the total cost

Initial/Security Deposit payment: 60% = $72

Final payment: 40% = $48

For payment options, I primarily accept PayPal, Friends & Family, or Zelle. I do NOT accept Venmo. If you're not comfortable with any of the payments I listed above, please let me know as we can discuss other forms of payments. Be aware, other forms of payment may add additional fees. 

If you decide for whatever reason that you would no longer like to continue, as previously mentioned, the 60% security deposit is non-refundable. You are more than welcome to terminate the agreement/service at any time and will not be obliged to pay the remaining 40%.

As an independent artist, I use specific techniques and materials to create my unique stoneware pottery. Here’s a detailed look at the common terms and processes involved in my work, focusing on the methods I use to bring each piece to life.

Pottery Techniques

Throwing

• Definition: Shaping clay on a potter's wheel.
• Details: I center the white stoneware clay on the wheel and use my hands and tools to form it into shapes, such as mugs, bowls, and plates. Throwing allows me to create symmetrical, functional pieces which I then personalize with sculptural elements.

Handbuilding

• Definition: Creating pottery without a wheel using hands and simple tools.
• Sub-techniques:
• Pinching: Forming the clay by pinching it between fingers, often used for making small bowls and cups.
• Coiling: Rolling clay into long ropes and stacking them to build larger forms, which are then smoothed out.
• Slab Building: Rolling clay into flat slabs and cutting and assembling them to create geometric shapes and freeform designs.

Materials

White Stoneware Clay

• Definition: A type of stoneware clay fired at mid to high temperatures.
• Details: I use white stoneware clay exclusively for its bright and clean appearance. Fired to cone 6 (about 2232°F or 1222°C), it is durable and non-porous, making it ideal for functional ware. Its natural white color provides a beautiful canvas for my glazes and decorative elements.

Glazing and Firing

Bisque Firing

• Definition: The first firing of pottery to harden the clay.
• Details: This process removes moisture and prepares the piece for glazing. Bisque firing occurs at a lower temperature, making the pottery easier to handle and glaze.

Glaze Firing

• Definition: The second firing, where glazed bisque ware is fired to the final temperature.
• Details: I fire my pieces to cone 6 in an electric kiln. This process melts the glaze into a smooth, glassy finish, sealing the pottery and adding beautiful color and texture.

Types of Glazes

Custom Glazes

• Definition: Glazes that I formulate and mix myself.
• Details: Creating my own glazes allows me to achieve unique colors and finishes that you won’t find anywhere else. Each piece is a canvas for these custom creations, ensuring that my pottery stands out.

Glossy Glaze

• Definition: A shiny, reflective surface finish.
• Usage: Ideal for mugs and plates, creating a bright, smooth surface that is easy to clean and enhances the colors.

Matte Glaze

• Definition: A non-reflective, soft finish.
• Usage: Provides a modern, understated look, often used for more rustic or contemporary pieces.

Textured Glaze

• Definition: Glazes that create varied surface textures.
• Usage: Adds visual and tactile interest, often used to highlight the sculptural details on my mugs and other functional ware.

Decorative Techniques

Underglazing

• Definition: Applying colored decoration to bisque ware before glazing.
• Details: This technique provides vibrant, detailed designs that are protected by a clear or translucent glaze. I use it to add color and detail to my pieces without covering the natural beauty of the clay.

Sculptural Elements

Botanical and Mushroom Features

• Definition: Unique sculptural additions to functional ware.
• Details: I attach individually crafted mushroom and botanical sculptures to my mugs and other pieces. These elements are inspired by my love of nature and ensure that every piece is truly one-of-a-kind. I take great care to attach these sculptures with strong attachment points in mind. In many cases, these sculptural elements are structurally stronger than the walls and handle of the mug itself, ensuring durability and longevity.

Additional Pottery Terms

Leather-hard

• Definition: The stage of clay when it has dried enough to be firm but is still pliable.
• Details: This is the ideal stage for carving and attaching additional elements without distorting the shape.

Greenware

• Definition: Unfired pottery that is completely dry and ready for bisque firing.
• Details: At this stage, the clay is most fragile and must be handled with care.

Vitrification

• Definition: The process during firing where the clay body becomes non-porous and glass-like.
• Details: Firing stoneware to cone 6 achieves vitrification, making the pottery strong and suitable for everyday use.