INFO
If you have any questions about an order you have placed or are about to place, please read the following. If you still have questions, please email be at alexis@madebyalexis.com
THE PROCESS
All pieces are handmade by Alexis in Hagerstown, MD. Clay is such an open ended medium of artistic expression. Each vase, mug or plate is made with attention to detail through a very meditative process. All objects are completely hand built with slabs of clay, by using coils of clay, or thrown on a wheel. After each piece is built, floral designs are carved into it and fun hand-shaped beaded handles are added. They dry completely, then head for a bisque firing. Then they are glazed and go back in the kiln for their final glaze firing. There are a lot of steps that go into making ceramics and each piece is priced accordingly to the work that goes into it.
Since each piece is completely handmade, please expect some irregularities and slight imperfections. These do not hinder the functionality of the product. I am proud of each vase or mug that I’ve made and I’m happy to send it out into the world for others to enjoy.
MATERIALS & CARE
All ceramic objects in the shop are made from a stoneware clay-body. I use lead-free, food safe glazes on all objects.
Due to the nature of some of the glazes, naturally occurring speckles within the clay body show through, creating a pretty subtle speckled look. This occurs most often in the glossy snow-white and sunshine yellow glazes.
Mugs and dinnerware are food-safe, microwave safe and dishwasher safe, though hand washing is preferred.
All objects can be cleaned with gentle soap and water.
MEASURING OBJECTS
Please read all size dimensions so that you know what you’re getting when you purchase a piece. All measurements are displayed in inches.
Here is a nifty graphic for measuring a piece:
SHIPPING
I calculated the cost of shipping into the price of my products. Orders will be processed and shipped out within 2-3 business days of purchase. For example, if you order on a Thursday, I will most likely ship it the following Monday. As of right now, I am only shipping within the United States. If you are seriously interested in my work and happen to live in another country, please send me an email and we’ll see if we can work something out.
Shipping ceramics is a delicate matter and I want them to arrive safely to you. Sustainability in shipping is often a concern. I try my best to reuse packing materials or use eco-friendly shipping supplies.
REFUNDS/RETURNS
All sales are final. Please read each listing carefully and look at all the photos to know for sure what you are getting. Whip out your ruler so that you know how big each piece is. Double check the color you are getting. I try my best to show colors as accurately as possible. Please note that a color might look slightly different in person than what it did on your screen. If you have any questions about a particular object, please reach out to me.
Please consider your purchase carefully. I love what I make and I want you to love it too. I don’t want you to end up making an impulsive decision that you regret. However, if you’ve ignored this advice and you really, really dislike what you received with a burning passion, please contact me within one week of receiving your purchase and we will work something out that leaves both of us happy.
I package all objects with care so that they can make it to you safely and intact. Shipping can be tricky business and things can go wrong in transit. This is life. If something arrives at your door in a sad state, please do not hesitate to reach out so that we can fix the problem.
I do not accept returns for any ceramic order. Consider your purchase carefully. There is high risk associated with the returning of ceramics and I don’t cover return fees. If you have questions or problems with your order, kindly reach out to me so that we can work on solving these issues together.
SECONDS/SAMPLES
Every so often, I will release a collection that includes samples and seconds. What is the difference between the two?
A sample is a piece that I made experimenting with shape or a different color glaze. These are truly unique pieces. These are sold for their full price or a slight discount.
A “Second” is a pottery term for an imperfect ceramic piece. These can include slight glaze malfunctions, warpage, etc. These pieces are sold at a discounted price.