FAQ:
I will most likely make your order fresh for you. Just because you see your favorite creature on a platter, doesn’t mean it can’t be on a mug, a plate, a caraf... you can see the shapes I make. Make your dream request and I will attempt to fulfill it. I post these pictures here because it gives me joy to make these designs which hopefully will transfer to you. What I send to you will not look exactly like the picture. Each one is hand-formed and painted. For example, I paint thousands of octopuses, but each one has a different tangle of limbs or different papillae. Generally, I can make pots to any dimension you choose. If you have a different form in mind than any you see pictured, please ask me and I may enjoy the inspiration. I am always looking for new shapes to make. The more information you can give me about what makes that shape special, why you like it, what it’s used for… the better. I can get stuck in a rut just like anyone else. But I’d rather not. Which is not to say that there is no beauty to be found in repetition. I would not be pushing the million mug marker if I didn’t enjoy making them. There is a satisfaction in creating a mountain, in mastering a form, getting the groove of it (“groove”/“rut”, it’s all a matter of perspective). Please email me if you have any questions:
Commission
and I will do everything I can to make that goal or reasonably inform you if I can’t. It generally takes me about 3 weeks to fill and fire the kiln, unless I happen to have your item on hand.
If you have a certain date or goal, please tell me (Timeline)
Buy someone a gift of pottery and let them choose how to redeem it! If you like, I can make a unique PDF that you can print out or email the recipient but the website will generate a unique code.
Gift Certificate
I don’t do them.
1) I invest a lot of time and thought into making a quality product. In order to ensure that there will be no flaws, cracks or physical defects, I make several versions of your selection and send you the best. The piece will be unique, made to order.
2) Pottery breaks. After it leaves my hands, I don't know what knocks or beatings your pot may have taken. Inspect your piece carefully when it arrives. A hairline crack can creep into something larger over time. If a crack occurred during shipping, contact me immediately and I will initiate the insurance process and replace it. That said, I sill put my cracked mugs in the dishwasher and use them daily.
Returns
The pot you purchase will be enshrouded in an artistically collected and formed recycled shield and shipped insured Priority Mail. Our friends, family and local radio stations collect their packaging, egg cartons, Styrofoam and other (clean) debris and we put it to another use keeping your pot from being smashed on its way to you. If you can reuse that packaging even further, breaking it down just a little bit more before it ends up in the ocean… good on you. Don’t be surprised if your package does not look like it shipped from Amazon (though it may be using Amazon materials).
Shipping
Early Bird Kiln Purchase
Buy directly from my feed! When I unload the kiln, I post it on Instagram/facebook (@rhoneypots). If you see something you like, contact me via those services or email. If the piece is not already a commission, I may happily sell it to you. Saves me packing it up and hauling it to a show! (the latest images are below)
All my glazes are nontoxic. They are high-fired porcelain-stoneware (cone 5 or 2118o) and are microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe. They are also frost hardy and thus can be used outside. They are ceramic, so at some point they will probably break, but don't let that be a reason not to use them. You have an expiration date too.
Care
Insurance
If, gasp, something breaks on its way to you, photograph it INSIDE the box. Take as many pictures as you can capturing damage to the box, packing materials, and the broken item. Email these to me and I will pursue the insurance claim and send you a replacement.
Reviews
“I use your mugs daily. I love the designs and wrapping my cold hands around the mug with hot tea in it is during in the morning a daily ritual for me :). I’ve bought a number of your mugs from you over the years. My house has 4 of them and I’ve also gifted a number of them to family. My kids love them too - they make big servings of hot chocolate in them before heading off to school.
You were at a arts and crafts fair at Fort Mason ~11 years ago, that is how I was introduced to you. I’m so glad you are still creating pieces.
-Jen H”
“Thanks for reaching out to me to let me know of your last sale. You had a great unique selection and it was fun to look at all of the work you offered.
On arrival to my home, it came in perfect condition. The packaging was conscientious and very well protected.
I am truly blown away by the apple tree serving bowl. It suits me perfectly. I love it.
-Laurie B”
“Hello Liz - wanted to let you know that both orders arrived in good shape. The plates and plague doctors are so much more awesome in real life! And OMG what an amazing packing job and use of egg cartons. From the shape of the box I thought someone sent me a blanket. I hope you have elves to help, 'cause that clearly took some time and engineering. Will keep an eye on your website in case something comes out of the kiln that I can't live without (poison oak and snakes are hard to resist)
-Fred C”
“I recently ordered the apple tree bee hive wall plaque and one of your plague doctor mugs via the Kings Mountain Art Fair. I wanted to tell you how much I love them--they are even more beautiful in person--and thank you for your quick shipping, I ordered on Labor Day, and the package arrived in time for our anniversary (which was Friday) so I could give my husband the plaque, (The mug is a little gift to myself.)
-Karen W”
“Hi Liz. Stuck at home, but our honey pots mugs make us happy! My daughter and her husband have come to live with us from Boston through all of this craziness. I use the otter and octopus mugs. My husband has claimed the bear, and my kids use the new heron and gecko. They make us smile!
Thank you for bringing some cheeriness to our lives. Hope you are healthy and well and continue to be inspired during our quarantine. Blessings,
-Cathy S”
“ The workmanship is even more impressive than I imagined, from the throwing to the "woodcut" work to the handle size, shape, and attachment... I feel like I'm holding the story of the whole process in my hands. Thank you again for such a well-executed piece of uniquely creative artistry!” - Mary C
“I received the carafe today and absolutely love it! I'm enjoying my first cup of tea from it now. This is really going to brighten my days in the office-- thank you again!” - Chad T
“I risk the life of my octopus mug by taking it to get coffee drinks to go in. EVERY time I take it out people want to know where to get them. I tell them. Thanks for bringing some creative joy into our lives. “ - Jen N
“Just wanted to let you know that I love the bunny butter bell!! It's beautiful and so much more functional than my old one. You did a great job with the design. Thank you again for making this special request. Hope all is going well for you and look forward to seeing you at another show.” -Laura Z
“ I just received my Crow mug. Thank you!!!!!!! It is more beautiful than I could have imagined. It is a gift for my sister-in-law who owns & operates "Part Crow Jewellry" in London, Ontario Canada. She is going to adore it and is , of course, a huge supporter of independent artists so it's a total win/win! Thank you again!” - Rae Z (Toronto, ON Canada)
“Just got the mugs and plate in the mail today and they are absolutely stunning!!! My girlfriend will love the melon-headed whale plate and mug. Your work is truly unique and I thank you once again for takin on the challenge of incorporating a poorly known animal into your art.
I love my anglerfish mug too...especially love the little male
attached to the bottom of the female!
Thanks again for everything!!!” -Todd P
“Her booth always looks great and raises the bar on quality. Her prices are wide in range, so most everyone who wants to can take a piece home. Besides, her stuff is just plain FUN!!" -Victoria W
“Extremely high quality, artful, sturdy pottery, and nice people, too”-Sharon P
