FAQ's
Curious about the ceramic process?
Please visit my instagram @Maria.AndradePottery I am always adding videos, and photos of work-in-progress.
Pottery Care
My pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe. However I do recommend hand washing your handmade pottery.
While durable, pottery can break if dropped or if heavy items like cast iron skillets are placed on top of handmade pieces on drying racks.
Please pre-warm your piece with warm water before pouring the boiling water.
Do not place any of my pieces on any open flame.
I am not responsible for broken pottery after months of use. With proper care my pottery can last and be enjoyed for many years.
How do I order a custom pet portrait piece?
You can order custom pet portraits here
You can also email me a request for a different piece not listed on my website. For example, you would like a utensil holder.
Why does it take 6-8 weeks for custom orders?
I work in cycles of about 1 month of making pieces. On average I make 60-100 pieces per cycle.
Once everything is decorated, it needs to be absolutely dry. Pieces are then loaded into the kiln for a bisque firing. These pieces are unloaded, glazed and loaded into the kiln again to be fired a second time.
What kind of photo do you need to send for a custom pet portrait?
I work from photographs. Please make sure the photo you send me for your order is in high resolution. Your pet needs to be front facing and in natural light.
Shipping
What carries do you use?
USPS and UPS. Please note UPS will not deliver to P.O. boxes.
When will my order be shipped after I place my order?
Ready-made pots are in-stock and listed on my website. They usually ships between 3-5 business days.
Custom orders typically take 6-8 weeks. I email you timeline dates when you place your order. Due to the nature of the ceramics process, I cannot guarantee an exact date your custom piece will be ready. I do my best to keep customers in the loop.
Do you ship internationally?
I don’t ship overseas.
Shipping Problems
If there is a problem with your order, please contact me within 10 business days.
I am not liable for lost or stolen packages and release responsibility upon transfer of order to the shipping carrier. I will not be held responsible for additional shipping charges incurred if packages are returned to our store due to customer absence, errors in shipping addresses or package refusal. If you refuse any shipments from me, you remain responsible for all original shipping charges, and the cost of returning the package to us. We will subtract this amount from your merchandise credit, if any.
If your order arrives broken, help me to help you! Here is what you can do:
- Immediately photograph the package and the broken piece(s).
- Contact me to let me know about the mishap right away
- I will handle the claim with the shipping carrier and arrange sending a replacement out to you free of charge as soon as possible.
- Please retain the packaging and broken product until notified. Occasionally (especially for larger orders) the shipping carrier will want to collect and inspect the damage prior to approving a claim.
Returns and Refunds
Ready Made Work:
Once you receive your order. Please let me know within 10 business days that you would like to return it. I will try to work with you to resolve the issue. In the case I decide a refund is warranted. The customer will be responsible for the return shipping costs.
Shipping costs will not be refunded once you accept the order.
All of my pieces are handmade one-of-a-kind. There will be slight differences in color and size. These are not flaws.
Custom Pet Portraits
These pieces are non refundable. I try my best to communicate with my clients about their custom orders. We have multiple email exchanges about your order. Please understand that I am making an interpretation of your pet. It is not meant to be a photorealistic portrait.