Frequently asked questions
Where are your ceramics made?
Every piece is handmade by me—Melissa—in Tucson, Arizona at a local studio. From forming and altering to glazing and firing, each piece passes through my clay-covered hands before finding its way to you.
Why are handmade ceramics more expensive than mass-produced pottery?
Each piece is made through a slow, hands-on process that includes forming, drying, trimming or altering, decorating, glazing, and firing—sometimes more than once. The price reflects the materials, studio time, kiln firings, craftsmanship, and unavoidable possibility that the kiln may choose chaos.
Are your ceramics food-safe?
Pieces intended for food and drink are made from durable cone 10 stoneware and finished with glazes selected for functional use. Decorative pieces, luminaries, seconds, and anything with special-use limitations will be clearly identified in the individual product listing.
Are your pieces microwave- and dishwasher-safe?
Care recommendations vary by piece, so always check the individual product listing. Hand washing is generally recommended to protect illustrated details, specialty finishes, and the wonderfully imperfect character of handmade pottery. Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause thermal shock.
Do product photos show the exact piece I will receive?
Unless a listing clearly states otherwise, the photographs show the exact one-of-a-kind piece available for purchase. Colors can appear slightly different depending on lighting and screen settings, but I do my best to represent every glaze and detail accurately.
Why does my piece look slightly different from the photos?
Every Peanut Gallery piece is handmade and one of a kind. Small variations in shape, size, glaze movement, texture, and color are natural parts of the ceramic process—not defects. Your piece may be a little wonky, but around here, that’s a feature.
What is a “seconds” piece?
Seconds are structurally sound pieces with cosmetic variations such as glaze pinholes, unexpected color, surface irregularities, or other kiln-created surprises. Any known imperfections and recommended uses will be disclosed in the listing, and the price will be reduced accordingly. All seconds sales are final.
What is your return policy?
Because each piece is handmade, one of a kind, and carefully described before purchase, all sales are final. Please review the photos, dimensions, capacity, weight, care instructions, and any disclosed variations before ordering. If you have a question about a piece, please contact me before purchasing.
Can I cancel my order?
Orders may be canceled within 24 hours of purchase, provided they have not already been packed or shipped. After that window, the sale is final.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the package’s weight, size, and destination. Ceramics require plenty of protective packaging, so the shipping weight will be higher than the weight of the piece itself.
When will I receive my order?
Your order will be processed and shipped within 3-5 business days. Once your package ships, you’ll receive tracking information so you can follow its journey from my studio to your home. Carrier delays may occasionally occur after a package leaves my hands.
What if my order arrives damaged?
Please contact me as soon as possible and keep the damaged item, shipping box, and all packaging materials. Include clear photographs of the piece, the packaging, and the exterior of the box so I can evaluate what happened and help determine the appropriate next step.
Still wondering about something? Send me a message, and I'll do my best to help.