• I do my best to photograph each piece from multiple angles and in natural lighting to give you the best idea of what they look like, as well as provide approximate dimensions to give a sense of size. Remember that with handmade ceramics, each piece will vary slightly — from size, to nuances in shape, to glaze appearance — so when you shop handmade each piece is uniquely its own even for sets! Please keep this in mind if you receive a piece that looks slightly different in person than it does in photos.

  • Each piece is safe to use with food and microwave/dishwasher safe unless otherwise specified, though handwashing is recommended for longevity.

    Use caution when taking items out of the microwave as they can get very hot.

    Do not use over an open flame or in the oven unless otherwise specified.

  • Ceramics & Original Paintings

    Items will typically be shipped within 5-7 days of ordering (typically on the Friday or Saturday following your purchase date) unless delays are otherwise communicated. Once your order has been shipped you will be sent a tracking number.

  • We are not accepting any returns nor exchanges at this time. For ceramic items purchased from the shop, each piece is photographed as accurately as possible, but note that the glazes may look different under different lighting conditions and you may notice nuances that aren’t captured well in photos. Make sure you like it before you buy it and if you don’t like it when it arrives, then it’s a great opportunity to gift it!

    Refunds or replacements are only issued if the item arrives broken. Please see the “Refunds” section below for additional information.

    For custom work, you will receive pictures throughout the process to make sure we’re on the same page about design, colors, etc. to catch anything you don’t like early in the process. Remember that the ceramics process can be unpredictable so there is only so much that can be controlled when it comes to exactly how glaze colors will turn out. We will discuss on a case by case basis if a custom piece varies too far from what you commissioned.

  • We will only issue a refund if your ceramic piece (or pieces) completely breaks in the mail. You will be asked to send photos of the breakage, and then can choose to either be refunded in full or select another item of the same value from the shop.

    We do our best to ensure the highest quality of each item, but if your item arrives and you believe it to be faulty in any way, please reach out to be refunded/exchanged where applicable. Note that this policy does not apply to any cosmetic issues with “seconds” or “sales” items as the flaws with these pieces (if any) are photographed and displayed in the product listing.

    For custom work, partial refunds will only be issued if the piece(s) completely break in the mail. Depending on the complexity of your order, you may have the option to have replacements made, or be refunded for the cost of your order minus the initial deposit. Remember when you’re ordering custom work that with handmade ceramics, there is only so much that can be controlled when it comes to exactly how glaze colors and other design elements will turn out. We will be in touch throughout the process to make sure that the design is turning out as close to the vision as possible. If your custom piece arrives broken, we will discuss next steps.

Shop Policies & FAQ

General Information

Please note that as of June 2025, we are currently not taking custom or wholesale orders. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when custom orders are available again. Thank you for your patience!

  • To request custom ceramics work (individual and wholesale), please email nia@estellesatelier.com. Please be as specific as possible when describing your idea! Some examples of details that you may want to include in your request:

    • Type of piece(s) (e.g. a set of bowls, a planter, sculptural work)

    • Number of pieces

    • Preferred type of clay (currently available: white, tan speckled, dark brown speckled, red, or dark brown)

    • Reference photos, either in the spirit of a mood board or existing ceramics to be used as inspiration.*

    *Note that I will not copy the work of other artist. Any reference photos that you send should only be used to reference shapes and colors, and any designs to be used as loose inspiration. Any design work will not be directly duplicated unless the work you are referencing is my own.

  • Individual Orders

    Once we’ve decided on your design, you will be given an estimate for the total cost and will be asked to pay a 50% deposit in order for work to begin on your piece. For example, if your piece is estimated to be $150 including shipping, you will be asked to pay $75 for the work with clay to begin. You will be asked to pay the remainder of the balance before the piece is shipped.

    All custom work starts at a minimum of $100 and increases from there depending on, but not limited to, the following considerations:

    • Type of clay.

    • Complexity of the shape (e.g. a basic cylinder will cost less than a wavy shape)

    • Attachments (e.g. handles or sculptural elements)

    • Complexity of glazing (e.g. simple dipping in 1-2 colors vs. hand painted design)

    If you request a custom that is below the $75 minimum, I’ll redirect you to my available work and/or made to order pieces to see if there is something that I already offer that would be a better fit.

    Wholesale Orders

    The same pricing model as well as $75 order minimum applies to wholesale orders, however, a product sample (or samples) can be requested at a $50 minimum, not including shipping if shipping is required.

    The wholesale rate for each item will be set at 50% of the SRP. For samples, the retailer must pay the full SRP for each item.

    Individual & Wholesale Orders

    Once we’ve determined your design, you will receive a price break down so you can understand how the price was determined based on the design elements of your pieces. We will make sure we’re in full agreement before you pay the deposit to start the work.

    If your piece arrives broken, please reach out and we’ll discuss options for refunds, replacement with other available work, or recreating the design. Note that depending on the complexity of your commission, we may not be able to start the entire process over to recreate the exact same piece, so this will be determined on a case by case basis.

  • For custom ceramics work, it generally takes 6-8 weeks on average to complete the piece once work is started. This time will vary depending on the complexity of the order.

    The process can take longer if:

    • The complexity of the piece requires longer drying time in between steps (e.g. plates take longer to dry than most mug shapes) 

    • There are significant changes to the design during the process 

    • There are breakages during the process resulting in a need to start over

    • There are unexpected extended delays (i.e. > 1 week) in firing process

    • Life happens and the artist has to take some time away from the work.

    Any delays will be communicated with you as soon as possible, and you will be updated with the status of the piece(s) throughout the process.

  • Please see the respective sections in “General Information” for more information.

    Returns are currently not accepted for custom work. Refunds will not be issued unless the piece completely breaks in the mail, and you will not be refunded the deposit amount. In the case of breakage, we will discuss options to replace items of your order depending on the complexity of the work.

Custom and Wholesale Orders

Have a question that isn’t answered here?

Please reach out!