Occasionally, we’ve been asked about the pricing on our beautiful OOAK handmade pieces. Why can’t it be priced like big box store pottery? Here are several considerations as to why our ceramic stoneware is priced differently.
1) We drive 4 hours to pick up the clay ~ unless it is mined locally ~ taking a few more hours to sieve, grind, flocate and knead.
2) Unload clay into the shop.
3) Weigh out amount needed for each piece.
4) Wedge (knead) clay.
5) Form and design the shape. This can take up to 3 hours.
6) Remove and let dry 24 – 48 hours; depending on humidity.
7) Trim the piece and sand.
8) Let dry 1 week minimum. If pottery cracks at this point, re-cycle clay and start over at step 3.
9) Place piece in kiln and fire to 1850 F – about 18-20 hours.
10) Unload from the kiln. If the piece has cracked during first firing, discard, feel a bit sad and start over at step 1.
11) Mix glaze(s). Each glaze requires approximately 3 hours to mix and sieve.
12) Hand apply glazing and stains.
13) Let dry thoroughly and apply more glaze for special effects.
14) Load glazed piece back into kiln. If glaze scratches or gets bumped, wash with hot water and start back at step 12.
15) Fire glazed piece to 2250 F. This takes 14-16 hours depending on electricity demands.
16) Hold at 2250 F for approximately 20 minutes. Make sure all shelves reach the exact same temperature.
17) Wait14 hours or more for kiln to cool to under 350F before opening.
18) Remove and check piece. If cracked, discard, feel a bit sad, carry on and start over at step 1.
19) If piece has miraculously survived to this point, clean sharp bits off bottom and lid seats with grinding stone by hand.
AND, not to forget all the steps NOT included here:
*Package pieces for shipping
* Answer phone/emails
* Photograph, list products online and sell pots
And… hundreds and hundreds of hours perfecting skills and craft. We hope you enjoy, value and treasure each piece of artwork for the unique creation it is.