FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Pottery

What materials are used in Gravesco Pottery products?
- All our functional pottery is made from regionally sourced mid-fire stoneware
- All our glazes are mixed in the studio from Rebecca's proprietary glaze recipes. We never use lead in any of our glazes.
Where is Gravesco Pottery located and where are the products made?
- Gravesco Pottery is completely handmade one pot at a time in our studio located in the Indianapolis Near Eastside neighborhood. The studio is not open to the public.
- Our retail shop is located at 1501 E Michigan Street, Indianapolis

Buying and Choosing Pottery

Why should I choose handmade pottery over mass-produced options?
- Unique Artistry. Handmade pottery is truly one of a kind. Each piece is crafted by our skilled artisans and no two pieces are exactly the same. This adds a special charm and character that cannot be replicated by mass-produced ceramics.
- Quality & Durability. Handmade pottery is made with high-quality materials and crafted with an attention to detail. This results in a product that not only looks better but will last a lifetime and beyond.
- Supporting Small Businesses and Artisans. When you buy handmade potter, you are supporting the livelihood of artists and our small business. Your purchase directly contributes to the creative economy, encouraging more unique and beautiful creations.
- Sustainability. We utilize as many regional materials as possible from our clay to our packing materials. We recycle everything we can within our studio environment and minimize waste whenever possible, even if it means more labor for us, because it is the right thing to do.
- Less Consumption. You'll find you're not going to be replacing your ceramic tableware every few years like you tend to with mass produced products. Part of the reason is the emotional bond we create between the consumer and maker and partly because handmade pottery is simply made in such a way that it's durable and timeless.
- Story & Connection. Each piece of handmade pottery carries a store - the story of the artist who made it and the processes it went through to become the pottery you hold in your hand. This connection can add depth and meaning to the objects in your home beyond their functional use.
The pottery I ordered last year doesn't match the pottery I ordered this year. This is likely completely true! We're humans and as such, we tend to get better at what we're doing the more we do it. If you absolutely require your bowls, cups, etc to match as closely as possible we recommend ordering them all at once so they are coming from the same batch of pots. The form and the shape may drift over time and the placement in the kiln and materials available may affect the glaze. This is part of what we think makes handmade pottery so special but if you need things to match perfectly, definitely don't wait to build your collection slowly.
Custom Pottery

Can I customize my pottery order? We'd love to hear your request for customization, however, please understand that it's pretty challenging to follow a single piece of pottery all the way through the making process over a number of weeks. Generally we say no to custom orders and hope you'll enjoy what we currently make, but if a request catches our interest and is within our wheelhouse it's possible.
I own a business and would like to order a large quantity of a custom pot. Great! Fill out the form on our contact page and Rebecca or Chris will be in contact to get more information. Please keep in mind the style of our work - we will not copy another potter's work or work outside our particular style. Beyond that, we'd be delighted to help you create a custom ceramic product for your business.

50% non-refundable deposit is required before we schedule your custom project
The balance of the order is due upon completion but prior to shipping
Shipping will be invoiced at our actual cost at our discounted rates - we're not trying to make a profit on shipping and will pass any savings we get along to you

I'd like a custom logo, image or saying on a mug. Great! We can help with that. Our Signature Mug, Smooth Mug and Petite Mugs are perfect for this kind of customization. At this point the only color glaze available is our matte cream and the image will be a sepia toned iron oxide transfer. Because of the fickleness of the process, other glazes and colors are not available at this time. Please use the contact form on our Contact Us page with details for your order and Rebecca or Chris will be in touch to get more details for you. If the image or logo you'd like to use is from another business or creator (ie. Disney, sports teams, military etc) we require a written release from them detailing the approved licensing usage for the image.
Will you fix pottery from Gravesco or another maker? Unfortunately, the answer here is no. Fixing pottery really isn't a successful process. Your best bet is to use an adhesive like e6000 and follow the instructions for reassembling a beloved favorite piece, knowing that once broken it isn't going to be functional for food any more. Another option is to find an artisan who specializes in Kintsugi who can repair it with gold for you.
The lid to my cookie jar or honey pot from my grandmother broke. Can you make another lid? We get this request a lot and again, unfortunately that's not in our wheelhouse. There are far too many variables in the shrink rates of our clay (Clay shrinks 12-15% during the making process!) for this to be successful. The process of making several lids in hopes one will fit is not cost effective and we aren't able to match glazes from other potters.
I'd like a custom pot in the shape of...fill in the blank. Generally, pottery in the shape of something (ie. an elephant cookie jar or a tennis shoe shaped mug) is made using a process called slip casting and requires a custom mold. While we do have the ability to slip cast in our studio, custom mold pricing starts at a minimum of $1500 with most multi-part molds closer to $2000-3000 and sometimes more depending on the complexity of the shape. This is a process that lends itself to large quantities of a single shape (hundreds or thousands), it is not cost nor time effective for a single piece of pottery and we aren't going to use that custom mold for something else in the future.

Care and Use

How do I care for my handmade pottery?
- It's really simple! You can choose to hand wash or pop the pots in the dishwasher. If you're using the dishwasher, just be careful that the lips of your pots are not rubbing against another pot or dish. That's generally where chipping will occur when everything starts rattling around from the heavy spray in the dishwasher.
What to do if you get silverware marks on your pottery

It's simple to remove with a gentle paste made of barkeeper's friend or Wright's Copper Cream. Simply rub it on the marks with a sponge in a circular motion and wash as normal. The marks are the result of the glaze being so hard that the silverware rubs off on the dish - it's not a scratch in the glaze.

Is the pottery safe for use with food, in the microwave
- It is! As with absolutely any ceramics, commercial or handmade, check it for cracks before putting it in the microwave. If it is crack free, you're good to go using it in the microwave.
- All of our glazes are lead free, do not contain dangerous heavy metals and are safe to use for food.
Will the pottery scratch my tables or countertops?
- The bottoms of the pottery are not glazed and as such, care should be taken. We recommend picking it up and setting it down without dragging it across a precious surface. If you have an heirloom table or pristine countertops you're afraid of scratching, use coasters, placemats etc.
Is Gravesco Pottery oven safe?

Yes, with some caveats. Stoneware can withstand the temperatures of a standard oven with no problem. We've already fired it to over 2000 degrees, so your 350 degree oven is fine, however, it does not handle temperature shock well. Here are a few tips to make sure that your pottery doesn't crack when you put it in the oven:

Don't put it in a hot oven - put your pottery into a cold oven then turn it on. This will allow the ceramic to heat up with the oven and reduce the chances of a stress fracture from thermal shock.
Don't take your pottery out of the refrigerator and put it into the oven or take it our of the refrigerator and put something hot directly into it. Let the pottery get to room temperature first.
Don't take your pottery out of the oven and put something ice cold into it. Again, this could cause a thermal shock from the extreme differences in temperature.
Do not broil in your pottery.
Make sure there aren't any cracks before putting it in the oven. Even a tiny hairline crack can expand in the oven and will most likely break. If you're not confident, our rule of thumb is don't do it. Make sure your pottery is undamaged before putting it into an oven situation.
Don't use your pottery in the air fryer. We know it's tempting and some people say they've done it successfully but the air fryer, even the toaster oven style, heats up very quickly and the pottery will be very close to the heating elements which means the temperature rise is quick. That may cause thermal shock that will break your pottery. No one wants to clean that mess up.
We love to warm up our plates or bowls in the oven in the colder months. Pop your pots into the oven and turn it onto the lowest setting until it is warm. This will help keep your food hot longer and feels delightfully indulgent.

How do I order a glaze sample?

We do not offer glaze samples at this time, however, an Artist Choice little bowl or sipper are a terrific small pot that will allow you to see and feel the glaze before you make a larger purchase.

I'm buying a gift and having it sent directly to them. How do I include a personalized note in the order?

We've got you covered! Rebecca prints custom note cards for exactly this reason and Chris has amazing architect hand writing. Simply include the note you'd like us to write (with your name so they know who it's coming from) in the notes section at checkout. We'll make sure that is included and we don't include an invoice (let's save some trees, right?) so you don't have to worry about them knowing what you paid.
If you'd like us to write the note on one of our greeting cards from the papergoods section of the website, we can do that, too. Just pop the specifics in the notes section of the website and Chris will make that happen.

Do you offer gift wrapping?

Not at this time, however, Chris does an amazing job of packing everything and opening one of his boxes is like Christmas morning.

Dayum. I just missed your sale. Do you offer price adjustments after the fact?

We do not offer adjustments on previously purchased goods or apply discounts to orders outside the promotion window.

Can I use multiple discount codes on one order?

No you may not. Discount stacking with multiple codes is not a sustainable practice for small businesses and we'd like to be around for years to come to continue making great handmade pottery for you.

Shipping and Returns

How are the products packaged for shipping to ensure they don't break?
- Chris, our COO and shipping manager takes great pride in packing each pot for a safe journey to you. We understand, though, that shippers don't have the same care and sometimes mayhem can happen to a box once it leaves our hands. At present our breakage rate is less than 1% of the pottery we ship. Here are some things you'll need to know:
What if my pottery arrives broken? No worries! It's rare but it happens sometimes. Send us a photo of the outside of the box with the label (the whole box, not a close up) - especially any damaged portion of the box, as well as a photo of the damaged pottery within 7 days of receipt. We'll file a claim with the shipper and get a replacement sent out to you asap.
When should I expect my order to ship?

Most of our pottery is already made but is glazed to order. That usually takes 1-2 weeks. On a rare occasion we actually have to make the pot and it may take just a bit longer. All items that are non-pottery are in stock and ready to ship. If you need something by a certain date, please reach out using the contact form and we'll be able to let you know if we are able to accommodate your timeline.

If I place a second order, will you combine them for shipping?

Please reach out to us with the contact form within 24 hours. If the first order hasn't already been packed, we're happy to combine them and refund the shipping for the 2nd order. If the order has already gone out, however, that won't be possible.

Oh NO! I need to change my shipping address!

No worries! As long as your order hasn't already shipped, reach out via our contact form and we'll make sure to update and confirm the address for you! Once the order has shipped, there's nothing we can do. If it is returned and needs to re-shipped, we'll notify you and send an invoice for the additional shipping cost. Sometimes you can contact the carrier to change an address at your end while it is in transit. Any costs incurred by doing so are your responsibility.

Do you offer expedited shipping?

Because our pottery is glazed to order with a 1-3 week shipping window we do not normally offer expedited shipping, however, if you'd prefer that simply reach out to us via the contact form with your order number and Chris will make the adjustment. An automated invoice will be emailed with the balance of shipping cost for you to pay.

Tracking says my package was delivered but I didn't receive it.

Unfortunately, once a package leaves our studio it is out of our control and at the mercy of the shippers. If you happen to have a security camera and can review footage proving it wasn't delivered, you may be able to claim the insurance through the shipper. Sometimes, though, a shipper will mark something as delivered at the end of their shift and come back the next day to actually deliver it. This happens surprisingly often, so don't panic right away! Contact the shipper and let them know the problem. We are happy to help in any way we can, with the understanding that once the package leaves our studio, it is out of our control and out of our realm of responsibility.

What shippers do you use?

We get the best rates and best customer service through UPS. If you have a PO box, the only option is USPS. We don't ship with FedEx or DHL for domestic orders

Do you ship outside the United States?

At this time, we do not offer international shipping directly on the website. If you're outside the US and would like to order Gravesco Pottery, contact us directly with your shipping address and items you'd like to order and we will create a custom order for you. Please understand that we have no control over the timeline for shipping internationally, what happens in customs, insurance doesn't cover breakage once packages leave the United States. Additionally, please be aware that you are responsible for any import duties, taxes and brokerage fees and we will not offer a refund if you refuse a package because of the above listed fees. Please be aware that the shipper may contact you directly via email or phone to confirm delivery so it is important that you provide a valid email and phone number with your international order.

Will you ship to an APO or FPO address?

YES! Because these addresses go to a Stateside location first, this is no problem. Please let us know in the notes at checkout if we need to include any special information on or in your package.

Aw crap! I accidentally chose pick up at the store instead of shipping at checkout and I don't live close. What do I do?

No worries. This happens to the best of us. When Chris is packing your order he'll reach out to confirm if you actually meant to make that choice. If you need it shipped he'll send over an invoice for the cost of shipping and once that's paid your order will be shipped. If you want to contact us as soon as you realize what happened, simply let us know via our contact form and include your order number.

Returns and Exchanges

We understand that shopping online can sometimes be hard and we want you to love your purchase! If you don't love your pottery, we'll happily exchange it for you. Simply email Christopher at gravesco.lounge@gmail.com within 7 days of receiving your shipment with your order number, the items you'd like to return and he'll provide you with return instructions.

Returns must be shipped within 14 days of contacting us and must be received in undamaged, like new condition.
You will be responsible for the cost of shipping for the return
If your item(s) damaged in transit, you will not receive a refund so please note that the responsibility for the pottery being returned safely falls on you. Have a trusted shipper pack your items if you're unsure about your ability to pack the pottery safely. We understand it's a skill!
We are unable to exchange items that are received in anything less than new condition.
The cost of shipping is non-refundable
Returns will be issued store credit only after they are received in like-new condition
Once received, we will issue a store credit in the form of an e-gift card that is valid for 1 year from the date of receipt, minus the original cost of shipping. You can use that gift card on anything in the shop that you'd like! You will not receive a physical card, so please don't lose that email!
Once your store credit is issued, Chris will contact you to confirm everything was received in good condition and the credit is in your inbox.
If you feel that something was damaged in shipping, please refer to the shipping FAQ above for instructions.
If you feel that you've received a second, or pottery with a flaw, please photograph the piece and outline what you consider to be the issue and email it to Chris. We will review the request and if we find that the pot is a second we will send instructions for a return and replacement at our cost. Please keep in mind that the handmade nature and serendipity of handmade goods is not a flaw.
Please note that clearance, sale, custom, mystery box and special order items are not eligible for return as they are considered final sale.
In Store Returns and Exchanges

We may return or exchange any unused merchandise with a digital receipt within 7 days of purchase. Make sure you give us your email or phone number at checkout so we can track your purchase for possible returns - without this we cannot accept a return or exchange.
A refund will be sent to the card used for the purchase. Please note that depending on your bank, this may happen immediately or may take up to 7 business days. That is not something we can control - some banks simply take longer than others to process refunds. We don't think it's fair either, but again, it's not in our control.

PLEASE NOTE all special order, custom and sale items are considered a final sale and as such are not eligible for returns or exchanges.

Classes and Workshops

Do you offer pottery classes or workshops?
- YES! Periodically throughout the year we will offer small, one day workshops and classes for beginners at our store. When classes and workshops are available they will be listed in our main menu above.
- Class size is limited to 8-10 depending on the project which means you'll get personalized attention but also, classes fill up quickly so don't hesitate to schedule your spot!
- We do not teach wheel throwing classes. There are so many great studios in Indianapolis that teach wheel throwing and have a studio designed exactly for that. Some (but not all) of the studios we love to recommend:
Will Rebecca teach every class?

Oh dear goodness no. Rebecca is a pretty hard core introvert as well as being involved in every aspect of running our small business. As such, she isn't available to teach every class we offer, however, all the classes are either developed by or approved by Rebecca. If she is personally teaching a class it will be noted in the class description.
All of our teachers are personable and talented individuals that we are sure you're going to enjoy learning from! Our goal in offering workshops and classes is to provide a variety of skills not only in clay but also in printmaking, fiber arts and anything else that sounds like it might be interesting to our following! If you have an idea for a class, please reach out to Rebecca via the contact form.

Do you offer children's classes?

At this time our classes are developed for adults. We are not properly set up to handle children's classes successfully at this point but if that changes we will definitely schedule some.

Do you offer private lessons or classes?

That depends! If you have a group of 8-10 people that you'd like to schedule for a private class as a group activity, let's talk about it. Drop your details and ideas in the contact form and Rebecca will chat with you about it. Some things to consider:

Private classes start at $45 per person with a minimum of 8 people. We are happy to accommodate smaller parties but the pricing will be for a minimum of 8 - for example the price will be the same for 2 people as it would be for 8 people. The price will vary depending on the project and materials needed.
You're welcome to bring in your own food and drinks for the class - we will require ID for anyone consuming adult beverages to ensure we are complying with local laws
Private lessons and classes are adults only unless previously cleared in writing from our team

When will my project be ready to pick up?

We try to have everything fired and ready to pick up within 2 weeks, however, with humidity changes and potential kiln failures (kilns can be finicky jerks), it may take longer. Please be patient with us.
Once your project is ready to pick up, Chris will notify you via text or email and you can pick it up in the store within 30 days of notification.
If it seems like it's been a long time and you haven't gotten a notice, check your spam! We've found it's not uncommon that notifications end up there.

What happens if I don't like how my project turned out?

That's part of the process of learning something new! With pottery, beginning projects have a high failure rate. Occasionally someone will tell us that the idea in their head isn't how the project came out and that's totally normal. The more you play with clay, the better you get. We do not offer refunds on classes and hope that you enjoy the process and learning experience.
Sometimes things don't turn out as expected or the process isn't totally successful and that is completely normal. If something breaks during the drying or firing process, that is honestly to be expected. We will fire all the pieces and recommend e6000 adhesive for reassembling anything that may not have made it through the kilns completely in tact. Very thin pieces, attachments and very thick pieces have a higher rate of failure than evenly made pieces that don't have attachments. Again, this is just part of the process of clay. It teaches us patience and we learn from every mishap!

What if I can't make it to the class I purchased?

Please let us know if you have Covid-19, the flu or anything else contagious and we will allow you to either take a store credit or take a different class once you're well. We absolutely don't want you to come if you're not feeling well. It's not fun for you and we don't want to endanger any other participants or the immune-compromised members of our team.
Outside of illness we do not offer refunds or exchanges on workshops and classes. Much preparation goes into each class including the purchase of materials. We appreciate that you respect our time and are understanding that we cannot offer refunds if you forget or can't make it.
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR when you purchase your class. We'll send out a reminder, but it's possible that it will land in your spam folder and we don't want you to miss out!

What do I need to know before coming to a class?

You do not need any prior skill in pottery or sculpting unless it is called out in the class description that the class is for experienced potters. It is our goal to offer classes that will allow beginners to be as successful as someone more seasoned in the medium
Wear comfy clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty. Our clay and glaze won't permanently stain your clothes, but if we're using inks or paint it may. Regardless, art and crafting can be messy so your favorite outfit is probably not your best option just in case.
Bring whatever you'd like to drink and/or snack on during the class. Yes, adult beverages are perfectly fine if you're over 21, and yes, we will ask for your ID if you're drinking an adult beverage.
Let go of expectations and perfectionism. Our classes and workshops are about experimentation and learning. We never expect perfection the first time we do something and this is no different. How boring would that be? The process of making and art both require a sense of playfulness and experimentation. We'll show you the techniques and then let you play. If you want to go totally rogue (without causing harm), that's ok, too.
Any rude, hateful or inappropriate behavior will result in immediate dismissal, no refund and you will be asked not to return. Basically, don't be a dick, but if you are, we're not afraid to tell you to leave. Bullying and harassment are absolutely not tolerated. We offer a safe and inclusive space and have no tolerance for asshattery.

Other stuff

Do you offer gift cards? WE DO! You can purchase a digital gift card here.
Are you The Press?

Would you like to feature Gravesco pottery in an article or blog post? Reach out to Rebecca using the contact form with as much info as you can and she'll get back to you asap!

I have a retail store, do you offer wholesale?

We do! We're in the process of rebuilding our wholesale system but in the meantime you can directly request access by reaching out using our contact form. Let us know your store name, address, resale certificate number and we'll double check your info and get you set up!

Do you offer corporate gifts?

Yes! We love to help you put together an order for corporate gifting. We can directly ship to the recipients on your behalf or ship directly to you. Please reach out using our contact form and Rebecca or Chris will be in touch to work out the details with you. Please note that we need at least a 4-6 week window for large orders of 100 pieces or more. Longer if it is over 500 pieces. If you have smaller quantities or want to send out a small amount of gifts, we may have product in stock for a quick turnaround.

Do you offer bridal registry?

Sort of! If you create an account you can create a wishlist that can be shared with others! We would be honored to be a part of your wedding gift registry!

Do you offer custom items for weddings and events?

Sometimes. If we have time in our production schedule and the turnaround time works, we'd be delighted to work with you on a special pottery item for your wedding or event. Please reach out to us using the contact form with all the details and Rebecca or Chris will be in touch quickly to work out the details and pricing.

Do you offer custom dinnerware for restaurants?

We'd love to have a conversation about what you have in mind. Please use our contact form and provide as much info as you can about what you're looking for. Rebecca will be in touch to set up a call or start the discussion about how we can work together.

How do I apply for a donation for my organization?

We love to work with partners in and around Indianapolis. We are limited in the number of donations we can offer each month, so please reach out via our contact form and if we have availability we will reach out in response. Unfortunately we are not financially able to fulfill every request, but if you're interested in purchasing pottery at a discount for a non-profit fund raiser let's have a discussion! We've had some amazing partnerships for fundraisers in the past and it can be a win for everyone.

Do you offer an affiliate program for influencers?

We do! We are currently rebuilding the program and if you'd like to get on the waiting list, fill out our contact form and let us know you'd like to be an affiliate. Please include your social media links so we can follow you out in the wild. We'll let you know as soon as the program launches and we're ready to review applications.

Do you offer a loyalty program?

Yes! At the bottom of your screen you should see a little tab that says "Earn Rewards." You'll get points for your birthday, for creating an account, for referring a friend and 1 point for every $1 on purchases. You can redeem those points for rewards of 10%-20% off future orders and get rewarded when you help us spread the word about our small business at the same time!

How can we help support your small business?

Aside from shopping regularly and building a fabulous pottery collection, it is always helpful when you spread the word about brands you love! If you tag us on social media we may feature your post in our stories along with doing a little happy dance of gratitude. You can join our loyalty program and earn points for sharing Gravesco Pottery with your friends! By being a delightful human who supports small businesses and makers (even if it's not us!) that's huge! We appreciate you!

Do those cats in your social media live in the studio?

They don't. Sometimes our pal and studio mate Krista, brings in her cutie patootie, Max the Handsome. That's not his official name, but it should be. His name is just Max. On occasion Rebecca and Chris will bring Elliott Bean in to give him a break from the calico tyrant Ruby that he lives with. On really special days, Mackenzie will bring in Carl or Gus in the kitty stroller. Yes. We fully realize how lucky we are to have so many adorable fur babies hanging out with us in the studio.

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