Turnaround times
Honest timings, including the ones that are longer than you might hope.
| Type of piece | Time | What that covers |
|---|---|---|
| Ready to ship | 2 business days | Already made and waiting. Ready-to-ship pieces are posted within 2 business days. |
| Made to order | 2-3 weeks | Made for you from scratch, no hair or ashes involved. |
| Memorial commission | 4-6 weeks | Custom memorial commissions take 4-6 weeks from the day your hair or ashes reach us. |
| Large or multiple pieces | 6-8 weeks | Sets and larger vessels need longer drying and firing. |
Add posting time on top: usually two to seven days within the US, tracked.
Where the time actually goes
For a memorial piece the clock starts when your hair or ashes reach us, not when you place the enquiry. From there the piece is formed, left to dry properly, bisque fired, finished with the hair or ash stage, then fired again. Most of the elapsed time is drying, and it cannot be shortened without risking cracks.
You will hear from us
- When your parcel arrives at the studio.
- With a photograph of the finished piece, before it ships.
- With tracking when it is posted.
- Straight away if anything is going to run late.
Questions
Can you rush an order?
Sometimes, for ready-made pieces. Memorial work genuinely cannot be rushed, because the clay needs to dry fully before firing and that takes as long as it takes. Ask and we will tell you honestly.
Why do commissions take so long?
Drying, bisque firing, the horsehair or ash stage, then a final firing. Each has to finish before the next can start. Rushing any of them is how pieces crack.
What about Christmas?
We publish a cut-off date each autumn. Commissions ordered after it will not arrive in time, and we would rather say so than disappoint you.
Will you tell me if it is running late?
Yes, without being asked. If something slips we email you with a new date and the reason.