what would you like to know?
Is ESP Pottery safe?
Absolutely.
Our high-fired stoneware and glazes on food service vessels are
safe for food, microwave and dishwasher, unless the specific product
description indicates otherwise. For example, bug antennae may
fray over time in the dishwasher. Decorative vessels listed with crackle
glazes or glow glazes such as votive hole-bowls should not be used for food.
Smoke fired vessels are also decorative and should not be used for food.
How does your free shipping work?
ESP Pottery offers free ground shipping in the continental US.
Do I have to pay sales tax?
Outside of Connecticut, you're off the hook. For Connecticut residents, unfortunately we need to charge tax.
And the 30 day guarantee?
No questions asked, within thirty days of delivery ship back your purchase for a full refund on the sales price.
Can I get my pottery gift-wrapped?
We're
not offering gift-wrapping quite yet. It's in the plans, but not
today. We've noticed that most buyers like to check out and feel
their pot for a bit before giving it up.
What does "ESP" stand for?
ESP is for "Ellington
Sand Pit." At one time long ago our property was some kind of
town sand pit. We have delusions of looking this up in town hall,
but haven't gotten around to it. Basically some old local guy
told us this, and it's quite clear from the dug-contours which now make
for a very beautiful landscape complete with small pond. After
the sand was dug out, the property was used for a short time to, uh, dump
things... but we've chosen to throw the old bottles and shoe-soles that
come up in Spring away and not call our pottery, "Ellington Town Dump."
Do you have a local store I can visit?
We
don't maintain a storefront, however in addition to online shopping, we
have a few great options for local shopping. First we hold about
four major sales a year out of our studio. These will often
feature price reductions. If you are not on our mailing list and
would like to get an email and/or postcard announcing these sales as
they approach, please send us your information in an email to:
info@esppottery.com.
If you're interested in shopping at other
times, I am available most any (late) morning to show you pots.
I'll most likely have a pot of tea or espresso to share as well.
Again, just pop me an email or Facebook note and we can pick a time.
In addition, we also have pots available at local galleries:
Artsake Gallery
Who makes the pots?
That
would be me, Teri Herel. I make them. All. By hand.
I like clay. There, that's my Artist's Statement. ;)
Do you do special order and commission work?
In
general we are not set up to take special orders - I am usually working
three months in advance of when you'll actually see the ware.
BUT... we *always* want to hear about what you're interested
in. This is very valuable in choosing the directions we move in and the next season's inventory.
Can I find out more about what your product descriptions mean, such as, "high-fired" and "stoneware"?
I've compiled a simple ESP Glossary of terms for you. Let me know if there's more you'd like to know.
Do the unglazed pots or glazes with matte texture need special care?
They
do not. With the exception of the smoke-fired pots, all our
stoneware vessels are fired to vitrification, that is, until they are
water tight. This means they will not absorb liquid and can be
used like any other stoneware dishes. The texture of our clay and
glazes is aesthetic and does not effect functionality.
What is special about hand made pottery?
Well,
of course it's gorgeous! But beside that, it's also unique -
Even if a potter tries to make every item identical, there will be
variations in shape and glaze that make your pot one of a kind.
If you're not into the whole
artsy-vibe-someone-lovingly-made-your-pot-with-their-hands thing, an
interesting fact is that hand thrown pottery is better quality
than commercial stoneware by nature of how it is made. When a
potter throws, the clay structure becomes much tighter than slip-poured
stoneware (the big store dishes you know and love). This makes
your item stronger as well as increasing heat and cold retention.
That is, your coffee stays hotter longer... And your iced
tea colder.
Where can I learn to make pots?
The University of Connecticut Community School of the Arts has a fabulous and affordable clay program, and of course a fabulous Wheel 1 teacher!
What's up with the chihuahua?
The
chihuahua is cute. You'll see her (and hear her) when you come to look at pots.
Her name is Candy and she is not for sale. Try a stoneware turtle instead. It barks less.
I have another question
Stop by our contact page and pop us an email.
