FAQs

Where are your pieces made?
All the pieces available for purchase have been created by hand in my home studio.

Will I receive the exact piece in the pictures?
Unless specifically noted in the item listing, yes, you will! Each piece I make is unique and no two are exactly alike (though they may be similar). You may also find signs of the handmade process in your item - a fingermark, a slight wiggle, a dot in the glaze or a tiny bump. That is the joy of owning a handmade piece and knowing it is an original! 

How do I care for my new items?
All pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe, unless noted. But, of course, handwashing and not microwaving are recommended to keep your items new as long as possible. Handmade ceramics are fragile (especially with tile and concrete floors!), so handle your items with care.

Do you accept custom and special orders?
Sometimes I do accept custom orders, if it's something I am interested in creating and if I am able to fit the project into my clay production schedule. If you have an idea or question, send me an email at hello@melissahenshawceramics.com, and I will send you my custom design information form. An initial consultation is complementary, if you choose to proceed with sketches and further details, a $25 nonrefundable design fee will be charged. This fee will be applied to the purchase price. In addition, a 50% deposit of the total purchase price is due at the start of the project.

CLAY DETAILS!

  • What type of clay do you use?
    I often use smooth, light colored clays like B-Mix from Laguna Clay and porcelain. 
  • What cone do you fire to?
    Most of my work is fired to cone 5, and some things are fired to 05.
  • Any favorite tools?
    I love my DiamondCore Tools carving tools, Sherrill Mudtools ribs, Xiem sponges (great for wiping back underglaze), Garrity Tools wooden ribs, and my L&L kiln. Check out my Instagram and Facebook pages to see these tools at work (click on the icon at the bottom of this page). 

AIR PLANT CARE

  • How do I care for my new air plant?
    To care for your new Tillandsia air plant, submerge the plant in water for 20-30 minutes (or even an hour or more), one to two* times per week. Let the plant drain on a towel before placing it back in the holder. Air plants thrive best in bright filtered sunlight. Your watering schedule can be adjusted based on your local climate. For example, a more humid environment may need less water than an air plant growing in the desert would. *I find watering 3 times a week in the Tucson desert is best during dry spells. And often mist in between.
  • My air plant is falling off the holder, what can I do?
    If your air plant wants to slide off the plant holder, place a small amount of double-sided tape on the holder to gently secure the plant to the base.
  • Have any more air plant advice?
    Air Plant Supply Co. is a great resource for air plants: Air Plant Care – Air Plant Supply Co..
    Davis Farms also has great information: Air Plant Care - Davis Farms Wholesale Tillandsias


REFUNDS & RETURNS

  • In general, I do not offer returns or refunds for products, including gift cards. However, if you have a concern with a purchase, such as damage during shipping, please contact me at hello@melissahenshawceramics.com within 48 hours of receiving your item. Although I cannot guarantee an exact replica of the item, I will work with you to find a solution.
  • If a product is found to have a defect (handle breaking at joint, glaze issue, etc.) within the first 60 days, please let me know. Naturally, general breakage and typical 'wear and tear' are not included in this policy. Ceramics can be delicate, please handle them with care. A more detailed Refund & Return Policy can be viewed on the checkout page.

DELIVERY & SHIPPING 

  • Local Delivery
    I am happy to offer touchless delivery to customers located in the Tucson-metro area, including Oro Valley, Marana, Catalina and Sahuarita. Click “Local Delivery” at check-out. "Local Delivery" is within an approximate 20-mile radius of my studio location. If you accidentally pay for shipping and live within the Local Delivery area, send me a message at hello@melissahenshawceramics.com and we can refund the charge.

  • Product Shipping
    Orders will be processed and packaged within 3 days of each purchase. Products will then be shipped via USPS or UPS. Although I will make every effort to be sure packages arrive in a timely manner, I am not responsible for general problems, holiday delays, inclimate weather, pandemics, customs, or any other issue that may cause delays after the package is in care of the shipping company. Tracking information will be available once a product is shipped. A more detailed Shipping Policy can be found on the checkout page. 
  • Shipping Charges
    Charges are automatically calculated during check-out. Whenever possible, I will combine items to ship in one box to save on shipping costs. In that case, a refund of any additional shipping payment will be issued based on the original payment method. 
  • International Shipping
    At this time I am only shipping products outside of the US to Canada. If any taxes or customs charges apply, the customers will be responsible for those. See “Product Shipping” above for more general info. If you have a question about shipping to a different area, please contact me. 
  • Shipping Damages
    I take extreme care to package my ceramics to travel safely through the shipping process, but occasionally mishaps do happen. If you have a shipping concern, please contact me at hello@melissahenshawceramics.com within 48 hours of receiving your package.

  • Packaging Products
    I make an effort to use as many earth-friendly and biodegradable products for packaging your new pots to make sure they arrive safely at your doorstep (I especially love the Ranpak paper). I also will also reuse packaging from other items I receive, and sometimes will use items like bubble wrap, as a way to keep it out of the landfill. Please recycle or repurpose whatever comes in your box!


Have another question or need more info?
Email me at: hello@melissahenshawceramics.com