FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
A few of the questions I'm often asked. If you don't see your question here, please reach out anytime at hello@muddyheart.com — I read and respond to every message personally.
About the Work
Are your pieces handmade?
Every piece is designed and handmade by me in my small studio in Cary, North Carolina. Nothing is mass-produced, outsourced, or finished by anyone else — each piece passes through my hands from start to finish.
How is it made?
Pottery is a labor of love, patience, and delicate craftsmanship. Every piece goes through a long, quiet metamorphosis.
I begin by designing the piece, then hand-sculpt it from a slab of cold clay or shape it with molds until it matches the vision. Next comes the drying stage, which takes anywhere from 1 to 7 weeks — one of the most important steps, and one that can't be rushed without compromising the strength and shape of the piece.
Once dry, I sand the piece by hand and bisque-fire it at 1,800°F. Then I glaze it entirely by hand with lead-free glazes, and fire it a second time at 2,200°F.
The full process takes 2–8 weeks from start to finish — slow, intentional work that results in a piece meant to be treasured for generations.
What makes pottery so special?
Ceramics are an extraordinary material — colors melt together, textures come alive, and every piece is shaped by the quiet alchemy of clay, glaze, and heat. The result is always distinctly unique. No two pieces are ever exactly alike, and that's the soul of it.
Will the piece look exactly like the photo?
Because everything is handmade, each piece has its own quiet personality. Small variations in glaze pooling, color depth, and surface texture are part of the beauty of handmade work — your piece will be unmistakably the design you ordered, with its own one-of-a-kind soul.
Do you keep items in stock?
Most of my work is made to order, with a small selection of ready-to-ship pieces always available in the Ready to Ship section.
Because I offer color and size choices for nearly every design, made-to-order keeps the process intentional — I'm not creating hundreds of pieces to sit on shelves. Instead, your piece is hand-crafted just for you, which honors both the materials and the spirit of slow making.
Are your pieces food-safe?
Yes. All food and drink pieces are fully food-safe. I work exclusively with natural, ethically mined clays from North Carolina and finish with lead-free glazes, stains, and pigments — for your safety and mine.
A small note: some textured or delicate decorative finishes aren't suited to food contact, so those finishes are reserved for decorative pieces only. You'll find food-safe finishes clearly available on each kitchen piece.
Do you use safe materials?
Always. I work only with natural, locally and ethically mined clays from North Carolina. Every glaze, stain, and pigment I use is lead-free — chosen with care for your wellbeing and for the long life of every piece.
Are your kitchenwares dishwasher and microwave safe?
My stoneware kitchen pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe. That said, gentle hand washing will keep your piece looking beautiful for generations — handmade work rewards a little care.
A small note: Pieces embellished with gold or silver luster are not microwave or dishwasher safe. Please hand wash these gently, and avoid the microwave — the precious metal will spark.
Do you offer color options?
Yes — I currently offer 18 neutral, earthy finishes across most designs, so you can choose the tone that best complements your home. Available colors are listed on each product page, or you can view all glazes here.
Can your bells be used outdoors?
Yes, with a little care. To help your bell last beautifully, I recommend installing it under a covered area — a porch, eave, or sheltered patio — protected from direct rain and weather as the natural rope is the portion that can wear with time and exposure.
Ordering & Shipping
How long until my piece ships?
Because every piece is handmade to order, most pieces take 2–8 weeks to complete, depending on the design and current studio rhythm. Lead times can be slightly longer during holiday seasons, so it's always lovely to shop early.
Ready-to-ship items typically leave the studio within 2–5 business days. If you'd like an approximate ship-by date before ordering, you're always welcome to reach out at hello@muddyheart.com.
How much does shipping cost?
US orders over $100 ship complimentary, fully insured against loss or damage. Orders under $100 ship at standard calculated rates based on weight and destination.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes — I ship worldwide. International shipping is calculated at checkout based on destination and weight. Please note that international buyers are responsible for any customs duties or import fees that may apply on arrival.
How are your pieces packaged?
Each piece is wrapped with care in protective materials and packed in a sturdy shipping box. Most orders also include a complimentary cloth gift bag — making your piece ready to give, or to keep beautifully stored.
What if my order arrives damaged?
Every order is fully insured. In the rare event your piece arrives damaged, please email me within 5 days with photos of:
- The damaged piece
- The outside of the shipping box
- Inside the box, including packing materials
These photos help me process the insurance claim quickly and send a replacement on its way. Please note that insurance claims expire 31 days after shipment, so prompt notice is important.
What if my package is lost?
Please contact me right away at hello@muddyheart.com. I'll begin a package search with the carrier and start the insurance claim so a replacement can be sent. As with damage claims, insurance coverage expires 31 days after shipment.
Can I cancel or change my order?
Full refunds are available within 24 hours of purchase. After 24 hours, production has typically begun, so cancellations qualify for store credit only. If you need to adjust a personalization detail, please reach out as soon as possible — I'll do my best to accommodate before your piece begins firing.
Do you offer gift wrapping or gift messages?
Every piece arrives in a complimentary cloth gift bag. At checkout, you can add a personal gift message in the order notes — I'll handwrite it onto a small card and tuck it into your package.
Custom & Trade
Do you offer custom or personalized pieces?
Yes, absolutely. Custom designs and personalized pieces are some of my favorite work. Reach out anytime at hello@muddyheart.com with your idea or inspiration — I'd love to create something just for you.
Do you offer a design trade discount?
Yes. Designers, stylists, and studios are warmly welcome. Email me at hello@muddyheart.com to register your studio and receive trade pricing.
Do you offer wholesale?
Not at this time. As a one-person studio, I'm focused on direct relationships with my customers and trade partners. If you're a designer or stylist working on a project, the trade program may be a beautiful fit.
Still have a question? Please email me anytime at hello@muddyheart.com — I read and respond to every message personally.