Formintera Pottery

Frequently asked questions

Do you offer wholesale?

I haven't done any wholesale orders yet, but I'd be more than thrilled to work with you and your business—especially if you're in the local Las Vegas area. Just send me an email or a message via our contact page!

How often do you restock your website?

I'm incredibly passionate about creating ceramics and dedicate every ounce of my free time to it. With a full-time blue-collar job working 40–50 hours a week, plus the occasional weekend, I only get 3–4 hours a day to pursue my passion. My business hasn't been operating long enough for me to give you a realistic restock schedule, but I aim to restock at least once a month, with surprise drops here and there! Subscribe to my mailing list so you never miss out:)

Do all pieces have your maker's mark?

No, not all of my pottery is stamped with Formintera's mark. This business has been a long time in the making, and if you happen to purchase something without our logo, consider yourself a longtime supporter. You'll be able to say you have pottery from Formintera before it was even officially established!

Are your products microwave safe?

Yes, all my pottery is microwave safe! However, I recommend avoiding sudden temperature changes and letting it adjust gradually. For example, if you microwave it, don't immediately place it in ice-cold water.

Are your ceramics dishwasher safe?

Yes, they are! Though I recommend washing them by hand with a non-abrasive sponge and mild detergent. If you use steel wool for your dishes, I'm proud of you. But to preserve the lifespan of handmade ceramics, I'd stick with a simple washcloth:)

Will my pottery look exactly like the picture?

I try my hardest to capture the essence of my pottery, but as many of you know, some things are simply more beautiful in person. Handmade ceramics are one of those things. Every piece I create is one of a kind, and once a piece is purchased, it's sold out.

How do I properly take care of my ceramics?

Treat it with love and care, and it'll return the favor — keeping your food and drinks tasting just right. A few tips:

  • Pottery is durable, but it can break if dropped or knocked around—so handle it with care.
  • If washing in the dishwasher, make sure nothing will fall or bump against it during the cycle.
  • For tea or coffee buildup inside your pottery, soak it in vinegar overnight and give it a good scrub to remove any residue.
Do your products contain any toxins?

No, all of my ceramics are coated with lead-free glaze and are safe to use as dinnerware.

Why are there small variations in size or glaze?

Some of my earlier products were hand-painted with a brush, so there may be slight variations in color within the piece. But isn't that the purpose of handmade pottery? There's life instilled into it. Of course there will be imperfections—it was made by an imperfect being. But that doesn't take away from its beauty! My preferred method of glazing is, in fact, dipping, so keep an eye out for subtle differences if that's what floats your boat :)

Are your products durable? Do they break easily?

Just like any dishware, if you're rough with it, it may break. As long as you're mindful with your pieces, they'll last a very long time. All my pottery is fired to 2,232°F (1,222°C), making them fully vitrified and durable enough for everyday use. (Vitrified means the clay has been transformed into a dense, glass-like solid through high-temperature firing, making it stronger and less porous.)

Do you ship internationally?

I am currently only shipping within the United States. As time goes on, I'm sure international shipping will follow. If you're outside the U.S. and don't mind covering the high shipping costs, please reach out on social media or contact me directly. And we may be able to work something out:)

What if my pottery breaks during the shipping process?

All of our pottery, being diligently crafted, are carefully cleaned and inspected for any minor cracks before being listed, packaged, then shipped. This procedure ensures they reach their final destination ready to use right out of the box! In the unfortunate event any of your pottery does arrive damaged, don't worry, it will be replaced. For more information and instructions, please read our refund policy.

Do you ship year-round?

I ship whenever the post office is open. Pottery is what I pour my free time into, so orders usually move quickly. As a small business owner, I handle everything myself, and in the event of an emergency, travel, or work training, there will be an announcement on the site with expected delay times.

How is my pottery packaged?

Each piece is wrapped in layers of kraft paper to form a sturdy shell, then cushioned with recyclable bubble-wrap paper. A sleeve of corrugated cardboard gives it extra protection before it's packed into a snug box. The box is filled with crinkled kraft paper, recycled cardboard, or other reused materials so the pottery stays centered and secure. I reuse shipping materials whenever possible as it's better for the environment and helps keep costs down. So if you see some unique packing material, maybe try reusing it yourself! :)

Can I exchange or return my order?

Please choose carefully when ordering your ceramics. Shipping pottery is a fragile process, and for that reason, I can't offer exchanges. Every piece is packed with care to ensure it survives the trip, but once it's unwrapped, that protection is gone. If it were sent back, there's a high chance it would break on the return journey, and I wouldn't be able to replace it. For that reason, we don't do exchanges. Thank you for understanding!

Can I change my order after I've already paid?

If you notice a mistake with your order after you've paid, contact me right away with "ORDER CHANGE" in the subject line, along with your order number and the details. I'll do my best to fix it, but if the package is already packed and shipped, I unfortunately can't make any changes.

What if I entered the wrong address?

If you entered the wrong address, contact me immediately with "ADDRESS CHANGE" in the subject line, along with your order number and the correct address. If your package hasn't shipped yet, I'll update it. Once it's been shipped, I can't change the address, and you'll need to reach out to the carrier directly to see if they can reroute it.

Do you offer gift wrapping or notes?

I don't currently offer gift wrapping, although all my pottery is carefully wrapped for shipping—so you could consider that its own kind of special wrapping paper. I'm happy to include a handwritten note if your order is a gift :) Just leave your message in the order notes at checkout!

Something else? Email forminterapottery@gmail.com.