Orders placed this past weekend 8/20-8/22 will be shipped this Tuesday and Wednesday.
Local pickups are only available through Tuesday 8/24-Thursday 8/26 between the hours of 10-7 at my Albany Park studio located at 4040 N Kedzie.
FAQ
WHAT ARE YOUR SHIPPING & PACKING METHODS?
All orders will be sent to you via FedEx ground shipping and packed in recycled and/or up-cycled tissue paper, newsprint, and biodegradable peanut filler to ensure safe & timely delivery. If you require expedited shipping please contact me at angela.venarchik@gmail.com.
HOW QUICKLY WILL YOU SHIP AFTER MY ORDER IS PROCESSED?
Within 1-2 business days from your order unless specified otherwise (like a "made to order" item).
WHAT IF I LIVE IN CHICAGO? CAN WE ARRANGE FOR PICK UP?
No problemo, neighbor! Please use the code LOCALPICKUP during checkout to waive shipping costs and then send me a note with your availability to swing by my studio in the Albany Park neighborhood and pick up your order. Final studio pickup hours before my maternity leave are from 10-7 Tuesday 8/24- Thursday8/26. Please arrange within these hours. If you cannot make these times then i ask that you pay for shipping. COVID-19 precautions will be in place to ensure a safe and socially distanced hand off. More specific details will be communicated via email after checkout.
Due to my nearing due date and the Delta variant Covid surge, pickup will be masked and curbside only. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
Note: Pick up orders will be packed safely in a paper bag and wrapped in newsprint and recyclable paper cushion.
DO YOU SHIP TO ALASKA OR HAWAII?
I am willing to ship to those states but please contact me prior to completing your order for accurate shipping rates. I will then customize a shipping charge according to the address you provide since it is significantly more expensive than shipping in the lower 48. If you checkout out with standard shipping to these states i cannot fulfill the order until the shipping overages are received. For estimates and shipping rates check out the FedEx site here.
WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY?
If you would like to return your piece please note that you will be responsible for the cost of return shipping as well as the packaging for safe return. A desire for a return must be communicated within 7 days of delivery and sent back within 2 weeks of delivery in it's original condition. Buyers are responsible for the cost and loss in value of any piece not returned in it's original condition.
If your new ceramics arrived damaged, please take a photo of both the piece and the box it was delivered in and include this in your return request along with your order number.
Once an item is shipped, it is the buyers responsibility to monitor the tracking information provided to safely receive your package. Unclaimed or undeliverable packages will not be refunded if there is proof of delivery or multiple delivery attempts provided by FedEx.
Your piece will not be eligible for return if it was purchased at a discount (either sale or seconds) or at a craft fair or art show.
MADE TO ORDER items only qualify for a refund of up to 50% of the total or 100% if willing to exchange the items for something else in my shop. In stock, ready to ship items qualify can for a full refund if it meets the requirements stated above.
Please understand that because the items were made just for you, CUSTOM OR PERSONALIZED ORDERS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE unless they were recieved damaged or broken.
Please send all return requests to angela.venarchik@gmail.com.
I RECEIVED A COUPON FROM YOU AT A CRAFT FAIR BUT HOW DO I REDEEM IT? AND ARE THERE RESTRICTIONS?
Those coupons are redeemable online only and cannot be applied to a custom order. They only apply to what is available in my shop. You can redeem the discount during checkout by entering the code in the Promo Code box.
Only one coupon can be applied at a time. If you are local and want to apply the LOCALPICKUP code along with a %off coupon code email me and i can refund your shipping after you checkout and coordinate a time for you to pick up the order.
IS IT JUST ME OR DOES IT SEEM LIKE THE SHIPPING COSTS ARE BIT HIGH?
No, it's not just you. It costs a bit more when shipping ceramics but for good reason :)
In order for ceramics to arrive safely they need to be carefully packed which means adding layers of bubble wrap and leaving space between the walls of the box and your precious piece. This process adds weight and box dimensions and cost. I pack items as diligently as I possibly can and I do not profit from shipping costs.
I UNDERSTAND IT'S HANDMADE BUT WHAT KIND OF VARIATIONS SHOULD I ACTUALLY BE EXPECTING FROM PIECE TO PIECE?
Tea set to tea set? Those are pretty unique. These items are thrown to a unique size and shape each time and are truly one of a kind! Although, of course, they do relate aesthetically to my body of work and will be in the ballpark sizing range for small (personal) and large (4 person) sets each time.
In a set of bowls or mugs? The differences from piece to piece are minimal and only serve to compliment each other rather than distract. Variations occur because each piece is not only hand thrown on the wheel but also has a unique glaze or stain application that will bare unique makers marks such as drips, brushstrokes and sgraffito. Each glaze is also mixed in small batches so slight color or texture changes should be expected, but again, very minimal.
Additionally, I provide pictures of each piece in the set so you can view these variations prior to purchasing them.
HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY NEW CERAMICS?
All work is food safe, microwave safe and dishwasher safe except for the teapots with wooden handles (those should not go in the dishwasher or microwave, but they are food safe) Teapots, as well as vases with attached flower frogs, will need extra care when washing so i would recommend simply hand-washing with soap and water.
DO YOU DO CUSTOM ORDERS OR COMMISSIONS?
I am absolutely willing to collaborate with you on a version of what is available in my shop for sale (ie. expanding sets, changing clay bodies or glaze options) but if you do not see tooth brush holders or dog bowls (for example) then I do not make them. There will be an extra charge involved with custom orders because it takes extra work to consult your personal tastes and preferences to create a piece that is truly unique and made specially just for you.
HOW CAN I KEEP IN TOUCH OR INFORMED ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING SHOWS, ART FAIRS OR SHOP UPDATES?
Instagram! If you would like to stay in touch please follow me @angelavenarchikceramics