Frequently Asked Questions - Pottery
How do I care for my handmade pottery?
While most of my pieces are made from strong and durable stoneware clay and stable food-safe glazes, it is still fragile and susceptible to breakages and scratches.
My pottery is always fired to high temperatures so that it can withstand light microwave and dishwasher use (top shelf). However, I strongly recommend handwashing only for longevity.
I recommend using coasters, saucers or liners to protect your furniture and surfaces. I take great care to ensure my pottery is smooth and water-tight; however, as these are handcrafted, imperfections may leave scratches. Furthermore, over time, clay planters can become porous and cause moisture to leech out, so placing a barrier between the pottery and your surface will minimise any chance of damage.
My pottery is always fired to high temperatures so that it can withstand light microwave and dishwasher use (top shelf). However, I strongly recommend limiting microwave use for longevity.
No two pieces of pottery are the same at Whistle & Page, so I ask that you embrace and cherish their uniqueness.
As pottery is porous, I recommend letting your piece air-dry thoroughly before storing it. This will ensure no moisture builds up within it over time, causing mould and odour.
My pottery is looking and smelling a little funky. What can I do to fix it?
Bring a pot of water to boil with either vinegar, lemon or bicarb soda and then keep it on low heat. Then, carefully place your pottery into the pot of water and let it gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes under a watchful eye. Turn off the stove and let it cool slowly in the pot. Once cooled completely, wash it with warm, soapy water and let it air dry.
If you’re worried about slight stains, they can easily be removed with a gentle salt scrub with a soft sponge under warm water. Or you can use Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser & Polish. Always air dry before storing it away.
A further step in minimising stains is to run your pottery under lukewarm water (tap water is fine) and wipe it down slightly before serving your food or beverage. This ensures that the porous clay body is filled with water rather than whatever you are serving in it.
Bonus (but optional) tip: Before using your pottery for the first time, you may wish to “cook” it in starchy water for 15 to 20 minutes by simmering it on low heat under a watchful eye. Turn off the stove and let it cool slowly in the pot. Once cooled completely, wash it with warm soapy water and let it air dry. Starchy water can be water that you have washed your rice in before cooking it, or you can add two tablespoons of plain flour per litre of water. This Japanese technique helps seal and bond the clay body of the pottery, increasing its longevity.
Bonus (but important) tip: Enjoy your pottery. Use it regularly. Let it age and enjoy all its beauty.
How many restocks do you have per year, and how can I keep track of them?
There are generally four restocks per year, just before a new season is about to begin. For more information, you can check out the restock page and follow me on the socials. If you would like early access to the restocks and discounts throughout the year, I highly recommend subscribing to the newsletter.
Because I release small batches of pottery, there often isn’t anything in the online shop until the next restock. So, the shop stays closed until then. The password also gives members who have signed up for the newsletter early access to the latest pieces. I email the password to the members 24 hours prior to the launch date.
Why is your shop password-protected, and how can I get my hands on the password?
Why should I subscribe to your newsletter, and if I do, will you spam me?
As a subscribed member, you receive early access and discounts throughout the year. When you first subscribe, you instantly receive a 20% OFF discount on your next purchase. Furthermore, one lucky member receives one of my pieces in the mail each quarter for FREE. As for spamming you - no, I will never spam you. Subscribe to the newsletter for free and start enjoying the perks.
I have signed up for a member account on your website; why am I not receiving the newsletter?
Signing up for a member account through my website helps you get through checkout quicker by using your saved details. However, this does not subscribe you to the newsletter. You can subscribe here.
I have subscribed to the newsletter; why am I not receiving the newsletters?
Email providers tend to block incoming emails from businesses that use graphics. So, often, these emails end up in your Junk Mail. It’s a good idea to save contactus@whistleandpage.com to your contact list to prevent this from happening.
Every piece of pottery is handmade with a lot of care and attention. However, they are organic, handmade and unique - no two pieces are the same. Therefore, I cannot provide any warranty. If you feel that the piece is not functioning as intended, feel free to get in touch to discuss further.
What warranty do you provide?
Yes! There is a section in my online store dedicated to seconds. They are heavily discounted and are still checked for quality and functionality. Often, seconds may have small cracks or glaze irregularities, or sometimes they are test pieces. However, they are always fit for purpose. The decision to sell seconds online was a tough one. As a creator and business owner, I have always focused on putting my best foot forward and selling only the best to my patrons. I have also been conscious of brand reputation and aesthetics. Ultimately, my decision to sell my seconds online came down to reducing waste. Many potters would destroy imperfect pots (we have all seen those videos online), whereas Whistle & Page is all about embracing imperfections - that is the ethos of the brand. So, now, I sell seconds.
Do you sell your seconds online?
I always see potters wearing masks online; what harmful substance is there in your pottery?
I use a 3M Half Mask with P100 particulate filters, and yes, they are a bit scary, But you know what’s scarier? Silicosis!! Silica dust is every potter’s kryptonite! There are also fine dust particles in glaze minerals. While hazardous items can be found in a pottery studio, potters are often just protecting themselves from all the dust. In my studio, I only use certified food-safe glazes, regardless of the piece. I also take steps to fire pieces at a higher temperature so they are vitrified (melting clay to make it impervious to water) and safe to use.
I noticed items within a set don’t look exactly the same; why?
No two pieces of my pottery will ever look exactly the same. This is because I only use my two little hands to make your goodies. I don’t slip-cast into a mould, which often can result in a more uniform look. I pride myself in having organic pieces that are unique and that only my hands could create for you.
I noticed some blue speckles on my pottery; what is this and is it harmful?
Not at all. These sweet little freckles are all part of the pottery process. These can result from a chemical reaction in the kiln or little specks of glaze or dust oxidising in the firing process. It is all natural and normal, so enjoy these cutie marks.
Pottery is heavy and fragile and delicate and precious and a total pain to ship. Also, I was uncomfortable with the carbon footprint and the extra packaging I would have to use to ship across the sea. So, no, I don’t ship my pieces internationally; it’s just for my patrons here in my island home of Australia.
Do you ship internationally?
Generally, I charge a flat rate of $15 for Australia-wide shipping. However, this can vary if the pieces are larger and, therefore, heavier. Yes, I combine items where I can, but again, this really depends on the pieces. Get in touch if you are curious about a particular piece.
What do you charge for shipping, and can you combine shipping for multiple items?
Do you accept returns and exchanges?
I am not in a position to offer an exchange or refund for a change of mind. However, if the product you’ve received is faulty* or incorrect or isn’t fit for purpose, I will rectify the issue (this does not include damage in transit, as I take extreme care when I pack your orders, and the claim will need to be raised with mailing house e.g. Australia Post or Sendle).
* No two pieces of pottery are the same at Whistle & Page; therefore, I ask that you embrace and cherish this uniqueness. They are made with the principle of Wabi-Sabi, where we are encouraged to find beauty in imperfection.
I have just placed an order, but I’ve changed my mind and would like to cancel it; can I do that?
As long as it hasn’t been shipped, you can cancel it by getting in touch: contactus@whistleandpage.com.au. You have up to three days to cancel your order.
I have just placed an order, but I would like to add to it without paying for shipping again; can I do that?
You can cancel it as long as it hasn’t been shipped and the item isn’t large. It is best to get in touch via email (contactus@whistleandpage.com.au) as soon as possible to discuss your options. You have up to three days to cancel or update your order.
The item I wanted is now sold out; can I pre-order or go on a waitlist?
Yes, there is a waitlist for sold-out items. You simply enter your email address. Alternatively, you can contact me via email (contactus@whistleandpage.com) to discuss this. However, I don’t accept pre-orders.
I take my Corporate Social Responsibility very seriously and, therefore, continuously improve practices and processes in the studio to have a positive impact. Some of the sustainable actions I am currently taking are:
Green Energy: I have 31 solar panels to offset the energy that my little kiln, Fawkes, uses. I am looking to invest in a battery in the near future.
Water Harvest: Our property solely runs off rainwater that we collect. Also, the studio has no sink or taps, so I use buckets and water containers to store and recycle water.
Reclaiming Clay: I reclaim every bit of scrap clay I have. I use a 3-step bucket method for each type of clay (red, white and stoneware). Bucket One: Holds all clay scraps from from greenware to leather-hard to bone-dry. Bucket Two: Holds “processed” clay, which is essentially clay in slip/liquid form that is free of impurities. Bucket Three: Once it has been reclaimed and dried to a workable consistency, it then gets weighed and wedged into balls. I have this bicket handy when I am throwing on the wheel.
Glaze Usage: I only use brush-on, food-safe glazes free from harmful minerals such as lead. Brush-on glazes take a lot longer to apply than dip glazes, but for the moment, I believe this is reducing wasted glaze in my studio, so I will continue on this path.
Minimum Plastic Usage: In the pottery process, sometimes plastic is required to slow down the drying process so you can continue working on the piece in the future. However, over the years, I have swapped plastic for recycled fabric to cover my work. I have also introduced a seed-raising plastic greenhouse in the studio to act as a hot box.
Seconds Shop: I have recently introduced a second shop to minimise pottery wastage.
Eco-friendly Packaging: Packaging is tricky for potters, but the market has been flooded with eco-friendly options. I don’t use any plastic in my packaging (unless I am resuing what I have received), from biodegradable packing peanuts to water-activated paper tape to cardboard cushioning.
Research and Development: When I am not making, I am researching. Always looking for new ways to improve and become even more proud of this little local pottery business.
What actions are you taking to positively impact your Corporate Social Responsibility?
Do you provide wholesale pricing; and accept bulk orders?
No, I do not provide wholesale pricing or accept bulk orders. Just as I do not accept pre-orders. Yes, my restocks have some recurring themes, but no items will ever be the same. I am proud of each piece being handmade by my own two hands, slowly and with intention.