FAQ

Questions? I've got answers.

Wondering how Ice + Dust works, when something might be back, or how to take care of your new favorite mug? You're in the right place.

I've rounded up answers to the things I get asked most often below. If you don't see what you're looking for, send me a note!

About Ice + Dust

What's the story behind Ice + Dust?

I was named after Halley's Comet, but Halley is widely mispronounced (pro tip: it rhymes with "valley," not "daily"), which made naming a business after myself feel like a questionable marketing decision.

But I still wanted a little nod to my namesake. Comets are essentially giant, extremely fast-moving balls of ice and dust — and Ice + Dust was born.

Do you make everything yourself?

Yep! Every ceramic piece is made by me in my home studio in Ohio. Depending on the piece, I use a mix of wheel throwing, handbuilding and slip casting, followed by lots of glazing, decorating and kiln firing.

No factory, no production team — just me making an unreasonable number of tiny ceramic objects.

Do you teach classes?

I don't currently teach classes. If you're looking to get your hands dirty in the Columbus area, there are lots of great local options for learning ceramics, including Columbus Recreation and Parks and The Kiln Room.

Can I visit your studio?

As glamorous as that sounds, Ice + Dust currently operates out of my home studio, so I don't offer studio tours or public studio hours.

Trust me, you're not missing a fabulous artist loft. There is laundry. There are cardboard boxes. There is usually a cat somewhere he shouldn't be.

Do you offer wholesale or consignment?

I do! I have experience working with retailers through both wholesale and consignment partnerships and am always happy to hear from shops that think Ice + Dust might be a good fit.

Send me a note with a little information about your shop, where you're located and what you're interested in carrying, and we can chat.

Would you like to come to our craft show?

Maybe! I love a good craft show.

If you're organizing an artist or maker-focused event and think Ice + Dust would be a good fit, send me the details at hello@iceanddustpottery.com.

I prioritize events that are focused on handmade work and independent artists and don't participate in shows that include MLM/direct-sales vendors or require artists to give the promoter a percentage of their sales.

Pottery + Products

Do you take custom or special orders?

I don't! I make whatever I'm excited about making and release it when it's ready. That freedom is a big part of what keeps Ice + Dust fun for me, so I'm not currently taking commissions, special orders or requests to customize existing designs.

If you love something that's sold out, though, keep an eye on Instagram or join my email list. Old favorites do occasionally make a comeback.

When will something be back in stock?

Maybe soon, maybe someday! I make in small batches and don't follow a set restock schedule. Some designs come back regularly, some disappear for a while, and sometimes I get excited about something entirely new.

Instagram and my email list are the best places to hear about new work and returning favorites.

Will my piece look exactly like the photo?

Very, very close — but probably not identical.

Everything is handmade, and glaze has a mind of its own. Tiny variations in shape, color, surface and decoration are normal and part of what makes each piece one of a kind. I do my best to make sure product photos accurately represent what you'll receive.

Are Pelotonia mugs still available?

Not right now. Pelotonia mugs have been a special fundraising project I've returned to over the years, but the most recent batch is sold out and I don't currently have another release planned. We are proud to share that we have raised over $8,000 for life-saving cancer research via these mugs sales!

Their return will be announced through Instagram and my email list.

Is your pottery dishwasher and microwave safe?

Yep! My functional pottery is dishwasher and microwave safe unless specifically noted otherwise.

I recommend avoiding commercial dishwashers, high-temperature sanitizing cycles and sudden temperature changes. Handmade pottery doesn't love thermal shock, so avoid things like pouring an icy drink into a mug that's still hot from the dishwasher.

How should I care for my pottery?

Use it! Ice + Dust pottery is made to be part of your everyday life.

Functional pieces are food-safe, dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe unless a product listing specifically says otherwise. As with any ceramic piece, treat it with a little care, avoid sudden temperature changes and try not to drop it on the floor. Pottery remains stubbornly opposed to gravity.

Where can I shop Ice + Dust in person?

I pop up at craft shows, markets and other events throughout Ohio. Check out my upcoming events to see where I'll be next.

Orders + Shipping

When will my order ship?

In-stock orders typically leave my studio within 1–2 business days, then travel to you via USPS. As soon as your package is on its way, you'll receive an email with tracking information.

I pack everything carefully (because sending pottery through the mail is an act of enormous trust) and use recyclable or eco-friendly packing materials whenever possible.

Do you offer local pickup?

Yep! Local pickup is available in Westerville, Ohio.

Choose Local Pickup at checkout and I'll send you pickup instructions when your order is ready. Please wait until you receive that notification before heading over — your pottery may still be getting its little travel outfit on.

Do you ship internationally?

Not currently. For now, I ship within the United States only.

What is your return policy?

Because pottery is fragile — and shipping it twice makes me nervous — I don't generally accept returns or exchanges. Please take a good look at photos, dimensions and product details before ordering, and feel free to reach out if you have a question before purchasing.

If you purchased your piece from another retailer, their return policy applies.

What if my order arrives broken?

Oh no! Despite my best packing efforts, occasionally the mail wins.

Send me a message with photos of the damaged piece and packaging within seven days of delivery and I'll make it right. Please be careful handling broken ceramics — those little jerks can be sharp.

Do you have gift options?

Yep! Send me a note and I'll be happy to help make your order feel extra special.

Still have a question?

Hello, human! If you made it through all of that and still need something, send me a message below.

Ice + Dust is a very small business (hi, it's me 👋), so it may take me a little bit to get back to you — especially when I'm deep in the studio or getting ready for a show. But if your question isn't answered above, I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

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