Question 1

1. How frequently do you have a shop update?

Accepted Answer

I recently launched my Fall Collection and hopefully my next shop update will be within the next two months. I usually add new products every 3 months.

Question 2

How are your pottery pieces created?

Accepted Answer

Each of my ceramic pieces is lovingly handmade using stoneware clay. They dry slowly over a few days until they reach the 'leather hard' stage, where I add handles, paint, or carve textures and details. The pieces then dry slowly under a consistent temperature to prevent cracking. These unfired pots, known as 'green ware,' are bisque fired at 1000 degrees Celsius for 12 hours, transforming them from clay to ceramic. After sanding, washing, painting, and sometimes waxing, they're ready for glazing. The glaze is applied by dipping, pouring, or brushing, and the pots are fired again at 1220 degrees Celsius for 12 hours. From start to finish, a piece takes about 4-5 weeks to complete.

Question 3

3. Are the pieces food-safe and microwavable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if its a functional piece it is food safe! Only stoneware clay glazed with non-toxic glazes are 100% food safe. As I specialize in home decor pieces, some decor pieces may be unglazed which is not food safe. I do not recommend using unglazed stoneware items for the storage of food products. Functional wares are also oven-safe, microwavable, and dishwasher-friendly for your convenience!

Question 4

4. How to take care of handmade ceramics?

Accepted Answer

My ceramics differ from some mass-produced ceramics in their composition. Stoneware clay becomes as hard as stone after firing but it is still breakable so please be gentle with it. They are made carefully by hand and I recommend washing them by hand too. Regular dishwasher use may shorten their lifespan with chips and cracks being more likely. Clean with a light touch to remove dirt and dust, apply a wet cloth with light pressure. If a cleaning liquid is used, make sure it is non-abrasive or corrosive bleach based. I use dish wash soap.
Avoid placing in any extreme hot or cold environments such as an oven or a freezer, as this could cause thermal shock and result in fragility and cracking and/or breakage.

Question 5

How can I stay updated on new product releases and shop updates from CuriocitybyLidwin?

Accepted Answer

At CuriocitybyLidwin, we refresh our web store with a new batch of products every 3-4 months. To ensure you never miss these exciting updates, we recommend signing up for our mailer and following our Instagram stories. By subscribing to our mailer, you'll receive timely notifications directly in your inbox, keeping you informed about the latest arrivals and exclusive offers. Following our Instagram stories is another great way to get real-time updates and sneak peeks of our new collections. Stay connected with CuriocitybyLidwin to always be the first to explore our latest offerings!

Question 6

6. Do you customize and take bulk orders?

Accepted Answer

Yes I do take customized and bulk orders please mail me at curiocitybylidwin@gmail.com with your query.  Sizes and shapes can be customized but since glaze development takes lots of experimentation and time I can only offer the colors that are currently available in the studio. The timelines and prices will vary based on the quantity and collections chosen for your order. Any queries regarding the same can also be addressed through email.

Question 7

How can I place or cancel a custom order?

Accepted Answer

Once you finalize your order, I require a 40% advance booking fee to get started. You can revise your order until I begin working on it, with prices adjusted accordingly. If you need to cancel after I've started, the advance amount is non-refundable due to the materials and labor already invested. Orders placed through Shop-Updates on the website are final and cannot be canceled or refunded.

Question 8

8. Do you ship products pan-India? What are the timelines?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We ship pan-India but the shipping costs and timelines will depend on the location. For shop updates, the orders are packed and shipped within 5-6 working days of placing the order. For custom orders, the timelines will vary as per the order requirements.

Question 9

Do you offer international shipping?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we don't offer international shipping. However, in special cases, we can discuss possible arrangements. Feel free to reach out!

Question 10

10. What is the return policy?

Accepted Answer

A. Products purchased through the webstore cannot be returned or refunded. Similarly, once a custom order has been confirmed, it cannot be returned or refunded. Given the fragile nature of the ceramics, I do not accept any returns under any circumstances.

Question 11

11. What if you receive a damaged parcel?

Accepted Answer

On very rare and unfortunate occasions, accidents may take place and the pieces even though well packed and secured may break in transit . If a piece is found broken upon arrival, please send me a picture along with an unboxing video of it within 18 hours of its delivery and I will be happy to send you a replacement. Any requests after that will not be entertained.

Question 12

12. Do you conduct workshops?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I do conduct regular pottery classes and workshops in my studio between the months of February to August. Mail me for details at curiocitybylidwin@gmail.com. I am open to conducting corporate workshops as well.

Question 13

13. Can I visit the studio?

Accepted Answer

Yes you are most welcome but please take an appointment before visiting.

Question 14

How can I make a payment?

Accepted Answer

You can either pay through UPI, card or online transfer the details of which you can see once you come to the checkout page.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions