Frequently Asked Questions
Do you do commissions?
Commissions are currently closed
Acceptance of commission proposals will open again on January 8, 2023
I happily take on commissions of my standard ware line. If you are looking for a set, I can make multiples of my designs in any colour from my palette of glazes.
Please note that I cannot do custom glazes, one-offs or items that are not in line with my style or aesthetics.
Custom design orders are accepted on a case by case basis. I'm open to discussing custom designs for collaborations with restaurants and interior designers. These projects have a minimum of approximately CAD $800.00. Send an email to katemettenceramics@gmail.com with your proposals, and I will send you more information.
Are you open to Collaboration?
Yes, I am open to collaborations! In the past I have worked with artists, graphic designers, photographers, restaurants, cafes, interior designers, and architects. Please send an email to katemettenceramics@gmail.com and I will get back to you about shortly.
Do you do wholesale?
Yes, wholesale is a major part of our business model and I have a team of production assistants working with me in the studio to move orders along. Our turn around time is 6-8 weeks depending on quantity and time of season. I have a $900 minimum on wholesale orders and accept accounts on a case by case basis. Visit this link for more information about starting a wholesale partnership.
How do I care for your ceramics?
Thermal shock is the greatest risk to ceramics. Use extra caution when placing stoneware in the oven. It is recommended to preheat oven with the dish present, do not put a cold dish in a hot oven. Do not use on stove top or grill.
Over time glazes will develop a history; as they are used certain foods and oils can cause colours to shift. If your ceramics get marked by soft metal silverware you can hand was them using a good scrubber with bakingsoda, or scouring powder like “Barkeepers friend" to help remove marks.
Pots live and die in use. Don't be afraid to enjoy them.
Do you teach classes?
We will be growing into private workshops in the new year, but my studio is not zoned to teach group classes; I would highly recommend SummerSkool or ClayMates for classes in East Vancouver.
Starting in January I am offering a limited number of one-to-one or semi-private classes. Submit your email if you would like to stay in the loop about registration for a private workshops.
Is this safe to eat on?
Yes our glazes have been tested for food safety. Some glazes, more often matte surfaces develop a history with time by taking on oils and spices through use, but this does not effect their food safety.
How is this made?
Most of my pieces are wheel thrown and some are made using a rolled-out slab of clay that is manipulated into different forms.
How long does it take?
We have an 8 week turn around time on orders. Each piece goes through a wet phase that lasts 1 week, then a bisque firing for 24 hours, a glazing session over 2 days, and then goes back in the kiln for a 24 hour glaze firing. The development of skill happens over a lifetime.
What is your shipping and exchange policy?
We ship internationally through Canada Post. All sales are final.
Where Can I buy your work?
Please visit our brick and mortar location at 2408 Main Street, “Vancouver” BC.
Our stock list also includes Weinberg’s Good Food at Fannie Bay on Vancouver Island, Coco et Olive in Vancouver, Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver.
Can I buy a gift certificate?
Yes! Please visit us in person at 2408 Main Street to purchase a gift card.
Can I be a featured artist?
We are currently programming our 2023 pop-up artists and invite you to submit a proposal
If you have a question that wasn't answered here please reach out via email to katemettenceramics@gmail.com or through our contact page and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
We would like to acknowledge that we are building our community on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Tsleil-Waututh (səl̓ilwətaɁɬ), Skwxwú7mesh, and Musqueam(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) people, in this place commonly known as Vancouver, BC.