Frequently Asked Questions
Do you do commissions?
I’m delighted to accept commissions based on my standard ware line. If you’re interested in ordering a set, I can create multiples of my existing designs in any colour from my curated glaze palette.
Please note that I do not offer custom glaze formulations, one-off pieces, reproductions of other artists’ work, or items that fall outside of my established aesthetic and design language.
Custom design collaborations are considered on a case-by-case basis and are ideal for restaurants, galleries, or interior design projects. These bespoke orders begin at a minimum of $900.00 CAD.
If you have a proposal in mind, I’d love to hear more. Please email me at katemettenceramics@gmail.com, and I’ll follow up with additional details, timelines, and availability.
Are you open to collaboration?
Yes, I’m open to collaborations! Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with artists, graphic designers, photographers, restaurants, cafés, interior designers, architects, and public art initiatives. I’m always excited to explore thoughtful partnerships that align with my practice and values.
If you have a collaboration in mind, please reach out to katemettenceramics@gmail.com with a brief introduction and details about your project. I’ll be in touch shortly to discuss further.
Do you do wholesale?
Yes, wholesale is an important part of my business model. Each piece is made by hand, from scratch, using locally sourced clays and finished with care in my Vancouver studio. While I occasionally work with a small team of trained studio assistants to help with production flow, all work is created under my direction to maintain the highest quality and consistency.
Turnaround time is typically 6–8 weeks, depending on order size and the time of year. I have a $900 CAD minimum for wholesale orders and accept new accounts on a case-by-case basis.
If you're interested in partnering, please visit my wholesale page to learn more about starting a wholesale relationship. I look forward to hearing from you!
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?
I am currently offering an immersive 4-day workshop through Vacation With An Artist (VAWAA), designed for those interested in exploring ceramics beyond the basics. This hands-on experience takes place in my Vancouver studio and guides participants through the process of raw material sourcing, working with local clay deposits, and experimenting with ceramic abstraction. Together, we will explore form, surface, and glazing techniques while engaging in thoughtful discussions about materiality, sustainability, and the artistic process. This workshop is ideal for artists, designers, or curious beginners who want to deepen their relationship with clay and gain insight into a working ceramic practice rooted in experimentation and place-based research.
In addition, Kate Metten Ceramics offers custom one-day workshops tailored for educational institutions.
These sessions are designed to align with the BC Curriculum for Applied Design, Skills & Technologies as well as Art and Science Material Studies, offering students a hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experience.
For workshop inquiries, group bookings, or school visits, please visit my booking page or contact me.
To stay up to date on upcoming workshops, events, and private lesson offerings, subscribe to my newsletter. I look forward to welcoming you into the studio!
Are Your Ceramics Food Safe, Oven, Microwave & Dishwasher Friendly?
Yes, all of our glazes have been tested and confirmed food safe, and our ceramics are designed with everyday functionality in mind. They are suitable for use in the oven, microwave, and dishwasher.
That said, please handle with care to avoid thermal shock, which can cause cracking. Avoid placing a hot piece directly into a cold sink or refrigerator, or taking it from a cold environment into a hot oven. Gradual temperature changes will help maintain the longevity of your piece.
Over time, some surfaces—especially matte glazes—may take on subtle traces of oils and spices, creating a unique patina. This is a natural part of the material’s life and does not affect food safety or performance. Each piece is handcrafted to be both beautiful and resilient, ready to be a part of your daily rituals.
How is this made?
Most of my pieces are wheel-thrown, while others are crafted using hand-built techniques, such as forming shapes from rolled-out slabs of clay. These slabs are carefully manipulated to create unique forms, allowing for variation in structure and surface that complements the fluidity of the wheel-thrown work. Each piece reflects a balance between precision and spontaneity, celebrating the versatility of clay.
Many of my glazes are developed using wild materials sourced from local Canadian soils, including clay deposits, stone dust, and ash. These materials are gathered respectfully and processed by hand, resulting in surfaces that reflect the unique mineral composition and geological character of the land. Working with wild clays and locally sourced elements not only deepens my connection to place but also supports a sustainable, zero-waste studio practice. Each glaze becomes a kind of landscape—an imprint of Canadian earth transformed through fire.
Production Timeline & Rush Orders
All orders placed through my website are made-to-order and require a turnaround time of 4 to 8 weeks. Each piece is crafted with care, following a meticulous process that includes a week-long wet clay phase, 24-hour bisque firing, two-day glazing session, and a final 24-hour glaze firing.
Ceramics is a time-honoured craft that demands precision, patience, and respect for the material’s natural rhythms. Each stage is essential to ensure the durability, beauty, and uniqueness of your piece.
Due to the nature of this geological and material-based process, I’m unable to expedite production beyond the stated timeframe. If you require a faster turnaround, a rush fee of up to 50% of the total order cost may be applied, depending on studio capacity.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as I work to create something truly special for you.
What is your shipping and exchange policy?
We ship both domestically and internationally via Canada Post. Please note that international customers are responsible for any applicable duties and tariffs upon delivery. All sales are final.
Where can I buy your work?
Book a studio visit to shop ceramics in person at 2111 Main Street, unit 129 and visit during my weekly open hours on Saturdays from 1-4pm. Visit my online shop to place a standard-ware order. Our stock list also includes Simons Fabrique 1840, The Museum of Vancouver, Coco et Olive, Weinberg’s Good Food at Fannie Bay on Vancouver Island, Ahoy in Deep Cove and The Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver. Subscribe to my newsletter to hear about pop ups at a variety of seasonal markets.
Can I come to your studio?
Yes, I welcome drop-ins on Saturdays from 1-4 PM and offer appointments throughout the week.
My showroom is located at 2111 Main Street, Unit 129.
Please note that Sundays are my designated rest day, and I am unavailable for meetings unless it is for a special event. Let me know if you'd like to schedule a visit!
Can I work for you?
I offer a Fall Internship/Co-op Placement from September to December, designed to give hands-on experience in a working ceramics studio during the busiest production season leading up to the holidays. This role is ideal for an Emily Carr student or anyone with 1–2 years of experience working with clay who’s eager to deepen their studio knowledge.
As an intern, you'll shadow the fall production cycle and support key studio tasks including weighing and wedging clay, using the pugmill, glazing, and general studio upkeep. Experience with kiln loading and firing is an asset.
If you're passionate about ceramics and want to join the team at Kate Metten Ceramics, please send a cover letter and resume to katemettenceramics@gmail.com with a brief introduction and why this opportunity excites you.
I will begin the interview process in July–August. Thank you for your interest!
More Questions?
If you have a question that wasn't answered here please reach out to me out email to katemettenceramics@gmail.com or through our contact page and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Thank you
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.