FAQs
Don't know where to start?
We suggest a set of 2 dinner plates, 2 medium plates, and 2 pasta bowls, along with a nesting set of 4 stackables as a great place to start. Custom orders can be requested via the contact form and we'll get right back to you!
How are they made?
Each piece is made one at a time. The
production process we use for most pieces is called hand-building, which involves slab-rolling, cutting, forming, drying, bisque firing, glazing, and glaze firing each piece individually. We roll out our high quality dark brown stoneware clay into thin (but not too thin!) slabs between sheets of canvas.
The canvas material leaves a subtle texture on the underside of each piece and we smooth the top, where the glaze will go. The slabs are cut and formed by hand, in the case of the plates and platters, or over plaster hump molds, in the case of the bowls. They dry until they are leather hard and are hand-trimmed and sponged for a fine finish. When bone dry, they have their initial bisque firing. We glaze each piece and fire again at over 2200 degrees.
The plates and bowls are glazed using a dip and pour technique, making each piece unique. The noted sizes are approximate and each piece will have slight variations. They are glazed on the inner surface, leaving the edge and outer surface with the clay's natural color. Each piece is finished with Rebeccah's handwritten initials on the bottom. Finally, our one-of-a-kind plates and bowls are now ready to be sanded, cleaned, wrapped, and packed.
How do I care for my ceramics?
Our ceramics are handcrafted from durable, high quality stoneware. Our glazes are food safe and lead free. Although all of our pieces are dishwasher safe, hand washing will prolong the life cycle of your pottery. Dirt, stains, and metal marks from silverware (due to the ceramic being harder than the metal) particularly on our matte and semi-matte glazes, can be removed with Bar Keeper’s Friend, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, or baking soda mixed with a bit of warm water. Our tableware can be warmed in the oven but should not be exposed the wares to dramatic shifts in temperature – e.g. do not put hot from the oven pieces into the refrigerator or move pieces from the freezer or refrigerator into a hot oven - allow for gradual change in temperature. Do not place over an open flame.
What is the lead time on orders?
Although we have some stock available for immediate shipping, most pieces are made to order by hand, and will take between 3 - 12 weeks to ship, depending on the quantity of sets ordered and our current production schedule. Use the contact form to ask us for information about our current lead time, or for any other questions before ordering.
What are the shipping details?
Though we do have some stock in the studio, most items are made to order. Please allow 15 business days to ship. Larger orders may take longer. If your order will take longer than 15 business days we will send you an email providing an estimated ship date. We ship all of our products within the continental United States from our studio in Hudson, NY via UPS Ground. International orders are shipped via FedEx. Once your order is shipped, we will provide you with a tracking number via e-mail.
What's the return policy?
We accept returns for exchange or store credit only with 14 days of purchase. Because all of our pieces are made by hand there will be slight imperfections and variations that we do not see as flaws, they are the details that make our products uniquely ours. All of the items made at our studio are inspected for defects before they are shipped out. It is important to us that our customers are happy with our products. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, we will work to find you a satisfactory replacement or issue you a store credit. Custom orders are final sale.
Where can I buy at retail?
Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman Ceramics are now available at the following locations:
- Kaaterskill Market, Catskill NY
- ConeZero Pop-up, Catskill NY for Upstate Art Weekend July 20th