Unearth the Facts
On this page, you’ll find a collection of essential facts about Unearthed Ceramics and the practises that guide our brand. If you have any questions that aren’t answered in the sections that follow, please reach out to us and we’ll be more than happy to answer them.
Good things take time
Please allow a four week turnaround time from purchase to despatch. Your patience allows Katrina to handcraft quality ceramics that will be part of your life for many years to come.
Custom orders
We’re always excited to discuss custom orders. Please visit our Custom Orders page for more details on the process that guides the commissioning and creation of a bespoke piece.
Ceramics is part of the Slow Movement of crafts
When creating your piece, the clay type is consciously chosen, measured, mixed and carefully hand-wedged over 50 times. Katrina uses the wheel to “throw” the clay into its form, then it is allowed to dry. Once leather-hard, the piece is hand-trimmed on the wheel and carved depending on the design. It is at this stage that several parts of the object can also be connected. Once dry of all moisture the ceramics are fired. When the bisque firing is complete, the ceramics are washed and carefully glazed. When dry, the second firing takes place. The average amount of total firing time required for mid-firing is around 20 hours. If gold lustre is applied there is a third firing done at a rapid speed of temperature of 4 hours. Then, finally, your piece is completely individual, hardy and ready for a long life. Ceramics and human creativity have a very long history together and if treated with care, will be with you for a long time.
Quality
The mid-fired clay body is fired to 1200 degrees and it is ‘vitrified’ once it meets this temperature. This is also required to make the ceramics non-porous. Glazes used on the tableware are non-toxic, lead free and durable; designed for everyday use.
Ceramic care
To avoid chips and breakage, some care is required. Unearthed Ceramics are food safe and mostly dishwasher-friendly but will enjoy a longer life if washed by hand. Steel cutlery and serving spoons may mark glazed surfaces over time: the result of tiny metal deposits. These marks do not affect functionality but may be cleaned off with a paste of bicarb soda and white vinegar. Just mix, buff on gently and rinse off.
Postage and delivery
You are welcome to collect your purchase from Katrina’s ceramic studio in Preston. Alternatively we send via Sendle courier service.
Complimentary gift wrapping and personalisation
Katrina loves to gift wrap your carefully chosen ceramics and we’ll ensure that they are sent beautifully presented, with great care. You are also welcome to request that a personal message is written on the piece(s).
Sustainability
A commitment to sustainable choices is at the forefront of all of Katrina’s decisions, both professionally and personally. Katrina is dedicated to running her practise as a carbon neutral operation, using renewable power to run the studio, offsetting her minimal car usable, and using compostable and recyclable materials in her packaging. We’re continuously working to be more sustainable in our practises here at Unearthed Ceramics. For more information, please visit our Sustainability page.