Here are some commonly asked questions and answers.

Are all of the functional items food, dishwasher and microwave safe?

The short answer is yes.  I use a white porcelain and a dark stoneware clay body that are fired to a very high temperature (2350 degrees Fahrenheit).   In this process, the clay becomes vitrified meaning it is no longer porous.  Therefore, it can't absorb moisture making it safe for the dishwasher.  The glazes I use are all food safe.   In terms of the microwave, this is not so simple.  Most of the work is microwave safe.   However, I do not encourage you to put it in the microwave for long periods of time (more than 3 - 5 minutes).  Microwave radiation can be absorbed by small amounts of metal that are present in the glaze causing the piece to heat up.  I have tested all of the glazes in the microwave for short periods and they are fine. 

Here's an interesting tip -- to test any item to see if it is microwave safe, put a glass dish of cold water along with the item that you are testing in the microwave for 45 seconds.  If the water gets hot and the dish does not, it is microwave safe.  If the dish also gets hot, the item is not microwave safe as this indicates that there is something in the item that is absorbing microwave radiation.  Cool!

Can I buy stuff online?

Yes!  Blueberry Lane Pottery has an online store!  You may have gotten to this page from the store but if you haven't here's a link -- www.shop.blueberrylanepottery.com

Are pieces shown on this site available for purchase?

Maybe.  You need to go to the online store and check out what's there.  It could be that pieces on here are there.  If not, there is lots of other great work.  And you can always commission me to make exactly what you want.  To do that send me an paul.wisotzky@gmail.com.

Are prices negotiable?

No.  Although if you are purchasing sets or a quantity of an item we might be able to work out a set or quantity discount.  Contact me if that is the case. 

How do you ship?

I primarily ship using UPS.  If you need to have me ship to a post office box, I will ship USPS. 

How much will it cost to ship?

Currently I am charging a flat rate for shipping ground based on the size and quantity of the items purchased. 

Packing clay objects for shipping requires lots of padding.  Boxes are usually quite a bit larger than the item itself in order to accommodate all of the padding.  So, even though the weight of the object is light, the size of the box won't be and sadly that is part of the equation when it comes to shipping costs.  Most importantly, it pays to spend a little more on packing and shipping to make sure that your purchases arrive safely and intact! 

Is rush shipping available?

Yes, but it as you know it will be significantly more expensive.  If you need rush shipping, you should contact me directly when you place the order or before you place the order. 

How long will it take to fulfill the order?

If an item is in stock, your item will ship within three business days.  When you look at an item at the online store it will tell you if it is in stock.  If it doesn't, it means it is not.  You can always send me an email or give me a call if it is not clear to you.  If it is not in stock, if you haven't contacted me first, I will contact you to give you a time frame.  If the time frame doesn't work for you I will immediately cancel the order.

For all orders -- your credit card does not get charged until the order is shipped!

Do you take special orders or commissions?

YES!  I love making pots that are personalized and exactly what you want.  If you have something in mind send an email or give me a call and we can talk about it.

How long will special orders take?

That depends on my firing schedule.  In general, you should expect 4 - 6 weeks.  When we talk about your order, I can give you a more precise time line. 

What if something arrives broken or damaged?

First, if the package is damaged when it gets to you, you should do one of two things.  If you accept the package, take a photograph of the package BEFORE you open it that clearly shows the damage.  If you open the damaged package and the item is also damaged you should contact me IMMEDIATELY.  Take a photograph of the damaged work in the package if you can.  Trust me, we will figure it all out.  You will NEVER pay for damaged items.  I will make every effort to get you a replacement at no additional cost.  However, in order to do this I need your help in documenting the damage. 

Your other choice is to not accept the package.  If you don't, it will be sent back to me and I will not charge you for the shipping until we can set things right.

Can I come visit your studio?

Yes!  Off season (October - May), I am open by appointment.  If you are in the area, just give me a heads-up by phone or email and we can arrange a time to come by for a visit and to shop!  I also will have periodic studio sales during the off season.  If you are on my email list, you will receive notifications of these sales.  During the summer, I have a retail studio and shop in Provincetown, Massachusetts.  Click here for directions and hours. 

Do you teach?

Yes.  Currently, I am teaching at Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill in Truro, Massachusetts.  Click here to go to their website and check out ALL the great classes there.  I also offer private instruction at my studio in Truro.  Contact me if you are interested in private instruction.