Toll Free: (866) 700-3232 (ORDERS ONLY)

We are always delighted to answer questions about our unpainted ceramics and glazed ceramics. However, our toll free telephone numberis reserved for specific order queries only. If you have a question regarding ceramic bisque, painting tips, types of paints or glazes,READ THE FAQs BELOW. If you still have a question, EMAIL it we'll get back with you. See also the footer for links to information on shipping, our privacy policy, etc.

WE DO NOT ANSWER THE TOLL FREE NUMBER WHEN WE ARE POURING MOLDS, which is often. It's gooey, messy, and we'd never get anything done if we kept answering the phone!

Leave your email address or phone number and we'll get right back with you. We do not store your contact information.

~How Long Does It Take For Orders?~

Q1:  Can you fill rush orders for parties?

A:  ASK US WHAT WE HAVE IN STOCK. For the Gangbuster series used for parties, assume 12-16 pieces a week for pouring. For other pieces, assume we are pouring one a day. Then, a 2-3 day hardening period while in the greenware stage and doing seams, and 2 days for firing/cooling in the kiln, minimum 1 day packing. Total: approximately 20 days prior to mailing out.

Due to having thousands of items and keeping costs for storage low, we don't store everything in bulk. We do not pour 24/7 or every day of the week due to a busy schedule with schools, camps, recreational centers, and other orders.

Q2:  If I am ordering only a few things, how long would it take?

A:   Some things may be poured / fired, while other items are not. Allow about a week to ten days for us to pour / fire / mail to you. If we have it in stock, zip! within two days it will usually be mailed.

~What do these terms mean?~

Q3:  What are ceramic bisque, unpainted ceramics, glazed ceramics?

A:   Ceramic bisque and unpainted ceramics are the same thing- it is greenware (clay forms which have been poured and removed from the molds) which has been fired in the kiln. Glazed ceramics have then been painted with glazes (NOT PAINT) and fired in the kiln. Glazed ceramics are more resistant to high temperatures.

Think about it. If you're a glazed ceramic figurine fired to 1900 degrees or more, hours sitting in the full sun on steaming hot summer day in Florida or Texas would barely feel lukewarm! Our personal ceramics which are outside are covered when it dips in the low thirties, to prevent cracking when they heat back up due to extreme temperature changes we experience here in the Florida panhandle. (From 28 to 68 or more in one day can happen!)

~Can I get glazes from you?~

Q4:  How do I get glazed ceramics for the outdoors and indoors?

A:   No problem. We sell glazes to customers ordering our bisque (we are not in the business of selling glazes, we do it as a courtesy!) and local people can fire them for you. Although some local paint your own pottery studios will fire for you, you do NOT want to use them to BUY YOUR BISQUE- if we charge 3.95, you'd pay 12.95 or more at that studio! (We should know, we sell to studios, and you may be buying one of our pieces and paying triple!)

For starters, take a peek at

Mayco Crystalites

Elements Chunkies

Jungle Gems

and use Stroke And Coat for your regular colors. You can also use Stoneware for beautiful contrast on raised and textured items. Please note- we do NOT provide glazing lessons or answer how to do various techniques. Keep it simple, read the directions and apply three coats!

~How Many Items Do You Have?~

Q5:  If I don't see what I am looking for, then what?

A:   Ask! We have almost 2,000 molds now. We are very selective and only choose the most charismatic, and have obtained vintage and discontinued molds that are outstanding. We order new molds twice a month on average, and our "Looking For These?" is usually NOT up to date. (see left column) It's a starting point only!

We're sure you understand- the priority is filling orders, not website work. Customers email us and tell us what they want, we send them photos of what we have- personalized service, no hassle, no obligation. THEN we do website work, but our customers are keeping us really busy!

~Acrylics, Stains, Glazes, Pebeo Markers~

Q6:  Can I use acrylics, stains, and glazes on ceramic bisque?

A:   Yes. Acrylics- recommend Folk Art, less runny. Acrylics are NOT food safe, even with a sealer/varnish. Glazes require firing in a kiln, acrylics and stains do not. Kiln fired glazes vary for food safe, it depends on the texture of the glaze.

Q7:  If I want food safe and to use the Folk Art colors, what should I use?

A:   Folk Art Enamels are for ceramics and glass, and use the exact same colors as the regular Folk Art paints.

Q8:  If I use acrylics, should I seal it?

A:   Yes. That prevents paint and the bisque from being damaged- if accidentally bumped for instance, the piece doesn't chip as easily. Recommend Delta Ceramcoat varnish (Michael's) for indoor or SHADED outdoor areas. High heat (southern states) and direct sunlight caused yellowing and peeling after a year on our test pieces. Krylon spray may be better alternative, haven't tested. Use glossy varnish to get the look of kiln fired paints.

Q9:  Can I use Pebeo pens/markers on ceramic bisque?

A:   Yes. Use soapy water or alcohol to clean piece. Read Pebeo Marker information by clicking the Questions / Answers tab. THEY ARE NOT FOOD SAFE. Remember to find Sunday paper coupons for Michaels stores to save money!

Q10:  Can I use a porcelain paint on ceramic bisque?

A:  No, not unless it is glazed. Yes, we can glaze items with a clear coat for you if you want to use Porcelaine 150. Just note it says "resists dishwashing" not dishwasher safe, so it's obviously food safe but durability? Contact them for more information.

Q11:  Is earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain the same thing?

A:   No. Earthenware is a general term and includes ceramic bisque, read here for information. If you are reading a label and it says "glazed earthenware" that means the ceramic bisque must have a kiln fired glaze first.

~Paintbrushes For Ceramics~

Q12:  What are the best type of brushes to use for ceramics?

A:   When I painted for national magazines, I used primarily sable brushes. They are such a breeze to clean- the paint slickly washes off with just water. Filberts are my favorite, they are rounded on the ends like a condensed fan. Brand recommended? Royal Clear Choice, or Royal in general.