FAQ's

YOUR ORDER 

The ashtray pictured is the exact piece you will receive, ensuring you own the unique, one-of-a-kind artwork displayed on this product page. Each ashtray is individually handmade, hand-painted, and hand-finished, making every piece truly one of a kind. Due to the handcrafted nature of the process, slight variations in colour, pattern, shape, and finish, along with small imperfections, are to be expected and celebrated as part of its unique character. Each ashtray is assigned an exclusive collection number, identifying it as an original piece within the collection. To preserve its quality and finish, this item should be hand-washed only. 

SHIPPING TIMEFRAMES

Every piece from The Studio Shelf is carefully handcrafted, and I take pride in making sure it arrives safely and beautifully packaged. I aim to dispatch all orders within 2–3 business days, so your piece reaches you as soon as possible.

As a small, independent maker, I balance my studio work alongside a full-time career that takes me abroad. During these times, dispatch may take a little longer than usual. If you place an order ahead of any travel periods, I will always reach out personally to keep you informed and agree on a suitable dispatch timeline.

SHIPPING SCHEDULE FOR THE REST OF 2026:

Items purchased after September 25^th will ship w/c October 19^th

Items purchased after November 9^th will ship w/c November 23^rd

HOW I NUMBER EACH PIECE

Because every piece is handmade and produced in small kiln loads, each ashtray is catalogued according to the specific batch it came from.

You may notice several pieces listed as “1 of 5”, for example. This does not mean there are only five pieces in the entire collection. It means that particular piece is number 1 of 5 from that specific kiln load.

Each piece therefore carries an additional batch number before its individual collection number, allowing me to trace it back to the exact small batch it was created with.

For example, PD — 1 of 5 means it is the first piece from the fifth-piece batch produced in Batch 03.

I use this system because everything in the studio is made by hand in small batches rather than mass-produced. It gives each piece its own place within the collection and allows me to catalogue the work as it evolves.

RESERVE FROM THE NEXT KILN LOAD

Because I make everything in small batches, pieces can sell quickly, and I don't always have multiples available at once. If there’s a particular ashtray or design you’ve been waiting for, you can reserve one from my next kiln load by placing a pre-order.

Just get in touch with the piece you’re looking for, and I’ll add your request to the next batch. Once it’s made, finished and ready to leave the studio, I’ll contact you to confirm it’s yours and arrange delivery.

Pre-ordering is the best way to make sure you don’t miss out again — you reserve it before it reaches the shelf, and I make it especially for you as part of the next small batch. As every piece is handmade, there may be subtle differences in colour, finish and character. That’s part of what makes each one yours.

RETURNS & DAMAGED ITEMS

As each piece is handmade, hand-finished and produced in small batches, all sales are final, and I do not offer refunds or returns for change of mind. I take great care when packing every order and will always make every reasonable effort to ensure your piece arrives safely. Where possible, I will arrange shipping insurance, although some carriers do not offer cover for fragile ceramic items. Thankfully, the success rate of pieces arriving safely and in perfect condition is extremely high.

If your piece does arrive damaged, please get in touch as soon as possible with clear photographs of the item and its packaging. I’ll always do my best to help and work with you to find a fair solution

A NOTE ON FIRE, ASH & BAD DECISIONS

This ashtray is made to be used.

The glaze is durable, but it isn't fireproof artwork. Cigarettes can burn extremely hot, and aggressive or unattended stub-outs can leave permanent discolouration, scorching or marks on the finished glaze — especially if a lit cigarette is crushed hard against the artwork or left burning in one spot.

For cigarettes, avoid direct stub-outs onto the finished artwork and don't leave glowing embers sitting on the glazed surface. Use the designated ash area and extinguish cigarettes sensibly avoiding any art. 

Cigars are a little different. They burn and ash differently and aren't normally stubbed out in the same fashion. Even so, prolonged contact with hot ash, embers or a burning cigar can still mark or discolour the glaze.

In short: Use the ashtray. Smoke freely. Just don't leave the fire sitting on the art.