FAQs

I've imagined a few questions you might want the answers to. If you need any more information please get in touch. 

How are the pieces made? All the pieces are handmade in my Notting Hill studio with Ming Porcelain or Paper Clay Porcelain. I use different techniques in the studio ranging from throwing to slab rolling to slip casting, painting and sculpting. 

Are the birds handmade? Yes the birds are individually hand sculpted and painted with gold lustre.

Can I wash them in the machine? All the pieces with gold prefer to be washed by hand, the gold will not survive the dishwasher. 

Is the work delicate? Some pieces are more delicate than others. Pay attention to the rims and the edges. The thinner they are the more delicate.  The most delicate ones are the torn edges. These are super fine and sometimes abrasive. Otherwise don't worry, porcelain is a strong clay!

Are the pieces unique? Yes they are, in that they are handmade and every piece will have its own charm in the way that the birds sit and adorn the object. 

Can I order something special? Yes absolutely! I love making people happy if I can. It means I end up with a sophisticated excel sheet stuck on the window with all the special requests but then again not a dull moment! As long as what you are going to ask me is aligned with my work and style yes.

Can you personalise a piece? Yes I can. Let me know what you want and I can either carve a message in the back, paint initials or do special bird families or love birds or...

Can I have it gift wrapped? Absolutely, I have a beautiful gift wrapping paper that is eco-friendly with gorgeous ribbons and you also get a special tote bag and a card to write your note with care instructions on the back. 

How long does it take to order something? Depends on what's going on in the studio but on average I'd say between three and four weeks to be on the safe side.

How do I buy something? Contact me directly by email or phone and we can discuss your order and prepare you a quote. 

Do you ship? I do ship my work all over the world. Clients pay for the shipping fees and are also responsible for any tax incurred on the other side. I can't tell you how long it takes, nothing is less certain in those times of Covid. 

Will you tell me about the making process? Grab that piece of porcelain out of the bag and i'll show you.

First you way the clay to make sure you'll have enough to make your piece. Wedge again and again (it's like kneading a piece of dough). That part is key to the evolution of the piece. Too wedged and it dries up, not well enough and it will be full of bubbles which will come back haunting you later ;)

Then the fun starts. I love throwing it's my favourite thing so once i'm done the piece needs time to dry but not too much otherwise it might crack if the drying is uneven. Once that's happened I turn it on its head and trim the bottom, stamp it with my name. Done! 

Oh wait, I've got to add the bird. A bit more clay, sculpt these cuties, add the beak, poke the eyes and then stick on the edge of the piece. Leave to dry. 

Once ready with another batch of pieces, load in the kiln. 

Firing #1  - bisq firing, goes up to 998c and lasts up to 24h to go up and cool down. 

It's ready to be waxed and glazed. Glazing is pouring enamel in or over. Wipe clean the little extra bits and check the bottom is clean and fire again.

Firing #2 - glaze firing, goes up to 1260c (for porcelain) and lasts another 24h to go up and down and then it looks gorgeous and shiny. 

Most people stop here. Not me. I want to paint my little birdies gold, or platinum or whatever I'm inspired to do. 

I take my thinnest paint brush and with the precision of a surgeon and the steadiest hand, paint those lovelies. Made a whole batch. Ready!

Firing #3 - lustre firing, goes up to 750c, is a shorter cycle thankfully and boum, pieces are ready. 

Almost. One more thing. Check that the surface is clean of any bits, scratch off any rough edges with a diapad and now it's ready. 

You see, it was quite a journey :)