Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, I now offer international shipping to most countries, and I am actively adding more countries to the list. If you cannot place an order because shipping to your country is not offered, please contact me.

Pottery shipping:

I offer free domestic shipping for U.S. orders. For international shipping, I try to offer the cheapest possible rate for each region, so the rate varies depending on where the package is heading to and are calculated at checkout based on your address at checkout. The rate already includes prepaid import duties. 

Sticker-only shipping:

Sticker-only orders ship free via domestic lettermail (no tracking) within the U.S. Trackable shipping via USPS Ground Advantage is available at checkout under "shipping method" for domestic orders only.

Sticker-only orders going outside the U.S. ship via international lettermail for a $3 flat rate (no tracking). I do not offer a trackable option for international sticker-only orders, for the cost is almost the same as your order. International deliveries vary greatly, and while most lettermails arrive within 6–30 days, though occasional delays may extend transit time to up to 2 months. If your order includes both pottery and stickers, the above pottery shipping rates apply, and stickers will ship together with your pottery. If your U.S. or international lettermail order hasn’t arrived after 2 months, please feel free to reach out and I’ll do my best to help.

All U.S. pottery orders currently ship via USPS Ground Advantage or First Class or UPS equivalent services. Each includes tracking and usually arrives in 1–5 business days after shipping. International orders might take longer and arrive between 3-21 business days. Import duties and taxes are included. Sticker-only orders ship solely via USPS lettermail. Trackable option via USPS Ground Advantage is available at checkout under the "shipping method" section for U.S. customers only.

I ship most orders within 3 days! Because Tu Hands Creations is a one-person operation, it may occasionally take a little extra time. All orders are packed and shipped within 5 business days of purchase, and you’ll receive a tracking email as soon as your order goes out.

I pack each order with extra care, but if something gets damaged during shipping, please email me within 3 days of delivery. Please send a photo of the damaged item and packaging so I can learn what went wrong and make it right.

Because my work is handmade and one-of-a-kind, I do not accept returns or exchanges unless the item arrives damaged (see above).

Each piece is more than just pottery; it’s a painting or sculpture you can use every day. Most of my works include hand-painted wildlife details or hand-sculpted elements, so you’re essentially getting an original artwork that also happens to be functional.

Here’s what goes into every piece:

• It's an original and functional artwork. Every design is created by me, never mass-produced. I spend hours sketching designs, testing glaze palettes, and refining details and textures before the final piece comes together. I paint and carve every wildlife illustration by hand and individually shape every sculpted form.
• It's made to last. All pieces are fired to at least cone 5, making the clay strong, food-safe, and durable for daily use.
• It tells a story about wildlife and nature. Most pieces are drawn from my encounters with birds and wildlife. I try to reflect the most distinctive behaviors and features of each species on my pieces. Each piece comes with a photo tag I’ve taken of the species, along with a cool fact to share the wonder with you.
• It takes time. From throwing and trimming to painting, glazing, firing, photographing, and carefully packing, each piece takes days—or even weeks—to finish.

Pricing reflects the time, skill, and care that go into making each piece of functional art. My goal is to offer you something meaningful, lasting, and alive with story.

Each piece is uniquely handmade in small batches: wheel-thrown or hand-built, painted, sculpted, glazed, and kiln fired. Glazes can react differently in every firing. So there can be slight differences in size, shape, glaze texture, or color. Small marks and irregularities are part of the handmade process and add to each piece’s uniqueness. I’ve gradually learned to embrace these surprises and variations as part of the charm of handmade pottery.

Yes and yes! My functional pottery is fully-vitrified, mid- or high-fired stoneware and is made for durability and everyday use. All tableware, drinkware, and kitchenware are food-safe and lead-free.

Here's a brief care guide for ceramic tableware and drinkware:

• Dishwasher-safe. Handwashing is recommended to best preserve your favorite critters.
• Microwave-safe with caution. White clay pieces are generally fine. Dark clays (brown, red, or black) tend to overheat in my experience, so microwaving is not advised (mainly to avoid burns), or please use extra care when handling.
• Avoid sudden temperature shifts. Let pieces reach room temperature before heating or chilling.
• Avoid soaking in standing water for long to prevent staining.

I care about the natural world that inspires my work, so I do my best to keep my pottery practice and packaging as low-impact as possible.

I reuse clean, sturdy packaging materials whenever possible. I’ve been hoarding kraft paper like a squirrel with its nuts, so your mug is safely wrapped in my stash of foraged packaging.

I opt for recycled, recyclable or compostable materials, like recycled bubble wrap, recycled cardboard, paper tape and biodegradable packing peanut.

I offer “seconds”, pieces with minor cosmetic flaws that are still functional and beautiful, for sale at discount prices. This helps reduce waste and gives these pieces a second chance at life.

I reclaim my clay, turning unfired clay back into workable material for new pieces—and try to be more selective about what I fire. If a piece is not up to standard, I let it go and reclaim it instead.

Thanks for supporting a more sustainable handmade practice!

Wildlife (especiailly birds) is my biggest inspiration, and Tu Hands Creations exists because of that love. We all protect what we love. That’s why I donate 5% of every sale to conservation organizations and efforts that help protect wildlife and their habitats. I want my work to carry more meaning and give back to the animals and ecosystems that bring both of us so much joy and wonder, and every purchase helps support both my artwork and conservation work.

I’ve done a few in the past, but at the moment, I'm not taking custom orders. Thanks so much for understanding! I’ll announce if I reopen commissions in the future.

In the future, I may raffle a custom spot as a fundraiser for wildlife conservation. It's just an idea for now, but stay tuned.

I’m based in Arizona and occasionally sell at local markets and art events. In my opinion, people who loves handmade goods and nature are the best people, and meeting you all in person has been so lovely and wholesome and proven my thought. I’m hoping to travel further and do more in-person events around Arizona and nearby states over the next few years. Follow along on Instagram @tuhandscreations to see where I’ll be next!