The process
How it works
From your idea to your one-of-a-kind basin or bowl.
Tell me your idea
Send me photographs, drawings, inspiration or simply tell me what you’d like. Feel free to look at my past commissions for inspiration.
We develop the design
I’ll create sketches and work with you to develop the artwork for your piece. Sketches can be reworked until the design is right for you.
I make your piece
Your basin or bowl is individually made for you, by hand in my studio in Staffordshire.
It dries and is fired
Ceramics can’t be rushed. The drying and firing stages are an important part of the process and can take several weeks.
I paint and finish it
Your design is carefully hand-painted onto the ceramic before its final firing and finishing.
Your piece comes home
Once complete, it’s carefully packaged and shipped to you.
Pricing
Why do bespoke pieces vary in price?
Every basin is individually made by hand, with no mass production. Your basin will be a genuine one-of-a-kind, functional work of art.
It is much more than a basin or bowl with a picture on it — it is a unique artwork, made especially for your home.
The price reflects the time and care involved in:
Simple glazed basins
From £375
Plain glazed with simple embossed or painted decoration.
Bespoke illustrated basins
From £750
Individually designed and hand-painted.
Complex commissions
Price on application
For particularly detailed artwork or designs requiring extensive development.
Please be assured that because every commission is different, I’ll confirm the exact price before any work begins, and I can adapt to work within your budget.
Deposits & payment
Booking your commission
Once we’ve agreed your design and price, a deposit is taken to secure your place in my studio schedule and allow me to begin work. I ask for 8 weeks to complete your commission — if you are working to a specific timescale, please let me know and I will do my best.
The remaining balance is payable when your piece is completed, before shipping.
Lead times
How long will my piece take?
Because every piece is handmade, commissions take time. Once sketches are completed and you have confirmed the design, the making, drying, firing, decorating and final firing follow — so a typical bespoke piece takes several weeks from approval of the design to completion.
Your estimated completion date will be agreed with you before work begins. Current lead time is approximately 6–8 weeks.
Postage & delivery
Carefully packaged, safely delivered
Every piece is packed in a strong, protective box, and bespoke pieces are insured for transit where appropriate. I ship throughout the UK and worldwide.
If you are near Staffordshire you are welcome to collect your piece — I’m also happy to meet part way, within reason.
Care guide
Looking after your ceramic
- MaterialsHigh-quality ceramic, hand-painted with professional underglaze ceramic paints, finished with a clear protective glaze, kiln-fired for durability and everyday use.
- CareClean with mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals and scouring pads, which may dull the glaze over time.
- Everyday useBasins and bowls are fully glazed and sealed, making them suitable for daily use.
- InstallationInstallation is the customer’s responsibility — basins are made to fit a standard UK plug size.
FAQ
Questions, answered
Can you paint my dog, horse or cat?
Yes — send me your photos and I will paint your pets. Check out some of my previous basins to see examples of what these will look like in glazes.
Can you incorporate several different things into one design?
Yes, we can work out a design that allows several elements to be incorporated.
Can I request a particular colour palette?
Yes, I can work with your colour palette — it helps if you can share the colours as paint names, for example “Farrow & Ball — Elephant’s Breath”.
Can I see a sketch before you make the basin?
Yes, I will sketch out the ideas and share these with you so you have the chance to approve and add to them.
How many changes can I make to the design?
Prior to starting the making process, sketches can be reworked until we get the design right for you.
How long does a commission take?
Current timescales are 6–8 weeks once designs have been approved — I try to get sketches to you within 2 weeks of your initial enquiry.
How much deposit do you require?
Once we’ve agreed your design and price, a deposit of £100 is required to secure your place in my studio schedule and allow me to begin work. I ask for 8 weeks to complete your commission — if you are working to a specific timescale, please let me know and I will do my best.
When do I pay the balance?
The remaining balance is payable when your piece is completed, before shipping.
Can I order a basin for a new-build bathroom?
Yes — basins fit standard UK plugs and add great character to new builds.
Can you make matching pieces?
I am happy to look at matching pieces if you have a double-sink vanity or want matching bowls. Please be aware that due to the making process no two pieces will be truly identical, but we can get them close.
Do you ship outside the UK?
Yes, I ship worldwide.
Can I collect my piece?
Yes — if you are near Staffordshire you can collect, and I am also happy to meet part way (within reason).
What happens if my basin is damaged during delivery?
I package all basins and bowls carefully in strong, protective boxes. If your piece is damaged in transit, please contact me as soon as possible with photographs of the damage and packaging so I can help resolve it.