1. What makes your mugs "handmade" and unique?

Every mug begins as a ball of clay, shaped individually on the potter's wheel by hand. From there, each piece is handled, cleaned, waxed, and glazed with meticulous care. Because of this personal touch and the unique interactions within the kiln's extreme environment, no two mugs are ever exactly alike. You'll find subtle variations in color, texture, and form that celebrate the potter's touch and make your mug truly one-of-a-kind. In fact, every mug is handled no less than 25 times throughout the process of building a custom coffee mug!

​

​

2. How long does it take to create one of your custom mugs?

The entire process, from throwing the clay to the final firing and cooling, spans approximately 5 weeks for our standard production flow. This includes essential drying time (at least 7-10 days) and two separate kiln firings, each followed by a 24-hour cooling period. This carefully structured multi-stage process ensures the durability and quality of every piece.

​​

​

3. What is the lead time to start and finish a batch of custom mugs?

Once all the details of your custom mug order are finalized, please anticipate a lead time before production begins. This period allows us to plan your unique design, produce the custom logo, and thoughtfully integrate your order into our tight production schedule that include other orders. We appreciate your patience as we prepare to bring your custom vision to life with the quality and care it deserves. ***As of June 2025, lead time is approximately 5 weeks. 

​​​​

​

4. What is the process for ordering custom mugs?

Ordering custom mugs typically involves a few steps: First, we'll discuss your design vision, including shape, glaze colors, and any specific custom elements like logos or text. We'll then provide a quote based on your specifications and order volume. Once approved, we move to production, keeping you informed of key milestones. The full process, from order confirmation to finished product, will align with our production schedule and your specific needs. To start the process, send an email to cvpots@gmail.com and give us the details about your custom mug needs. We will respond within one day.  

​

​

5. Do you offer different mug shapes?

Yes, we offer a selection of distinct mug shapes, each designed to enhance your experience. Our current offerings include: The Spire (angular and straight), The Homestead (traditional bellied), The and the Artisan (hourglass shape). You can find detailed descriptions of each shape in our "Mug Shapes" section.

​

​

6. What glaze colors and combinations do you offer?

We offer a curated palette of glazes, deeply inspired by North Carolina's rich heritage and natural beauty. Our collection includes vibrant yellows (Summer Fields), brilliant blues (Outer Banks), beautiful greens (Deep Woods and Hemlock Shade), and unique combinations such as Wildflower Bloom (turquoise base with a purple rim) or Coastal Copper (off-white breaking with rusty red). You can explore all our glaze options and their unique stories in our "Glaze Options" section. 

​

​

7. What is your pricing? How do your custom mug prices compare to larger commercial producers?

Our custom mugs are priced to reflect the meticulous craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and artistic value of a truly handmade product. While we may not match the mass-production prices of very large factories, our pricing for bulk orders is competitive within the market for premium, custom handmade stoneware.  Currently, the price for bulk order custom mugs is $25 per mug plus shipping and tax.  This represents a 40% discount from our retail price. 

​

​

8. Do you charge an extra artwork fee like other companies?

No. We include the price of artwork in the cost of the mug. This means that no matter how large your order there is no hidden artwork fee that you have to pay. 

​​

​

9. Can I get my mugs any faster?

Do you need your custom mugs sooner? Our Premium Production service ensures your order receives top priority, moving directly to the front of our production queue. For a 20% service fee, we will fast-track your batch, significantly reducing the lead time and getting your custom pottery in your hands faster. Choose Premium Production when time is of the essence, and experience accelerated craftsmanship without compromising on quality. Premium Production mugs are usually shipped within 3 weeks. 

​​​​

​

10. What is the minimum order quantity for custom mugs?

For custom mug orders, our minimum quantity is 20 mugs. This allows us to efficiently process your order through our production and firing schedules, ensuring consistent quality and value for both your custom design and our handmade process. 

​

​

11. Can I order mugs for my business or organization?

Absolutely! We specialize in custom orders for businesses, churches, schools, and other organizations. Custom mugs are excellent for corporate gifting, employee recognition, unique merchandise, or fundraising. We can work with you to create a design that beautifully represents your brand or cause. Please visit our "Custom Orders" page or contact us directly to discuss your project. Send us an email at cvpots@gmail.com to get the process started!

​

​

12. ​​How should I care for my handmade pottery?

Our stoneware mugs are crafted for durability. They are generally dishwasher safe and microwave safe. However, as with all handmade ceramics, we recommend gentle handling. Avoid extreme temperature shock (e.g., pouring boiling water directly into a cold mug, or placing a hot mug on a cold surface) to prevent thermal shock. Handwashing is always recommended for longevity, especially for pieces with delicate glazes or detailed rims.