Notary Ceramics evolved as a way to let go of control to become present in everyday life. For us working with ceramics is a way to find beauty in the uncontrollable and the so-called imperfections. We find value in drips, lines, color variations, and human marks. These are the elements we feel connect us as humans in a world that asks for perfection.
Our Process
Here at Notary Ceramics we find value in the process behind handmade ceramics. All of our ceramic pieces are either hand thrown, hand-built, pressed, or slip-cast. Each piece is then placed in a kiln to bisque fire for 16-24 hours, and then allowed to cool in preparation for glazing. Once the pieces are cooled and waxed; we dip, pour, spray, or brush the bisque ceramic with glaze to then go into the kiln for another 8-10 hours.While we know our glazes fairly well and have learned what to expect from their outcomes, there are some things in this process, particularly in glazing, that we cannot control, this is where the magic happens.
For your safety
Our clay is sourced from local suppliers in the Pacific Northwest. Our glazes are non toxic and food safe. As well as free of manganese, lead, and cadmium and are in accordance with Prop 65. Our ceramics are also both microwave and dishwasher safe.
Our Glazes
Matte White
Our Matte White is glazed on our white porcelain clay body. This is one of our more consistent glazes with little to no drips, pour lines, or color variations. Our Matte White smooth finish makes these pieces easy to clean and extremely versatile when creating a tablescape. Being a light glaze color this is also a glaze that will show a testament of use from silverware, but will stand the test of time.
Variation Scale: 1 2 3 4 5
Sand
Our Sand is glazed on our beige stoneware clay body. This smooth finish glaze shows small specs of sediment if you look closely, claiming its name of Sand. While being another one of our more consistent glazes with little to no drips or color variations, we sign our Sand glaze with a dipped line that may slightly vary. Like our Matte White glaze, this glaze will show a history of the meals that were enjoyed on it. While it does not easily stain, certain silverware will leave its mark.
Variation Scale: 1 2 3 4 5
Matte Grey
Our Matte Grey is glazed on our brown stoneware clay body. This glaze has the most raw touch and the widest range of variations of our glazes. While mimicking a grey stone-like look, this glaze also has a special characteristic known in the ceramic world as a "kiln kiss”. This is a pink tone that will sometimes be pulled from the iron in the clay. We celebrate this glaze giving each piece its own identity, with more variation of drips, pour lines, and hue tones. This glaze works like copper, with its own patina-like element the glaze holds memories of use, changing slightly in color with time.
Variation Scale: Least 1 2 3 4 5 Most
Satin Stone
Our Satin Stone is glazed on our brown stoneware clay body. This glaze carries elements of all our other glazes. While having a smooth finish like our Matte White, Sand, and Satin Black, the Satin Stone has more variation of drips, pour lines, or hue tones, like the Matte Grey. This color mimics a polished stone and is one of our most versatile glaze colors when compiling your dinnerware sets.
Variation Scale: 1 2 3 4 5
Satin Black
Our Satin Black is glazed on our brown stoneware clay body. This glaze color is the yin to the Matte Whites Yang. While contrastingly opposite to the Matte White, they have much in common. This Satin Black smooth finish makes these pieces easy to clean and extremely versatile when creating a tablescape. Unlike the Matte White, this glaze is forgiving when it comes to silverware impressions. This is one of our more consistent glazes with little to no drips, pour lines, or color variations.
Variation Scale: 1 2 3 4 5
Custom Orders
Most times we are able to recreate past pieces as well. Typically custom orders take between 6-8 weeks. We are happy to take on custom orders within our wheelhouse with our signature glazes and a few seasonal glazes as well. All custom pieces have a minimum of $400 and with an additional 20% custom fee. The turnaround time on custom orders is between 4-6 weeks.
If you are unsure if your project is in our wheelhouse please reach out to us directly and we can help advise! Please email orders@notaryceramics.com for pricing and availability.
Please note: Custom orders are non refundable. These are handmade pieces and we take as much information as we can to execute your vision keeping in mind that each project allows for a new experience for both of us.
