One of the reasons I enjoy my studio work, and an impetus to starting the Wedding Registry, is that I enjoy interacting directly with customers.  Custom orders -- of which, obviously, the Wedding Registry is an off-shoot -- provide opportunities for that interaction.  In addition, it's fun for me (and I think for the customer) to have an exchange of creative ideas. 

Here are some thoughts on custom orders:

Custom orders don't have to be pots.  You can discuss and order unique porcelain tiles, for a fireplace front or a kitchen backsplash.  Or a number plate to grace your front door.

Custom orders are a way to commemorate a special occasion.  So, order an inscribed and personalized Piggy Bank to welcome that special baby into your world.  Or, celebrate an Anniversary with a personalized set of dishes. (Did you know that the symbol for the Ninth Anniversary is ... pottery??)   Or -- well, for every special occasion in your life, there's an opportunity to think about a custom order!

Many of the precursors of items in the On-line Gallery that might be called "specialty" items -- clocks, fish soap dishes, piggy banks -- started their existence as custom orders.  These specialty pieces often combine elements thrown on the potter's wheel as well as hand-built elements.

When there's enough lead time on a custom order, I can exchange ideas and suggestions with the customer via email (if the customer isn't in the area), including photo attachments.

WARNING:  Custom orders are not for procrastinators!  The usual lead time needed is six to eight weeks, depending on what's happening in the studio.  

Bowl with Dogs   "I can't wait to see the surprise on my wife's face this Christmas. She recently completed her first mystery novel and she is always talking about the Agatha Award for Best First Novel: a teapot. I found some examples on-line and Way was able to masterfully create a replica with the date 20??. It looks fantastic. Way is easy to work with and we did it all on-line via email." Jay A., Denver, CO   Gift for Special Child   Large Berry Bowl, D10"   Gift for Niece   Mug and Bowl for Special Child   Platter for the Judge   Set of Gecko Dinner Plates   Anniversary Plate, replicating restaurant plate "popping the question."   Custom ordered bowls, for a all-in-one bowl Chinese food! D6 x H3-1/2, $120 for set of 6   Mugs to fit "Sean's fingers", D3 x H3-1/4 $72 for set of 4   Custom order for small teapot with ocean motif, hence the "Seapot"   Custom-ordered Tall Mugs Deep saucer for tidbits also doubles as lid   Deep Dishes and Bowls, Inscribed Set of Four   Wedding Bowl, close-up.   Special Wedding Goblet   Wedding Platter.   Wedding Platter, back.   Sawdust-fired backsplash tiles for kitchen remodel.   Sawdust-fired tiles for staircase.   Custom tiles for Fireplace, 1" x 2" tiles   Part of Anniversary Set, Inscribed 9 Pasta Plates   Handbuilt and wheel-thrown clock, around 5"D   Inscribed Goblets for Wedding Ceremony   Handbuilt and wheel-thrown clock   A Piggy Bank for a special baby   But maybe you want a larger one?   Here it is: ordered for a special grown-up