FAQ – Studio Workshops

Paint workshop:

When can I come to paint?

You can check in the menu above in "reserve your workshop" and join groupal workshops. You can also make a reservation with me directly if you want to come on another time, date or with a big group such as family, friends or colleagues.

What kind of pieces can I paint?The ceramic pieces that you can paint are 100% handmade by me. For the painting workshop is always a handless cup and a breakfast plate (around 15-20cm diameter).

What’s included in the price?

The paint workshop includes:

Ceramic plate and a handless cup.
Kiln firing.
Tea, coffee, and a cozy creative space.
All painting materials (brushes, glazes).

Are handmade marks or imperfections normal?

Yes! Every piece goes through a hand-finished process, from beginning to end.
Tiny details like stilt marks, glaze drips, or color variations are natural and part of the charm — they are not defects.

What is the handbuilt pieces workshop?

This workshop focuses on creating ceramic pieces entirely by hand, without using a pottery wheel. You will learn basic handbuilding techniques such as pinching, slab building, and coiling to create your own unique piece.

Do I need previous experience?

No experience is needed. This workshop is suitable for beginners as well as for those who want to deepen their handbuilding skills.

Are the pieces made by hand?

Yes. All pieces created in this workshop are 100% handmade by the participants, guided by the studio. Each piece is shaped, refined, and finished by hand.

Will my piece look exactly like the example?

Not exactly. Handbuilt ceramics are naturally organic and expressive. Each piece will be unique in shape, thickness, and texture.

Can my piece crack or break?

Yes. Cracks can occur during drying, and pieces may break or deform during firing. Clay is a natural material and reacts to humidity, temperature, and handling. This is a normal part of the ceramic process.

Is it possible that pieces explode in the kiln?

In rare cases, yes. If moisture remains inside the clay, a piece can crack or explode during firing, also if a piece has wholes inside or bubbles. The studio follows proper drying and firing procedures, but this risk is always present in handmade ceramics.

Are imperfections normal?

Absolutely. Small cracks, uneven edges, fingerprints, or glaze variations are all part of handbuilt ceramics and are considered normal characteristics, not defects.

How long does it take for my piece to be ready?

The drying, glazing, and firing process takes approximately 3–4 weeks, depending on the piece and kiln schedule.

What is the pottery wheel workshop?

This workshop introduces you to wheel throwing, where clay is shaped on a spinning wheel to create functional ceramic forms such as cups or bowls.

Is this workshop suitable for beginners?

Yes. The workshop is beginner-friendly and focused on learning the basics of centering, shaping, and working with the wheel.

Are the pieces handmade?

Yes. Although a pottery wheel is used, every piece is handmade. The clay is centered, shaped by hand by each participant. Finally it will be trimmed, and finished by me.

Is it normal if my piece collapses while throwing?

Yes. Collapsing or deforming pieces are very common, especially for beginners. This is part of learning how to work with clay on the wheel.

Can pottery wheel pieces crack or warp?

Yes. Pieces may crack, warp, or deform during drying or firing due to uneven thickness or natural clay movement. This is completely normal in wheel-thrown ceramics.

Will all pieces survive the kiln?

Most pieces do (around 95%), but ceramics always involve a level of unpredictability. Cracks, glaze defects, or firing accidents can happen even with proper care.

Are imperfections part of the process?

Yes. Finger marks, uneven rims, glaze variations, and small imperfections are natural results of the handmade process and are embraced in ceramics.

What if my piece gets damaged?

If a piece is broken or damaged due to a mistake by the studio, you’re welcome to repaint it or receive a replacement. It is not possible to return a piece due to minor handmade marks.

How long does it take to be ready?

Firing takes approximately to 14 days.

How long do I have to pick it up?

You can pick up your piece within 2 weeks after painting — no notification will be sent, since this information is also given in the workshop. We will hold your piece for up to 6 weeks. If it's still uncollected after that, we’ll notify you one last time. If we don’t hear from you within a few days after the notification, your piece will be discarded to make room for new work.

Do you offer shipping?

We do not offer shipping within the Netherlands. All studio-painted pieces must be picked up in person. You have up to 6 weeks to collect your piece after painting — please plan accordingly! Shipping is only available for international orders within Europe and must be arranged in advance the day of the painting.

Handbuilt workshop:

Pottery wheel workshop:

FAQ – Handmade Pieces & Online Shop

Care of the pieces:

Are the pieces dishwasher save and food save?

Yes, all handmade pieces are dishwasher safe, but to preserve the glaze and details, hand washing is recommended. Most are microwave safe unless specified otherwise.

Shipping:

How long does it take to ship an item?

As soon as you purchase your item we try to dispatch your order as soon as possible, however it make take up to 5 business days for the order to be sent.

Do you ship internationally?

For now our orders can be sent international to countries in the EU and UK.

Returns:

Can I return or exchange a handmade piece?

Due to the nature of handmade ceramics, returns are only accepted if the item is damaged during shipping. Minor imperfections are expected and part of the artisanal process. We don't accept returns or refunds for change of mind. We try our best for the pictures to be as accurate as possible. However some colors can be a little bit different due to the display settings. If you have any inconvenience you can always contact us.

What happens if my order arrives damaged?

In an unlikely event that this happens, please contact us and send us pictures of the item so we can give you a refund or replace the item. You can sent your pictures to the email muerganaceramics@gmail.com.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept iDEAL, credit cards, and PayPal via our website.

Do you offer gift cards?

Yes! Digital gift cards are available for both workshops and handmade items.

FAQ – 5-Week Pottery Course

1. Do I need any experience to join?
Not at all! This course is designed for complete beginners, but also suits anyone wanting to refresh their skills.

2. How many people are in each course?
Classes are kept small with a maximum of 4 students and a minimum of 2, ensuring plenty of personal attention.

3. What happens if only one person signs up?
If only one person enrolls, the course will be cancelled. You’ll receive a full refund or have the option to join the next available course.

4. What if I can’t attend one of the classes?
Unfortunately, missed classes can’t be rescheduled or made up, as the course is structured to move forward each week with the group.

5. What’s included in the course fee?
All clay, tools, glazes, firings, and expert guidance are included. Just bring yourself and clothes you don’t mind getting messy.

6. What will I make?
By the end of the course, you can expect to have 5–8 simple pieces, such as cups or small bowls, depending on your pace.

7. What if my piece breaks during firing or glazing?
Pottery is a delicate process, and sometimes pieces don’t survive drying, firing, or glazing. While I take great care, I can’t guarantee every piece will make it through the process.

8. When can I collect my finished work?
Your pieces will be ready after the final firing. They must be collected within 6 weeks of the course ending—after that, they may be discarded.

9. Can I cancel my booking?
Yes—if you cancel at least 7 days before the course starts, you’ll receive a full refund.
Cancellations less than 7 days before the start are non-refundable, but you can send someone else in your place—even up to the day the course begins—if you let me know in advance.