Hand Painted Commissions

Sally’s Ceramics uses a traditional palette for her unique style which has evolved over the past 20 years to capture the very essence of the wilderness, the beauty of the wildlife and in depicting the rural way of life. This has enabled her to produce highly distinctive designs collected by many in the United Kingdom and increasingly, the world over.

Hand-painted commissions are popular for all commemorative events, birthdays, christenings, birthdays, engagements, wedding presents, anniversary and special prizes for special events, some will be presents given just for treating.

Hand painted commissions involve preliminary sketches taking into account details which the customer provides. The sketches are offered without obligation to the customer to discuss upon but do remain Sally’s property. The information is usually provided by way of photographs, either emailed or as traditional photos and  these can  range from dogs, cats, horses, cows, goats, pigs, geese, bantams etc., to cottages, unique parts of buildings, stone and wood carvings, old doors and windows and gardens etc., it is all down to the customer’s choice.

The availability of bone china and porcelain is vast, but a great deal of care is taken in assisting the customer in choosing appropriate items which lend themselves to the commission in hand and the budget available, thus meeting with the customers requirements throughout.

Whilst one usually thinks of plates and mugs for china, it can also be extended to vases, lamps, bowls, tureens, tea and coffee sets, boxes of every shape and size, items too numerous to mention, plus tiles and murals.

Sally has her own kilns for firing and together with the use of the traditional china colours, items are fired at temperatures in excess of 800 degrees, for as many times as required to completion. Each firing process takes a minimum of 12 hours including the cooling of the kiln before it is opened.

Finally, the finished article is carefully tissue wrapped before being boxed in a smart presentation box.

Printed Ware

Sally is also able to produce short runs of mug designs for small charities, schools, clubs and societies, according to sales, thus keeping the costs down as much as possible where finances are tight.  These are sketched out initially, using information provided by the customer. Initial orders are kept to a minimum of 50 off, but if sales continue then top up orders can be taken.

Hunt Designs

Many designs have been produced for Hunts, to sell on to their supporters’ to raise funds, and these designs have evolved into using alternative items of ware for follow up seasons.

Bespoke Hunt Mugs

In order to achieve your own design, I use any information you can give to me in the form of photos (eg. hounds, horses, hunt individuals mounted/dismounted, kennels, clock towers, typical countryside, landmarks, + commemorative details for anniversaries, puppy walkers, class prizes, etc. and of course the logo/badge/button etc.) From this information I draw up three different options for a design from which the Hunt can choose. These are initially in the form of quick pen and wash sketches.These sketches are forwarded to you for any comments to be made by your committee etc. They are returned to me showing any decisions for amendments to be made.

The ’design’ is then drawn up for best and it is sent to the printers for a proof to be made, a copy can be sent to you for approval if wished. Following a successful proof, the whole order is printed. Each item is then decorated and fired to 820 degrees, followed by gold and fired at 760 degrees.

The initial minimum order is 50 off, follow up orders can be of any quantity thereby no over ordering is a risk. To date, all Hunts which have ordered the bespoke mugs, have reordered. The largest so far has ordered 800 and gone on to have the design on jugs.

Everything is included in the price, except delivery, from the initial sketches to producing the items and presenting them to you tissue wrapped in simple boxes. (Smart Black needlestripe presentation boxes which hold two mugs are also available, but these do come at extra cost at £7.00 each box)

Tiles and Murals

Tiles and murals are also strongly featured in Sally’s order book and depict her love of the countryside, its rural pursuits and sporting heritage, these are available either as direct commissions or from Digital Ceramic Systems. For the range available please visit their website.  www.digitalceramics.com