The Whisper of the Clay: A Gnomestead Tale

Nestled deep within the whispering forests of Snohomish, Washington where the ancient firs touch the clouds and moss cushions every step, lies the hidden world we call the Gnomestead. It’s not on any map, save for the one etched in the heart of the one who works here.

Here, the air is rich with the earthy tang of raw clay and the faint, sweet scent of the trees. While the Gnomestead Gnomes are the cheerful, whimsical inspiration, it is I who spend my days dedicated to the craft. I use my hands to shape resilient, high-fire stoneware from the earth, guided by the quiet magic of this place.

Forget the hurried, mass-produced items. Every unique piece—from sturdy planters to joyful keepsakes—is patiently hand-built, ensuring that a piece of functional whimsy finds its way to your home.

The Gnomestead believes a useful thing can also be a unique thing, and a unique thing always sparks delight. When you hold a piece of our pottery, you hold a bit of that magic, a whisper of the forest, and the enduring spirit of the Gnomestead, always making sure your shelves are never, ever boring.

FAQs

How should I care for my new pottery treasure?

Our stoneware is very resilient, but it still appreciates a little kindness!

  • For Everyday Use: Our functional, kitchen pieces are safe for the microwave and dishwasher.

  • For Delicate Decor: Ornaments or pieces with delicate carved details prefer a gentle hand-wash to maintain their intricate charm.

  • A Word of Caution: Sudden, extreme temperature changes (like moving a piece directly from a freezing porch to a hot oven) can cause thermal shock. Let your pottery warm up or cool down gradually—they don't like surprises!

Why doesn’t it look exactly like the picture?

Please note that each Gnomestead Pottery piece is lovingly handmade. While we strive for consistency, the item you receive will be a unique representation of our craft. Expect subtle variations in size, shape, surface texture, and glaze application (including hand-painted details) compared to the photos. These aren't imperfections, but the charming hallmarks of a truly one-of-a-kind, artisan piece crafted just for you. We do our very best to accurately represent our pieces.

What if my pottery arrives broken or damaged?

Oh, dear! That's a tragedy the gnomes weep over! We pack every item with extreme care, but sometimes the journey is rough.

If your treasure arrives damaged:

  1. Don't Panic! Keep all the original packaging and the damaged item.

  2. Take Pictures: Immediately snap clear photos of the broken piece and the state of the box it arrived in.

  3. Contact Us Promptly: Email us at info@gnomesteadpottery.com within 48 hours of delivery with your order number and the photos.

We will gladly arrange a replacement or a refund and handle the claim with the shipping carrier so you can get back to enjoying your whimsical goods!

What are your pottery pieces made of? Are they safe?

Our whimsical wonders are all hand-built using high-fire stoneware clay—the sturdy, durable stuff that lasts through everyday use and many seasons of merriment!

Absolutely, yes, they are safe for your kitchen gnome and the whole family! Each piece is lovingly finished with lead-free, non-toxic, certified food-safe glazes. They are perfectly safe for eating, drinking, and adding a little magic to your meals.

Do you accept custom orders?

We occasionally open up our kiln schedule for special, unique requests. If you have a grand vision for a custom piece, please use our Contact form (below) to send a detailed inquiry. Include any sketches, dimensions, or gnome-inspired ideas you have. We'll be in touch to let you know if we can squeeze your vision into the queue!

Contact us

Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!