Frequently Asked Questions

Are all of your ceramics handmade?

Yes. Every ceramic piece is made by hand in my Columbus, Ohio studio. Some pieces are wheel-thrown, others are hand-built, and each one is finished individually. No molds or mass production are used, so subtle variations in form, glaze, and texture are a natural part of the work.

What makes each piece unique?

No two pieces are ever exactly alike.

Clay, glaze, and the firing process all have a voice in the final result. I intentionally embrace these variations because they reflect the making process and ensure every piece is truly one of one.

What are the maker's marks?

You may notice either my original handwritten "L" maker's mark or the Aurélène studio mark on the bottom of a piece.

Both marks represent work created entirely by me. The Aurélène stamp marks the beginning of a new chapter in my studio practice and will continue to appear on future collections.

Are your ceramics food safe?

Yes. All glazed surfaces that come into contact with food or drink are finished with food-safe glazes and fired to stoneware temperatures.

Some pieces intentionally feature exposed clay on the exterior as part of their design, but any food-contact surfaces are fully glazed.

Are your ceramics dishwasher and microwave safe?

All ceramics are made from durable stoneware and are technically dishwasher and microwave safe.

That said, I recommend hand washing whenever possible. Handmade ceramics deserve a little extra care, and gentle washing will help preserve their finish for years to come.

Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as transferring a piece directly from the refrigerator into a hot oven.

Why do some pieces have small variations or marks?

Handmade ceramics carry evidence of their making.

You may notice throwing lines, subtle asymmetry, glaze variation, or small marks that developed during firing. These details are not considered defects. They are part of what makes each piece unique and reflect the process behind its creation.

What is Aurélène?

Aurélène is my collection of handmade ritual objects.

Created within lilygardner.studio, it brings together ceramics, candles, and home fragrance designed to become part of everyday rituals. Every object is created in small batches with an emphasis on craftsmanship, natural materials, and thoughtful design.

When do you release new collections?

Most work is released in small, limited collections throughout the year.

Once a collection sells out, those exact pieces will not be recreated. New collections continue to evolve as I explore new materials, forms, and glazing techniques.

The best way to hear about upcoming releases is by joining my email list or following along on Instagram.

Do you accept custom orders?

At this time, I am focusing on studio collections and do not regularly accept custom ceramic commissions.

If commission opportunities become available, they will be announced through my newsletter and social media.

How are orders packaged?

Every order is carefully wrapped using protective, recyclable materials whenever possible.

Because each ceramic piece is one of one, I take extra care to ensure it arrives safely.

What if my order arrives damaged?

Although every package is packed with great care, accidents can happen during transit.

If your order arrives damaged, please email me within 48 hours of delivery with photographs of both the packaging and the damaged piece. I'll work with you to find the best possible solution.