This project has been generously supported by CREATIVE SASKATCHEWAN.

The Fine Print: 

• We are hustling to process your order as quickly as possible. Cups are made to order and can take up to 7-14 business days to be delivered after the order comes through. (Cups ordered from outside our home city (Swift Current, SK, Canada) may take longer, pending delivery methods available. Additional delivery fees may apply.) After you’ve placed your order, expect a follow up email to confirm a general delivery time the day that your delivery goes out.

• Each cup is unique. We cannot accommodate individual selection of cup shape.

• Though we don't anticipate any problems, the ceramic process is full of unknowns. Therefore we cannot guarantee that all cups will survive the firing process nor that they will be free of slight imperfections. 

• We cannot refund or replace cups that are broken or damaged at any point in the process, including as you're working on it. Please be careful!

• We encourage your creativity but we do not support hate speech, discrimination, and other offensive messaging. As we curate this project, in the event that we don’t share the views presented in any one design, we reserve the right not to promote that cup through social media or at auction.

• Once you have finished carving your cup and it’s been returned to Silt (or your local pottery studio), expect another 4 to 6 weeks of processing time. Each cup has to be bisque fired, glazed, fired again, and photo-documented before it will be delivered to you as a finished product. We appreciate your patience and we’ll notify you as soon as your cup(s) are ready to be delivered for good!

How To:

STEP 1

• Google sgraffito or search #sgraffito to get some ideas and inspiration before you start. There are tons of great images, Youtube videos, and ceramic artists to follow out there on the Internet!

• Think about your desired outcome and, if you’d like, make a sketch.

STEP 2

• When you’re ready to begin, remove your cup from it’s packaging by carefully inverting it over your hand. If it doesn’t pop out, put the cup upside down on a flat surface and tap it out. Keep the packaging so that it can be used to transport your cup back to the studio for firing.

• If your drew your plan on paper, transfer your image to the cup by placing your drawing over the cup and tracing it with enough pressure that your lines are lightly visible on the surface. You can also sketch directly onto the cup with a pencil. OR just begin carving freestyles!

STEP 3

• Heed these HOT TIPS:

• The cup is unfired. Though sufficiently strong enough to withstand being worked on, unfired clay pieces should not be dropped, banged, or handled roughly if you want the cup to survive. Please be careful as you work and/or transport your cup! Cups are nonrefundable.

• Put a slightly damp towel over your lap or work surface so that the scratched away clay particles will stick to it. 

• Experiment with carving away large areas and allow the carving lines to create pattern and texture. 

• Use a dry sponge to gently brush away the clay crumbs and clean up the edges of the incised lines as you go. 

• We’ve included a small baggie of black slip with your order. Use a small brush to fill any unintentional scratch marks on the surface of your cup. Once the fill has dried and is the same colour as the rest of the cup, gently burnish over it with the back of a spoon or your finger to smooth the edges.

• Be mindful not to go too deep and poke or scratch through the cup!

STEP 4

• Be diligent about cleaning up frequently as you’re working and after you're all done. Clay particles are very fine and should not be breathed in. Don’t let the dust get tracked around your home and avoid blowing, sweeping, or brushing the dry clay dust. Use a damp paper towel or cloth to wipe up any dust and particles on your table, floor, or other surfaces. 

STEP 5

• Don’t forget to share your experience through social media! Tag us on Instagram and Facebook @siltstudioltd or use #siltstudio and #thepeoplescup

STEP 6

• Use a sharpie or other permanent pen to clearly print your name on the plastic cup that your clay cup arrived in, which will keep it safe for transport. Contact us at siltstudiocollectivecraft@gmail.com (or be in touch with your local pottery studio) to arrange for your cup to be finished and fired. 

• Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!