At the age of 15, I began my pottery career in the basement of my home. Seven years later in 1977, Tumbleweed Pottery was founded. Craft shows and street fairs served as launching points for Tumbleweed's handcrafted stoneware. As North Carolina's originator of word jars and mugs, Tumbleweed Pottery continues to be a leading creator and producer of quality ceramic designs. I hope you will enjoy your creation from Tumbleweed Pottery!

Steve's first craft show - 1970
Apple Chill Festival in Chapel Hill, NC

Tumbleweed Pottery FAQ

Are your products made with lead?

Our ceramics, pottery, cookware, stoneware...you-name-it...none of it contains lead!  Many companies have recently gotten in trouble for this.  We have certification that all of our products are 100% safe and lead-free.  While lead generally gives products a more vibrant color, we would never take a cheap shot at making our products "look good" at the expense of harming our customers.

What is the best way to cook with your products?

Our stoneware products, such as our baking dish, chicken cooker, or beer bread baker must be placed in a cool oven to warm up with the oven.  As is common with stoneware, drastic temperature changes may cause the product to abruptly crack.

Is your pottery microwave safe?

Yes!  Our high-quality stoneware is microwave safe!  Ever wonder why many other cooking products today say that you can't put it in the microwave?  Sure, you may save a dollar, but chances are, those other products are so poorly built that they may melt or disintegrate in the microwave.  Or worse, leak harmful chemicals in to your food.  Don't take that risk!  Stoneware has been around for centuries and is safe to cook with!

Is your stoneware dishwasher safe?

Of course!  We are proud to say that our stoneware is dishwasher safe.  Many other products that our competition sells are not dishwasher safe.  Ever wonder why?  Chances are they may melt in the dishwasher, or they are so unbelievably fragile that they aren't worth using.  Our stoneware is designed to make your life better, not the other way around!

How long can I expect your ceramics to last?

Ever wonder how the dead sea scrolls have lasted for thousands of years?  Or how we find relics at the bottom of glaciers that are still in tact?  They're pottery!  If you take care of your Tumbleweed Pottery stoneware, it will last for a lifetime.  You can pass these on to your children, and they'll last.  Of course, you can save a dollar buying less expensive goods, but you'll be buying those every few years.  That adds up!  Save money by buying QUALITY.  Buy Tumbleweed Pottery's stoneware!

Do you have a greeting card you include with your orders?

We do!  By popular demand, many of our customers have asked for a very nice, hand-written greeting card.  For $0.99, we will tastefully hand write your message on a thick, card-stock greeting card.  It's an extra way to show you care!

This product is a gift.  Do you include prices on the packing slip?

Never!  We know that giving a gift is important, but it's the thought that counts.  We will not put the prices on a packing slip.  Rest assured that your gift recipient won't know how much you spent, and they shouldn't!

How long does it take to process my order?

We have been in business since 1977, and that means we've worked out a lot of kinks over the years.  That's just one of the reasons we are able to ship within 24 business hours while others twiddle their thumbs for days!  We know there are many last-minute buyers out there, and we cater to you too!

Who owns Tumbleweed Pottery?

No, we are not a cold, dark warehouse run by computers and robots designed to ship packages and never build a relationship with our customers.  Tumbleweed Pottery has PROUDLY been family owned since 1977.  [As a matter of fact, we invite you "into our living room" to meet our family!]

How long has Tumbleweed Pottery been around?

Tumbleweed Pottery is happy to have been in business, by the same owner, since 1977.  We got our start in the small town of Chapel Hill, NC, home of the Carolina Tar Heels (where our owner went to school by the way)!  We've sold over 10,000,000 chicken cookers, grandparent mugs, word jars, you-name-it since then!  Rest assured - we've found that the more we help our customers achieve satisfaction, the better we do.  We know your experience with us will be the same!

Where is Tumbleweed Pottery?

Tumbleweed Pottery is located in the heart of Apex, NC, a quaint and rustic town southwest of Raleigh, NC.  Incorporated in 1873, Apex was named for its location as the highest point on the Chatham Railroad between Richmond, Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida.  In July of 2007, CNN Money named Apex #14 on the list of the United States' top 100 small towns.

What types of products does Tumbleweed Pottery offer?
Tumbleweed Pottery's product line includes a wide variety of fun, witty, and heartfelt products.

Where are Tumbleweed Pottery products sold?
Tumbleweed Pottery products are sold through Hallmark retailers, independent gift stores, hospital gift shops, catalogs and more.  Tumbleweed Pottery is proud to be a preferred vendor of Hallmark PLUS+.

Where can I see the entire Tumbleweed Pottery line?
The Tumbleweed Pottery lines is so large that few retailers display the entire selection of products and titles.  You can easily view the entire gift products line on this site or feel free to contact us via the internet to locate a retailer nearest your home.

What if the retailer does not carry the particular Tumbleweed Pottery item or title I am interested in?
Every Tumbleweed Pottery retailer has the ability to order any or all of the products or titles available.  We carry a substantial inventory of products in our North Carolina warehouse, and in most cases, we are able to ship within a three to five days after receipt of the retailer's order. You can order directly online at tumbleweedpottery.com.

Can I purchase Tumbleweed Pottery products on the web site?
Yes!  Our products can be purchased through the vast network of retailers across the country in addition to directly through this site. 

Are variations in shape, size and color normal?
Every piece of Tumbleweed Pottery is a ceramic work of art.  Any variations in the finish are intended and should be considered as part of the uniqueness of the product.

Are Tumbleweed Pottery products microwave and dishwasher safe?
Tumbleweed Pottery products are microwave safe.  USE CARE!  These items may become very HOT due to natural air pockets in the clay.  The products may also develop hairline craze lines called crazing that do not affect the usefulness of the product, but may make it appear aged.  Our products are safe for dishwasher use.  We recommend using the top shelf of your dishwasher. If you have purchased a bakeware product, be sure to start the ceramic piece in a COLD oven.

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