FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Seven Magpies?

In short, me! Seven Magpies is a one-woman operation.
My name is Emily Jenkins and I am a ceramicist and classical dressage trainer living in south-east Michigan. I rekindled my love of ceramics and pottery in 2019 after being inspired by my lovely mother and her pursuit of the craft.

I am head potter, studio manager, and the entire shipping and administration team. My lovely husband, Jeremy Bastian, helps here and there, as do my beloved studio assistants and canine companions, Logain and Waxilliam.

Where can you find me in 2026?

Seven Magpies 2026 Art Fair Calendar

February 28 – Garage Sale Art Fair – Kalamazoo MI

March 26 – NCECA Mega Michigan Pop-up – Detroit MI

April 18-19 – Oddities and Curiosities Expo – Columbus OH

April 25 – Possible Studio Sale Date – Ann Arbor MI

May 9-10 – ART Birmingham – pending

May 16-17 – East Lansing Art Fair – pending

June 6-7 – Art on the Grand – Farmington MI

July 11-12 – Oddities and Curiosities Expo – Novi MI

July 16-18 – Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair – Ann Arbor MI

July 25-26 – Oddities and Curiosities Expo – Grand Rapids MI

August 21-23 – Brighton Art Fair – pending

September 11-13 – Art and Apples – Rochester MI

September 26 – Bewitching Peddlers of Michigan – Marshall MI

October 10-11 – Artoberfest – pending

How often do you update your shop?

I admit, I tried to do regular shop updates but with social media what it is today it’s really hard to keep up with “shop drops” and whatnot. I have shifted toward keeping a few items in the shop with occasional smaller updates.

That being said, I do sell online privately and if you are interested in a piece that you see on my social media feel free to inquire via instagram message or email.

Do you take commissions?

I do occasionally accept very limited commissions in January/February.
Please
inquire via instagram message or email.

I also accept a small number of wholesale orders each year.
Please email me to inquire after potential wholesale orders.

How should I care for my mug/bowl/sculpture/etc?

All of my functional works (dishes, mugs, etc) are microwave safe unless otherwise stated. I do recommend hand washing functional work whenever possible, and sculptural elements may be fragile or prone to chipping in a dishwasher.
Please note, however, that the use of non-neutral pH dish detergents can deteriorate glazes – even big box store glazes – over time!

Additionally, dishwashers are seriously rough on your dishes! Just imagine all of the rattling around those poor bowls, plates and mugs endure as the jets of water shoot around the interior. If you have purchased a functional piece from me that has sculptural elements, please – I implore you – hand wash it. 😊

Soaking functional work is not advised.

Sculptural work should cleaned by lightly dusting with a damp cloth or duster.

Shipping FAQs: international, costs, materials etc…

I will do everything I can to keep shipping reasonable for my customers! Unfortunately packaging and shipping costs have increased massively over the past few years, but when you make a purchase I do go through and refund any overages if they occur!

Please note that due to insurance costs in addition to shipping costs international shipping is often very expensive for ceramicists. If you would like a personal shipping quote, please email me!

You may also noticed a variety of packaging materials when you receive your order. I actually source 100% of my non-biodegradable packing materials from my equestrian community! Every single packing peanut, sheet of bubble wrap and big of foam has been carefully saved and donated by someone local to me so that I may reuse them to reduce our carbon footprints and save a bit on shipping materials!

All newly purchased materials are biodegradable!

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

– Mary Oliver

Want info on the next shop update?

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