Make Love Not Landfill FAQs

What is Make Love Not Landfill?

Make Love Not Landfill is the colourful ceramic studio of artist Helen Louise Gallimore, based in South Wales. Helen creates handmade ceramics, artist tools, home and garden pieces and creative experiences with sustainability, craftsmanship and a healthy dislike of throwaway culture at their heart.

Where are your ceramics made?

My ceramics are designed and handmade in my studio in South Wales. Each piece is made slowly rather than mass-produced, so you can expect the little variations and individual details that make handmade pottery special.

Are all Make Love Not Landfill ceramics handmade?

Yes. My ceramic pieces are handmade rather than factory-produced, which means no two will ever be completely identical. Small differences in shape, surface, glaze and finish are part of the character of handmade ceramics rather than faults.

What makes your ceramics sustainable?

I believe we need to buy fewer things and keep the good things for longer. I create ceramics with longevity in mind, using quality raw materials alongside found objects and upcycled studio equipment wherever I can.

My aim is to make pieces that are used, loved, repaired, passed on and kept in circulation rather than becoming part of our throwaway culture. Read my environmental statement here. #makelovenotlandfill

What materials do you use?

My ceramics are made using quality UK-sourced mineral clay, including materials from established Stoke-on-Trent pottery suppliers. I also reuse, rescue and repurpose materials and objects within my wider creative practice wherever possible. Read my environmental statement here.

Are your ceramic glazes safe?

My functional ceramic palettes use non-toxic, lead-free glazes. Functional food and drink pieces are finished with a durable dinnerware-safe interior glaze. Read my environmental statement here.

If you are unsure whether a particular piece is suitable for food or drink, check the individual product description before purchasing. Read my environmental statement here.

What sort of handmade ceramics do you sell?

The collection changes regularly, but you’ll find everything from artist palettes and studio vessels to whimsical pottery, trinket dishes, fairy houses, garden ceramics and unusual gifts.

Many pieces are produced in small quantities or as one-offs, so once something has gone, it may genuinely have gone.

Do you make ceramic artist palettes and studio tools?

Yes. I make ceramic palettes, water vessels and other studio pieces designed by an artist for artists. They are practical objects, but because life is too short for boring art supplies, they are also made to bring a bit more colour and personality to your workspace.

Do you make eco-friendly garden gifts?

Yes. My garden collection includes handmade ceramic pieces designed for people who love their gardens and the wildlife living in them, including bee cups, insect-friendly pieces and decorative garden ceramics.

Do you sell handmade ceramic gifts?

Absolutely. There are plenty of smaller pieces that make unusual gifts for artists, gardeners, nature lovers and people who appreciate something a little different from mass-produced homeware.

You can browse the current Eco Gifts collection to see what is available.

Do you offer pottery classes online?

Yes. I run follow-along creative sessions that allow you to join in from home. Classes can include a kit delivered to you, live instruction and access to replays, so you don’t need to live near the studio to take part.

Do I need pottery experience to join a class or retreat?

No. The creative experiences are designed around play, making and having a go rather than producing something technically perfect.

Whether you already work with clay or haven’t made anything since school, you are very welcome.

What are the Make Love Not Landfill creative retreats?

My creative retreats are small, immersive art holidays designed to give you time to switch off, make things, explore and reconnect with your creativity.

They include creative activities alongside time to relax, eat good food and enjoy your surroundings.

Where are your creative retreats held?

My Alpine Creative Retreats take place in the French Alps, centered around the town of Bourg Saint Maurice. They are intimate luxury four-night creative breaks combining workshops, local food, exploring and plenty of time away from the usual screen scrolling.

Places are deliberately limited to a small group.

Do you ship ceramics within the UK?

Yes. UK orders are available for delivery, with shipping calculated according to the order and delivery method.

Because ceramics need a little more care in transit than your average parcel, larger or more fragile orders may use a different delivery service.

Can you ship internationally?

International orders may be possible, but they are arranged separately rather than through standard website checkout. Contact me at hello@makelovenotlandfill.co.uk and I can discuss your order and provide a delivery quote.

Can I return a item?

Yes. If you change your mind about an eligible physical purchase, contact me within 14 days of receiving your order.

Because handmade ceramics are fragile, returned pieces need to be packed carefully in original packaging and returned in their original condition.

Please see the Delivery, Returns and Refunds page for the full details before arranging a return.

What happens if my handmade ceramic piece looks slightly different from the photograph?

That is one of the joys of buying handmade.

Clay, glazing and firing naturally create variations, and individual pieces may have small differences in colour, shape, markings and finish. Your piece will have its own character rather than looking as though it has come off a factory production line.

Can I collaborate with Make Love Not Landfill?

Yes. I love collaborating with other artists, illustrators, designers and makers.

If you have an idea for a collection or creative collaboration, get in touch at hello@makelovenotlandfill.co.uk  and tell me what you have in mind.

How can I hear about new ceramic collections and retreats?

Join my mailing list and Substack community for studio news, new collections, creative sessions, retreats and behind-the-scenes updates.

Subscribers can also receive a lifetime free-postage code for future online shop purchases for a limited time.