About Hand Made Pottery

Hand made pottery has been created by humans for millennia; the action of making creates the indelible mark of the potter’s hands on the piece. Shaped, decorated, and finished by hand, pieces exhibit subtle differences in forms, rims, or handles. Glaze thicknesses can vary, and the placement in the kiln changes how the heat-work affects the surface. Far from being flaws, these variations are unique aesthetic qualities that are the very reason that hand made pottery is valued. Organic table wares are especially at home in the contemporary buy local/slow foods/foodie climate, and beautifully compliment bountiful farmer’s salads, crusty breads, or artisan teas.

Nevertheless, some variations are actual flaws in the pottery. I do not sell pottery that is less than technically perfect - cracks in the clay, or bubbles and tiny pinholes in the glaze are criteria for destroying pieces. These flaws are not just unsightly; they are hazards for functional tablewares. All the clay and glazes that I use for high-fire and mid-fire pottery are completely vitrified, ensuring that the surface is sealed from moisture, oils, food residue, and bacteria. Additionally, I make many of my own glazes, and do not use glazes that contain lead or cadmium.

Here are some simple guidelines for maintaining your hand made pottery in its original condition.

High-Fire Pottery

High-fire pottery is stoneware or porcelain that has been fired to Cone 10, or 2345˚F - 2381˚F. It’s typically very durable, dishwasher safe, microwave safe, and of course safe for food and drink.

Brie bakers, pie plates, and casseroles are oven safe, however some care in use is advisable. Place the filled pottery in a cold oven, and then heat the oven to the required temperature.

Mid-Fire Pottery

Mid-fire pottery is stoneware or porcelain that has been fired to Cone 6, or 2232˚F - 2269˚F. Mid-fire pottery can be very colorful, but the glaze materials and oxides used can result in a surface that is not as durable as high-fire pottery. Mid-fire pottery is microwave and food safe, and although it is considered dishwasher safe, I recommend hand-washing to preserve the surface. Protect mid-fire pottery from contact with other glaze surfaces to prevent scratching.

Mid-fire pottery is not suitable for food storage.

Alternative firing methods

Raku, saggar, and pit-fired pottery fall into this category. These beautiful pieces are decorative and are not food or moisture safe. For floral displays, insert a glass vase into the pottery to safely contain water. Clean with a soft dry cloth.