Caring for Your Ceramics
From the studio of Mike Hooton – Magpie Art Studio
All of my pieces are made to be used and enjoyed — whether it’s a bowl on your breakfast table, a jug full of flowers, or a butter keeper on the bench. Everything is handmade using food-safe, lead-free materials and durable stoneware clays, but like all handmade things, a bit of care will help them last a lifetime (or longer).
General Care
Each piece is carefully crafted and glazed to withstand daily use, but handmade ceramics aren’t quite the same as mass-produced ware. They’re a bit more human — they like a gentler touch.
- Dishwasher Use: While my work is dishwasher safe and I personally have been putting my work in the dishwasher for a decade, I recommend handwashing with a soft cloth or sponge. Dishwashers can and over time do dull glazes and the in and out of the dishwasher does increase the chance of chipping, especially on finer edges.
- Cleaning Products: Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners. A mild dish soap and warm water do the job beautifully.
Thermal Shock
Handmade ceramics don’t love sudden changes in temperature.
- Don’t go straight from fridge to oven or pour boiling water into a cold mug. Warm your piece gently first — a swirl of warm water in a cup or letting a dish come to room temperature before heating helps avoid cracking.
- Microwave Use: I generally advise against microwaving. Some pieces may handle it, but unpredictable heating and uneven surfaces can stress the clay and glaze.
Water Absorption & Coasters
While I fire my stoneware hot and tight, all clay bodies have some absorbency.
- Coasters are a good idea under pieces that hold water for long periods (like planters or vases), just to protect surfaces.
- Avoid soaking unglazed bases or leaving them damp for long stretches.
Caring for Raku , Obrava and alternative firing Pieces
Raku and alternative pottery firing is a different beast altogether — raw, dramatic, and more fragile. These pieces are for the eyes, not for the table.
- Not food-safe or watertight. They are porous by nature and should not be used to hold water or food.
- No direct water contact. Use with dry arrangements or as sculptural pieces only.
- Keep out of direct sunlight. Raku glazes and finishes are delicate and can fade or change when exposed to strong UV light.
Treat Raku like a painting or a fine print — something precious to enjoy visually, not functionally.
A Few Final Thoughts
These pots are the result of years of experimentation and a lot of quiet hours at the wheel. They’ve been made with care — using my own glaze recipes, often from clays I’ve dug or blended myself — and I hope they bring as much enjoyment in your hands as they did in mine.
If you ever have a question about one of your pieces or how to best care for it, I’m always happy to help.
— Mike
Magpie Art Studio