Caring for your ceramics
Every piece is handmade, so none of them will look exactly the same. They'll have slight differences in size, shape, and colour, and you might even see signs of the artist's touch, like fingerprints or faint lines—these quirks make artisan ceramics special.
Fleurieu Ceramics are meant to be enjoyed and used regularly. Here are some easy tips for taking care of your new pieces
Heating and cooling
Just like glass, ceramics can expand and shrink when they heat up or cool down. So, never put them directly on a hot surface or expose them to quick temperature changes, like going from a hot oven to the fridge or freezer.
It's cool to use your ceramics in the oven and microwave, just be careful. Let them warm up and cool down slowly and evenly to keep them in good shape.
Cleaning your ceramics
This clay is tough, so it's okay to place your pieces in the dishwasher, but I suggest hand washing whenever you can, especially for mugs with handles—they might get banged up in the dishwasher. Go for natural or eco-friendly cleaning stuff because harsh chemicals in regular dishwashing products can eventually mess up and dull the glaze surface.
About your ceramics
I use various Australian Stoneware clay for most of my pieces. I don't completely cover my pieces with glaze, so you get to see the true colour and texture of the clay in its natural state. This type of clay is fired at a super high temperature, between 1220-1280 degrees Celsius, making it strong and perfect for everyday items like cups, bowls, and spoons. When it's fired this way, Stoneware becomes nonporous, so it won't absorb water.
Even though the clay is tough, your pieces can still break, especially in thinner areas like rims and handles. Be gentle with them. If you show you pieces some love, they'll love you back.
And don't worry, all the glazes I use are safe for food.