Pottery Information and Care

Before making any purchases, please thoroughly read through every word and view every photo in your selected product descriptions. I work diligently to convey truth in every photograph and text description in my online store. I ask that you respect these efforts by thoroughly investigating and understanding all aspects of your pottery order before sending us any money. If you have any questions, please email us before spending and money in our stores: laureenadairpurkis@gmail.com

It is very important to me that you are completely satisfied with your purchase. If your pottery has any flaws, please let me  know and I am happy to replace flawed pottery. The ceramic process is not perfect and flaws sometimes happen. I really appreciate knowing if you discover that you pottery has a flaw and will replace your order at no charge. However, please let me know if you are unhappy for any reason. I make pottery because I want the pieces to be appreciated by the user, with the ability to be used everyday. While I use the same colours in my handpainting and major glazes, I never repeat a design in my handpainted pieces. This means that each piece is unique and one of a kind. Even though I use the same glazes sometimes there are slight variations in each piece, this is part of the handmade pottery process. Each piece is checked over by me, the bottoms are sanded and cleaned and I check carefully for any major flaws.

All pieces are  food safe, it is meant to be used and loved every day, not just for display. It may be put in the dishwasher, and microwave.  Bakeware pieces are oven safe to 350 degrees Farenheit. However, pottery is breakable and should be protected from obvious shocks like dropping it and from sudden changes in temperature. Uneven heating can cause it to crack. Think about the stresses you may be asking it (unreasonably) to endure. There is no warranty on L.A.Purkis Pottery. It is a natural product made of clay, silica, and other materials made from scratch, and like glass, is not immortal. With proper care, it should last until you want something new. Plates especially, will get scratched over time with lots of love and use.

Any pieces that are labeled slipcast should be handwashed and are not microwave safe. These pieces are thinner and do require a little more love and attention.

This is not a complete list of the creative ways people have come up with to stress the pottery. You may invent your own.

Do not put on a stove burner or open flame.

Do not put in a preheated oven. Put the food in the dish, place in a cold oven, then turn on the oven, The pottery will heat up with the food.

Do not throw a hot baking dish in cold water. Make sure the pottery is half full of food or liquid before you use it in the oven or microwave. Plates and flat pieces can crack if used in a microwave or oven with prolonged baking. Gentle heating should be fine, especially if with a full plate of food.

When you remove pottery from the oven, do not set it on a cold or wet surface.

If you have stored leftovers in the refrigerator, don’t put the cold dish in the oven without letting it come to room temperature first. Better yet, re-heat the leftovers in a different dish.

Do not put frozen food on pottery and microwave it or put it in the oven.

Do not take pottery out of a cold cupboard in winter and put hot food or liquids in it immediately.

Do not put a stack of plates in the oven to warm them.

Do not take hot pottery out of the dishwasher, put a cup of ice and fill it with ice water.