How to Care for Your Handmade Pottery
- crisanthemumcerami
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
At Crisanthemum Studios, we believe pottery is meant to be used and loved every single day. That’s why our motto is Handmade For Your Everyday. But many people still ask us: “Is handmade pottery too fragile for daily use?” The truth is, handmade ceramics are more durable than most people realize. With just a little care, your pottery can last for decades — often becoming family heirlooms that carry both beauty and story.
Here’s a simple guide to keeping your handmade pottery safe, strong, and ready to use for years to come.
Everyday Use
Handmade pottery isn’t meant to live on a shelf — it’s meant to live in your hands. Here’s what you need to know:
Dishwasher vs. Hand WashingMost handmade pottery is dishwasher safe, including the pieces we make here in Pilot Mountain. Still, hand washing with mild soap will help your pottery last longer and keep glazes looking fresh. Think of it like caring for a favorite sweater — gentle care extends its life.
Microwave UseMost handmade mugs and bowls are microwave safe, but avoid sudden temperature changes (for example: don’t put a refrigerator-cold mug straight into the microwave). If your piece has metallic accents, keep it out of the microwave entirely.
Thermal ShockThe biggest danger to pottery is sudden temperature extremes. Don’t move a piece directly from the freezer to a hot oven, or from the oven to cold water. Allow your pottery to adjust gradually, and it will serve you well for years.
Storing and Handling
The way you store your pottery also makes a difference:
Stacking Carefully
Handmade mugs and bowls can be stacked, but try not to overload them. Place heavier pieces at the bottom and lighter ones at the top. If stacking plates, consider placing a soft liner (like felt or paper towel) between them to prevent scratches.
Protecting Surfaces
For larger serving pieces or platters, add felt pads or cork dots underneath if you use them on delicate tabletops. It’s a small step that prevents wear and tear over time.
Seasonal Storage
If you use certain pottery pieces seasonally — like holiday mugs or decorative items — wrap them in paper or bubble wrap before storing. A little extra protection goes a long way.
Long-Term Care
Handmade pottery is built to last, but it will age just like anything made to be used and loved.
Natural Changes
Over time, glazes may develop subtle changes — a matte finish might soften, or colors may deepen. These changes aren’t flaws; they’re part of the beauty of living with handmade items.
Chips and Cracks
If a piece develops a small chip, it’s often still safe to use, though you might choose to repurpose it as a planter or decorative piece. If a piece develops a crack, especially one that runs through the body, it’s best to retire it from everyday use to avoid further damage.
Longevity
With thoughtful care, handmade pottery can last for decades. Many people pass down bowls, mugs, and platters from one generation to the next, each carrying the memory of shared meals and daily rituals.
Why Care Matters
Caring for your handmade pottery isn’t just about protecting an object — it’s about honoring the artistry and story behind it. Each piece carries the fingerprints of its maker and the meaning of its use. Every time you wash a mug gently, or store a platter with care, you’re keeping that story alive.
In a world full of disposable items, handmade pottery is the opposite: intentional, lasting, and meaningful. Taking care of it ensures that your investment in beauty and craft continues to enrich your everyday life.
Everyday, Not Just Special Days
The biggest myth about handmade pottery is that it should only be used for special occasions. At Crisanthemum Studios, we say the opposite: handmade pottery is for every day.
Your morning coffee.
A weeknight pasta dinner.
A cozy fall evening with soup and bread.
These everyday moments are the ones that deserve something special. Caring for your pottery means you can bring beauty and intention into these routines again and again.
Ready to Experience Handmade for Yourself?
Whether you’re starting your collection, adding a new piece, or looking for a gift that will last, handmade pottery is built for the rhythms of real life. With a little care, your pieces will serve you — and maybe even generations to come.
Explore our Everyday Collection online, or visit us in Pilot Mountain Wednesdays–Saturdays, 10am–6pm. Discover pottery designed to be used, loved, and cared for — every single day.
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