Caring for your piece
Handmade clay is tougher than it looks, but a little care keeps it looking right for decades.
Jewellery
- Put jewellery on last, after perfume, hairspray and lotion.
- Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth. Never use household cleaners.
- Take earrings off before swimming, showering or sleeping.
- Store flat and out of direct sunlight. The small bag it arrived in is ideal.
- Clay is light but not unbreakable — it will not survive being stood on.
Pottery and memorial pieces
- Dust with a dry, soft cloth or a clean make-up brush for textured surfaces.
- If something needs more than dusting, use a barely damp cloth and dry it straight away.
- Never put a handmade piece in the dishwasher, microwave or oven.
- Keep out of long periods of direct sun, which can fade glaze over years.
- Display somewhere it will not be knocked — the back of a shelf is kinder than the front of a mantelpiece.
Horsehair pieces specifically
The dark markings are carbonised hair fired permanently into the clay. They will not rub off, fade or wash away, and they do not need sealing or any special treatment. Treat the piece as you would any other fired pottery.
Ash-glazed pieces
The ashes are fired into the glaze itself, so they are permanently part of the surface. Nothing can shake loose or leak out. Ordinary dusting is all these pieces ever need.
If something goes wrong
Get in touch before attempting a repair. We keep records of every commission, and we can often repair, rework or remake a piece. That is far harder once glue has been involved.
Questions
Can I wear clay earrings in the shower?
Better not to. They will survive the occasional soaking, but repeated heat and steam can dull the finish and loosen the posts over time.
What if my piece gets scratched?
Light surface marks on matte pieces can often be buffed out with a soft cloth. Send us a photo and we will tell you honestly whether it is worth attempting or better left alone.
Is horsehair pottery waterproof?
The clay is fired and sealed, so it will not be harmed by water. We would still avoid soaking it, and never put it in a dishwasher.
Can memorial pieces hold water or flowers?
Vessels can hold dried arrangements safely. For fresh flowers, use a small glass or plastic liner inside rather than filling the piece itself.
Can I repair a chipped piece myself?
Please contact us first. We can often repair or remake a piece, and a well-meant glue repair sometimes makes a professional fix impossible.