If properly cared for stoneware can be enjoyed for a long time. Please keep in mind these common sense tips:

• Studio potters do not have access to the technology and equipment necessary to create ovenware that rivals commercial pieces such as Corningware. As a precaution, users of handmade ovenware should never take it directly from the freezer to the oven and never place it in a preheated oven.

• Pieces should be filled so food contacts all interior surfaces.

• Never place a dish directly on top of a burner or in a preheated oven. Stoneware cannot withstand the thermal shock of such treatment.

• Do not take a stoneware piece from the refrigerator directly to a hot oven. Instead, place room temperature dishes in a cold oven and gradually bring the heat up to the desired temperature.

• Stoneware mug, teabowls, teapots and other pieces will absorb heat from their contents. Take care when handling these items once hot liquids or food have been placed in them.

• Teapots should be warmed with hot water before filling them with boiling water.

• While stoneware can be used in a microwave oven, please keep in mind that as the contents get hot, so will the stoneware. Use an oven mitt to handle or otherwise take precautions before taking a piece out of a microwave oven.

• Stoneware pieces are dishwasher safe. However, handle with care when washing to avoid chipping.

• As with other dishes, once a piece is chipped it is likely that a crack has developed as well. It is advisable to no longer use the piece to store food. Moreover, the piece will become weak at the crack and further heating and cooling may exacerbate the crack.

• Never attempt to glue back a broken handle in a mug, pitcher or other stoneware piece because the glue is unlikely to hold once the mug is filled or heated. You may glue it back together to use as a decorative piece only.

• Lit lanterns, votives, candleholders, luminarias and other such pieces should never be left unattended. Use care in handling them, as well as electric lamps, as the clay can get hot.