Congrats on your new piece! In your bag you find your new creation and a little card that probably brought you to this page! If it’s a functional piece ( mug, bowl, cup, platter, etc) I would give it a gentle wash with a soft rag/sponge and some soap before use. If it’s strictly non-functional (a vase, sculpture, etc) then it’s time to find a new spot for it in your home! No need to wash.

Thermal shock is when a ceramic piece is subjected to a rapid or uneven change in temperature, causing it to crack, fracture, or even shatter. It is important to know that when you are handling your functional pieces (bowls, cups, plates, etc) that you don’t create a rapid change in temperature when using it. For example: If I made a plate, put lasagna on it, and stored it in the fridge, took it out after a few hours, and microwaved it on high, there is a chance that you can get a small hair line crack or a big crack. Depends on how it was made. Another example- Taking a cold mug and dumping boiling hot water into it.

These instances can cause thermal shock. The key is gradual change in temperature. If you have a cup of coffee that is lukewarm and you want to warm it up for 30 seconds - 1 minute, you should be just fine.

Yes and no, depends on how it was made, the glaze, and how cold your piece is.

Take a look at the thermal shock question to answer the cold question.

Now, all glazes in BabyFace Studio when applied correctly and fired correctly are safe to drink out of and eat from. We carefully choose our glazes in the studio to ensure they are safe to use. If you had permission and brought in your own glaze, it is important you check the ingredients to make sure it is not made with copper carbonate, barium, or lead to just name a few. If you took a class that uses any lusters as as final surface decoration, those are not safe for the microwave. If you took a try-it class, workshop, date night, or kids class, you do not need to worry about luster.

Handmade pottery is often best washed by hand to preserve its longevity and beauty. Dishwashers use high heat, harsh detergents, and intense water pressure, which can weaken glazes, cause cracking, or damage intricate designs over time. Additionally, handmade pieces may have slightly porous surfaces or unique shapes that make them more vulnerable to damage compared to mass-produced ceramics. Handwashing ensures a gentler, more controlled cleaning process that helps your pottery stay durable and vibrant for years.

If it's a decorative piece, you can continue to use it as is. For functional ware (cups, bowls, plates, mugs, etc), a chipped or cracked piece may not be safe for food use due to bacteria risks or sharp edges. Consider it for decorative use

The unglazed bottom is intentional to prevent it from sticking to the kiln shelf during firing. It's normal and safe to use, though you can use felt pads to protect surfaces.