What are your pieces made out of?   We use the highest quality stoneware clay body, fired to over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Most glazes are formulations developed in house, although sometimes we find commercially available glazes that we get excited about!

How should I care for my piece?   Best practice is to care for it like the handmade, one of a kind artwork that it is. Handwashing is ALWAYS recommended, especially for pieces which have unglazed exteriors. A simple dip into fresh, soapy water will take care of most cleaning needs; use a toothbrush as necessary to gently scrub the textured exteriors. If you have a particularly stubborn stain on an unglazed surface, use a small amount of baking soda with water and a toothbrush to remove it. Always be sure to rinse the area well afterward. Never expose the ceramics to sudden, dramatic shifts in temperature (say, from the oven to the freezer). 

Are these dishwasher/microwave/oven safe?   Fully glazed pieces are safe to put in the dishwasher, however we don't recommend this for pieces with unglazed exteriors. Dingy dishwater may dull the brilliance of the unglazed white clay over time. Some pieces (depending on the glaze color - we note this in the listings) are safe to use in the microwave and oven, however frequent use in these appliances increases the risk that food could splatter or stain the unglazed exterior. Our pieces are functional and foodsafe where noted, but are best used in a serving capacity rather than food preparation. There are better options out there for cooking your food. You should never expose your piece to sudden, dramatic shifts in temperature (say, from the oven to the freezer). 

I see tiny cracks in the glaze on my piece, is this a defect?   No. What you're seeing is a crackling characteristic of some glazes called "craze lines". These are shallow, surface lines in the glaze and do not mean that your piece is damaged. In our application, "crazing" or crackling is a desired characteristic, adding texture and a unique quality to the piece. Please check individual listings to find out which glaze colors can be expected to crackle. Pieces which do have glazes that crackle should not be used frequently for serving liquid-heavy food, as the tiny cracks can be difficult to clean and may encourage bacteria growth. 

 What do I need to know about shipping costs? The shipping cost algorithm is somewhat limited, especially when multiple pieces are purchased in a single order. If you do place an order with multiple pieces, they can often be packed in a single box, reducing the actual shipping cost. Although you will need to pay the stated shipping cost up front, we will always issue a refund for any amount that you paid over what it actually costs us to ship your order. If you have any additional questions or need guidance, please email us at hello@coastal-clayworks.com. Thank you for your understanding!