Helpful Tips +
Frequently Asked Questions

HELPFUL TIPS

Samhara Ceramics are strong and made with materials that are dishwasher and microwave safe. But, they are also a work of art that should be treated with care. The following tips are encouraged for all handmade pottery that you want to keep around for a long time.

Avoid leaving pottery soaking in water. Water seeps into any exposed clay. If a piece that has water trapped in it is microwaved, it may crack or get very hot.

If using the dishwasher, be careful while loading/unloading to avoid chipping the rim of your piece. Prolonged dishwasher use may eventually dull the sheen.

Occasionally, ceramics can fracture from thermal shock (rapid variation in temperature which causes tension in the material – cold to hot or hot to cold). Especially in the case of mugs or cups avoid rapid changes in temperature. Fill your mug or cup with hot tap water and warm it up for a minute before adding boiling water.

If handled properly, these pieces are intended to last many lifetimes, like treasured family heirlooms.

Yes, I use food safe, non-toxic, and lead-free glazes. But, please note that all Raku pottery is decorative only. It does not hold water because it is not vitrified like my other pottery.
All of my pottery is fired twice. The first firing goes up to Cone 04 or 1945F. Then glaze is applied and fired once again to Cone 6 or 2232F. The second firing vitrifies it (turns it into glass and makes it nonporous).
Note: If there is gold luster on your piece, it has been fired a third time. To prolong life, it is strongly recommended to hand wash the item.
Note: Raku pottery is fired to 1830F, which is how we get the beautiful colors, but it is not fully vitrified. Therefore, Raku pottery does not hold water and is for decorative use only.
Yes, you can microwave and dishwash your piece, except for pieces with gold luster. Refer to the tips above.
In general, I do not take custom orders but there are always some exceptions.
Please email me at samhara.ceramics@gmail.com to check with me.

I will happily gift wrap an item, include a card with your message, and send it to the recipient for a small fee.
I have a few updates during the year. Please sign-up using the contact form to be added to my email list to be notified of updates.
I use priority mail to ship within the US and shipping is calculated automatically. If you buy multiple items, I will group them and return any overages on shipping.
Note: Currently, I do not do international shipping.
I do not accept returns. But if there is an issue with the order, please contact me within 3 days of delivery. If deemed returnable, buyers are responsible for return shipping.
Items on sale and custom orders cannot be exchanged or canceled.