Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about caring for your pottery, shipping, pickup, and returns.

Caring for Your Pottery

Are your pieces oven safe?: Yes — every piece from Shaw Hill Pottery is oven safe. Place them in a cold oven and bring the temperature up gradually to avoid thermal shock.
Can I put them in the dishwasher?: Yes — all pieces are dishwasher safe. Top rack is best practice for handmade ceramics, but the glazes are durable and built for everyday use.
Are they microwave safe?: Microwave safe — yes, you can reheat your morning coffee without reaching for a different mug.
How should I care for my pottery long-term?: These pieces are made to be used every day. Avoid sudden temperature changes (e.g. freezer to oven directly). The glaze will develop a beautiful character over time — that's part of what makes each one yours.
Is each piece tested before it's sold?: Yes — every piece is thermal-tested before it leaves the studio. Karen pours hot water into it to confirm it handles heat without issue. If it doesn't pass, it doesn't go out.

Shipping

Where do you ship?: Canada and the United States only. We do not currently offer international shipping beyond Canada and the US.
What are the shipping rates?: Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the size of your piece:
Small pieces (mugs, tumblers, small bowls) — lower flat rate
Medium pieces (larger bowls, oval dishes) — mid flat rate
Large / heavy pieces (platters, large sets) — higher flat rate
Oversized pieces (big bowls, large platters) — highest flat rate ($70 within Canada, $130 to the US)
For example, a single mug ships for about $22 CAD within Canada.Exact shipping is shown at checkout before you pay.
How long does shipping take?: Pieces are packed with care and shipped within 2–5 business days of your order. Transit times vary by carrier and destination — Canada typically 2–7 business days, US 5–10 business days. You will receive a confirmation email when your order ships.
How are pieces packaged?: Every piece is wrapped and packed securely to survive the journey. If your piece arrives damaged, please see the Returns section below.

Local Pickup

Do you offer local pickup?: Yes — local pickup is available as a free alternative to shipping at checkout. Select "Local Pickup" when you check out.
Where is the pickup location?: The pickup address is shared with you by email after your purchase is complete. This is front-porch pickup — you will receive everything you need to collect your piece at a convenient time.
When can I pick up my order?: Pickup details and timing are included in your order confirmation email. If you have any questions, you are welcome to reach out via the Contact page.

Returns

What is your returns policy?: Because each piece is one-of-a-kind, all sales are final, except items damaged in transit — contact us within 7 days of delivery with photos for a replacement or refund.
What if my piece arrives damaged?: Please photograph the packaging and the damage and contact us within 7 days of receiving your order via the Contact page. We will arrange a replacement or refund promptly.

Have a question not answered here? Get in touch.

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Caring for Your Pottery

Are your pieces oven safe?

Yes — every piece from Shaw Hill Pottery is oven safe. Place them in a cold oven and bring the temperature up gradually to avoid thermal shock.

Can I put them in the dishwasher?

Yes — all pieces are dishwasher safe. Top rack is best practice for handmade ceramics, but the glazes are durable and built for everyday use.

Are they microwave safe?

Microwave safe — yes, you can reheat your morning coffee without reaching for a different mug.

How should I care for my pottery long-term?

These pieces are made to be used every day. Avoid sudden temperature changes (e.g. freezer to oven directly). The glaze will develop a beautiful character over time — that's part of what makes each one yours.

Is each piece tested before it's sold?

Yes — every piece is thermal-tested before it leaves the studio. Karen pours hot water into it to confirm it handles heat without issue. If it doesn't pass, it doesn't go out.

Shipping

Where do you ship?

Canada and the United States only. We do not currently offer international shipping beyond Canada and the US.

What are the shipping rates?

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the size of your piece:

Small pieces (mugs, tumblers, small bowls) — lower flat rate
Medium pieces (larger bowls, oval dishes) — mid flat rate
Large / heavy pieces (platters, large sets) — higher flat rate
Oversized pieces (big bowls, large platters) — highest flat rate ($70 within Canada, $130 to the US)

For example, a single mug ships for about $22 CAD within Canada.Exact shipping is shown at checkout before you pay.

How long does shipping take?

Pieces are packed with care and shipped within 2–5 business days of your order. Transit times vary by carrier and destination — Canada typically 2–7 business days, US 5–10 business days. You will receive a confirmation email when your order ships.

How are pieces packaged?

Every piece is wrapped and packed securely to survive the journey. If your piece arrives damaged, please see the Returns section below.

Local Pickup

Do you offer local pickup?

Yes — local pickup is available as a free alternative to shipping at checkout. Select "Local Pickup" when you check out.

Where is the pickup location?

The pickup address is shared with you by email after your purchase is complete. This is front-porch pickup — you will receive everything you need to collect your piece at a convenient time.

When can I pick up my order?

Pickup details and timing are included in your order confirmation email. If you have any questions, you are welcome to reach out via the Contact page.

Returns

What is your returns policy?

Because each piece is one-of-a-kind, all sales are final, except items damaged in transit — contact us within 7 days of delivery with photos for a replacement or refund.

What if my piece arrives damaged?

Please photograph the packaging and the damage and contact us within 7 days of receiving your order via the Contact page. We will arrange a replacement or refund promptly.