Clay and Ginger

 I’ll be teaching the first of four creative clay workshops for kids this week September 21 in Williamsville, NY at Casey Middle School.  In each workshop, we’ll be working with polymer clay to make a variety of crafts ranging from jewelry, decorations, gifts, ornaments, refrigerator magnets and more.  Perfect for kids ages 8-13…  Each workshop is a bit different so find details here…

I was at a festival this weekend and stopped by one of my favorite potter’s tent.  A customer was buying but also asking a lot of questions about what she can do with her stoneware purchase.  I thought I would re-visit this issue especially since there are a lot of options for cooking materials and you might be wondering why you should choose stoneware pottery.  Here are some reasons why it is so versatile and a great value (and makes an ideal gift for anyone):

1) you can cook with stoneware in the oven to a high temperature (most stoneware is fired at a very high temperature so it can withstand high heat. My pottery is fired to a temperature over 2200 degrees Fahrenheit.)

2) it retains heat better than other materials (it keeps your food hot when serving)

3) it doesn’t rust (unlike some metals)

4) it doesn’t scratch (unlike some metals)

5) it can be used in the microwave safely (unlike metal pans)

6) it is safe and non-toxic (stoneware made in the US is covered in lead free glaze and does not give off gases, unlike plastics and other materials)

7) it is easy to clean (safe for use in the dishwasher unlike metals that rust and plastics that melt)

8) it will have a long life (as long as you don’t drop it!)

Here’s an article with more detail about stoneware baking.  And why not stop by my pottery shop including a look at my Artichoke Green Gratin Baking Dish.