In this article, we’ll tell you a little more about how our pieces are made and important tips for safely using and caring for your purchase. Each pottery piece starts its journey from our workshop in Old Cairo, hand-thrown and individually spun on a wheel by talented Egyptian artisans. Our modern take on pottery designs was perfectly matched with this traditional craftsmanship.

Due to the hand-crafted nature of these items, each piece may slightly vary in shape, size, or design. We proudly handcraft our ceramics in a way that’s uniquely Ellie’s. Our materials and process result in natural variation from piece to piece, including irregularities in glaze color, texture, and finish — and that’s something we celebrate. We feel that these characteristics are in no way considered flaws and only add to the one-of-a-kind beauty of our products.

Basic Guidelines for longer use

Food Safe

We mix our own glazes to ensure proper balance and firing results. Although we make low-fire earthenware, all of our glazes are properly matured in the kiln, ensuring that there is no leaching. All of our glazes are both lead and cadmium-free, ensuring safe consumption of hot and cold substances in our products.

Dishwasher Safe

All of our tableware is dishwasher safe, and it is actually recommended to put your pottery through the dishwasher periodically to ensure no bacterial buildup, especially on crazed surfaces. However, if daily used, hand washing will extend the life of your piece, just avoid harsh scrub pads as they may scratch the surface.

Microwave Safe

Our tableware is microwave safe. However, pottery gets hot when heated in the oven or microwave, use caution, and hot pads when needed.

Oven Safe

Avoid thermal shock, sudden changes in temperature and uneven heat can cause cracking. Our tableware is oven safe when placed in a cold oven that is then brought up to temperature. Placing a cold piece into a hot oven can cause it to crack and break from the sudden temperature change.

Not Freezer Safe

Freezing temperatures will not damage our tableware. However, placing it in the freezer, especially when filled with liquids may result in cracking and splitting.

Not for Stove Top or Open Flame

None of our pieces should ever be placed directly on a stovetop or open flame, as this will result in immediate cracks and breakage. You could, however, add a heat diffuser. Yet, we still would recommend using the heat diffuser as little as possible to ensure a long life with the best quality.

General Care

• Our earthenware should be used gently on other hard surfaces such as granite countertops and porcelain sinks.

• Do not place a hot dish in cold water or directly in the refrigerator.

• Use a protective cloth or cushion when storing or stacking plates, mugs… etc.

• Gold-accented pieces should be handled with extreme care. AVOID using them in the oven, microwave, or dishwasher.

• What is craquelure or crazing or crackling effect? Any crackle effect that might appear after a while of usage is totally normal. These are subtle surface cracks that appear on the glaze due to wear and tear. They are not harmful and will not result in breakage.

All our pieces are fired at a lower temperature for a longer stretch of time. That means that they are very durable, but always keep in mind the above-mentioned guidelines. These small considerations can make a big difference in extending the life of your Ellie pieces so that you can enjoy them for years to come.

Each piece whether home accessories or dinnerware is carefully inspected to ensure that it lives up to our high standards of quality as well as those our customers have come to expect from Ellie Home.