Non-functional pieces, including Raku and smoke-fired objects, will be selected by the Standards Committee on the basis of technical qualities.

Raku pieces are not ideal for wet acidic foods – in fact, they could be potentially dangerous. In addition to the Guild Card packed with each Raku pot, the potter must apply a sticker stating that this work is for dry food and decorative use only.

All Raku needs to be scrubbed, washed, rinsed and dried to remove debris and excessive smoke and odour.

Shino glazes are known for their peculiarities such as crawling, crazing, and pin holing and must be identified on a sticker applied by potters to their own work.

Since earthenware is porous, all functional surfaces in this clay body must be completely glazed, and the potter must place a sticker on each piece stating that it is not recommended for dishwasher or microwave use.

Sgraffito pieces should be lightly sanded as greenware or bisque or damp -sponged gently when leather hard to remove barbs. Sgraffito looks wonderful alone or under a glaze, but improperly smoothed areas can cut users and handlers.

Sculptural pieces require smooth bottoms just as much as functional ware. Extra time needs to be spent smoothing rough edges and securing joints for masks, planters, animals, figures, wall plaques, vessels, banks, etc. Nobody wants customers to cut themselves while handling our pieces.

For oil lamps and other pottery pieces that will contain oil, bear in mind that no matter how vitrified the clay body, oil leaks eventually. If you wish to sell oil lamps at the Guild Sale, you must let the Standards Committee know that you have properly sealed the insides and bottoms of your lamps and that you have tested for oil leakage over a good period of time.

On hanging pieces, the grooves or holes meant for hooks or nails must be substantial enough to be hung securely. Wire supports must be strong enough and appropriately secured to hold the weight of the piece.

Anything requiring glue should be done so that the finished product has a neat and professionally finished look. All work glued to be repaired is unacceptable.

Pottery to be displayed must be clean, not dusty, and free from signs of use.

Unless specifically marked in the design of the lid and base, all lids must fit in all directions. Lids that fit in only one direction, lids that lock when rotated, or lids that fall off when the container is slightly moved (due to improper seating into the container) will not be accepted for Guild Sales.

Thin flanges are unacceptable.

Handles must be comfortable in performing their function. Casseroles and baking dishes should have handles and knobs that can be handled easily with oven mitts or potholders.

Lids that don’t fit and pots that are tipsy or have cracks in the handles, feet or lids, or are under-fired are ‘Seconds.’ Leave your ‘Seconds’ at home. If you have questions about the acceptability of certain pieces, please bring these to the attention of a Standards Committee Member before putting your work out for display or on the table for sale. Our goal is to provide a strong professional image of the Guild to our customers. This is accomplished by ensuring that the Guild sells well-made pots – "FIRSTS".

Post fired pigmentation is not acceptable on function work.

Underglazes, stains. or glazes using cadmium must be a minimum 2.5 cm (1 inch) from the rim of functional ware. These are acceptable on non functional items, such as Christmas ornaments and sculpture as long as they are permanent.