March 2 - Saturday firing

Saturday we went back to Hal and Corine's to help fire the kiln.  It was a great time as always but it was a bit colder this time than the others.  Corine made sure we had a steady supply of hot boiled peanuts to keep us going and Adrienne made sure everyone was drinking plenty of water.  Corine also rolled out a delicious lunch which we scarfed up quickly.  There's nothing like a hot lunch on a cold day to keep you going.

We stoked the kiln until we could see the cones had fallen and then took a much-deserved rest on the porch with our beverages.

Good times with good friends.

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September 15 - FIRE!

Saturday was firing day in Lawndale.

We fired the kiln by throwing wood in the firebox until we achieved the correct temperature and the pots were done.

We had a lot of fun during the day and a great lunch, not to mention lots of boiled peanuts.

Afterwards we had a beer and visited for a bit before heading down the road to home.

I can't tell you how great it is to be a part of this firing.  It's fellowship, the joy of making, the anticipation of the finished pots, and enjoying time with the great people doing it.  Hal and Corine have such a wonderful home you can feel the good karma all around you.  It's a magical place and I feel honored every time I visit.

If you have a chance to attend one of their home sales, you can see what I mean.  Don't miss it.

Back to the firing...

During one of the breaks I snapped some photos of the various artwork that sits atop the kiln.

The crew taking a breather.
Adrienne, Hal, Dave, and Chad.

That's over 2000 F.
If you don't think so, stand next to it for a second.

Hot stuff.

Finished with the final blast,
some of the pots are visible behind the flames.
Time to close it up and let it cool slowly.
A job well done.

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