2009-12-17 Thursday - Raku at Clayworks

We had a raku firing at Clayworks tonight and while it was a bit chilly, it went well and everyone had a good time.  Amy brought lots of snacks, we had wine, and lots of laughs.

We didn't have too many pieces to fire tonight, but the first firing took a long time since we were having so much fun socializing.  Julie and Greg were loading the gas kiln.  They work so well as a team there was nothing for any of us to do but stay out of their way.

Elaine and Paul.

Greg and Becky.

Nick and Pan.

Nick's planter.

(And you think I use lots of marbles!)

Elaine smoking her cat in sawdust.

Elaine dusting the smoldering sawdust off her cat.

Amy, Julie, Becky, and Greg having some libations.

Nick's unique planters.

Did I mention Nick is a botanist?

2009-09-16 Wednesday - Kiln Opening

We unloaded the big gas kiln tonight. I was pleased with most of my pieces and can't wait to tweak my glazes by what I learned tonight. A couple of my bottles had marbles on them and the glass ran more than I had planned. I will be grinding a shelf in the near future --something I've never had to do before now. Another learning experience.

Remember the "crackled pot" w/black slip?

Remember the "crackled pot" w/chrome green slip?

From the bag wall.

Glazing and waxing

November 30th was glaze day. It seems everyone was glazing to beat the band since the kiln firing was imminent.

My current batch (from the 100).

From the other direction.

Detail of the marble in the knob.

Minke assisted Elaine on some great pours.

Becky waxed her flock.