Last night was her last wheel throwing class. They did a Raku firing on the last of their pots. It was very interesting. First you put a special glaze on your items.
Then they took them outside and put them in the Raku kiln.
Fire up the kiln and wait for a good 30 min or more. It needs to get to 1860 degrees.
While that is cooking (if that is the right terminology) They filled these cans half filled with torn newspaper.
When the kiln got to the temp it need they were able to turn it off and get the pots out. When they lifted the cover the pots were glowing they were so hot.
They than took them out and put about 3 items in each can. The paper caught fire and a lid was put on it.
The can sat for about 3 min and than it was opened and sprayed with water to put out the fire and cool off the items fast. The items were still so hot when they were sprayed and taken out the water that was in the items were boiling. It took about 15min to cool and wash the items.
We than were able to bring them home. What a bunch of beautiful items. The pink on in the middle was made with different clay and fired in a regular kiln. That was her very first pot. She is a natural.
1 comment:
what beautiful treasures! and I certainly learned something new today! I have heard of raku firing, but didn't know how different it was from a traditional kiln! thank you! :) and Great Job, Faith!
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