a Raku Firing

I managed to do a Raku firing today. It is tricky as i don’t have the space or equipment i used to. My glazes have been in storage so long all the labels have fallen off, but slowly I am remembering how to do things. I have a damaged right elbow at the moment, so am off sick from one of my jobs (the one which needs us to be very fit at all times ), one of my other jobs has come to an end. So I am in an inbetween sort of time, worried about how to pay the bills, worried about what happens next or how long it is going to take my arm to heal.  I’m trying to use the time positively ( when not worrying! ) and pick up on doing some creative things which have got neglected with all the organising/ management day-jobs of this summer.  I was a bit stuck for doing this Raku firing because I couldn’t lift the empty gas bottle. However the local supplier did a home delivery which solved that problem. However, today with the kiln all loaded, i found i didn’t have the strength to turn the bottle on! I was about to go and look for a strong neighbour & feeling very sorry for myself when i gave it a hit with the wrench… and that knocked the pressure off so i could turn the valve!

The tiny kiln heated up very quickly. It is quite difficult unloading the pots quickly and covering them in sawdust, its better as a two person job. I also need to buy some new small tongs to pick up fiddly objects.  However I enjoy doing this, i really hope they sell then i can justify doing more and stop worrying about work!  I have missed doing pottery in the 8 years since i had to close my studio, it feels great to be able to do some wee bits and bobs again.

pendants, chimes, or finishings. Raku, celtic style. 3cm to 6cm, from £2.50each

Small brown Raku pot. 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5cm. £8

Wee REd Raku Vase, 6 x 4.5 x4.5cm. £9.50

wee brown Raku vase, 6 x 4.5 x4.5cm £8

Raku Fired Green wo/man mask. 19 x 15 x 7cm , £38

Raky oak leaf tile. 10cm x 10cm . £6

REd Raku leaf pot 6 x 8cm. £10

Red Raku leaf cup 8 x7 x 6.5cm £9 ( raku ware is decorative only and not suitable for food or drink )

wee tiny raku bowls 4.5cm to 6.5cm from £4 to £6 ( Raku is not suitable for foodstuffs )

Raku leaves, pendants, chimes or accessorise. 3.5cm to 6.5cm. various from £2.50