Kiln Openings

I read something interesting yesterday online. It talked about how some people who have studios send out emails announcing Kiln Openings. In other words, people come to see the kiln open and get first dibs at whatever is in there if they want to buy something.

That might not make too much sense to you unless you've ever seen what goes into the kiln and what comes out. Types of glazes, variations in firing temperatures and timing all affect what comes out on your ceramic pieces. So, even the potter isn't exactly sure what will turn out on each piece. The hardest thing about pottery is to wait long enough to open the kiln so you won't crack everything inside by a rush of cold air coming in. It's like Christmas as you look at each individual piece and see how it has turned out.

So, I can see how an established potter, who has a dedicated clientele, could have such "openings" or "Parties". I opened my kiln at 6:00 a.m. this morning. I like to put it all out on our dining room table for everyone to see when they wake up. It's rewarding to hear the oohs and ahhs as they see each new piece.

This opening revealed my mom's finished napkin holder. (I'm sure she gave up on ever seeing it finished. It was a complicated piece, but it turned out great.) The masks we did were pretty cool. I tried out a new glaze called "Bark" and it is a very interesting glaze that sort of looks like tree bark, at least it is an organic look that I like. I am getting a lot of little pots made as I do my "pot a day" throwing. I'm going to make them into candle holders and small planters for the most part. It has helped me a lot to make a pot a day, so I'm going to keep at it.

I also have a new "gold" glaze, that turned out quite interesting. This first use of it came out as a "black Gold". It's sort of a black luster with a gold tinge to it. It's supposed to be more gold than I got, so I probably have to adjust the temperature next time.

Well, I've probably bored you all with this, but it's my latest experience to share. I'll post the new things on line at my pottery store and then you can see the pictures.

With Christmas coming, I hope you might consider getting gifts from my studio for friends. I need to spread the word on this site as not enough people seem to have found it. I sell some from it, but I need to find an outlet for the rest of these creations.

http://studio.maclectic.com