Thursday, December 23, 2010

Report

Okay- right up front I need to give full disclosure.
I did not fire the kiln but here is the short version from the big guy.
The bottom was underfired and what was not under fired was very, very reduced.
The iron black glaze that we top with a wood ash glaze that has rutile in it and is our staple glaze did not like this firing one bit.
Most of the top glaze just burned away.
With that said the iron red and spodumene glaze liked the heavy reduction.
The results were different then in the other kiln but not bad.
So what was learned:
We need to make a change in the bag wall.
The burners are possibly too powerful for the kiln- we are going to step down to a smaller burner.
We are going to use only certain glazes and none of the black and blue until we work out the firing.
all in all- we are happy and knew we would be making seconds.
It takes time to learn a new kiln and this one shows great promise.
Here are some results:




Now we really are ready for some down time.
I would like to thank you all for reading, commenting and your never ending support this past year.
I have meet so many new and interesting people and potters through this blog.
My wish for you all is some family time and some good old peace and love for the holidays.

Merry Christmas to all!
and soon- A Happy New year!
Cheers,
M

10 comments:

Kellie Jensen said...

These are great! I'm so in love with that pitcher, makes me want to put something in it. Just looking at those mugs warms me up a bit. :o)

cookingwithgas said...

Thanks Kellie!

Mr. Young said...

Those top two bowls are fantastic! Love the colors! The others are great as well, I think they will grow on you!

Gary's third pottery blog said...

looking quite awesome :) hogs and kisses and Happy Christmas to you!

Michèle Hastings said...

you had some nice lookin' work even if you think it needs some tweaking. jeff has been in charge of figuring out our new kiln and he has made changes to the bag wall... he says i am doing the next firing...YIKES!
have a very merry christmas with that new grandbaby of yours!

ang design said...

wow the ashes look super.... noice one!!

Hollis Engley said...

Looks like there's lots of promise in that little kiln. Merry Christmas, you two.

Peter said...

Merry Christmas to you, and congratulations on the first offerings from your new kiln. It will be interesting to watch progress with it as you get it sorted out and get to know its personality! The very best for the New Year too. P

gz said...

That is a lovely red.
It is good when a learning curve comes with gifts to keep you going.
All the best for 2011

cookingwithgas said...

Merry Christmas all! we will get back to that kiln next month!