Sunday, January 22, 2012

and it Rained

The weather called for rain most of yesterday and I was dreading the 5 hours it would take us outside to load the kiln in the rain. Insert unhappy older, lazy, potter here...
Once I went outside I realized that the weather was not freezing cold and it would be better than most late winter loads in that I would not have to dress in 6 layers to load the kiln. It was for the most part very comfortable. I did get chilly which is a site better than frozen.
The rain actual came in and out and only as we bricked the door did it really start to pour down.
Then I was rescued by a car with customers that stayed just long enough for Mark to finish bricking up the door to the kiln alone.
Later we had a discussion about if we had ever fired a kiln in January before. I said no, he said yes.
I still say no since we use to take at least the first part of January off and spend time working on other projects and actually paying real attention to our two children, after the crazy Christmas rush. I still like a slower pace in January, but not this year with a deadline looming for April samples, test and pots to be made.
I am trying to stick to my slow Sundays for this month and today I plan to work on another one, guiltily while Mark fires the kiln, but not too guiltily since I have paper work to do.
Back stack with green glaze that looks like baby poop in the bucket.........

middle stack-----in and then its lunch time!

ah, nothing left but the door.....and after, red wine and beer....
Now that this firing is in it is time for some down and dirty paperwork--end of the year taxes, there I said it, its out there.
But first a cup of tea, join me will ya'?
Sugar or honey?
M

16 comments:

Dennis Allen said...

Nice lookin load. I loaded a wood kiln in zero weather a while back. The only good thing was if a wad came unglued a little spit would immediately stick ir back on. Happy firing.

Linda Starr said...

Man that's a big load, wish we'd get more rain down here, it's been bone dry except maybe quarter of an inch. I drink my tea straight, Ha. sometimes I have honey but usually not. I started drink peppermint tea which is supposed to be good for digestion. I also like that Tazo wild sweet orange, delicious. Cheers.

Hollis Engley said...

I've fired wood kilns in winter. It's not fun. That looks like a pretty good load.

Michèle Hastings said...

i don't miss loading and firing kilns in sub-zero weather.
Is there something in the air this January? We have definitely made more pots than last year at this time. I think it's a sign of better days ahead.
Cheers!

CATHY DANIEL said...

That's the worst thing about Winter - loading the kiln in my garage til my fingers FREEZE off! I love seeing how other potters pack their kilns - it's a real skill! With honey, please.

ang design said...

just black thanks :)) looks like one stonking great pack!!!!

Peter said...

Hope the "baby poop" turns into a great glaze once it is fired :), it is amazing the transformation fire makes to what goes on a pot. I was just reading your previous post, and was thinking how unrealistic people are when it comes to potting. I had an amusing example just last Friday with someone getting in touch to see if I would make them a tagine to be ready by Tuesday (tomorrow)..., what's that... 3 working days!!! ummm! I think people do assume that the mud just magically forms itself or something, just like the mugs that they buy for 90 cents in the department stores.... Agggggh!
Anyway, hope your firing goes well. It look a lovely kiln by the way.

P.

Gary's third pottery blog said...

Haha, baby poop indeed....I like january and winter's pace indeed, time for trying fresh ideas! I have my kiln going all the time too, sooo busy....cannot wait to see your things here again, fired!~

Unknown said...

Well, everyone has said what I would say! So I'll just say Hi!
Happy Monday :)

(and I love seeing how a kiln is loaded, thank you! I am still learning that skill and it helps to see how more experienced people do it)

cookingwithgas said...

Hello! All! Fingers crossed for this one was a weird firing at the end- kiln hung up and would not make temp all looks very hot now- maybe too hot????
The telling will be in the unloading...I do have my hammer at ready- or maybe best make a sign for seconds.....

Quietly Otaku said...

Hope the firing goes well despite the rainy weather! Personally I prefer honey in my tea if I can get it : )

smartcat said...

Grim yesterday....no sun at all....warm so most of the snow melted which made it wet, foggy and soggy!
We may get a little sun today.
Toes crossed for a good firing!

Julia said...

Can't wait to see how this load fires! It's nice that the weather wasn't TOO cold for loading.

Shortstuff said...

Are they baked up good yet?

cookingwithgas said...

they are baked- now for the unloading....

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