A 2-day course, in 2 parts

Course 1 -Saturdays 11th and 25th May 2011

 

Cost £120 which includes delicious two-course lunches and refreshments throughout the days and also all materials and equipment - just bring your enthusiasm

Raku is a hands-on pottery making process. Participants will make and glaze pots, before taking part in the firing of the hand built kiln.

                                     Day 1 

Raku is an old Japanese technique which invlolves making small tea bowls, urn shape vessels and sculptural pieces. We will use coarse cream coloured clay similar to stone ware.  Various techniques such as throwing on the potter’s wheel, coil pots and hand building will be taught. Participants will be able to make between 4 and 8 pieces during the day.

Day 2

We will first glaze our pots and then fire the kiln.  Wood is fed into the fire box until the chamber reaches 1000 degrees centigrade. Pieces are then fed into the kiln using long tongs. They are left for up to 10 minutes. You will watch the glazes melt then remove your glowing orange hot item from the chamber. Still using the tongs, you will then immerse it in sawdust which will burst into flame. Minutes later your piece will be cool and ready for use and admiration.