Firing Credits can be used for any combination of piece sizes.
For example, a $60 pass can cover six small pieces, four medium pieces, or any mix that adds up to your total value.

Mini – $5 each
• Very small functional pieces
• Around 3" × 3" footprint
• 1–3" tall
Examples: tiny dishes, espresso cups, small bud vases, test tiles

Small – $10 each
• Typical mug or small bowl size
• Up to ~5" footprint or ~5" tall

Medium – $15 each
• 6–7" footprint
• 6–8" tall
Examples: cereal bowls, medium vases, small platters

Large – $20 each
• 8–10" range
• Larger bowls, taller vessels, serving pieces

Extra Large – Custom Quote
• Oversized platters, tall sculptures, or pieces that dominate kiln space
• Priced individually in advance or at check-in based on size, complexity, and kiln impact

ORNAMENTS AND MICRO WORK

$30 per kiln shelf

For very small work such as:
ornaments, pendants, charms, mini sculptures, or small trinkets

If multiple tiny pieces can comfortably fit on one shelf, this is the most affordable option.

Raku works best with smaller to medium-sized pieces that are evenly built and able to handle rapid temperature changes. Ideal items to bring include:

• Small trinket ornaments
• Bud vases
• Small bowls and dishes
• Cups and mugs
• Small jars
• Tiles
• Simple sculptural pieces

The most successful Raku pieces have even wall thickness from base to rim. Consistent thickness helps the clay survive the extreme thermal shock of Raku firing, which moves from about 1850°F to room temperature in roughly 20 minutes.

Pieces that are too thick, too thin, or unevenly constructed are far more likely to crack or break.

Lidded Vessels

Lidded pieces can be fired, but they require special consideration:

• It is best to fire with the inside of the lid left unglazed, or
• Fire the lid separately on a kiln post or slightly elevated

Glaze on the interior of a jar often struggles to mature properly if the lid is sealed tightly during firing.

Pricing Note:
Lids fired separately are counted as two individual pieces.
Example: a small lid may be a $5 Mini piece, while the jar may be priced as a Small or Medium depending on size.

Quick Tips for Success

• Choose simple, well-compressed forms
• Trim bases evenly
• Avoid very thick bottoms or heavy transitions
• Keep forms moderate in size

To help ensure safe, successful firings for everyone, please avoid bringing the following types of work:

Size Restrictions
• Do not bring pieces wider than 9–10 inches
• Do not bring pieces taller than 12 inches
• Large plates, wide platters, or oversized forms are not suitable for standard workshop firings

Construction Concerns
• Pieces with very inconsistent wall thickness between rim and base
• Forms with thick, untrimmed bottoms or heavy solid bases
• Work that is overly thick or unevenly constructed, which can lead to major cracking or complete breakage

Clay Body Limitations
• Do not bring low-fire clay bodies such as terracotta or earthenware
• Raku requires mid-range or high-fire clay with grog for thermal shock resistance
• Please refer to the “What Types of Clay Should I Use?” section for recommended clay bodies

Sculptural Work
• Avoid poorly constructed sculptures where seams and joins have not been properly compressed
• Extremely fragile or delicate pieces are not recommended for Raku
• While I will do my best to handle fine components with care, ultra-fragile work carries a much higher risk of damage

These guidelines exist to protect your work, the kiln, and the pieces of other participants. If you’re unsure whether a piece is appropriate for Raku, feel free to reach out ahead of time and I’ll be happy to help you evaluate it.

Yes, absolutely. Applying wax resist to the bottoms of your pieces ahead of time helps speed up the glazing process on workshop day. This allows us to move more efficiently, load the kiln sooner, and stay on schedule for both morning and afternoon firing groups.

Pre-waxed pieces make the entire day run smoother for everyone.

Yes! I provide all the Raku glazes you'll need during the workshop. You'll have access to a selection of proven favorites, including:

• Laguna R2 – Tutti Frutti

• Laguna R13 – Copper

• Laguna R10 – Bright Buff

These glazes are beginner-friendly, beautifully reactive, and perfect for exploring the unique effects of Raku firing. You're welcome to use these on your pieces during the session—just bring bisqueware made from Raku-suitable clay, and we’ll take it from there!

1. Raku Clay (Specifically Formulated)

What it is: Commercial clay bodies labeled “Raku” are formulated with high grog and/or sand content.

Why it’s good: Designed to handle thermal shock, these are the most reliable option.

Popular brands:
• Standard Clay 239 Raku
• Laguna Raku #250

2. Stoneware with High Grog or Sand

• Cone 5–10 stoneware can often work well.
• Warning: Always test first. Some stoneware can still crack if not formulated for Raku.

3. Personal Preferences

• Copper Glazes: Laguna WC436 B-Mix 5 with Grog
• White Crackle: Standard Clay 239 Raku
• Horsehair & Smoke Firing: Standard Clay 239 Raku

For safety and comfort during the workshop, please come prepared with the following:

• Closed-toe shoes are required—no sandals or open-toed footwear allowed.

• Wear clothing you don’t mind getting smoky or dirty, including a long-sleeved layer for added protection during firing.

• Bring additional sponges and green scrubby pads for cleaning pottery after firing.

• Please bring extra combustible materials, ideally newspaper, to help fuel the reduction chambers.

• Feel free to bring additional materials to experiment with, such as horsehair, sugar, copper wire, or alternative glazes. (Any outside glazes must be approved in advance for safety and compatibility.)

• Bring a folding chair if you'd like a place to sit between firings.

• Snacks and beverages are welcome to keep you comfortable throughout the day.

We’ll provide all standard glazes, tools, and firing equipment. You just need to bring your bisqueware and come ready for a fun, hands-on experience!

No, Raku-fired pottery is not food safe. The Raku process involves rapid cooling and often results in crackled glazes and porous surfaces, which can absorb moisture and harbor bacteria. Raku pieces are best used for decorative or sculptural purposes only, not for food or drink.

Not at all! Raku workshops are open to all levels. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, the process is fun, approachable, and rewarding.

Due to the nature of Raku firing, workshops are generally not recommended for small children or pets. The process involves open flames, propane burners, hot kilns, and extremely hot kiln furniture, which can create serious safety hazards. Out of concern for safety and respect for other participants, I try to keep the workshop environment focused and free of unnecessary distractions.

However, I understand that situations vary. If you have a service animal or specific childcare limitations, please reach out in advance and I will do my best to discuss possible accommodations.

The workshop will take place in Windham, Maine, directly across from the entrance to Zylar Drive. The studio is located at a tan duplex. Detailed parking instructions and specific car placement will be provided upon arrival.

To secure your place in the Raku Firing Workshop, full payment is required at the time of registration. Due to limited space and high demand, we cannot hold spots without payment. Payment methods will be provided in response to the registration email with your preferred workshop date and time. Once your payment is received, you'll receive a confirmation email with all the details you need to prepare for the workshop.

Payment methods include: Venmo, Paypal, Check, & Credit Card.