One-Day Raku Firing Workshop

Love dramatic crackles, metallic lusters, smoky blacks, and one-of-a-kind surface effects? Experience the excitement of Raku firing!

Join Delores for an exciting one-day workshop where you'll glaze, fire, and finish your pottery using the Raku firing process. This hands-on experience is perfect for potters who want to explore alternative firing techniques and enjoy the thrill of watching their work transform before their eyes.

What You'll Learn

We'll begin with an introduction to Raku firing, covering:

How different glazes and firing techniques create unique surface effects
Choosing the best glaze for your pieces
Preparing your work for the kiln
Raku safety and firing procedures

Throughout the workshop, you'll participate in every step of the firing process:

Glazing your pottery
Loading and firing the kiln
Removing glowing red-hot pots from the kiln
Placing work into reduction chambers filled with combustible materials
Cleaning and revealing your finished pieces

One of the most exciting aspects of Raku is its immediacy. In just a few hours, you'll take your pottery from glazed bisque ware to finished work with beautiful, unpredictable results.

Included with Registration

Raku glazes
Instruction from Delores
Raku firing materials and fuel
One complete Raku firing experience

Participants Should Bring

Up to 12 bisque-fired pieces (Cone 04–06 recommended)
Pottery suitable for Raku firing
Water bottle
Clothes you don't mind getting dirty or smelling like a campfire

Safety Requirements

Because we'll be working around extremely high temperatures, all participants must wear:

Cotton or other natural-fiber clothing (no synthetic fabrics)
Long sleeves
Long pants or jeans
Closed-toe shoes

After the first kiln opening, Delores will demonstrate how to safely remove pottery from the kiln. Participants who wish to pull their own pieces may do so under supervision. Heat-resistant gloves and face shields will be provided.

Tools!
If you have welding gloves and would like to bring them, feel free. Oven gloves, fireplace gloves, Welding gloves can be purchased for $10- $20 at a local hardware store or Amazon.
If you want to Support Local, Arc3 Gases at 715 E Geer St unit c-1, Durham, NC 27701 have extended welding gloves.

Lunch!
We will break for lunch around 1. The exact time for lunch will be dependent on how fast the kilns fire. There are also a few restaurants around the studio. Bring your own lunch.

Please note: The workshop may proceed in light rain. In the event of heavy rain or high winds, the firing will be rescheduled. This workshop must have 4 attendees to run. If the minimum number of participants is not met we will reschedule or move students to other firing dates.

Raku Workshop