Raku Workshop – 3rd August 2024

The sun was shining, the pottery studio was set up and the Raku area all prepared. All we needed was some students and thanks to Jane and her class they all arrived just after 9.30am. A slightly bigger class than last time with some RakuManiacs coming back for a second time and then appeared Alison who could not stay away, twice in a matter of a week. This time we had the lovely Smith family, three generations ready to have some fun, with Flo being just 11. Although our usual minimum age is 12, we will accept lower if carefully supervised by a family member and on the sensible side.

A quick cuppa tea for those that needed it, introductions and safety talk out the way.  We did the usual history of Raku talk and then the class unleased their creations. The handbuilding was excellent and everyone had bought along some fabulous creations to be glazed and fired. There was a whale, hamster, Welsh miners, a number of large hares, a couple of seals, flowers and cone shaped luminaires. Karen and Adrian were very impressed with the creations and how well they were made.

The class were shown examples of how they might like to decorate their items and with the RakuMania team on hand, everyone got decorating.  The participants used a range of glazes and underglazes to make the most of their creations. We always say less is sometime more when it comes to Raku, and this proved the case with the stunning hares in either the transparent crackle glaze or our copper glaze.  With the slightly larger group size and the number of items to be fired, we had to be on the ball with our firings and started the first one over lunch. Only one small damage in the kiln with one of Janes flowers,  so she had her legged pulled about not scoring and slipping the join well enough.

We had some fabulous results with all the techniques – glazed, naked Raku and our horsehair / feather. Everyone was excited and happy with how their creations were transformed in the firing process and the final photos were testament to the wonderful day.

ATD – An amazing experience. Adrian & Karen were excellent tutors and helped create a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere

JC – Fab day. Really enjoyed and would defo come back again. Thanks Adrian and Karen

CR – Thank you Karen & Adrian for a fabulous day! Can’t wait to come again 😊

AL – My second workshop here and certainly won’t be my last.  Perfect day

KL – Amazing day yet again both informative, inspiring. I’ve learnt so much. Can’t wait for the next one

FS – Hi ! Thank you VERY much. I have enjoyed! Love FJLS