Raku Taster – 25th October 2025
Our Wonderful Raku Day We (Catherine and Philippe, mum and son) started the day with a drive from Swansea to Llanddowror, which was already a little bit magical, with so…
This weekend saw the second of our Raku Kiln building courses take place. Unfortunately, due to family bereavement John Scott was unable to come down but had managed to send down the fibre and other things he was due to bring down.
Adrian and Karen did a run through on Friday to make sure they had all the necessary materials, equipment and tools. Due to the weather forecast not looking as good as the first course we ran, we made some changes to the program to make the most of the Saturday, so we could work under cover on the Sunday. We also made a couple of minor changes to the kiln construction as well 😊.
Our 6 eager students arrived by 9.15am and besides one, were all returning students of RakuMania. With a cuppa in hand, Adrian gave a brief introduction and everyone got to know each other before learning about the plans for the weekend. We also covered some Health & Safety matters and issued gloves and masks (PPE). The group was split into 2, with one group going with Adrian to work on building the wire frame and the other with Karen to measure, cut the ceramic fibre and attach to a foil backing using sodium silicate.
Adrians’ group soon got into action using the angle grinder to cut the main shape for kiln, a base and two lids. The mesh was rolled and manipulated into a round shape and bolted together. Next the base was attached and a hole cut for the where the burner will be. Karens group, cut the fibre for the main section of the kiln, the round base and the two lids. The students all wore masks and gloves when cutting the fibre and attaching it to the foil. We finished just in time for lunch and Adrian fired up the BBQ(Braai if you are South African). After lunch, the two groups swapped over and by the end of the day everyone had a mesh kiln structure and the fibre sections all ready to attach on the Sunday.
Sunday morning started with the customary cuppa and Adrian & Karen explained the process of attaching the fibre to the mesh with ceramics buttons that everyone had made, begged or borrowed. The students were then given their burners to assemble, Raku gloves & tongs, Kiln shelves & props and pyrometer / temp probe. Adrian then ran through the assembly process of the gas cylinder, pressure gauge etc and the students were all taught a firing schedule that was safe and easy to remember. After a demonstration firing the students then split into two groups and fired some of their pots. The day ended on a high with some fabulous pots and kilns to take home.
GT – A great informative course and I’m so thrilled to have my own raku kiln now. I’m keen to do more courses please! Thank you Adrian & Karen for a fun weekend x😊
CR – A huge thank you to Adrian & Karen – a very practical, hands on, informative course. Am leaving with a raku kiln and the confidence to use it!
RE – Thank you, thank you, thank you. A fabulous and very practical course. Loving the opportunities I now have thanks to you. See you soon
AB – Fantastic as usual. So much to take away and explore. Thanks 😊
FL – Great & inspiring weekend. Nowe to get potting again
MS – Really enjoyed and feel confident to Raku
