Raku Taster – 22 March 2025

The new 2025 season started today with a new group of eager students. We broke a record today for the students that have travelled the furthest to enjoy a day with us – one from Portsmouth and another from Cornwall. The kettle was on, and we all enjoyed a cuppa whilst running through some formalities. Adrian had updated his talk on the history of Raku which always goes down well, and Karen showed off several Raku styles we do here in the studio. The students all chose two bisqued pots from the selection and a few decided to go for a third pot, at a small extra charge.  Everyone got decorating / glazing their pots with some simple but interesting designs. There were lots of questions and Karen & Adrian were on hand to advise what works best and what to avoid.   

The students then had their packed lunch sitting in the garden catching some the sun.  After lunch we fired up the kiln and had 3 firings – two glaze firings and one horsehair / feather firing. For the latter some of our new RakuManiacs bought along their own feathers and dog hair which all worked well. Karen gave her useful demonstration on how to clean off, seal and polish any pots needed it and everyone went home very happy with their creations.   

Our new Raku shelter was fabulous and a great improvement on the gazebo we used to use. Returning students this year will see a big difference in the firing area.

BF – Fantastic day trying something new. So pleased with the pots ! Diolch!

SH – Amazing! Thank you so much – I loved learning all about Raku – and the pots are fab!

BF – Brilliant day, loved the magic of the process. Great support and encouragement from Karen and Adrian. Thank you

ML & EL – Had a great day, lots of fun and we even produced some pots we can display at home and be proud of. Thank you 😊