Raku Taster – 9th June 2025
Woke up to a pleasant Monday morning and got the studio ready for the arrival of our latest group of Raku Taster students. Only 5 students this time but everyone…
A sunny Monday morning and a perfect day for some Raku teaching and testing a couple of new glazes. Our latest group was a fabulous groups of friends, so we did not have to spend much time on introductions. With everyone keen and eager we had the customary cuppa to start the day off. Sue made some lovely rock cakes and bought along some other nice things too. As usual the RakuMania fridge is well stocked as is our supply of biscuits, chocolates, and crisps. We even cater for gluten free and those that like Oatmeal milk in their cuppa.
With no experience in Raku besides watching the Great Pottery Throwdown, Adrian started with his safety talk and went into a little talk about pottery, types of clay and general firing principles. We discussed the different between other pottery and Raku, with the latter being a very fast form of firing. After the history of Raku, Karen showed the students the various styles of Raku that we both done and how to achieve the different finishes.
The students then all chose 2 bisqued pots from the selection and unfortunately one of the students could not make it but others decided to do her pots for her. Karens bowls went down a storm and everyone was really liked the idea of using tape and underglaze to decorate bowls. We had to order more tape after this class 😊. This time around we only had one person wanting to do the horse hair and feathers technique and bought along some feathers with sentimental value.
At 12.30pm we bought out the deck chairs and everyone sat in the sun eating their packed lunch. After lunch, we had three firings of about 45 min each.
Karen was on hand to show the students how to clean off, seal & polish (if necessary) their creations. We do tell the students that Raku is not really for functional use, but we do have good success at sealing the vase type pots with a tile / stone sealer we use but never guarantee they will be water tight for life.
We had excellent results with all the styles that were tried, and all the students went away very happy.
S&C CW – Thanks for a brilliant day. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Who’d have thought we were so creative ? !! Thanks again Adrian & Karen
HP – A great day thank you. Really enjoyed every bit. Every aspect well explained, great support. ALL pots produced were beautiful
JB – Top day, with patient & gentle instruction. Stunned that I actually did produce some lovely pots – proud pot mama. Thank you
LZ – Fab day, thank you so much. Really enjoyed
