Raku Taster – 6th November 2025

Not the best day for a Raku session with the rain having pelted down for a number of days and the fields opposite the pottery under water (as well as a couple of houses in the village). It is days like this when we are glad that we invested in the new Raku shack instead of all holding the legs of a gazebo about to take off. Oddly enough, it was not cold but we gave the inside heating a quick boost before the students arrived.  

Only 5 students in today’s class and everyone arrived on time rearing to learn all about Raku and make some great pots. Even though we had a returning student coming back for more fun, we still did the customary brief talk about ceramics and the history of Raku. Karen then showed the class the main three styles of “Raku” that we do in this studio to give them an idea of what they might like to do on with their pots. Besides any pots chosen for the horse hair / feather technique, the students started to decorate and glaze their other pots.   The course fees include two pots which have been made by us, burnished and bisque fired. Students can purchase a third pot for a nominal amount if they wish to try all three techniques.  Most students take us up on this offer 😊.

Before we knew it, it was lunch time and everyone tucked into their packed lunch bought with them. As usual we had lots of refreshment on offer, and the kettle is always on. After lunch, we fired up the kiln and had 3 firing – Glaze, horsehair and finally a glaze one again with some naked Raku.  The students were shown how to clean off any excess carbon on the pots and for the horsehair and naked ones, how to wax and polish their pots.

Everyone went home very happy with their new creations destined for the side board or maybe a Christmas present.

Adrian apologises as he forgot to take phots when you we all busy decorating your pots!!

Comments :

WB – What a delight! Such an interesting day. I’m taking home works of art that I have seen in shop windows, and I made them 😊 X

P & K L – We had an amazing experience. Would highly recommend. Thanks so much 😊

KC – Enjoyed immensely, so much I came again!

MC – Something I have always wanted to do! Thank you for a very interesting day