Raku Taster – 9th August 2025

We woke up to a slightly overcast day but that would not affect our new group of RakuManiacs. Everyone arrived on time for a cuppa and introductions with very few of the class having any poetry experience. The great thing about our Raku taster experiences is that firstly you don’t need to have any pottery experience and secondly, you don’t have to be artistic. Karen did try and get someone to write todays blog, but we had no takers 😊, better luck next time!!

We did the customary safety; history of pottery and Raku talk which we find goes down well. After this, Karen bought out a variety of pots which we have previously fired and explained how to get the difference effects. The students were then able to choose 2 pots from our bisqued section and given the opportunity to purchase a third if they liked.  It was the first time we tried a new clay body which when bisqued is a pinky colour rather than the usual white. Out came the tape, brushes and glazes and everyone eagerly started glazing / decorating their pots. Karen was on hand to help, give suggestions and ensure clean bottoms whilst Adrian set up the kilns ready for after lunch firings.

We had some fabulous copper effects from the Starry Night glaze as Adrian took them straight from the kiln at 900c and into the reduction chamber. The horse hair / feather technique was tried on the new clay body and looked quite nice.  We had some great naked raku results, and the turquoise glaze came out with a stunning finish.  The students were taught how to seal and get a smooth shiny finish on their naked raku pots and horse hair / feather pots.

One of our more quieter classes but taking home some fabulous creations.

AD – What a really interesting day! Thank you for your help and expertise

ZD – Wonderful day, thank you

V&J – Learnt a lot, ended up with some great pots. Thank you

AB – Had a great day! Loved the feather finish – great tutors 🙂