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 was on time, and we had the customary cuppa to start the day off. A great butch of students with most having had a little experience with pottery, one currently doing weekly classes but none having done any Raku.  Adrian gave his safety talk as we are working with gas, flames and high temperatures, and went into a little talk about pottery, types of clay and general firing principles. We discussed the difference 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 do and how to achieve the different finishes.

The students then all chose 2 bisqued pots from the selection and most opted to purchase a third. I think everyone liked Karen’s example using tape and underglaze with a transparent glaze over it. 

After lunch, we had planned three firings with the middle one being the horsehair / feather style. The best is still sugar, horse hair, finer feathers and sleeps fleece with dog and cat fur working as well. Due to one of the firings not giving us the results we really wanted, we decided to refire a couple of pots. Unfortunately, these blistered a little and we have now worked out that underglaze under a transparent glaze really does not like being fired a second time.  The student whose pots were not as we would have liked was talking about coming again, so we have told him if he does, we will let him have another two pots 😊. Generally firing a pot for a second or third time can actually improve it.

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.

RF – Such an informative day. Adrian & Karen were great at answering all sorts of questions. The Raku itself was amazing, loved it and love my pots. Would love to do it again. Thank you

NG – What a fantastic day! Everyone should try a day at least. Karen & Adrian were great teachers and hosts

MK – Thank you for a fantastic day! Did not realise how exciting it would be and really pleased with the results. Brilliant hosts, Karen & Adrian. Thank you again

JD – A fabulous day, learnt so much and enjoyed every minute. Better still proud of what I produced. Thanks

AG – A fun and highly creative day. Adrian & Karen were friendly and very informative. Highly recommend. Many thanks