Raku Firing Pottery Workshop

Feel like getting crafty and creative? If you're looking for some arty fun things to do in Swindon, come and join us and discover the beautiful unique patterns created by raku firing.

What is raku firing?

Raku is an exciting, fast-firing method that produces unique, individual effects on the pots being fired. In this pottery making class, we will start with a pre-fired pot (ie: bisque), the pot is decorated with raku glazes then placed into a special raku kiln.

Once the piece is red hot and glowing, it is carefully lifted from the kiln and placed into a container with combustible materials where it will burst into flames — it is truly captivating! The lid is replaced on the container forcing out the oxygen and slowly putting out the fire but allowing the smoke effects to add to the process.

Having cooled the piece down it is then taken from the container and plunged into the water. All that is left is to then scrub off the carbon and reveal the uniquely gorgeous finish — no two pieces are ever the same and there is absolutely no way of knowing exactly how your piece will look!

You have two options with this pottery workshop:

• Option 1: you can either make a pot during one of our general sessions (or on one of our courses), bring it along to the RAKU firing workshop and add special RAKU glazes, or
• Option 2: you can glaze one of our ready-made pots during the workshop (additional costs apply, see important notes at the bottom of the description).

At the end of the class, you'll have your stunning raku pot to take home and cherish! You'll also have some newfound knowledge of the world of raku firing.

Important
Please note that due to the nature of this type of firing, we cannot guarantee all pots will survive, occasionally pots may crack or break during firing! There are no refunds for any broken pots.
Please also note that if you choose option two, you will need to bring some money with you to purchase this pot. Prices range from £5 to approx £20 and you will need to pay for your pot on the day.

As this is a very weather dependent activity, Raku firings do not normally take place during the winter and may be cancelled when there is a lot of wind. Please check facebook page or call us for latest updates.

Completely beginner-friendly!
  All pieces will be fired in the raku kiln while you watch! Once cool and cleaned, your unique piece will be ready to take home. If your pot breaks we do have Kintsugi kits available to purchase! (Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold — built on the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art).
 

• Any refreshments you may need (there is a cafe on site but please check your workshop times against opening hours)
• Face covering/mask
• You will need to wear comfortable shoes and warm, old clothes suitable for working in a pottery studio (raku firings take place outside so do please dress accordingly).
• If you wish, you may also bring along your own glazes to try, or any additional combustibles that you wish to try to gain spectacular, individual finishes to your piece, e.g. large feathers or horsehair etc.

This would also be a lovely gift for her, gift for mum or birthday gift.