Workshops

Salt Firing - at Spiral Ridge Pottery

Sponsored through Creative Clay Studios
Call 703-750-9480 for dates and sign-up

John loads glazed pots into the kiln during a workshop
Bring your own lunch both days. Drinks and snacks provided. This workshop will be held at my studio in Shannondale, West Virginia, less than an hour from Reston. You will have the opportunity to become fully involved in all aspects of firing a salt kiln. Each student will be able to fire 12-15 pots which must be bisque fired prior to the workshop. Clay and form suggestions and driving directions will be mailed later. I will bisque-fire for those without access to a kiln Fee: $20.

Day 1 we meet from 9:30AM to 6PM. You will glaze your pots, load the kiln, and brick up the door.

Day 2 we will meet again from 9:30AM to 6PM to watch and learn how to "read" the stages of the firing, add the salt, then close it up tight to cool.

Two to three days later we will return to unload the kiln, clean the shelves, and admire our pots!

Fee: $185. Ages 15 - Adult. Class is limited to 8 students

Photos from previous workshops


Stephanie glazes her pieces for the firing
Nan, Dana, Joanne, and Cyndy plan the configuration of the shelves before the pots are taken outside and loaded into the kiln.
Joanne weighs chemicals used to make the wadding. Small wadding balls will be glued to the bottom of each pot so the pots will not stick to the shelves when the salt is introduced. The wads are removed after the firing.
Dana, George, Nan, and Stephanie work together to brick up the door.
Unloading the kiln always provides wonderful surprises!
George pulls the bricks from the salt port, as Cyndy dumps the salt in on a piece of angle iron.
Nan and George work with the others to clean the shelves after unloading.