Firing Guidelines

Firing Timeline:

  • We do not have a firing schedule. We load and fire the kilns as needed and as often as possible. Please understand that in order to maximize efficiency, we only fire the kilns when we have enough work to fill a kiln. Electricity is VERY expensive!

  • We guarantee that all work under 7 inches tall and 10 inches wide will be put in the kiln within 2 weeks of being placed on the shelf to be fired for both bisqueware and glazeware.

  • Work over 7 inches tall and wider than 10 inches in diameter could take up to 4 weeks to be fired. Please understand that we are working hard to get your work fired as quickly and efficiently as possible.

  • Pieces can be in the kiln for up to 48 hours including loading, firing, and cooling time. If your work is loaded on a Friday expect it to be unloaded on a Sunday.

  • We will not be able to accommodate any special circumstances in order to meet your deadlines. Please plan accordingly and make work well in advance if you need work finished for a specific event.

  • We are just as excited as you are to see work coming out of the kiln but please don’t pressure our staff to give a specific time for when the work will be unloaded. 

In order for us to safely fire your work in our kilns it must meet the following guidelines:

Glazeware work for the glaze firing:

  • Must be already bisque fired

  • Must be 100% clean of glaze on the bottom and a minimum of 1/4 in on the sides of the foot.

  • Must have your name clearly visible on the bottom.

  • Must not be glazed with anything that has not been approved by a staff member. See our glaze guide here.

  • Must be placed on a cookie if it has a hole in the bottom.

  • Must have a glaze re-firing ticket if you are glaze firing for a second time.

  • Any stilts, bead racks, or kiln furniture used must be approved by a staff member.

  • Must not have glaze that is flaking off or shedding.

Greenware work for the bisque firing:

  • Must be bone dry

  • Must not be thicker than 1/2 inch anywhere

  • Must not contain anything other than clay purchased at the studio

  • Must not contain armatures, paper or other sculpture tools

  • Must not be painted with an underglaze that has not been approved by a staff member. See our glaze guide here.

  • All hollow work must have holes for air to escape

  • Must have your name clearly written on the bottom

  • All work must meet our size guide. See our Size guide here.

If your work does not meet any of the above guidelines it will be placed on the correctional shelf in the glaze room until the issue has been corrected.