A Little Love Note About Firing Times (and Glaze Surprises!)

‍

💛 From all of us in the studio

‍

Hey clay friends!

‍

We know how eagerly you wait to see your pieces come out of the kiln—and we’re just as excited to return them to you! Behind the scenes, we’re carefully tending to every bisque and glaze load, doing our best to keep things moving smoothly for our growing community of over 100 makers.

‍

Just a gentle reminder: even though we now fire three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 🎉), the kiln isn’t a conveyor belt—it’s more like a living, breathing puzzle that shifts with every load.

‍

So if your piece doesn’t come out “next week,” please know: you are not forgotten. Here’s what’s really happening:

‍

🔹 We alternate bisque and glaze firings—some weeks it’s 2 bisque + 1 glaze, others 2 glaze + 1 bisque. Your timing depends on where your piece is in the process!

🔹 Loading is about fit, not just order. We build each kiln from the bottom up, like a 3D ceramic Tetris game. As lower shelves empty, pieces move down—so your pot might be patiently waiting its turn on an upper shelf.

🔹 Big pieces need space—and respect! We love your sculptures and large platters, but they often need a full shelf or special placement. We wait until we can load them safely, without risking breakage or wasting energy.

🔹 Tiny pieces? Our secret heroes! Small mugs, tiles, or test tiles often fill the last nooks and crannies. That’s why they sometimes fire faster—not because of favoritism, but because they help us use every inch wisely (and sustainably!).

‍

🫧 And Now… A Truth About Glaze Firing

‍

Let’s be honest: glaze firing is part science, part alchemy, and part beautiful mystery.

‍

Even the most seasoned makers can’t fully predict what happens inside that glowing chamber. So many quiet forces are at play:

‍

• Was the glaze mixed just right—or a touch too thick?
• Did two “runny” glazes meet and decide to flow together in unexpected ways?
• Is your piece near a hotspot… or nestled in a cooler corner?
• Are neighboring pots redirecting heat like tiny ceramic traffic directors?
• Is your clay body harmonizing with the glaze… or having a quiet disagreement?
• The truth? Glaze results are never 100% guaranteed.

• And that’s not a flaw—it’s part of pottery’s soul.

‍

Some of the most beloved pieces in ceramic history were born from “happy accidents.” And some of our deepest lessons come from pots that… well… didn’t go as planned. (We’ve all held a kiln surprise and laughed through the tears. You’re not alone!)

‍

So here’s our gentle studio mantra:

💖 Fall in love with the making—not just the outcome.

💖 Hope for the best, prepare for the unexpected.

💖 When the kiln opens, meet your piece with curiosity, not judgment.

‍

Our Promise to You

We load every kiln with care—for your work, for our shared resources, and for the planet. We aim to fire safely, thoughtfully, and with as little wasted space or energy as possible. No piece is left behind. No maker is overlooked.

‍

You’re part of a community that values patience, creativity, and mutual support—and we’re honored to fire alongside you, literally and figuratively.

‍

Thank you for trusting us with your clay, your time, and your heart.

‍

With muddy hugs, crossed fingers, and kiln-warmed wishes,

‍

Your Studio Community

‍