HANDS-ON FIRING: Raku and Foil Saggar
Join us on Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12, 2026 for a raku workshop with Jane White and Susan Salmaron. The cost is $150.
In the event of rain and/or wind, the workshop will take place the following weekend.
Workshop Description
Through combination of lecture and firings, participants will identify variables that influence results of raku and saggar firings. Each day will include firings and discussion. We will have raku glazes, saggar combustibles, abvara, horse hair and naked raku slip available.
We will discuss/analyze results of each kiln load and work towards controlling and repeating results.
The Guild’s facility and checklists will be emphasized to ensure that participants can run a safe and successful firing at the Guild or anywhere they have access to raku and foil saggar firing. Safety concerns will be emphasized, including smoke, how fire behaves, possible burns, use of propane, burner, gloves, and choreography.
Kilns will be ready to go at beginning of first class. Everyone will help, at end of workshop, cleaning kiln yard.
Special Note
Bring your lunch. Please plan on staying in the building to monitor kilns and participate in discussion.
Bisqueware
Bisqueware that is porcelain, earthenware, thick ( greater than 3/8 inch thick) , thick/thin variation within a piece, or fragile are less likely to survive the firings. There are ways to approach that type of work and we will discuss that, but for the sake of efficiency, please use a stoneware or raku clay body.
Nothing should be taller than 10 inches or wider than 12”. Tiles that can fire on their side (leaning against a brick) will use 4” x length of ware that makes contact with shelf.
Burnished terra sigillata on ware used for saggars, horsehair and naked raku techniques is recommended for results that have a wonderful sheen and look more finished.
If you would prefer to use premade pieces, you can purchase at class for $10, with no guarantee of their success. None will have terra sigillata applied
Firing Space
We will try to get enough firings to get the work you bring through the firings, but there is no guarantee that all your work will be fired.
Raku kiln firings ( including horse hair, and abvarra)
The kiln shelf is 12’x12’ and height of kiln is 10”. We will be able to get approximately 18 loads fired. That gives everyone approximately 2 kiln loads of space , or 316 square inches of shelf space for ware. Sometimes firing on edge saves shelf space… a 10”x10” tile on edge will take 4”x10” or 40sq inch , rather than 100 sq inch.
Foil Saggars ,
6 - 8 pieces, no bigger than 6”x6”x8” for foil saggars
Questions ? Call Jane 517-815-4743