anticipating the kiln to open

Last week I was doing a second firing at stoneware temperature (1260c) .Usually is routine procedure trying to reach the right point and then do some soaking if necessary. In this firing though I was firing some test tiles trying to achieve a nice black glaze or almost black because in ceramics black colour glaze is not a very easy job to do. So after I switched the kiln off and closing all the potential inlets of air (am firing with gas) I was waiting to cool down with great anticipation. I opened the kiln 24h later and to my surprise I came across with some really good results. The test tiles were covered in a nice reach slightly metallic look black glaze. Of course is too early to say that is a good workable new glaze to our pallet because is only a 100grms test and I have to repeat it with a big batch and try to discover its firing range and othe potentials.

Apart from the pleasure of experimenting and learning new things is a greater pleasure to wait for the kiln to open to see the new results nice or not nice.

Welcome to our blog

This my first post so i would like to introduce my self. I am a potter working and living in Lemba a small and beautifull village in Paphos . I hope this will be a good opportunity for people passionate for clay to express and share their ideas and opinions .Please feel free to visit our site and see our work.