I was greeted this morning by the bricked up kiln…
just as I had left it a few mere hours ago.

I started firing early this morning and it all seemed to go like clockwork throughout the day. Body reduction around lunch time. Glaze reduction at the top temps as I was getting ready to mix the soda mixture.

I did a LOT of busy-work tasks in my studio during the day as it was firing. I cleaned, I mopped, I glazed my class demo pots, and I blogged. Around dinner time, the cones were going down quickly and it was time to add the soda mixture. It’s a combination of soda bicarbonate, soda ash, whiting and wood chips. Mixed with water to make it kind of an oatmealy-texture. It goes in through the two ports in the side fireboxes. After adding the soda, the flames are shooting out the portals as you replace the brick. Very fun!!!

So now the kiln has reached top temperature and I have turned it off. It will cool all day tomorrow & Monday. I will unload it Monday evening to see what kind of treasures may be inside. A lot I hope?!!!