And here are the same “Moon Jars” after soda-firing… all of them on their way to ART IN THE BARN this weekend!!! Pretty round vases that would look even prettier with pretty flowers inside!!!

And just a few close-up shots of birdhouse roofs!!!
Just because we LOVE soda-firing effects!!!

Fresh from the soda kiln… a small batch of birdhouses for ART IN THE BARN this weekend. I brought a couple to ART IN THE GARDEN and they got snatched up right away! So I’m kinda thinking these might go fast again… there’s only a few… no calling dibs… good luck!

The pumpkin patch is ready to harvest this weekend in Barrington! Fresh out of the soda kiln… plenty of clay pumpkins in assorted sizes. Even a few without warts for those “select few”… and you know who you are!

So my soda kiln unloading went well yesterday. With plenty of fun colors & beautiful soda flashing throughout the kiln! Can’t wait to bring most of these new pieces to ART IN THE BARN this weekend in Barrington!

Started taking off a few more layers of bricks… almost cool enough to unload. It’s always exciting to see a good “pop” of color at the top of my soda firing. I’m not a fan of the “soda-blasted” dark grays that look like “dolphin skin”… some people like it, but not me!!! I prefer COLOR over dark grayness!!!

Today is Monday… welcome to a new week! It’s also soda kiln unloading day!!!
I just cracked the kiln open so it can cool a little quicker. Also… a little sneaky peek!!!

As the firing is nearing the end, it’s time to add the soda mixture into the kiln. It evaporates instantly, causing the flames to go CRAZY… and hopefully sending the soda mixture throughout all of pots & shelves inside!!! Wherever the flames hit the pot… that’s where the soda mixture will work its magic & “glaze” the pot!!! Fingers crossed.

So I just placed the kiln in “body reduction.” This is when I throw the balance of gas-to-air out of whack. Too much gas for an efficient flame… so the kiln is seeking air anywhere it can find it. Thus the flames shooting out of the kiln searching for air… like the movie “Backdraft.” It is also the time that the porousness is being sucked out of the bisque making the pots inside solid & vitrified. Who knew so much chemistry & physics would play into my simple little pottery world?!

Early this morning… WE HAVE IGNITION!!!
And a long day ahead of me in the studio firing the soda kiln
for next weekend’s ART IN THE BARN in Barrington.