Spring 1- Day Barrel Firing workshop
Learn to fire pottery without a kiln.
Available spots
Service Description
Learn to fire pottery without a kiln! Patricia will guide you through the process of barrel firing. Suitable for potters and those with no pottery experience. Decorate 3 pots, provided by us* with designs inspired by neolithic rock art. Learn how to use oxides and organics to add colour. Experience packing and firing a metal barrel. Learn how to clean and seal your beautiful pots. Welcome tea, coffee, scones 9.30am Morning session starts 10am A short introduction to Barrel firing. Through demonstrations, learn about pot preparation, terra sigillata and burnishing. Decorate pots inspired by our local neolithic rock art using tape resist & oxide crayon. Make simple foil saggars, choosing from a selection of different oxides & organics such as local seaweed and pine needles. Health and safety and good practice around barrel firing. Pack barrels. Learn how to layer fuel to achieve an even firing with maximum heat work. How to tend to the firing to achieve a reducing atmosphere. Lunch Light vegetarian lunch provided with a chance to chat and browse books on alternative firing techniques. As we wait for the barrels to burn out, there is a field trip opportunity to visit Ballintoy or The Boat House Gallery depending on the weather. Afternoon session, finish 4pm Unpack the barrels. How to clean and seal pots. Take your unique pots home! This day course includes refreshments, vegetarian lunch, all materials, including 3 pots (approx. 240ml) & field trip. Maximum class size 6 *Extra pots can be purchased on the day or you are also welcome to bring your own pots. We will endeavour to add them to the firing, space permitting. Any clay is suitable but bisque to no more than 900oC. Unfired pots can be included but do carry a greater risk of breakage of course.
Upcoming Sessions
Cancellation Policy
1. If for any reason I have to cancel the course, you will receive a full course refund. 2. If you cancel more than 28 days before the class, a full refund will be applied. For cancellations up to 7 days in advance, a 50% refund will be given. After this date, we are unable to offer any refunds. 3. If there are strong winds &/or heavy rain, the workshop will be cancelled for obvious safety & practical reasons. The workshop will be rescheduled but if this does not suit, you can request a full course refund. There will be no further liability regarding travel or accommodation costs on the part of the organiser. Patricia will endeavour to contact you 48hrs prior if the forecast is poor. 4. Breakages are inevitable due to the serendipity of temperature gradients. Please be aware that this type of firing is in the lap of the kiln gods! Be prepared for breakage. 5. Gloves and goggles will be supplied when unpacking the pots. 6. **Please bring your own mask to use when handling oxides. 7. **Please bring a woollen hat or scarf to protect your hair from the heat. Wear loose, natural fibre clothing. 8. Please be extra careful around fire. Team work and turn taking to pack, light and tend the fire is safer than a free for all! You will be directed for everyone’s safety. Keep at a safe distance and use your common sense. 9. During the safety talk, take note where buckets of water and the fire blanket are kept. On booking, you are agreeing with these Terms & Conditions.
Contact Details
20 Isle Road, Bushmills, UK
07980558958
patriciamillarceramics@gmail.com