Sunday was a day we've been looking forward to all year, and it absolutely delivered. Our first raku firing of 2026 exceeded every expectation we had!
For those unfamiliar with raku, it's a Japanese firing technique that's as much art as it is craft. The pieces are removed from the kiln while still glowing red-hot and placed into combustible materials—sawdust, leaves, newspaper—where the rapid cooling creates those stunning, unpredictable surface effects. No two pieces ever come out the same, which is part of the magic.
What made Sunday's firing so special was the range of results. We had glazes that developed rich, metallic finishes we've never quite achieved before. The copper reds were particularly striking this time around, with deep crimsons bleeding into burnt oranges. Some pieces took on an almost iridescent quality as the smoke and ash settled into the glaze during cooling.
Beyond the technical success, watching the pieces transform in real time, seeing the surprise and delight on everyone's faces as each one emerged from the reduction chamber—that's what keeps us coming back to this process month after month.
We're already planning the next firing and can't wait to see what the kiln has in store for us next time. If you want to be involved... and we do get everyone who wants to help involved, please book onto one of our raku workshops or courses: Clay, Ceramics and Throw Down Workshops – Felix Tabitha