FIRST FIRING EVER!

At last!   The kiln has been wired up and is functioning.   I have done two bisque* firings.

Now it's time to glaze...eeek!   This is the make it or break it stage.  A beautifully made pot can be ruined by a lousy glaze or a lousy glazing job. 

*the first firing which changes raw clay to pottery by heating it so high that it transforms into its hardened  permanent state.  The temperature of this  firing is lower than the glaze firing to keep the clay absorbent.  It is necessary for the pot to be somewhat absorbent to accept the glaze.    When the glaze is applied it adheres because the water in the glaze soaks into the pot leaving the powdered ingredients on the surface.