Firing - Bisque

Firing clay information:

All clay needs to go through at least two firings.

1st Firing - Bisque

All different clay types (terracotta, earthenware, mid-fire, stoneware, porcelain) will be fired in this firing - this firing is essential before the glaze firing

2nd Firing - Glaze
It is important to know what clay type you have for this firing. Check the packet or ask for glaze temperature. This will determine what type of glaze you will put on the piece and what temperature glaze firing you will book. The temperature of the glaze (also found on its packet) must fit with the range of the glaze temperature on the clay packet. This is very important.

If you have any questions about this please do not hesitate to contact me otherwise please book the bisque and correct glaze firing temperature for your clay and glaze below.

Firings do not take place at regular intervals and the kiln needs to be full before firing. This is to ensure consistency of temperature and cost efficiency. If you require your pieces in a certain timeframe please contact Summer Freckles prior to booking your firing to check if this can be fulfilled. 

When are your pieces are ready for bisque firing?

All greenware, i.e. unfired pottery, needs to be completely bone dry before it is ready for firing. You will see the clay whiten or lighten as it drys, some say it no longer feels cool to the touch.

When are your pieces are ready for glaze firing?

Depending on what you are making and how you want it glazed you may choose to have your bisque and glaze firing done in the one session. i.e. book your items in for bisque firing and a glaze firing and they will be done one after the other with Summer Freckles applying the glaze and then firing a second time before returning your pieces. If you would like to decorate your bisque ware with underglaze before it is glazed you will need to collect your pieces and then book your glaze firing when you are ready.

Delivery and Collection:

Your pieces need to be delivered and collected from the Summer Freckles studio in Nambour at a pre-arranged time.

Please make sure you have initialled each piece and that you take a photo of the group of works for reference when collecting. 

How to transport your greenware:

Pack greenware into a sturdy box and fill surrounding space with padding, e.g. shredded paper, polyester fibrefill. DO NOT individually wrap each item in bubble wrap or paper. It traps moisture and increases both the likelihood of breakages during unwrapping and the time it takes to load the kiln.

Pack flatware, e.g. tiles, plates, vertically (as you would books on a shelf) as opposed to horizontally (items on the bottom of a box packed flat risk breaking due to the weight of the ware on top of them!)

When will your pieces be ready for collection?

When you book I will be in touch with a timeframe for the next firing and a collection timeframe. Expect to collect in approximately 3-5 weeks.

Care and responsibility disclaimer:

While all care is taken handling your work Summer Freckles is not responsible for breakages or glaze mishaps.

Options:

Single item [approx. 10cm x 10cm x 10cm] - $5

Quarter Shelf [25cm x 25cm x 25cm] - $10

Half Shelf

 [25cm x 50cm x 25cm] - $20

Full Shelf

 [50cm x 50cm x 25cm] - $40

How to work out what size shelf to book:

Place all your pieces finger width apart on a flat surface in a square/rectangle space approx. 25cm across. Work out if you need half, quarter or full shelf size and book accordingly. Pieces can touch and stack in a bisque firing. This is not the case in a glaze firing.

Need more clay? 

View the whole Clay-At Home Collection

T&C's:

Gift Cards:

Giving the gift of clay? Unsure what the recipient would like? Why not purchase a Summer Freckles Gift Certificate and let them choose for themselves.

Contact Richelle from Summer Freckles for further information.