Crystalline is a specialist type of glaze where zinc silicate crystals form in the glaze during the kiln firing process. The glaze is mixed using a variety of raw materials, some measured in minute amounts.

The firing process uses a complex schedule with several temperature ramps to create different crystal growth formations. The kiln is fired to maximum temperature and then cooled to specific holding temperatures to allow crystals to form in the glaze. The amount of time held at this temperature contributes to the size of the crystals. Crystals occur randomly in the glaze, making each piece unique.

Each piece is fired on a pedestal and dish to protect the kiln, as there is a lot of glaze run off during the firing. This needs to be removed after the firing, which is a delicate process, and the bottom of each piece ground smooth using a diamond disc.

3 Weekend Workshop: $595

This workshop will focus on the production of cone6 crystalline glazed pottery from start to finish led by the wonderful and talented, Adam Abraham!

This includes throwing your pieces and glaze catchers, attaching the piece to its glaze catcher, glazing the pots, and firing them with a controlled cooling system for crystal growth.

We will discuss how crystalline glaze functions, food safety, experimental crystalline processes, and the risks and specifics of working in the crystalline medium.

It is recommended that you have intermediate skill level with wheel throwing, since this workshop will focus on wheel-based processes. This class will be split into three weeks with the first week focused on throwing and trimming, and the second week on glazing and firing process. The final week will be for glaze unload and discussion.

By the end of the workshop, you will have an understanding of the art of crystalline glazed pottery and will have your very own beautiful crystalline pieces to take home!

Every participant will be given a 25lbs bag of B-Mix at the start of the workshop.

This workshop will be split into THREE weeks with the first week focused on throwing and trimming, the second week on the glazing and firing, and the final week will be for glaze unload and discussion.

Weekend 1 - Throwing & Trimming:
Friday, July 29th
Sunday, July 31st
10a to 6pm

Weekend 2 - Glazing & Firing:
Saturday, August 6th
Sunday, August 7th
10am to 6pm

Weekend 3 - Glaze Unload & Discussion:
Saturday, August 13th
10am to 3pm

We kindly ask that all participants please bring the following items:

• Bats (at least 8 - one bat per catcher)

• Calipers

• Hand towel

• Throwing tools

Due to high demand, kindly cancel one week before the start of the workshop to receive a full refund. Cancellations made in under one week of the start of class will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations in under 5 days will not receive a refund at all. There are no refunds once the workshop has begun.

There will be no refunds if you are turned away for lack of proof of vaccination. Unfortunately, we can not hold credit for a future workshop either.

Thank you for your understanding.

Proof of full vaccination (at least 2 shots) will be required to attend class. We understand this may deter some people from taking a class with us but we feel this is the best way we know how to ensure the health and safety of our community and the community at large.

• I’m a beginner, can I take this workshop?
  
  All participants must have intermediate skill level with wheel throwing.