New Toys!

Hot Hot Hot

Delivery day for our brand new kiln finally arrived last week. This enormous pallet load was skilfully manoeuvred down the side access by the driver, guided by Becky.

So exciting!

The sky was blue as we unpacked our shiny new toy; getting it inside was going to be a huge job though. For women of a certain age we are no weaklings, but happily, Becky was able to round up several additional strong family members within the hour. It took four men to lift the kiln, (although they insisted two could have done it!) as well as two of us to lift the massive fuse box with cables attached.

This is a heavy duty Rhode kiln, and promises to fire reliably and repeatedly for many years. Pottery making can make use of all sorts of ancient and repurposed bits and pieces, that non potters might consider junk. When it comes to the kiln though, you don't want junk. We continue to test our chosen toasty clay with various glazes; and are looking forward to packing and, even more, to unpacking this beauty.

Sitting Comfortably

Later the same day an IKEA truck arrived with mountains of shelving, and other furniture. The new studio now smells of pine; mmm...

It is months ago that we visited the shop and tried sitting in any chair that looked suitable. We chose this design; they really are comfortable, as well as strong, bright and stackable. The picture shows us planning the studio layout the next day. Imagine that each chair is a potters' wheel. The actual wheels are sitting in our garages, ready to move in later, but we are beginning to picture the set up, and it feels good. You can see that we'll have absolutely miles of shelving too.

At the other end of the workshop will be the hand building area. Each person will have a chair, at their own square table, arranged together in a block. As soon as more of these boxes are unpacked, and we've spent some time with the famous IKEA allen keys, we'll post more pictures.

Plans for January

We plan to be able to start our classes early in the new year, hopefully in the week beginning 9th January, although there is lots to do! We have attempted to make contact with everyone subscribed to The Pottery Hut, to begin to put names on class lists. If you are not sure that we have your name down, and you are keen to join in, do get in touch by email. We still have a few spaces.

As we are all gearing up for Christmas (and a family wedding!) we will also be busy with paint brushes, and those allen keys, and looking to 2023.

Here's to a Happy New Year of potting in the Pottery Hut!