Alternative Firings Workshop 

We are hosting an alternative firings workshop on May 18th and 19th, 2019 at Dakota Potters Supply in Sioux Falls, SD!  We will explore and share our knowledge of the techniques we have been doing including foil saggars, paper saggars, Obvara and of course pit firing. There will also be throwing demonstrations, additional demos of terra siggilata mixing and application, and sealing finished works.  Space is extremely limited to 15 participants.  We will also have limited spaces for observers to get the knowledge but without the hands on.  ​
Each participant will get to fire a minimum of 5 pieces, no larger than 10" in any direction.  Pieces should be made using a good thermal shock clay such as Raku,  Laguna "B" Mix or Dakota Potters Supply Chad's Bod. 

For pit firing and the saggar firings, we recommend burnishing or apply terra siggillata prior to bisque firing. Obvara pieces do not need terra siggillata nor need to be burnished, but will not hurt them either. All pieces should be bisque fired to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit, 1800 degrees is preferred, not required for obvara.

It is recommended if you have a respirator, to bring it along.  We will have fiber masks, but respirators are best.

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Rough Schedule of events

Saturday 5/18
  • 8:00-8:30 Coffee & Doughnuts
  • 8:30 Mix Obvara / Terra Siggillata
  • 9:00-12:00 Wrap Foil Saggars, Wrap Paper Saggars, Throwing Demos
  • 12:00-1:00 Lunch (provided)
  • 1:00-2:30 Fire Obvara
  • 2:30-4:00 Fire Foil Saggars
  • 4:00 Depart for Pit location
  • 4:30 Pit prep/loading
  • 5:30 light the pit
  • ​After that you can stay as long as you like. We will be here for several hours.
Sunday 5/19
  • 8:30-9:00 Coffee & Doughnuts
  • 9:00-12:00 Finish any firings, you can fire extras if there is time.  Trim yesterdays pots, apply terra siggillata. Discuss sealants.
  • 12:00-1:00 Lunch on your own.
  • 1:00/1:30 meet at the pit to unload. Clean pots and wrap up.
We are limited to 15 participants to get hands-on-firing with us.  We also have 20 observer spots perfect for spouses, co-artists, students.  All registrants will receive instruction from us, Workshop information sheets,  coffee and doughnuts at the start of each day, and lunch on Saturday.

Participant cost.  $200.00  Early bird (before 3/1/19)  $175.00
Observer cost.     $75.00    Early bird (before 3/1/19)  $60.00

Start registration below, Please indicate  your preference of participation or observer. you will receive an email within a couple days confirming availability and an invoice.  Additional information will be sent to participants with pot guidelines and recommendations. 

​Workshop is weather-dependent, if we cancel for any reason full refunds will be given.  If you need to cancel, please let us know right away.  Any cancellations (other than by us) after 5/1/19 are subject to a 20% fee.   It is not recommended to make non-refundable travel plans.  

    Workshop Registration