Yesterday was Huge!  It was a big deal around here as the kiln fired once again for the first time in since 2007.  I’m back and happy to have a full running studio after all this time.

It was a bisque firing on low/slow up to 1888 degrees.  It took a full 12 hours and 11 min. to reach temperature.  I wasn’t able to capture the full 1888 degrees but this was pretty close.  She’s a hot one right there.

I had to wait for it to cool to 200 degrees before opening.  Finally just after 9 this morning she reached 199 and I opened her as fast as I could.  Everything on the top shelf turned out just fine.  I’m waiting on hubby to help me with the rest.

I have 9 new glazes and put these test tiles to the test.  Each one holds 1 coat on the bottom, 2 coats on the left side and 3 coats on the right side.  This test will let me know how many coats to apply (to the good stuff) based on the results.

I’ve also been working on some new designs.  I can’t wait to give these a go!  Hubby gave me a French curve several years ago.  I’m learning to enjoy it more and more.  I love using it for these type projects.

The kiln will be busy again tomorrow as this time I’ll be running those test samples through.  The results should be in Wednesday.  I can’t wait to see how the glazes react to not only the flat surfaces but to see how they respond/pull away from the areas with pattern.

I’m so blessed my hubby works so hard to make my studio all that it can be.  He helped me so much over the weekend – He: put up more shelves in the studio for the kiln furniture, helped me recover my wedging table with fresh new canvas, ensured proper venting for the kiln such that we could fire it up and so much more.  He not only makes things happen but he makes them happen joyfully.  I’m so blessed.

And after all that, he asked if I’d like to join him for a lunch date today.  It was so yummy and nice to visit a little while with him this afternoon.

Blessings – Debbie