Slow Clay: Firing Salt & Soda
A Hands-On Workshop with Frederick Church MEMBERS ONLY UNTIL 1ST JANUARY
Class Description
Come and join in a hands-on multi part practical workshop exploring Salt & Soda Kiln Effects with the opportunity to become a Kiln Master at the Hautere Kiln. Make, slip & glaze pots specifically for salt/soda firing. Learn how to wad your pots with practical or decorative methods. Help load and fire the Hautere Kiln at Lavender Creek Farm and learn the secrets of how to fire a diesel kiln. Experience the amazing experience of opening the kiln. Frederick Church (Hautere Kiln Kllnmaster) will take you through the process step by step over 5 sessions, from design through glazing to loading, firing and unloading the kiln. Note: This workshop series has 5 sessions, participants are expected to attend every session. Please take careful note of all the dates to be sure you can be there. Session 1: Introduction and Q&A 07 February 2026 - 1pm - 4pm - Location: OPC Handbuilding Classroom Participants can bring along pieces they have made if they wish - green or bisque ware Why Salt and Soda? Learn about the science of atmospheric glazing with salt and soda. What to make and how to glaze/slip and wad. Session 2: Glazing/Slips and wadding 2-3 hours 6 March - 6pm - 9pm - Location: OPC Glazing room Participants to bring along all the work they want to fire in the Hautere kiln How to slip and decorate your pots (this can be done beforehand - members) Glaze your pots (This can be done beforehand - members) Make cone packs and draw rings Make and use wadding on your pots Session 3: Loading the Hautere 3-4 hours 7 March - 10am start - Location: Hautere kiln Health and Safety at Lavender Creek Farm Wadding and kiln wash Process of loading for best atmospheric effects Cone packs and draw rings Closing the wicket Chains Session 4: Firing the Kiln 8-10 hours 8 March - 9am start (bring cake and flowers) - Location: Hautere kiln Be a part of the firing team and learn the process Understand why we do things and the science behind it. Session 5: The Magic Revealed 3-4 hours 14 March - 10am start - Location: Hautere kiln Unloading Cleaning up Prep for next firing
Upcoming Sessions
Cancellation Policy
Full Refund: Granted if OPC cancels a workshop. Withdrawals: 80% refund for cancellations made more than 7 days before the workshop date. (20% is retained to cover administrative costs.), no refund for cancellations made within 7 days of the workshop.
Contact Details
47 Te Roto Road, Ōtaki 5512, New Zealand