Jackie had phoned me some days ago to let me know that it was time to refresh my stock! So I put together a group of earthenware jugbirds and some of my freshly soda-fired pieces. The first two toasty jugbirds are now there. I was pleased with how the flashing slips on these behaved in the firing.

There are also a couple of new toasty vases and a selection of yunomis and mugs. Here is one of the vases.

But so much depends on where a pot is placed in the kiln. Just to show you the difference between one side and the other here are two photos of another jugbird. Luckily for me I shall join the TriCity Potters’ upcoming group firing in early April so I plan to have this piece re-fired, asking the techs to have the dry side face the flame and blasts of soda and see if that evens out the surface.

Similarly I find that this teapot isn’t orange peely enough for my taste. I don’t like the dry areas, so this one also will be re-fired. The bottom line is that, even though soda results can be delicious, my heart still yearns for the consistency of salt firing. It’s not possible for me to build a salt kiln in my Port Moody backyard so all I can do is tell BC’s salters that I’d really appreciate the chance to sneak some pieces into a salt firing once in a while. I’m happy to help with loading, firing, shelf clean-up and costs.

A second and larger Bird Rhyton may pass muster. My hand is holding the good side, with a golden bill visible, and the other photo shows that the bill is also gold, but old, matt gold. Tell me what you think. Shall I fire this guy again too?

I’m holding on to this grooved vase pro tem, and this reamer (lemon squeezer). They turned out well.

Meanwhile, I have been back at the wheel today, throwing the bodies of my colourful earthenware jugbirds. I must finish those so that I can once again clean out the red clay from my wheel and wedge up some more stoneware and throw pots for the next soda firing.

Eric and other Raiders hope to paint plates again soon, so I need to make more slab plates  and compile a list of everybody who has painted plates here. We have a plan..