Autumn 2-Day Pit Firing Course
Available spots
Service Description
The workshop takes place at Patricia’s studio on the Giant's Causeway. Learn and experience this ancient technique. Learn how to prepare your work, including various burnishing techniques and terra sigalatta, saggar making methods, gain experience in packing a pit, firing and how to finish pit fired pottery. Take home your own unique pieces from the pit. Please do bring your own work, approximately up to 1-2 grocery crates each. We will endeavour to fairly fit as much as we can into the pit, depending on what other participants bring. *Some tips for successful pit firing and what to bring- please refer to Pit firing workshop page. There will be some wheel thrown, burnished and bisque fired pots from the studio if you wish to purchase them on the day for extras. Day 1 9.30am meet for tea/coffee, scones 10am- 4.30pm workshop Beginning with a short introduction on this ancient firing technique. Patricia will demonstrate how to wrap your pieces in a variety of saggars along with oxides & organics, explaining typical effects you may achieve and the science behind this ancient process. You will be guided in preparing your own work with a choice of supplied organics, such as seaweed, pine needles etc After a hearty, vegetarian lunch, you will experience packing and lighting the pit. Health and safety around pit firing will also be highlighted. The day finishes with clamming the pit. Patricia will tend it throughout the night. Day 2 9.30am meet for tea/coffee, scones 10am -4pm workshop The group returns for the big reveal! In this 2nd session you will unpack the pit. Patricia will demonstrate how to clean and seal the work. After a break for a light lunch, you will clean and seal your own unique work. Finish is approximate, depending on how many items you have. Includes: At least 12 hours of pit fire tuition Pot preparation materials, including a selection of prepared seaweed, oxides, copper, wire wool, selection of organics Saggar making resources Fuel for Firing- wood shavings, hard wood logs Sealing wax Gloves 2 Vegetarian lunches and unlimited tea breaks with cake £350 per person 4-6 participants *Larger group bookings can be accommodated subject to minimum number or the equivalent in charges. Please email directly for further info.


















Upcoming Sessions
Cancellation Policy
1. If for any reason I have to cancel the course, you will receive a full course refund. 2. If you cancel more than 28 days before the class, a full refund will be applied. For cancellations up to 7 days in advance, a 50% refund will be given. After this date, we are unable to offer any refunds. 3. If there are strong winds &/or heavy rain, the workshop will be cancelled for obvious safety & practical reasons. The workshop will be rescheduled but if this does not suit, you can request a full course refund. There will be no further liability regarding travel or accommodation costs on the part of the organiser. Patricia will endeavour to contact you 48hrs prior if the forecast is poor. 4. Breakages are inevitable due to the serendipity of temperature gradients. Please be aware that this type of firing is in the lap of the kiln gods! Be prepared for breakage. 5. Gloves and goggles will be supplied when unpacking the pots. 6. **Please bring your own mask to use when handling oxides. 7. **Please bring a woollen hat or scarf to protect your hair from the heat. Wear loose, natural fibre clothing. 8. Please be extra careful around fire. Team work and turn taking to pack, light and tend the fire is safer than a free for all! You will be directed for everyone’s safety. Keep at a safe distance and use your common sense. 9. During the safety talk, take note where buckets of water and the fire blanket are kept. On booking, you are agreeing with these Terms & Conditions.
Contact Details
20 Isle Road, Bushmills, UK
07980558958
patriciamillarceramics@gmail.com