Raku
   
   Some pieces are fired plain while others have a coat of slip and 
   then glaze applied before being fired.
 
   The kiln is heated rapidly. When the correct temperature is 
   reached the work is removed from the kiln and immersed in 
   sawdust. This stage is definitely the most exciting and dramatic! 
   The resulting carbon is absorbed by the clay body imbuing it 
   with its own special qualities.

   The glazed pieces are allowed to cool before being covered in 
   sawdust. As the glaze cools rapidly it crazes. When placed in 
   the sawdust the carbon seeps into the resulting cracks in the 
   glaze. It is absorbed by the slip and then the body to produced 
   the characteristic effect. When cooled the glaze and slip are 
   easily removed – it’s a bit like peeling a hard boiled egg!