Name: Virtual Workshop-Kiln Basics
Start: 2021-02-03T17:00:00-05:00
End: 2021-02-03T18:00:00-05:00

Question 1

Are tools and clay included in classes?

admin · Accepted Answer

Clay and tools are not included in most of our classes.  We do include a basic tool kit in our Intro to Wheel and Intro to Handbuilding classes ONLY for new students along with about 20lbs of reclaimed studio clay to get you started.  We offer a variety of clay bodies to choose from in our retail shop.

Question 2

How long are your classes?

admin · Accepted Answer

Our class sessions are 8 weeks long (except during the summer session, classes are 6 weeks long and will state as such on the class listing). All classes meet at the same time, one day a week for two hours. Days and times vary depending on the class.

Question 3

Do you offer classes? How much does it cost?  What’s included? What is included in taking a class?

admin · Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer a variety of classes for all levels. See the current class schedule for updated listings and prices. Most of our classes are eight weeks long and $240. Unlimited practice time, use of studio glazes, and firing of 25 pieces all the way through the firing process are included.

Question 4

Do I need to have experience to take a class?

admin · Accepted Answer

Nope, just make sure you pick an entry level course. Intro to wheel, handbuilding, sculpture, or glass.

Question 5

I’ve never worked with clay before. How can I get started?

admin · Accepted Answer

Take a beginning class or jump into one of our open wheel sessions. Our staff can talk you through the options and help you decide what will be the best fit.

Question 6

How long does it take to learn pottery?

admin · Accepted Answer

Short answer: forever. Even veteran potters and MFA ceramic artists are constantly learning new information and techniques about clay. HOWEVER, we can teach you the basics in as few as two hours. Are the pots going to be masterpieces? No, but hopefully you have fun making it! The best way to learn pottery, is to take an 8 week class (and then keep taking classes until you’re amazing!).

Question 7

How can I get a cheap pottery wheel?

admin · Accepted Answer

Check craigslist, or find one used! We sell new wheels, but since “cheap” is a relative term, we can’t say we sell cheap wheels. We are distributors for multiple wheel companies, one of which is sure to have a wheel within your budget and fits your needs. Call us for more information!

Question 8

Do you repair pottery studio equipment?

admin · Accepted Answer

Yes, Queen City Clay recommends our certified electrician (see below) for Kiln repairs, and has a team of wheel repair technicians as well.

Question 9

Do you repair kilns?

admin · Accepted Answer

No. But we always recommend you give Becky Gieger a call at (513) 616-9112. She’s an amazing electrician who specializes in kilns, and has worked very closely with us for years.

Question 10

Can you repair pottery?

admin · Accepted Answer

Queen City Clay does not repair pottery. Individual artists who work in our studio may choose to take repair commissions. These repairs often get very pricey since it’s an hourly rate for repair and the cost of materials. Typically, repairs are simple enough for you to do yourself. All you’ll need is a two-part epoxy from a hardware store (we recommend PC-7 or PC-11), some toothpicks to mix and apply the epoxy, and some patience.

Question 11

Do you take commission work?

admin · Accepted Answer

Queen City Clay does not take commissions, but an individual artist who works at the studio may! We have many professional artists who call Queen City Clay home, and they’re always interested to hear about potential jobs. Call the shop and let us know the details and we’ll do our best to match you to a professional artist.

Question 12

Do you fire ceramics made in other places?

admin · Accepted Answer

If you know the firing temperature of the clay/glazes, we can absolutely fire your pieces for you! Our firing rates are $2/lb for cone 04-5, and $4/lb for cone 9/10 firings.

Question 13

Can you fire clay I bought from Michael’s/Hobby Lobby?

admin · Accepted Answer

No! Clay’s sold at craft stores are (98% of the time) polymer clays. These can be fired in a toaster oven, but be sure to read directions on any clay that you buy. Even at a super low fire temperature, a kiln still reaches over 1000 degrees F.

Question 14

Can my flower pots stay outside during the winter?

admin · Accepted Answer

Flower pots cannot stay outside over the winter. Most flower pots are made from earthenware which lets moisture pass through it. When the water freezes, the ice will break the pot apart

Question 15

Can my birdbath go outside?

admin · Accepted Answer

Birdbaths are usually fine to stay outside but there are a few things you need to check. Keep in mind that when water freezes, it expands. If your birdbath holds water that freezes, is there a rim or overhang that won’t let the ice expand? If so, your birdbath will be destroyed by the ice. If you know who made the bird bath, check to make sure they used clay and glaze that were fired to at least cone 6.

Question 16

Why did my handle fall off?

admin · Accepted Answer

Very likely, it was because the dryness of the pot and the dryness of the handle were at different stages. When clay dries, it shrinks. So when you try to attach a handle that is 10% dry to a pot that is 40% dry, they still have different amounts of shrinking to do, causing cracking.

Question 17

Why is my pottery cracking in the bottom?

admin · Accepted Answer

Most cracks on the bottom of a pot are due to excess water and a lack of compression. Spend time compressing with every pot you make!

Question 18

Can you glaze on top of and re-fire this commercial tile?

admin · Accepted Answer

Sometimes, but unless you know the glaze and/or firing temperature of the tile, we cannot fire them in our kilns.

Question 19

Can I glaze the whole pot?

admin · Accepted Answer

You can glaze everything but the point where the pot touches the kiln shelf. If you’re doing low-fire work, you can glaze the bottoms and stilt in the kiln to prevent damage to the kiln shelf.

Question 20

Can we use your studio glazes?

admin · Accepted Answer

When you are in a class or renting space from us, studio glazes are a possibility. If you are just bringing in work to fire, studio glazes are off limits.

Question 21

Are the studio glazes food safe?

admin · Accepted Answer

Yes and no. As far as the chemical make-up of the glazes are concerned, yes our glazes are food safe. However, this is entirely dependent upon firing the glaze to its full maturity, as well as how the glaze interacts with your specific clay body (pinholes, crazing, and cracking all technically deem glaze non-food safe).

Question 22

Is this glaze food safe?

admin · Accepted Answer

Any commercial glaze (glaze manufactured by a company), will have a food safe label on it if it is, in fact, food safe.

Question 23

Do you sell raw materials? Do you sell clay? Glazes? Kiln Shelves? Stilts?

admin · Accepted Answer

Yep. Visit our retail section.

Question 24

What is a “cone”?

admin · Accepted Answer

A cone is a way to measure the temperature in your kiln. Many older kilns will have a kiln sitter, which requires a cone to be placed inside the mechanism and will bend when the cone reaches temperature, it will shut off your kiln. Most newer kilns are run by a computer system and a thermocouple. This essentially takes away the need for a cone. However, many potters choose to still place a cone in their kiln to just double check the accuracy of the kiln computer. You can learn more about cones and appropriate firing temperatures here: https://www.ortonceramic.com/en/Pyrometric%20Cones/

Question 25

Where are you located?

admin · Accepted Answer

Behind the Hyde Park Kroger, and next to Springdale Cleaners! (link to Google maps)

Virtual Workshop-Kiln Basics

February 3, 2021 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm