Firebrand Pottery, Our Process
When we say our pottery is handmade and one-of-a-kind, we mean it. Each stage of the pottery-making process gives each piece its own character and story, making it a work of art. Follow Firebrand Pottery on Instagram and Facebook for process videos and a behind-the-scenes look.
A Lump of Clay
A lump of clay is hand thrown on a pottery wheel by the professional potter. Wheel throwing shapes round ceramics using a potter’s wheel; the “throwing” is shaping the clay with your hands.
Greenware
After a piece has been shaped but not fired, it is very fragile and needs time to dry and harden.
Bisqueware
Greenware is placed in the first kiln for a firing that turns it into ceramic material ready to glaze. This takes a couple of days to fire and cool enough to remove.
Glazing
Once pottery becomes bisqueware, it is ready to glaze. Each piece is dipped into desired glaze colors for a specific amount of time. Too much glaze can run and ruin a piece; too little can make the color undesirable.
Glaze Fired in the Big Boy Kiln
The large gas-fired kiln is called “The Big Boy.” It sits on railroad tracks to open and close. Loading takes several hours because shelves are built from the ground up and pieces are layered carefully for the best firing and color.
Inside the kiln, glaze interacts with heat; placement and orientation can make color come out differently each time. The kiln is fired to cone 10, around 2300 degrees, under the care of team members with specialized kiln-firing knowledge. From time in the kiln to time out is usually three days.
After Firing
After firing, each piece is hand sanded to smooth any places where the raw clay body shows through.
Finished Products Ready for the Store
Firebrand Pottery is then ready to be added to cart online or purchased at the Castroville location.
Why Is Handmade Pottery Better?
Pottery that has survived a 2300-degree kiln can be used in the microwave, oven, and dishwasher; the one thing it cannot do is survive being dropped.
Each handmade item is unique and has character. Hand-thrown pottery is an artform passed down for centuries, and buying handmade pottery supports that craft, a family-owned business, and the local economy.
Firebrand Pottery is made to keep cold things cold and hot things hot longer than other vessels. Its sturdy weight and the feeling of a handmade mug full of warm liquid are part of its character. Handmade items have a story and make meaningful gifts.