Beautiful Day for Sixth Firing

rake props up firebox door
during early stoking

We won't complain if it rains, but it would be nice if it would hold off until we reach temperature for our seventh firing in the Manabigama, my first wood-fired kiln that I built last Fall. Levi's stoking beneath the fire grates right now, attempting to reach 700 to 800 degrees F. before we begin to stoke on top of the grates.

"I'm using the Owen Rye method," he says, referring to his method of stoking two air intake holes alternately instead of at the same time.

It seems to be working as the kiln approaches 700 for the first time. It's 12:30 p.m. and Mary has just told us the leek and potato soup is ready.

Levi threw several plates and a large tall vase which we have in this kiln. He's also got a large shallow bowl right up front next to the fire box. We're envisioning some dramatic results with it. It's glazed with my apple ash glaze.

I better duck into the shelter because it's starting to rain....

Middle of kiln during loading

Levi places large shallow bowl
at front of kiln next to firebox