Raku Firing Workshop | GOUDasfalt

Want to try something different with ceramics? Then join us for a fun one-day workshop in Gouda.

Raku is a special firing technique in which we use a gas burner to heat the clay relatively quickly to over 1000 degrees in a large barrel, then literally pull it out while it’s red-hot using tongs to cool it rapidly, creating cracks or patterns.

Raku firing always produces surprising effects on your piece. Crackle patterns like those found on beautiful Japanese sake sets, glossy colors, or deep, dark areas created by the fire. And: you see the results right away!

You’ll be able to take your piece home with you the very same day. That’s quite a change from the long wait involved in a standard glaze firing.

What does the day look like?

• Welcome with coffee/tea/snacks and a brief introduction;
• Glazing the pieces you brought with you using raku glazes in the morning;
• While these are drying, we'll get the raku kiln ready, and you can have something to eat;
• In the afternoon, we’re outside and fire up the raku kiln a few times;
• Polish and admire your own creation.

Practical Information

• Dates: May 17, 2025, and June 21, 2025
• The workshop runs from 10:30 a.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m.
• Please bring one large piece or up to three small bisque-fired pieces. These should be made from raku clay or hand-building clay: the clay must be truly shock-resistant (30–40% coarse chamotte).
• Don't have your own raku clay and/or kiln? No problem! Just send me an email, and for an additional fee, I'll provide the raku clay and bisque-fire your pieces.
• The cost is €95 per person, including tax.
• We work in small groups, so once we're full, we're full.
• Includes coffee, tea, and water, along with some snacks and the glazes.
• Bring your own lunch or grab something to eat at one of the food stands on the grounds.

Register
Register for the “Raku Firing” workshop.