Test firing

We built a small test kiln next to Noborigama and we do a lot of test firing for new clay body. Santiago and Takuro were doing loading kiln this afternoon and fire it tomorrow.
This type of kiln is called "Itte Koi Gama" (which literally means "Go and Come Kiln" in Japanese) and the fire box is under the chimney as you see, and it's very easy to build.

This photo is from "The Japanese Pottery Handbook" by Penny Simpson and tells the design of Itte Koi Gama.We can't wait to see the results.

Flower Pots Workshop

We had a fun workshop in our clay studio last Friday. That was "Flower Pot Workshop" and artists of STARworks plus friends gathered to make flower pots. This is organized for STARworks projects fund raising.

We also have another Flower Pots Workshop on this Friday (2/27), 4:30-7:00pm. Food and drinks will be served. Come on join us, if you have time!

All pots will be fired by STARworks Ceramics Electric kiln and sold at fund raising event in this Spring at STARworks. Event info will be updated soon.

Thank you for your help and support.

STARworks Clay Factory is Completed

We have finally completed our clay factory set up and have started mixing clay. This allows us to process raw local, North Carolina clay and blend it into ready-to-use pottery clay.

In our clay mixing process, we mix the clay with sufficient water to completely hydrate it, and send the slip through a magnetic separator to remove metals. Then we use a screen to remove big stones and other objects from the clay slip, and send it to the filter press to remove excess water. After that, we move the clay to our heavy-duty pug mill to mix and de-air.

We are very excited to start processing ready-to-use blended clays that are made with raw local NC clay. Details will be announced very soon. Please try and experience the beauty of the natural NC local clay.

Newsletter Spring 2009

We are printing STARworks Ceramics Newsletter, Spring 2009 now. There are many interesting programs in it. You can get at STARworks Ceramics Office, or send us email if you want to receive.

It will also be sent by e-newsletter later on, and if you prefer to receive by paperless, please let us know.

Wood Firing Workshop

Our 2009 Spring Wood Firing workshop will be held March 4th(Wed) to 7th(Sat), 2009. Participants will have approximately 10 cubic feet of space in the kiln.

Since we have started mixing our own clay, this time we are going to provide 50 lbs of our cone 10 white clay to each participant to try. If you make your work in your studio, you are required to bring bisque pots made with clay capable of being fired to cone 10 or higher.

Participants are required to join the loading and unloading as well as the firing of the kiln. Wood Firing Instructor, Takuro Shibata will guide you through loading the kiln and firing techniques throughout the workshop.Date: March 4(Wed)-7(Sat), 2008
Cost: $180.00
Participant: Minimum 5, Maximum 7
Space: Approximately 10 cubic feet per person
Schedule:
March 4 (Wed) 9am-5pm, glazing
March 5 (Thu) 9am-evening, loading kiln
March 6 (Fri) Firing all day
March 7 (Sat) Firing all day

Call or email us to sign up!

Clay Experience Workshop

We are exited to start new program!

Clay Experience Workshop is designed for people who don't have any/much previous clay experience. It's a two-hour class that will give an opportunity to make simple pots that will be a permanent souvenir of a visit to this area. After the class, the pots will be glazed and fired by STARworks Ceramics, and then they'll be returned by either mail or local pick up.

We can accommodate large groups up to 20 people for hand building class, and up to 4 people for wheel throwing class. This workshop is a great way for visitors to experience the rich craft culture in this region. It's our hope that this program promotes interest in pottery and encourages future visits to the area. Workshops are scheduled Monday through Saturday. Please make reservations by phone or email.
Cost:
4 to 10 people: $35/person for hand-building
11 to 20 people:$30/person for hand building
Up to 4 people:$35/person for wheel throwing
Cost includes studio fee, all project materials and firing. Shipping is various.

We have Clay Studio

In spring 2008, we finally got studio space with electric wheels, electric kiln, tables and benches, lots of banding wheels, nice sink, and huge wooden wall which divides supply shop and studio. We are going to make use of our clay studio for exiting programs. Details will be announced.

Joe Cole

Joe Cole has been helping STARworks Ceramics since 2006, but he and his wife, Christy left Seagrove in spring 2007 because they set up their own studio in Wisconsin.

We miss them a lot, but Congratulations!

They built a nice wood kiln by themselves and it looks very good.
Please check it out at Windy Ridge Pottery weblog

Thanks Joe and Christy and we will see you again!

Open House 2007

STARworks Ceramics will have the second Open House
on Dec 7 (Fri), 5pm-7pm.

It's been over a year from the first open house, since then we have got more items in shop, also interesting projects are going on.

There will be snacks and drinks, free samples, brochures, and lots of information.
Please join us!

Unloading Kiln

We started unloading wood kiln on Nov 9 (fri) at 2:00, and it was very good results!

Pots from the second (glaze) chamber

Pots from the third (salt) chamber