Fog City Ceramics Firing Services

Fog City Ceramics Firing Services

Fog City Ceramics at 1890 Bryant Street studios offers contract firing services for work made outside of the studio by non members. The studio has two Skutt kilns (7 cubic ft) available for outside firings, both with a maximum temp of cone 6.

To organize drop-off of work please contact studio manager Sarah at info@sarahduyer.com

POLICIES

By firing with us you agree to the following terms and conditions:

-Fog City Ceramics is not responsible for fired results or damage incurred in firing. If glaze runs and damages kiln shelves customer assumes responsibility for replacement or repair of equipment

-Pieces will be loaded and fired as they are dropped off by the studio manager

-Pieces must be boxed and labeled with artist’s name, if you want work to be wrapped in paper after firing for transport it must be provided at drop-off

-No single firings or glazed greenware

-No flammable or meltable foreign objects in clay (paper clay, metal, etc)

-Work must be COMPLETELY bone dry for bisque firings

-No pieces with walls thicker than 1”

-Glazed pieces must be completely wiped on the bottom to prevent dripping. Additional fee of $1/piece applies for any items that need to be stilted or hung in the firing

Fog City Ceramics reserves the right to refuse firing any work that does not follow these guidelines or is made from unknown materials

PRICING

Firings are priced by full kiln, half kiln, or single shelf (up to 8” tall). We have two Skutt KM-1027 available for use with max space of 7 cubic feet (23” x 24”). For bisque firings we use the slow program (cone 05) and fast (cone 5) for glaze, unless otherwise requested. Long preheats or holds in the firing schedule may require an additional fee. Specialty firings such as luster (cone 018-016) require full kiln booking.

	Shelf (up to 8”)	Half Kiln	Full Kiln
Low-Fire/Bisque (max cone 04)	$35	$70	$140
Mid-Fire/Glaze (max cone 6)	$50	$100	$200

PICKUP

You will receive an email or call when pieces are available for pickup. Turnaround times vary based on time of year and member schedule but can expect to be fired within 2-3 weeks. An additional $50 fee may be added for rush services. Any pieces not picked up within 30 days of completed firing may be discarded.

Payment is due at drop-off and we can accept check, cash, or zelle (info@sarahduyer.com)

Firing services form can be found here

FAQ

What is Collab Clay?

Collab Clay is a take on the classic "paint your own pottery" type setup, but all pieces available to paint are handmade by me! Now's your chance to personalize a piece that was handmade by a local artist, painting it in my studio!

How Much Does it Cost?

I will be charging by the piece, so that cost includes. studio time, materials, and firing fees. Prices will be reflective of the size and complexity of a piece but range from $10-50, with extra cost for an added on magnet, bolo tie, or shipping.

What's the Process Like?

You will be able to choose from a selection of bisqueware or "half-baked" ceramics. At this stage of the ceramic process pieces are solid enough to be handled more easily, but porous enough to glaze. The colors we paint on the surface are underglazes, which are a colorant with ceramic material to allow it to harden and permanently bond to the piece.

The glazing process itself is a lot like traditional painting in that you can mix colors and water it down, but do look different after going through the firing process. I have examples in the studio of what most underglaze colors will look like fired under clear glaze and without. You can trace out your design on the piece in pencil if you like (lines will burn out in the kiln), or wipe it off if you make a mistake and nothing is permanent until it goes into the kiln. I suggest coming with an idea of what you want to glaze and allow yourself enough time to work, glazing always takes longer than I expect it to!

When you are finished with your masterpiece and the underglaze is dry to the touch you add your clear coat.You are going to paint 2 coats of the "clear" glaze on your piece wherever you want it to be glossy and food-safe but NOT on the bottom. Anywhere the piece will sit on a table should be clear of glaze before going into the kiln. Glaze will dry white but don't worry! It will be clear when you fire it.

How Long Does it Take?

I would recommend allowing yourself at least 2-3 hours to paint, though you are free to work until the end of the event at 5pm if you like. Smaller items or simple designs may take only 1 hour or less or come work on one piece all day if you want. All up to you but please be respectful of our time and finish by 5 pm.

What kinds of pieces will be available to paint?

I will have a selection of items of various sizes but mostly mugs, bowls, planters, and smaller pieces for magnets or bolo ties. I suggest pre-ordering your piece to claim if you want something specific, or come look through what I have available that day.

Is it open to all ages?

All are welcome but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is This a Class?

There is no formal instruction, but I will be happy to help if you have any questions along the way! Feel free to come any time within the 12-5pm slot but you must be finished painting by 5.

When Will My Piece Be Ready to Ship/Pickup?

After you glaze your piece they need to be loaded and fired in the kiln. I will reach out to individuals when pieces are ready for pickup or shipping, typically within 4-6 days. You can either arrange a pickup time with me at the studio or pay an additional $5-10 to have it shipped to your house.