Pots are ready to be removed at around 1700 degrees when they are smooth and shiney.

The Raku kiln has just been lifted off the base.

Pots have just been placed in the barrels, ready to be smoked by putting the lids on. This smoking period causes a lack of oxygen which helps produce metallic colors.

Joan placing paper in containers, finished pots cooling in the sand.

After smoking for 10-20 minutes, pots are removed from the lidded containers to cool.

Pots are taken from the hot shelf with a pair of tongs.

Removing the last hot pot, Raku kiln in background.

After all hot pots have been placed in lidded buckets, more pots are placed on the shelf for the next firing.

Finished pottery.

Finished pottery from July 12 firing.