A fast, affordable way into firing, using a microwave kiln and low fire (cone 06-04) clay and glaze.

In this cutting-edge online course, you’ll learn how to fire pottery in the microwave using a microwave kiln and low fire (cone 06-04) clay and glaze.

Fast, affordable, and within reach

Firing pottery in a microwave is an affordable, accessible option for anyone who doesn’t have a studio to join or the means to buy a regular kiln. It’s also incredibly fast. A microwave firing takes just 10 to 60 minutes depending on the project and setup, where a standard kiln firing can run 12 hours plus cooling time. That speed is exactly why I reach for it to test experiments, which I do often, even with two regular-sized kilns of my own.

Your setup, your firing times

Each person’s firing times will be different, depending on your setup. Things like microwave size and wattage, kiln size and brand, electrical input, clay, glaze, and the intention of the project all factor in. So the most important part of this workshop is learning how to test your own combination of equipment and materials to find your ideal firing times.

What’s inside

The course includes a 40 minute video plus notes with extra information, recommendations, and links to everything used in the workshop. Spanish subtitles available. We’ll be covering:

• All the materials & equipment you’ll need.
• The factors that affect the heatwork in the kiln, and how to get a consistent result.
• Size limitations of the kiln, and how you can go slightly bigger.
• A list of sample firing times I’ve developed for my specific setup.
• How to test and find the ideal firing times for your own equipment and materials.
• Ideas for different results, and projects you can try with this firing style.
• How to do a cone 06 bisque and glaze fire.
• A monochromatic horse hair raku demonstration.
• Troubleshooting tips.
• How to test the temperature in the kiln.
• Safety considerations.

Who it’s for

Suitable for all levels. Beginner to advanced clay players!

If you haven’t worked with clay before, getting a foundation in clay processes first is recommended. This tutorial explains the microwave firing part of the process only, not a whole clay project from start to finish.

A note on making functional pieces

It is absolutely possible to create food-safe pieces at low fire. There is a lot of misinformation surrounding both low fire pottery and microwave firing, yet humans have been eating and drinking from low fire wares for thousands of years, and still do every day. New sealants are also available that seal the clay, make it antimicrobial, and render it fully watertight, if you are ever unsure about porosity.

Microwave kilns can easily reach cone 06-04 when used correctly. By selecting a dinnerware-rated low fire clay body, choosing food-safe glazes, and firing to the correct cone range, functional wares are achievable.

That said, it is always the artist’s responsibility to test their own equipment, firing process, and results. Every kiln behaves differently. In the course, I show you how to test your microwave kiln to verify temperature with cones, and how to assess your outcomes so you can make informed decisions about functionality. The same precautions apply as with regular kiln firing, and this is not recommended for unsupervised children.

A community to fire alongside

As a bonus, you’ll also get access to a microwave firing community support group, where students interact and help each other learn the process. I check in regularly and answer as many questions as I can. It’s a wonderful way to connect with others learning this technique, support one another on your journeys, and get ongoing support from me.

Let your imagination run wild

There are an endless number of projects you can explore with this firing technique. Join us on this adventure, and let’s open up some creative possibilities!

Unlimited access

This purchase gives you unlimited access to the course. If I ever change platforms, I’ll upload the video to a new host page and send you the link.