Learn how to make and fire in-glaze lusters at mid and high fire temperatures with Lisa Zolandz. Part science and part alchemy, in-glaze lusters are a special glaze containing metals (bismuth, silver) that develop fascinating iridescence when reduction fired. As opposed to over-glaze or clay paste lusters, in-glaze lusters are magic in a single glaze.

In this three day workshop, Lisa will discuss the chemistry of luster glazes, multiple methods of post fire reduction and how she approaches glaze testing and development. She will share her results from extensive testing and experimentation.

Lisa’s process involves an initial firing of the in-glaze luster to cone 6 in an electric kiln, followed by a secondary low fire reduction. Attendees will have an to opportunity to glaze their own Cone 10 bisqueware on Friday. On Saturday we will unload the electric kiln and load the glaze fired pots into a gas kiln for the reduction firing.  Attendees will undoubtedly see how incredibly variable these glazes are.

Notes: The luster glaze is quite runny, so it is recommended that pieces are either fired on a riser and catch plate (like is done with crystalline glazes) or on a kiln washed cookie. Some of the glazes will contain silver nitrate, which stains- gloves will be provided, but attendees should wear clothing they do not mind getting stained on Friday.

Participants are asked to bring 3 to 6 (Cone 10) pre-bisqued pieces, no larger than a foot in length each.