EPIC FAIL! What NOT to do - Kiln reveal 15

[@tlccreates]

Sooo sorry you had this happen. So many hours, and heart put into those pieces. I salute your bravery for sharing this video even though I imagine that it hurts to see it your self. Please don’t let this setback keep you from creating. You do lovely work. keep at it. Hugs

[@patspotpage]

Thanks so much! Never fear, I'm not deterred. And sharing this may help others to get back up when they get knocked down. At least, that's my hope! We learn as much (or even more!) through failure as we do through success, right? Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@sheilacarroll3981]

Great explanation of heat work. Swear by my advancer shelves. Worth every penny. Sorry for the overfired work and time

[@patspotpage]

Thanks! I'm saving for Advancer shelves...and hoping to get the gas kiln up and running this summer!

[@ker5776]

Thanks for sharing the good, bad and the ugly of pottery firing. You help many people by posting real life errors. What string did you use for the bells that allow firing ? That I havent seen yet.

[@patspotpage]

The string wasn't fired. It was added after to show what the intent was.

[@patspotpage]

That's why I post things like this. I'm glad if it helps others not lose their work! The pottery community is awesome! People help each other and share their knowledge freely.

[@nukuaceramicsbonaire]

Ow no!!! I am so sorry this happened!!! Thanks for sharing anyway. I use the cake metafoor aswell when I try to explain heatwork. 😉 I hope by now you can fire new pieces.

[@patspotpage]

Thanks so much Monique! It's my own dumb fault, but that makes it hurt more somehow! LOL Thanks for staying until the end. I haven't had time or weather to clean the shelves yet. But I need to soon, as the pieces are piling up! Now that spring is here and the legislative session is over, I've got to make some time to get firing. Stay well and stay centered, my friend!

[@Ellen.s.atelier]

Oh man! I am sorry to see this! I will be extra careful the next time I run my oven!

[@patspotpage]

Thank you for the sympathy. I'm glad if my experience helps others not make the same mistake!

[@micheledickey4066]

Oh how sad! These were beautiful pieces! I feel so bad. I do love the bells! May I ask what the red wires are on the bells? I’ve never seen anything like that. I love the pumpkin too!! I’m soo sorry dang it!!! What a good video to remind others what not to do. You shouldn’t have to replace your entire kiln sitter. Just the sensing rod, the metal rod you put on the cone and maybe the tube assembly, the white tube that the rod comes out of. I pray you’re able to get everything off the shelves and walls. Oh I just heard you say merry Christmas!! lol.

[@patspotpage]

Thank you for the well wishes. It appears the bar was stuck. I'll be doing a bisque load soon and will check the functionality. You can bet I'll keep a close eye on the witness cones!

[@pottersjournal]

You didn't have to, thanks for sharing this important lesson. That top shelf, hang it on the studio wall just as it is. Did the bells make it? I always try to start and bring up the kiln same time each morning, so I know to watch for it going down at a certain time in after noon. I did once catch it just in time, but I also really most often forget just why I do this. And bisque, who would ever think but that was my overfire last year. I've done the pre-show late night fall to sleep thing too. Sorry the pots were looking good for you too. One of the best, put fear in me, how to, not too, videos I've seen.

[@patspotpage]

Hi Jeff! Some of the bells made it, although most are ugly as sin. Not even a mother would love their sad little faces! I usually start at the same time each morning as well, but Christmas, deadlines, commissions, and perhaps a touch of overconfidence skewed my judgement. I own it, sadly. I share to help others not do the same! Stay well, my friend, and stay centered.

[@mudmagic407]

Oh pat im soooo sorry. I’m cringing for you as I watch. Devastating xx on the upside the charred bell is cool looks like a toasted marshmallow lol

[@patspotpage]

Thank you Nat! Some lessons are learned the hard way, right? By the way, you've inspired me to push my limits and try throwing larger bowls. I successfully threw and trimmed a 4# porcelain bowl this week, the largest yet for me. I'm debating whether to carve it or to not tempt fate. I'll decide tonight, I guess. You and Tracy stay well, and stay centered!

[@mudmagic407]

Oh that’s awesome!! Can’t wait to see it! Large bowls look amazing w peacock glazing too xx

[@susyward581]

You are wearing gloves as it’s cold. Is your kiln outside, open to the elements? It could be the outside temperature is too cold for the kiln to climb, so for hours and hours it just keeps trying which would result in prolonged heatwork.

[@patspotpage]

Hi Susy. Thanks for watching and commenting! And thanks for the suggestions. Yes, it's outside, but the cold wasn't the issue. The bar in the kiln sitter is sticking. I'll need to clean out the tube or replace the bar. I keep a grill cover over my kiln when it's not in use. but humidity eventually takes a toll.

[@vickiestadler4388]

i"m so sorry, what huge bummer with all your work. :(

[@patspotpage]

Thank you so much for the sympathy. I hope this helps others not to make the same mistake!