The kiln takes form...

Hey everyone! Welcome, welcome! We have finally arrived at a point where we have a free moment to sit down and share with you all that is happening here at Joseph Sand Pottery! It's quite exciting. Joseph has been working hard and long to get this place up and running, and wow, is it gorgeous. It has been incredibly difficult to get him to take a day off; he is just having so much fun.

For those of you that know Joseph, he is a determined and driven person, working on all cylinders and giving a project his full attention and focus. He builds a pottery just like he throws pottery: fast, efficient, and beautiful. We can't wait to share our journey with you.


The post holes are dug. You can see one of Joseph's helpers as well as the rooftop of our house in the background.


Joseph hard at work, as always. This was early January, right when we were having a cold snap. The cold didn't slow him down one bit. With some help from Joseph's father, the kiln shed took shape within a matter of three weeks or so.


Look at all that red clay! Joseph began the base of the kiln.


A view from the fire box of the kiln. Joseph laid every single brick by himself. A serious accomplishment!


After the straight walls of the kiln were laid, an arch form was created so that it could provide a guide to lay brick upon for the top portion of the kiln.


Now it's starting to look like a kiln! The stoke holes take shape. Hard to believe that the bricks support themselves in an arch form. The supports are removed (by chainsaw, no less!) and the arch stands on its own.


The kiln's interior is almost complete except for the firebox. Isn't it beautiful?


Next, insulation is layered on like lasagna, with tinfoil between to provide some heat-holding capacity.


Last sunday, we held a work party to apply the final coating on the kiln. It was a hard day of work, making many batches of this concrete mixture. Thanks to all those that helped!


This is after the kiln coating has dried. Joseph is planning on painting the kiln with a unique design. Even I have no idea what it is going to look like.


Just finishing the chimney, thinking about all the pots to be made...


A quick view of the inside of the workshop. You can see the ware racks in the background as well as Joseph's wheel off to the left. This building already existed on the property; Joseph only added the ceiling and it was ready for making pots!


This is the view from front of the workshop. Joseph has already made his clay and everything. In the background is the back side of our gallery: an 1840's farmhouse, which was the original home on the farmstead.



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Thanks for all your continued support as we embark on this journey. You play an enormous role in this, as customers, supporters, and friends. We invite you to stay in touch, either through this blog or by email. Additionally, you can find us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Joseph-Sand-Pottery/230073816797


Signing off with the most beautiful honeysuckle and blackberries...