For Flux Sake

Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Steve Lee! In this episode of our Fluxed Up series, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Steven shares about his path to harnessing failure to create his beautiful porcelain forms, as well as his time as director of the Archie Bray Foundation and his role in starting the Brickyard Network. Tune in for a dose of humor, technical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a ceramic artist.    Got questions or need advice? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com   This week's episode features the following topics: Porcelain, Archie Bray Foundation, Brickyard Network, gas firing Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and Ceramic Materials Workshop Consulting.

Today we return to the much loved topic of glaze durability on For Flux Sake. Kathy, Matt, and Rose start by talking about the long term durability of Bristol glazes. Then they delve into listener questions about ceramic sealers and substituting for Gerstley Borate in Raku glazes. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.   This week's episode features the following topics: Glaze durability, Bristol glaze, ceramic sealer, tile sealer, Gerstley Borate, Gillespie Borate Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the newly translated Spanish version of Ceramic Materials Workshop The Middle Glazes.

Today we are celebrating the 100th episode of For Flux Sake! We'd like to thank the listeners for their excellent questions and for following along as the show has evolved over the last four years. To start this episode Kathy, Matt, and Rose share a few things they have learned making the show. They also answer listener questions about aging your glazes and single firing. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.   This week's episode features the following topics: Bisque Firing, single firing, aging glazes, glaze Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the newly translated Spanish version of Ceramic Materials Workshop The Middle Glazes.

Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Susan Feagin! In this episode of our Fluxed Up series, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Susan shares funny stories about working at the Penland School of Craft, as well as how she creates brightly colored slips for soda firing. Tune in for a dose of humor, technical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a ceramic artist. Got questions or need advice? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com   This week's episode features the following topics: Soda Firing, Slip, Penland, glaze, cone 6 Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the newly translated Spanish version of Ceramic Materials Workshop The Middle Glazes.

Have you ever wondered when the magic happens during the firing? This week on the show the gang talk about the last 100 degrees C of the firing when glazes generally do their melting. They also answer a listener's question about thermocouples placement, and take a trip to Materials Corner to talk about Frit 3110. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.   This week's episode features the following topics: Firing, Frit 3110, Thermocouple, Materials Corner, glaze melting, boron Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the newly translated Spanish version of Ceramic Materials Workshop The Middle Glazes.

This show has been going on for so long that the gang thought they should reintroduce themselves. Kathy, Matt, and Rose start the show talking about the experiences that lead them into a life of clay. They also answer a listener's question about calcining clay. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.   This week's episode features the following topics: Kaolin, calcining, Alfred, Connecticut College Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the newly translated Spanish version of Ceramic Materials Workshop The Middle Glazes.

Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Meredith Host! In this episode of our Fluxed Up series, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Meredith shares about working with decals and layered underglaze, as well as how she had to pivot away from her favorite glaze in the middle of a major commission. Tune in for a dose of humor, technical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a ceramic artist. Got questions or need advice? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com   This week's episode features the following topics: Underglaze, crawling, decals, Kitten's Clear, Cone 6, pattern Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the newly translated Spanish version of Ceramic Materials Workshop The Middle Glazes.

Cristobalite and quartz inversion are the great boogie men of ceramics, often being used to explain cracking clay, glaze fit issues, and general ceramic mayhem. In this episode the gang sort fact from fiction and explain the changes that silica goes through during firing. They also start the episode talking about Matt's amazing new computer keyboard, which has beautiful celadon-glazed porcelain keys. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.   This week's episode features the following topics: Porcelain, celadon, cristobalite, quartz inversion, silica Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the Rosenfield Collection of Ceramic Art.  

Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Paul Andrew Wandless! In this episode of our Fluxed Up series, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Paul shares about making casting slips out of dark clay bodies, as well as how he builds with cast slabs for extra strength and durability. Tune in for a dose of humor, technical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a ceramic artist. Got questions or need advice? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com.   This week's episode features the following topics: Glaze testing, print making, underglaze, dark clay bodies, slip casting, deflocculation Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the Rosenfield Collection of Ceramic Art.

Have you ever tried to create budget-friendly glazes? It can be hard, especially when you want rich purples and blacks. This week the gang talk about ways to save money in your glaze lab, and how tariffs might affect the supply chain. They also start the episode commiserating on how cold it is this time of year in New England, and what to do if your clay freezes. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.   This week's episode features the following topics: Frozen clay, glaze lab, glaze chemistry on a budget, purple, black Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the Rosenfield Collection of Ceramic Art.

Have you noticed thermal expansion measurements on your clay or glaze recipes? If so you might be wondering what those measurements mean, and how you use them to predict glaze fit on a clay body. This week the gang discuss thermal expansion and why those numeric values aren't always so helpful. They also answer a listener question about glazes with rare earth elements. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.   This week's episode features the following topics: Thermal expansion, glaze fit, clay body, rare earth elements, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Erbium Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the Rosenfield Collection of Ceramic Art.    

New kilns bring lots of excitement to the studio, but also a few questions. Should I calibrate my thermocouple? And, Do I need to adjust my firing rate to my new elements? This episode the gang talk about new kilns, ASTM standards for ware, and the difference between K23 and K26 soft bricks. They also start the show discussing testing methods for glaze durability. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.   This week's episode features the following topics: Thermocouple, New Kiln, commercial kiln, K26, K23, bricks   Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the Rosenfield Collection of Ceramic Art.  

Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Pattie Chalmers! In this episode of our Fluxed Up series, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Pattie shares a mishap with clay formulation, as well as how she teaches her students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale to be resourceful in the glaze lab. Tune in for a dose of humor, technical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a ceramic artist. Got questions or need advice? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com   This week's episode features the following topics: Wollastonite, material shortage, clay formula, terracotta, earthenware, sgraffito   Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the Rosenfield Collection of Ceramic Art.

Pin holes are a pesky issue in ceramics, largely because multiple glaze defects are often called pinholes. The gang talk about the myriad issues with pinholes, and if you can fix them on an already fired pot. They also discuss why commercial glazes have wide firing ranges. They start the show laughing and questioning the existence of removable ceramic stickers. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.   This week's episode features the following topics: pin holes, glaze void, refiring, reglazing, glaze temperature range, commercial glaze   Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment and Cornell Studio Supply.

Speckled clay bodies have come roaring back in popularity and in this episode our intrepid clay experts talk about what you can add to your clay body to create this phenomenon. They also talk about plucking and why potassium fluxes are best for clay bodies. To start the show the gang introduce the mysterious case of the A.I. glaze book. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.   As the end of the year approaches, we are asking you to donate to the Brickyard Network. You can help this show and our network of ceramic podcasts by supporting the Archie Bray Foundation with your tax-deductible donation. Thanks so much and happy holidays!   This week's episode features the following topics: Plucking, ilmenite, clay body, sodium, potassium, glaze books, manganese   Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment and Archie Bray Residency.  

Today's episode features a simple question. Do I have to glaze my pieces? The FFS gang talk about unglazed surfaces, and also discuss what triggers vitrification during firing. To start the episode, they also gab about Producer Ben's new book on low-fire glazes for potters and sculptors. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.   This week's episode features the following topics: Low fire, vitrification, underglaze, vitreous slip, terracotta, dunting, glaze tension

Have you ever wanted to bake bread in one of your pots? Today the gang answer a listener's question about the best way to make ceramic bakeware. They also discuss a new trend in environmental design and why using sodium fluxes in clay bodies can cause trouble when reclaiming clay. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show. This week's episode features the following topics: Bread, Sourdough, bakeware, spodumene, lithium, clay body, reclaim clay Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment and Archie Bray Residency.

Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Osa Atoe! In this episode of our Fluxed Up series, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Osa shares her experience with letting go of a favorite glaze combo, and how this encouraged her to explore wild clay terra sigs. Tune in for a dose of humor, technical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a ceramic artist. Got questions or need advice? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com   This week's episode features the following topics: Glaze troubleshooting, bisque temperature, Jen's juicy fruit, terra sig, wild clay   Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment and Archie Bray Residency.

Do you have the hard pan blues when your glazes settle like a rock to the bottom of the bucket? The gang talk about how bentonite and Epsom Salts might solve hard panning, as well as when and how much you should use. They also talk about how to calcine a substance, and why you shouldn't calcine egg shells as a calcium source.   This week's episode features the following topics: Bentonite, Epsom Salts, calcine, calcium carbonate versus calcium oxide, glaze suspension, glaze settling For today's episode we ask listeners to donate to the Craft Emergency Relief Fund and their efforts to help artists recover after Hurricane Helene.    

Have you ever mixed a glaze with the correct amount of water, but it still seems gloopy and thick? If you have then you might need to add a dispersant to help solve this issue. The gang talk about using dispersants, and they answer a listener's question about the robustness of cone six versus cone ten. They also return to Materials Corner to talk about the discontinuation of a popular luster brand.   This week's episode features the following topics: Gillespie Borate, Bentonite, Darvan, sodium silicate, vitrification, tin, cone six, cone ten For today's episode we ask listeners to donate to the Craft Emergency Relief Fund and their efforts to help artists recover after Hurricane Helene.  

Have you ever noticed how some pots get really hot in the microwave? The gang talk about why this happens, and answer a listener question about coloring reclaimed slop glaze. They also talk about glow in the dark glazes and Rose's recent video about them on the CMW YouTube channel. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.   This week's episode features the following topics: Glaze colorants, glow in the dark, microwave, vitrification, Chrome For today's episode we ask listeners to donate to the Craft Emergency Relief Fund and their efforts to help artists recover after Hurricane Helene.  

Welcome to a very spooky edition of Fluxed Up with Brett Kern. Today we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with funny stories, studio mishaps, and the quest for the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Brett shares his journey with slip casting inflatable dinosaurs, using commercial glazes, and dealing with dunting after material changes. Tune in for a dose of humor, technical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a ceramic artist. Got questions or need advice? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com   This week's episode features the following topics: Slip casting, Dunting, Commercial glazes, layering glazes, spraying, luster   For today's episode we ask listeners to donate to the Craft Emergency Relief Fund and their efforts to help artists recover after Hurricane Helene.

Have you wondered how you can help support artists affected by Hurricane Helene? This week's show is dedicated to sharing information and resources to assist the North Carolina clay community in rebuilding. The gang talks about assessing damage after a natural disaster, what supply chain issues we expect, and organizations needing support. If you'd like to contribute to disaster relief, please donate to the Craft Emergency Relief Fund at www.cerfplus.org.    This week's episode features the following topics: Asheville, Marshall, Penland, Highwater Clays, Mudtools, CERF   Today's episode is brought to you by Ceramic Materials Workshop.

Atmospheric firing is so much fun! What's not to like about a process where you get to spray soda into a flaming hot kiln. This week the gang talk about the durability of cone 6 soda fired pots, and the process for identifying mystery materials. They also take us behind the scenes to talk about what goes into making videos for the CMW YouTube channel.   This week's episode features the following topics: Glaze troubleshooting, atmospheric firing, cone 6, soda firing, glaze, flashing slip Today's episode is brought to you by Ceramic Materials Workshop.

Have you heard of a Bristol glaze? This week on For Flux Sake the gang talk about the chemistry that makes these glazes work. They also discuss the crackle vs. crazing nomenclature, as well as the definition of porcelain. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.   This week's episode features the following topics: Glaze troubleshooting, crazing, porcelain, Bristol Glaze, glaze   Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment and Archie Bray Residency.

Get ready for the wonderful and hilarious ceramic artist Lisa Orr! In this episode of our new For Flux Sake segment Fluxed Up, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Lisa shares her journey with making low fired white wares, the influence red iron oxide has on aventurine glazes, and her recent research into Persian luster firing. Also, the gang talk about Lisa's development of the Rocket Kiln, a fast-firing smokeless wood kiln. Tune in for a dose of humor, technical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a ceramic artist. Got questions or need advice? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com   This week's episode features the following topics: Glaze Troubleshooting, Rocket Kiln, Studio Stories, Ceramics Confessions, Lisa Orr, Red Iron Oxide, Filter Press, Studio Anecdotes, Behind the scenes, Potter, Ceramic Artist   Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment and Archie Bray Residency.

Have you ever heard of an Oolite? Find out more about this rare and interesting glaze precipitate on this week's episode. The gang also take a trip to materials corner to discuss new potassium feldspars that could replace Custer Feldspar, and answer a question about kiln venting. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.   This week's episode features the following topics: Glaze troubleshooting, kilns, kiln vent, Oolite, Custer Feldspar, Potassium Feldspar   Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment and Archie Bray Residency.  

Join us as the For Flux Sake gang dive into layering glazes. Have you ever noticed some glazes look better below others, but not on top? Find out why the order you apply them matters and more on this week's episode. We also have a surprise visit and a great question about Gillespie Borate from their #1 superfan Kookie Kane. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.   This week's episode features the following topics: Glaze Troubleshooting, layering, Colemanite, Gerstley Borate, Gillespie Borate, Boron   Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment and Archie Bray Residency.  

Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Nick Sevigney! In this episode of our new For Flux Sake segment Fluxed Up, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Nick shares his journey from porcelain skepticism to newfound appreciation, the impact of the Custer Feldspar shortage, and reveals the trials of handling glaze disasters. Plus, we uncover the joys and frustrations of gallery life and laugh over some truly memorable teaching moments. Tune in for a dose of humor, technical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a ceramic artist. Got questions or need advice? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com   This week's episode features the following topics: Glaze Troubleshooting, DIY, Studio Stories, Ceramics Confessions, Nick Sevigney, Custer Feldspar, Studio Anecdotes, Behind the scenes, Potter, Ceramic Artist   Today's episode is brought to you by Immaterial: 5000 years of Art, One Material at a Time, a podcast from the Met Museum.  

We're kicking off Season 4 of For Flux Sake with a bang—or should we say a "ping"? Matt, Rose, and Kathy are joined by producer Ben to unveil some exciting surprises awaiting you in the new season. We're firing up a conversation about shivering, crazing, and all the unpredictable quirks that come with ceramics. Why is your glaze flaking off? Could your firing cycle or even hand sanitizer be the culprit? And what's the deal with delayed crazing? We're here to get to the bottom of your ceramic problems! If you'd like to be featured on a future episode of the show please send your audio questions to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.   This week's episode features the following topics:Shivering, Crazing, Delayed Crazing, Paint your own pottery, Vitrification, Low-Fire Ceramics, Clay bodies, Thermal expansion   Today's episode is brought to you by Immaterial: 5000 years of Art, One Material at a Time, a podcast from the Met Museum.  

In Episode 72, the gang discuss using acrylic paints on pottery. You'll learn when it's safe to use acrylics and find out the effects of firing temperature on your cold-finished pieces. Also we'll get into pyrometric cones yet again and break down the difference between cones and temperature readings. Why are those last crucial 100 degrees Celsius so important? And finally, we're discussing the benefits of bisque-firing underglazes. Discover how this step can help prevent color bleeding and other potential glaze flaws. Glazing problems? Kiln meltdown? Send your questions to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com - you might hear the answer on the show!   This week's episode features the following topics:             Acrylic paint, painted ceramics, ceramic sculpture, cold finish, pyrometric cones, kiln firing, heatwork, temperature, underglaze, glaze flaws   Today's episode is brought to you by Immaterial: 5000 years of Art, One Material at a Time, a podcast from the Met Museum.

We start today's episode learning why self-supporting cones are crucial for accurate firings, as well as everything you need to know about using cone plaques, from proper placement to reusability. We also delve deep into the world of firing temperatures talking about how to achieve vibrant colors at cone 10 while exploring the influence of alkaline earth fluxes on chemistry. Have you been thinking of substituting feldspars in your glazes recently? Make sure to listen and learn about the importance of finding the perfect feldspar match to balance your glaze chemistry.   Confused about glazes or facing a kiln crisis? Don't suffer in silence! Send the For Flux Sake crew a voice memo or message with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com - your problem could be solved on-air!   Today's episode is brought to you by the 28th Annual Bray Benefit Auction.   This week's episode features the following topics: Pyrometric cones, cones, kiln, firing temperature, firing atmosphere, cone 6 vs cone 10, blue glaze, green glaze, copper carbonate  

Listen in as the gang visit Materials Corner to discuss the latest updates surrounding the loss of Custer. Matt also answers a question from a brewer about the source of water that you use in your glazes. The answer might surprise you! Also, Kathy and Rose share how they've both used CMC in glazes and Matt dives into the science behind it.   Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply.   This week's episode features the following topics: Water, Custer Feldspar, Glaze troubleshooting, CMC, material substitution  

Listen to episode 69 where Matt, Rose, and Kathy discuss a listener's question about the use of ceramic bowls in the hair salon. Can ceramic be safely used for mixing hair dye? The team delves into the chemistry to determine if these bowls are a safe choice or a potential disaster.   Thinking about going green in the studio? The gang dives into listener concerns about sustainability in a large community ceramics space. Is lowering firing temperatures the answer?  What about the materials themselves? Join the discussion as they explore how to strike a balance between eco-friendly practices and keeping a community studio functional.   Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment.   This week's episode features the following topics: Toxicity, leaching, glaze chemistry, glaze flaws, sustainability, eco-friendly, firing temperature, recycling clay, cone 10, cone 6  

In episode 68, we're getting schooled on Shino glazes! Matt, Rose, and Kathy discuss some of the history, science, and stunning beauty of these unique glazes. The gang also takes a deep dive into the murky waters of water chemistry in glazes. Is it the secret ingredient or a total myth?  We'll also debunk some common misconceptions and explain why getting to know your specific gravity and viscosity is the real key to glaze consistency. Can you substitute tin in your glazes? Spoiler alert- it depends. Join the fun and listen in on the latest episode of For Flux Sake! Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment. This week's episode features the following topics:  Shino glaze, Japanese ceramics, specific gravity, viscosity, glaze application, glaze troubleshooting, glaze firing, material substitution, tin oxide

Clay drama got you throwing shade? We've ALL been there! Join the For Flux Sake gang for episode 67 as we commiserate over inconsistent clay bodies and the woes of surprise firing results. We'll explore the limitations of trying to adjust an existing clay body and glaze to meet your needs and some of the many reasons why commercial clay bodies can vary from batch to batch. Plus, we'll shed some light on the truth about manganese myths. Learn what is and what is not an actual hazard to your health. Don't rage-quit that project yet, listen to the latest episode of For Flux Sake and regain your sanity in the studio!   Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment. Bailey Pottery Equipment has everything you need, from beginner to pro. They offer top-notch supplies at discount prices, all backed by friendly service.   This week's episode features the following topics: Manganese, Toxicity, Absorption rate, commercial clay body, Clay absorption, reformulating clay, reformulating glaze, glaze fit

Listen to Kathy, Rose, and Matt take your glaze concerns head-on in this fired-up live recording from the convention this year! The audience delivered rapid fire questions to the gang so get ready for a hodgepodge of hot glaze conundrums. From water content and adjusting a recipe, to cracking the code on crazing crystals and banishing hard pan pandemonium, they tackled every question that came their way, and then some. Do you think anybody was able to stump them? Listen and find out. A special thank you to NCECA for co producing this episode and for supporting podcasting in the ceramics community.   Today's episode is brought to you by Snow Farm. From June 2nd-7th, join David McDonald for a hands-on workshop on making perfect-fitting lids for your thrown pieces.   This week's episode features the following topics: Glaze Flaws, Crazing, Crystalline, Crystallization, Glaze Formulation, Raw Materials, Glaze Application, Glaze making tips, NCECA, NCECA 2024

Listen to the final part of our conversation with the fantastic Freddy Fredrickson, former kiln master at Alfred University and founder of Fredrickson kilns. This episode will have you thinking beyond temperature when trying to get the most out of your kiln during your firings. Is cone 6 truly more energy-efficient than cone 10? Can your thermocouple be the silent hero of your firings?  Freddy has answers to all your burning questions (pun intended!) and more!   Glaze got you in a daze? Mystery clay malfunction? Fire up your phone and send the For Flux Sake crew a voice memo or a message with your ceramic crisis at forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com - your problem could be solved on-air!   Today's episode is brought to you by: Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com   This week's episode features the following topics: Electric Kiln, Cone 6, Cone 10, Cone 6 vs. Cone 10, Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficient Firing, Kiln Troubleshooting, Cones, Kiln Calibration, Kiln Design, Kiln Building, Kiln Efficiency 

Join Matt as he dives deep into kilns with Freddy Frederickson, the legendary founder of Fredrickson Kiln Company. For over 30 years, Freddy wasn't just building kilns at The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, he was perfecting the craft as their master kiln builder. In this first episode of our two-part interview, Freddy shares his remarkable journey. From the evolution of electric kiln technology to filling and firing an even kiln, listen in as he answers some of your burning questions about using your electric kiln.   Today's episode is brought to you by: Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com   This week's episode features the following topics: Electric Kiln, Firing, Kiln, Kiln Troubleshooting, Kiln load, kiln firing

Thanks to everyone who came out to our live taping at NCECA. We had a blast and look forward to airing that episode in a few weeks. Today on the show the gang talk about the effect of mold in clay, bisque firing higher than your glaze temperature, and the wild wild west of slip formulas. If you need assistance with a ceramic chemistry problem, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.   Today's episode is brought to you by: Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com   This week's episode features the following topics: Slip casting, Mold, Clay Durability, Glaze Application, Slip Formula, Bisque temperature

This episode of Flux Sake is a technical delight! Rose and Matt unpack the fascinating world of commercial clay body profiling with Ceramic Material Workshop's ongoing research project. They'll unpack the different tests used and what they reveal about a clay body's performance. Need to know the perfect clay body and glazes for your project? We've got you covered! The gang tackles listener questions on finding durable materials for high-use barware and crafting long-lasting floor tiles. Feeling the spray gun frustration? You're not alone! The episode wraps up with solutions to a clogged spray gun, with insights from Kathy, Rose, and Matt on keeping your glaze application smooth.   Join the Flux Sake Crew Live! Catch the whole gang for a live recording at the NCECA conference in Richmond, VA on Friday, March 22nd at 11 am. Don't miss out!   Today's episode is brought to you by: Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com   This week's episode features the following topics: Food Safety, Functional Ceramics, Utilitarian Ceramics, Dinnerware, Restaurant ware, Clay Durability, Glaze Durability, Coefficient of Friction, Ceramic Tile, Glaze Application, Glazing with spray gun

The For Flux Sake crew is gearing up for NCECA! Tune in to find out their plans and where you can catch them live at the conference. They also dive deep into listener questions, tackling concerns about lead leaching in your kiln from past firings and fish tank safety. Can your ceramic pieces pose a hidden danger for you or your aquatic friends? Learn the facts with us and stay safe!   Got a perplexing ceramic problem? Send the crew a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com and they might just feature it on a future episode.   Today's episode is brought to you by: Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com   This week's episode features the following topics: Lead, Leaching, Toxicity, Lead Toxicity, Lead Testing, Lead Leaching, NCECA, Studio Safety

On today's episode the gang talk about deciphering the labels on your commercial glazes. They also answer listener questions about standard bisquing temperatures in the U.S., and if there is a toxicity risk when using lead glazed wares from the 19th century. If you need assistance with a ceramic chemistry problem, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. Kathy, Matt, and Rose are excited to be participating in this year's NCECA conference in Richmond, VA. Come on out and bring your friends for a live taping of the show on Friday March 22nd at 11 am. Hope to see you there.   Today's episode is brought to you by: Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com

On today's episode the gang talk about recycling clay, knowing how hot a slip or glaze can be fired, and tips for running a community studio. If you need assistance with a ceramic chemistry problem, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.   As we head into the new year, we are having a comment drive. This is one of the easiest ways to support this show, and the best part is that it's totally free. To participate simply leave a review and a rating for the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks everyone for listening and supporting the show!   Today's episode is brought to you by: The Bray www.archiebray.org

On today's episode the gang answer an interesting question about the beauty of glaze flaws, as well as discussing fake reduction glazes using silicon carbide and making pots that are durable enough for restaurants. If you need assistance with a ceramic chemistry problem, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.   As we head into the new year, we are having a comment drive. This is one of the easiest ways to support this show, and the best part is that it's totally free. To participate simply leave a review and a rating for the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks everyone for listening and supporting the show!   Today's episode is brought to you by: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com. The Bray www.archiebray.org  

Happy New Year from the For the Flux Sake gang! In today's episode Kathy, Rose, and Matt answer three listener questions about kiln peeps, creating atmospheric effects in an electric kiln, and the best ways to test wild clay. If you need assistance with a ceramic chemistry problem, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.   As we head into the new year, we are having a comment drive. This is one of the easiest ways to support this show, and the best part is that it's totally free. To participate simply leave a review and a rating for the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks everyone for listening and supporting the show!   Today's episode is brought to you by: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com. The Bray www.archiebray.org

On today's episode of For the Flux Sake the gang answer three listener questions about sieving glazes, burnishing clay, and wiping off bisque. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you'd like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. Thanks everyone for listening in 2023. We look forward to having lots of new episodes for you in the upcoming year.   Hello For Flux Sake Listeners! Have you ever wondered what me mean when we talk about the unity molecular formula on the show? The UMF is a great way to understand glaze chemistry, and we talk all about it in our Glazed and Confused class. To show our appreciation for your listenership, we are offering a free lifetime membership to our Glazed and Confused class until the end of December. To sign up for FREE visit www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com and use the offer code “UMF” when you sign up. Happy Holidays!   Today's episode is brought to you by: AMACO Brent www.amaco.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com. The Bray www.archiebray.org  

On today's episode the gang talk about the end of Custer Feldspar. How do we all adjust to one of America's most popular, and reasonably priced, feldspars going out of production? Hear more about potential substitutions and the ripple effect this will have on the ceramic community. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you'd like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.   Today's episode is brought to you by: AMACO Brent www.amaco.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com. The Bray www.archiebray.org   Hello For Flux Sake Listeners! Have you ever wondered what me mean when we talk about the unity molecular formula on the show? The UMF is a great way to understand glaze chemistry, and we talk all about it in our Glazed and Confused class. To show our appreciation for your listenership, we are offering a free lifetime membership to our Glazed and Confused class until the end of December. To sign up for FREE visit www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com and use the offer code “UMF” when you sign up. Happy Holidays!

On today's episode the gang answer questions about the rising cost of lithium and the advantages of diversifying your fluxes. They also talk about the slight color shifts that happen in clear glazes. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you'd like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.   Today's episode is brought to you by: AMACO Brent www.amaco.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com. The Bray www.archiebray.org   Hello For Flux Sake Listeners! Until the end of November, we are offering a 25% discount on our beginner glaze workshop - Glaze of Our Lives. This is one of our on-demand workshops that help people learn about what glazes are, and how they really work. We answer the questions you've always wondered about and smash the ceramic myths you may have been told. Head over to www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com and use promo code - forfluxsake (all one word)- at time of check out to receive the 25% discount. Check it out and don't forget to keep on test, test, testing!

On today's episode the gang answer a few questions about cone six, including one about electric kiln temperatures, and another about firing cone 6 glazes to cone 10 in a soda kiln. They also talk about making lava-like effects on clay with vinegar. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you'd like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.   Today's episode is brought to you by: AMACO Brent www.amaco.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com. The Bray www.archiebray.org   Hello For Flux Sake Listeners! Until the end of November, we are offering a 25% discount on our beginner glaze workshop - Glaze of Our Lives. This is one of our on-demand workshops that help people learn about what glazes are, and how they really work. We answer the questions you've always wondered about and smash the ceramic myths you may have been told. Head over to www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com and use promo code - forfluxsake (all one word)- at time of check out to receive the 25% discount. Check it out and don't forget to keep on test, test, testing!

On this extra spooky episode of For Flux Sake, the gang talk about flame ware, the best length of time to mix casting slip, and fast firing manual kilns. They also share a mysterious tale about the blood bricks of Boston. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you'd like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.   Today's episode is brought to you by:   AMACO Brent www.amaco.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com. The Bray www.archiebray.org   Hello For Flux Sake Listeners! Until the end of November, we are offering a 25% discount on our beginner glaze workshop - Glaze of Our Lives. This is one of our on-demand workshops that help people learn about what glazes are, and how they really work. We answer the questions you've always wondered about and smash the ceramic myths you may have been told. Head over to www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com and use promo code - forfluxsake (all one word)- at time of check out to receive the 25% discount. Check it out and don't forget to keep on test, test, testing!