"Westernized RAKU" is a Japanese inspired method for firing clay that creates unpredictable smoke patterns and spectacular metallic or crackle effects in the glazes. When the temperature of the piece reaches between 1650 and 1900 degrees, I place it in a nest of combustible materials such as leaves, sawdust, pine needles, and/or newspaper, cover the item with a metal container, and wait until the smoke disappears or in my case until my curiosity makes it impossible not to peek.  Afterwards pieces are sometimes “fumed” with alcohol and ignited once again or squelched in water so the glazes craze and crack. RAKU has very mysterious endings. The whole process is fascinating and no matter how long you have been doing it or to what degree your experience you never know exactly how a piece is going to turn out, but after experience and time creating using this process the artist does gain significant control over the final outcome. 

Raku Wares should never be left out in the sun and it do best in a cool dry place. RAKU is not food safe because it is porous.  Seal away with confidence if you would like to coat your product with varnish, eurythane or any other sealant of your choice in an effort to preserve the integrity of the piece. (Please test a small area first to see if you like the way the glaze looks afterward)   

A few weeks after firing Raku pieces smell a little smokey.  Please consider this if embellishing a garment. This odor usually fades within a few weeks of firing but if you happen to purchase something within a few days of me firing it it may retain that smokey smell.  Buttons or Beads used for garments can withstand a hand wash but should be removed for any dry cleaning, or cleaning process., so to be safe, remove it or cover it with foil and then carefully hand wash.