Expert: Leisha Hiester - 10/1/2008

Question
Oh my, I'm so excited I worked with polymer clay and started having an intrest in making porclain beads. Meantioned it to a friend and wala! I have a gare kiln model 2318 sitting in my garage that i think came from a school when they upgraded. Now I'm so excited about the thing but have no manual or any knowledge of what to do!! were do i start? any suggestion on finding a manual or were to find basics on how to fire porclian? Thanks, Nancy

Answer
Nancy,

Congratulations on advancing to porcelain! It is the Cadillac of all clays & not for the faint hearted. I make porcelain beads & jewelry too.

I did a quick google search on Gare Kiln 2318 & came up with 1/2 dozen articles that will probably prove helpful for you to read.

There are so many great porcelain clays out there now. It is vital to know the firing range of the clay you're using. There's a wonderful translucent Laguna porcelain I use called 'Frost.' It fires mid-range cone 5-7.

Happy beading. Leisha