What is Animal House?

An interactive studio management platform for pottery enthusiasts to track kiln cycles, manage inventory, and organize glazing projects.

Does Animal House Pottery offer kiln firing services in Las Vegas?

Yes. Animal House Pottery provides ceramic firing services for qualifying pottery and clay work.

Can you fire pottery I made somewhere else?

Outside work may be accepted according to studio firing policies. Customers should contact Animal House Pottery before bringing outside work so the clay body, glaze, cone temperature, and other requirements can be verified.

What is bisque firing?

Bisque firing is the first kiln firing that transforms dried clay into durable ceramic material that can then be glazed.

What is glaze firing?

Glaze firing heats glazed ceramic pieces to the appropriate temperature so the glaze melts and forms its finished surface.

How much does kiln firing cost?

Pricing may depend on the size, weight, firing temperature, kiln space required, and type of firing. Contact the studio for accurate pricing.

How long does pottery firing take?

Turnaround depends on kiln schedules, clay and glaze requirements, firing temperature, specialty processes, and current studio volume.

Can pottery crack or break in the kiln?

Yes. Ceramics undergo significant temperature changes during firing, and cracking, warping, glaze defects, or breakage can sometimes occur.

Do you offer specialty firing such as Raku or soda firing?

Animal House Pottery may offer specialty firing events such as Raku and soda firing. Check current workshops or contact the studio for availability.

Raku pottery firing workshop at Animal House Pottery in Las Vegas, NV

Specialty Firing

Raku Pottery Workshops in Las Vegas

Raku is one of the most thrilling ceramic processes in pottery. Red-hot pieces are pulled from the kiln and placed in combustible material, creating unpredictable crackles, metallic flashes, and copper effects. Join a Raku workshop at Animal House Pottery to experience this dramatic firing technique firsthand.

What Is Raku Firing?

Raku is a fast, dramatic pottery firing process that originated in Japan. Unlike conventional kiln firings that heat and cool slowly over many hours, Raku firing removes pieces from the kiln while they are still glowing red-hot, around 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.

The hot piece is placed into a container with combustible material such as sawdust, leaves, or newspaper. The material ignites, and the container is sealed. The resulting smoke, fire, and reduction atmosphere creates unique, unpredictable surface effects: crackled glaze patterns, metallic copper flashes, blackened unglazed clay, and iridescent colors that cannot be achieved with any other firing method.

Because every Raku piece is different, the process is as exciting as it is artistic. Raku workshops at Animal House Pottery are led by Anthony Urango, who specialized in Raku as a production potter on Maui before opening the studio. No two pieces ever come out the same.

Upcoming Events

Raku Workshops & Firing Events

No upcoming Raku dates are currently listed.

Check back for upcoming workshops, or contact us to request a Raku firing session.

What to Expect at a Raku Workshop

Raku is hands-on, fast-paced, and genuinely thrilling.

Glaze Your Piece

Apply Raku-specific glazes to pre-made bisque pieces before firing.

Kiln Firing

Watch pieces heat to 1,800 degrees in a fast Raku kiln, glowing red-hot.

Reduction Firing

Hot pieces are transferred to combustible material for the signature Raku effects.

Unpredictable Results

Crackle patterns, metallic flashes, and copper colors unique to every piece.

Take It Home

Raku pieces cool quickly and can often be taken home the same day.

All Materials Included

Bisque pieces, glazes, fuel, and safety equipment are provided.