Welcome to the world of clay! The Ceramics Studio opened in March 2025 and is a new and exciting area at Asmbly Makerspace. We invite ALL levels of experience to come play in the studio. It is a bright, welcoming, collaborative environment, with Mid-fire Kilns, Clay, Glazes, and all the tools you need to create something special today.

Introduction

Asmbly Policies outlined in the Member Handbook, HERE apply to ALL shop areas including Ceramics. However Ceramics has some additional policies specific to the studio that are outlined below.

Check out the essential rules on How to Be Excellent, HERE

Ceramics Safety & Information (CSI) is the required free class you must take before access to the studio with membership is granted. This is separate from the required Asmbly Orientation & Facility Tour.

We are all caretakers of the shared space, so the cleanliness and maintenance is up to you!

Usage Areas

Refer the Equipment-Specific time limits HERE

Tools

Pottery Wheels: 8 machines available: Max booking is 5 hours of time
- When your time ends, check Skedda.
- If it is not booked you can rebook the Wheel in Skedda up to 5 more hours

You must reserve time for each tool you plan to use in Skedda. It is your responsibility to check Skedda to make sure the tool is not booked. Allow for clean up time within your booked time, NOT after. Leave yourself at least 15 minutes to clean your space and another 5 minutes of time to contribute to the cleanliness of our community studio.

Handbuilding Tables: 11 Users can Book up to 5 hours of time between 6 tables
- Table are numbered 1- 11, so please indicate which table(s) you will be using when you book through Skedda
- If you will need to use an entire table, plan to book 2 half tables so that others are aware of the space available before they arrive
- When your time ends, check Skedda.
- If it is not booked, you can rebook yourself as a User in Skedda up to 5 more hours

You must book yourself as a User if you plan on sitting at a Handbuilding Table, regardless of tool booking. It is your responsibility to check Skedda to make sure the tool is not booked by someone else. Allow for clean up time within your booked time, NOT after. Leave yourself at least 15 minutes to clean your space and another 5 minutes of time to contribute to the cleanliness of our community studio.

Slab Roller, Extruder and Glaze Area

Use of the glazing area, slab roller, and extruder are included with booking of either a Pottery Wheel or 1/2 Handbuilding Table. Please use these collaboratively, if multiple users need to utilize during the same time period. Be friendly and initiate conversations to best share access to these spaces. Expect these to be crowded spaces and work efficiently!

Community Tools/Areas

Please clean all tools you use from the communal tools and return them to their storage location
The baskets next to the sink are for sponges. Please place wareboards and bats on their appropriate shelves
Place newspaper on handbuilding tables if glazing at these tables to keep glaze from contaminating the canvas and wooden table surfaces

Safety

Ceramic Dust: Silica dust is going to be present in the studio
- It is highly recommended you wear a mask while in the studio for prolonged and repetitive periods; especially while cleaning up!
- Use your own personal discretion
- NEVER make another person feel bad for wearing a mask.
- NEVER turn the Blue Ox Filtration off
NEVER use a broom or vacuum. WATER is the best way to safely clean up clay.
If there is dry clay on the canvas topped tables, wet it with water and remove with a wet sponge
- Do NOT scrape dry clay, it will kick up unnecessary dust
- Do NOT blow clay away
NO FOOD in the Studio, you risk eating glaze accidentally (Closed beverage containers OK)
No dry sanding of greenware, bisque or fully fired pieces inside the studio.
You may wet sand your pieces using the diamond grits blocks located next to the south/throwing area sinks
We have a Blue Ox Air filtration system installed in the studio to help cut back on particulates in the air. The air quality is monitored and the filtration system will automatically turn on when it is needed.
- Members are NOT allowed to turn the filtration system off, it is a Policy violation
- If you are a staff or a volunteer, and you absolutely need to turn the filtration system off, you must turn it on again before you leave.

Studio Shelves

Member’s Shelves are clearly labeled with their allotted shelf size, and name.

Do NOT touch anything on any member’s shelf that is not yours
- Look with your eyes, not your hands
- Do not be the one who breaks a member’s piece accidentally

Class/Education Shelves are clearly labeled with the Class name and date

Do NOT touch anything on any class shelf that is not yours
- Look with your eyes, not your hands
- Do not be the one who breaks a member’s piece accidentally
Instructors will be responsible for moving Class pieces to the Greenware shelf
- They will monitor moisture levels to ensure kiln safety
- They will notify they students of the status of their pieces and pick up time limits

Kilns/Kiln Room

The Kiln Room is a hot and potentially dangerous room. As such it is an authorized access room; the Kiln Operators, and the Ceramics Studio Lead, are the ONLY people allowed to be in the Kiln room

If you see anyone in the room that is not a Kiln Operator, it is a policy violation and should be reported to the Ceramics Studio Lead, Kiln-Ops or Facilities
Under NO circumstances are you allowed to touch, turn on/off, or move the kilns & kiln furniture
NEVER touch the kilns if not authorized
NEVER operate or change the setting of the Kiln Vents if not authorized

Kiln Shelves

Members are responsible for moving their OWN pieces to the Greenware and Glaze Shelves when ready.

Your pieces must be FULLY bone dry before placing them on the kiln shelves. Pieces that are still wet will be emailed by the Kiln Operators and asked to moved to your shelf to dry fully.

Kiln Operators and Stewards will NOT pick out pieces from member’s shelves to fill the Kiln.

All pieces will be Bisque fired to Cone 06 and Glaze fired to Cone 6 in oxidation. There is currently no limit to the amount of work you can have fired.

All pieces must have a maker’s mark on the piece somewhere.

The Kiln Operators and Ceramic Lead have the right to delay a piece being fired if it is not ready, or deemed a risk. Communication will be provided to the owner either verbally or through email in this instance.

Kiln Shelves are clearly labeled with the type of firing:

Greenware/Cone 06 Shelf: BONE DRY pieces ready to be fired for the 1st time
- Pieces may not be fired immediately, depending on the Kiln firing schedule or the Kiln Operator's discretion on moisture levels
Bisque Shelf: Pieces that have come out of their first firing and are called bisque
- Pieces may sit on the Bisque Shelf for 2 weeks total
- After two weeks the piece will be removed and disposed of
- MEMBERS: please move your piece to your shelf or to take home within two weeks.
- STUDENTS: we have Open/Office hours on Monday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. If you cannot come during that time, send a message to kilnops@asmbly.org to coordinate a time for pickup
Glaze Fire/Cone 6 Shelf: Bisque fired, glazed pieces ready to be fired for the final time
- Pieces may not be fired immediately depending on the Kiln firing schedule, and the Kiln Operator's discretion on glaze moisture levels/application/adherence
Ready to Pick Up Shelf: Pieces that have come out of final firing and are ready to be taken home by the member or student
- Pieces may sit on the Pick Up shelf for 2 weeks total
- After the two weeks the piece will be removed and disposed of
- MEMBERS: Please move your piece to your shelf or to take home within two weeks.
- STUDENTS: you may pick up your pieces on Monday evening Open/Office Hours from 6:00 to 9:00 pm or you can coordinate a time with our kiln operators to pick up your piece by emailing kilnops@asmbly.org or
ALL pieces not picked up in their allotted time will be disposed of! If you require an exception, please email kilnops@asmbly.org and we can work with you.

Clay & Glazes

Clays Provided in Studio

These clays are currently on sale for use in the Studio:

Cinco Blanco - Cone 5/6
Buffalo Wallow - Cone 5/6

Purchase clay at the Square Reader
Place use provided Sharpie to write your name on your bags, or box, of clay
- This is visual proof of your purchase so there is no confusion once the clay is on your shelf.

Approved for Purchase and Use in Studio

These midfire clays are approved for usage at Asmbly and available to purchase in-person or online at Armadillo Clay.

Cone 5 Porcelain
Buffalo Wallow w/ Grog - Cone 5/6
Cinco Rojo - Cone 5 (Can bloat at Cone 6)
Cinco Rojo w/ Grog - Cone 5 (Can bloat at Cone 6)
Laguna Speckled Buff - Cone 5 (Can bloat at Cone 6)
Laguna B Mix - Cone 5/6
Laguna B Mix w/Speckles - Cone 5 (Can bloat at Cone 6)
Dark Chocolate No. 32 - Cone 5/6
Cone 5 Porcelain
Raku - Cone 5/10 (Not food-safe when mid-fired)

These midfire clays are approved for usage at Asmbly and are available to purchase online at Kentucky Mudworks.

Elkhorn Red Stoneware Cone 6
POLAR BEAR Porcelain Cone 6
Roo Stoneware Cone 6
Speckled Turtle Cone 5-6
Speckled Brown Bear Cone 5-7
Dark Star Cone 6
Kota Porcelain Cone 5-6
Brown Bear Clay Cone 5-6
White Lightning Porcelain Cone 5-6
Ranger Cone 6-10
Big Turtle Cone 6-7
Sheltowee Cone 5–7
Mulhollun Cone 5–7
Iceman with Grog Cone 5–6
White Bear Cone 5–7
Tony Beaver Cone 5–7
Iceman Cone 5–6
River City Red Clay Cone 06-5

NOTE: Clay brought in must be labelled with sharpie found at the Clay Station at Asmbly BEFORE being stored on your shelf!!

Glazes Provided in Studio

READ HOW TO GLAZE PAGE FOR PROCESS

All glazes provided are lead-free and food-safe.
Lay down newspaper provided to avoid getting glaze on the clay tables or drying boards.
- Glaze and clay do not mix, please prevent glaze from getting on the canvas
Clean up glaze brushes and bowls provide for community use when finished
- Rinse, apply soap if necessary, reshape, and return to their storage location
Do NOT glaze directly out of the jars, use the provided bowls to pour glaze into

Mid-fire Glazes Currently in Studio for Members & Classes to use:

House Glazes:

Mayco Dipping Clear, Zinc free, SD004
Floating Blue
Floating Pink
Floating Rutile
Floating Orange
Misty Forest
Black Gloss
White Gloss
Ivory

Commercial Glazes:

Amaco Celadon Glazes are glossy, transparent, and pool beautifully to add vivid accents to textured and carved surfaces and are 100% mixable.

Snapdragon
Marigold
Wasabi
Cobalt
Mulberry
Snow
Obsidian
Mixing Clear

Mayco Fundamentals Underglaze: Shake well. Apply to wet clay, greenware, or cone 06 bisque; use for design or solid coverage. To intensify color or for use on dinnerware, apply clear or matte clear glaze. For use on clay or greenware, apply and allow to dry. Fire to shelf cone 06. If desired, apply clear glaze and reﬁre to cone 06-05 for earthenware and cone 5-10 for stoneware. For use on bisque, apply to cone 06 bisque, apply clear glaze if desired and reﬁre earthenware to cone 06 and cone 5-10 for stoneware. Do not spray apply.

Fire Engine Red
Orange
Bright Yellow
Forest Green
Bright Blue
Wild Violet
Chocolate
China White
Jet Black

Glazes at Armadillo Clay Approved for Purchase

These Glazes are approved for usage and firing at Asmbly, and available to purchase at Armadillo Clay or online:

Amaco Celadons
Amaco Satin Matte
Mayco Fundamentals Underglaze
Potter’s Choice
Jungle Gems
Speedball
Laguna
Spectrum
Penguin

NOTE: Glazes brought in must be labelled with the sharpie found at the Clay Store at Asmbly BEFORE being stored on your shelf!!

Kiln Check-In Procedures

Currently Asmbly Makerspace is not limiting the number of pieces, or firings, you can participate in each month. We aim for a 1-2 week turnaround, but this could be longer or shorter depending on many factors. The Kiln Operators reserve the right to hold or delay a piece if it is not dry enough, or they feel the member needs to correct something to be safe to fire. The Kiln Operators will communicate with you when your piece is out of the Kiln, or before the firing if there are any issues. They can be reached at: kilnops@asmbly.org

Firing Sign In Process

Follow the QR Code to a Google form for each type of firing
1. Check in ALL your pieces with just one Google form/KO number.
2. You will create one KO for bisque, and a NEW KO form for glaze.

2. Fill out one paper slip for each of your pieces

This will serve as a physical record the Kiln Operators can track as things come in and out of the kilns.

Example: You have 7 pieces: 4 for bisque, and 3 for glaze. You need to fill out 2 Google forms (1 for each type of firing), and 7 white paper slips (1 to stay with each piece).

Firing System

We are aiming at Asmbly to have a turnaround of 1-2 weeks after you have placed your bone dry pieces on the shelf, to receive a fired piece. Dry pieces submitted to be fired will be put in the kilns at the kiln operators' discretion. There are factors other than time that could affect when your piece is put in the kiln (piece not dry enough, needing to prioritize a class, not enough pieces to fill a kiln, etc.)

All firing and kilns will be run by the Kiln Operators.

1. As of 10/23/26 the kilns will be fired to:

Bisque fired at cone 06
Low-fire glaze at cone 06
Mid-fire glaze or stoneware at cone 6

2. Special temperature firings may occur at the discretion of the Lead Kiln Operator

3. ALL pieces must have wax resist on the bottom to avoid getting stuck to the shelves or supports

If you want to put glaze all over and risk it getting stuck to the support, you must discuss this with the Lead Kiln Operators and be aware it may cause damage to your piece

3. Leave ¼”-½” around the base of your pieces to avoid sticking to the kiln shelves. The Kiln Operators reserve the right to ask you to make any corrections to your piece.

4. A cookie maybe be placed under any piece to protect the kiln shelf from glaze drips and runs.

Usage Violations

Usage of unapproved clay & glazes will be recorded and not allowed
- It may result in damage to your or other’s pieces
- It may damage the kiln. The cost to repair may be your responsibility.
Repeated reported violations will result in not being allowed to put pieces in the kiln firings AND/OR prohibition from the studio

Clay Body & Glaze Approval System

Asmbly is a community of makers and creators, as such we want to honor the experimental nature that comes with clay and crafting. Ceramics has an endless amount of processes and abilities when it comes to glazing and firing, and we have created a system that strives to be fair and balanced to non-approved clay and glazes, while also maintaining the safety of member’s pieces and the kilns at Asmbly.

As of 10/23/26 the kilns will be fired to:
1. Bisque fired at cone 06
2. Low-fire glaze at cone 06
3. Mid-fire glaze at cone 6
Clay or glazes that need a cooler or hotter maturation temperature will currently not be accepted.
1. Special projects may be considered at the discretion of the kiln ops
Once a test is discussed and approved by the kiln ops, clay and glaze test pieces will be checked in the same way as other pieces, with the “Kiln Check In Form”, please add a note indicating it is a test on the KO slip.
We will not accept glazes with lead in any form in the studio
Your piece may wait for some time, until we have a full load, and is fully dry before being fired

Asmbly Makerspace is not responsible for any cracks that could occur before, during, or after the firing process.

It is rare, but if any damage to our kiln or kiln furniture is directly caused by your piece, you may be responsible for replacement or repair charges.

Clay Body

Non-Approved clay bodies must go through the following steps to be approved.

Check with the kiln-ops to make sure they are aware you are testing a new clay body.
Bisque Fire:
1. Please make a small piece out of your clay body, such as a small mug, bowl, sculpture, etc.
  1. The piece should be no more than 6” x 6” x 6”
  2. Please be prepared to possibly lose this piece as it could crack or break in the test
  3. Label the piece on the bottom with your name and the name of the clay body using underglaze pencil or incise it into the wet clay
2. Please allow it to dry on your shelf until bone dry and place on the Greenware Test Shelf. We will not accept pieces that are still wet. Observing the drying process is part of the test as some clays require a longer and slower dry time.
Glaze Fire:
1. Glaze the test piece with your choice of commercial or house glazes. Use underglaze pencil to indicate the type of glaze used.
If it does not melt, crack excessively or otherwise seem dangerous then the kiln ops will approve it and add it to the list of approved clay bodies.

Glaze - approval of new commercial glazes

Non-approved glazes must go through the following steps to be approved

Glaze fire:
1. Please make a small piece, such as a small mug, bowl, sculpture, etc.
  1. The piece should be no more than 6” x 6” x 6”
  2. Please be prepared to possibly lose this piece as it could crack or break in the test
    1. If you do not have a piece to test your glaze on, a vertical test tile will be provided to you by Asmbly made of Cinco Blanco
2. Glaze your piece with the glaze you are testing.
  1. Leave 1” of unglazed ceramic at the bottom to test if it runs or drips excessively
  2. Leave ¼” - ½” unglazed if using a provided vertical test tile
3. Please apply the same glaze technique on the test piece you plan to apply on the actual piece, in order to get an accurate test.
  1. Same number of layers, colors, overlaps of glazes, etc.
If it does not melt, crack excessively, craze past your liking, or otherwise seem dangerous Kiln ops will add it to the list of approved glazes.

Discipline/Violations Policy

Asmbly Discipline Policy can be found HERE

Note: The people enforcing Asmbly policies are volunteers and it's not the most fun job. Failure to comply when approached about a policy violation is very serious. Show your fellow members kindness and respect when receiving redirection. Maintaining a cooperative community space at Asmbly is very important to us and ignoring the redirection of an appointed leader in the space is a serious violation.

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