Frequently Asked Questions

A few of the most frequently asked questions
are listed below and separated into categories.

    1. I will be out of town for one of the classes. Are there make-up classes or can I participate in another class on another day?

      No, we do not offer make up classes nor are students able to attend another class. Students are given 40+ hours of open studio access every week which leaves plenty of opportunity for students to practice outside of class. We recommend letting your instructor know before you leave town and they would be happy to fill you in on what you might be missing.

    2. I’m trying to get into a class but everything is always sold out. Any tips? Help!

      We are so sorry if you have not been able to get into a class with us. Our classes do sell out, some classes well out within literal seconds! We recommend setting an alarm/reminder on your phone or marking your calendars in order to sign up as soon as registration opens. Fill out our waitlist form to be automatically added to our mailing list.

    3. I wasn’t able to get into a class. Do you have other options available? I’m dying to get my hands dirty.

      The answer is, YES! We have private lessons and also private lesson packages. Click HERE for more information. We also have fun two-hour long bite sized classes called “Makers Monday” for hand-building and “Wheel Wednesday” for wheel throwing. For more information, please click on the underlined links to be directed to the information page for “Makers Monday” or “Wheel Wednesday”

    1. How can I become a member?

      There is currently a 1-2 year waitlist for a Green & Bisque Membership. However! Taking a class with us will help boost you to the top of the list.

    2. Why do I have to take a class first?

      Given the nature of our studio being open to members 24/7, it is important for us and the community to get to know one another before we offer a spot when one becomes available. Taking a class serves as a wonderful opportunity, not only for us to establish a relationship with one another, but for you to learn the ins and outs of our studio, how it functions, and to make sure that it’s the right fit for you! We certainly hope it will be.

    3. I have my own home studio but would like to glaze and fire my work at your studio. Do you have firing memberships?

      No, we do not. So sorry!

    4. What kind of firings do members have access to?
      Members have access to Cone10 and midrange firing. We also have luster firings at the end of every month.

    5. How long is the membership commitment?
      We require an 8 month membership commitment .

    1. Do you do outside firing?I have work I made at home that I would like to get fired.

      Unfortunately, we do not offer outside firing at this time. We recommend reaching out to our friends at AMOCA for firing services and kiln rentals. Our lovely friend, Liz Navarro, also offers kiln rental services! For more information on kiln rentals with Liz, click here. Also, check out Still Life Ceramics, Clativity, and Clay CA for your outside firing needs!

    1. Do you offer private Raku firings?

      Yes, we do! Please email our amazing Director, janisse@gbclayhouse.com, for more information on booking a private rake firing for yourself or a group of fellow pyromaniacs!

    2. How often do you have Raku firings?

      We have Raku Firings 2-3 times a month.

    3. Can you bisque my pieces for me before the Raku firing? If so, how much will it cost?

      YES! We will be glad to do that at no additional charge. Just be sure to bring your greenware in no later than Monday of the week of your scheduled Raku firing. Your bisque work will be out by the end of the day Wednesday and ready to glaze either on Friday or Saturday before your Sunday Raku Firing.

    4. What kind of clay can I use for Raku?

      Anything above cone5 would be just fine. However, we recommend a clay body that contains sand or grog to withstand the thermal shock.

    5. Do my pieces have to be bisqued ahead of time?

      Yes. All pieces must be bisqued ahead of time. Please no greenware.

    6. When can I come in to glaze my pieces?

      We send out an email to all Raku participants on the Monday before the scheduled Raku firing. The email will contain information on glazing days which are usually on the Friday or Saturday of the firing. If you can’t make those days, feel free to reach out to us and we can arrange for you to come in on a day that works better for you.

    7. Do you provide horsehair or slip for naked Raku?

      We sure do!

    8. Can I bring my own combustibles?

      Feel free to bring it in. Charlie, the Raku Master, will see if it’s something you can use.

    9. Can I use my own Raku glaze?

      Yes, of course! Just be sure to apply the glaze at least 24 hours before the firing - the glaze needs to be completely dry. We recommend bringing the glaze with you to our studio on the glazing days before your Raku Firing and doing the glazing in the studio so that you can have it on the shelf ready to go for the Sunday firing.

    10. Are your Raku Firings open to the public?

      Yes, absolutely! We love making new friends :)

    11. I’m signed up for a Raku Firing, can I bring a friend?

      Yes, but only as a spectator. We will not be able to fire their work if they are not signed up.