For Flux Sake

Fluxed Up with Brett Kern-Happy Halloween! Oct 30, 2024

Welcome to a very spooky edition of Fluxed Up with Brett Kern. Today we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with funny stories, studio mishaps, and the quest for the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Brett shares his journey with slip casting inflatable dinosaurs, using commercial glazes, and dealing with dunting after material changes. Tune in for a dose of humor, technical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a ceramic artist. Got questions or need advice? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Slip casting, Dunting, Commercial glazes, layering glazes, spraying, luster

For today's episode we ask listeners to donate to the Craft Emergency Relief Fund and their efforts to help artists recover after Hurricane Helene.

How can we help North Carolina? Oct 23, 2024

Have you wondered how you can help support artists affected by Hurricane Helene? This week’s show is dedicated to sharing information and resources to assist the North Carolina clay community in rebuilding. The gang talks about assessing damage after a natural disaster, what supply chain issues we expect, and organizations needing support. If you’d like to contribute to disaster relief, please donate to the Craft Emergency Relief Fund at www.cerfplus.org.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Asheville, Marshall, Penland, Highwater Clays, Mudtools, CERF

Today's episode is brought to you by Ceramic Materials Workshop.

Are cone 6 soda fired pots durable? Oct 16, 2024

Atmospheric firing is so much fun! What’s not to like about a process where you get to spray soda into a flaming hot kiln. This week the gang talk about the durability of cone 6 soda fired pots, and the process for identifying mystery materials. They also take us behind the scenes to talk about what goes into making videos for the CMW YouTube channel.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Glaze troubleshooting, atmospheric firing, cone 6, soda firing, glaze, flashing slip

Today's episode is brought to you by Ceramic Materials Workshop.

What’s so special about a Bristol glaze? Oct 09, 2024

Have you heard of a Bristol glaze? This week on For Flux Sake the gang talk about the chemistry that makes these glazes work. They also discuss the crackle vs. crazing nomenclature, as well as the definition of porcelain. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Glaze troubleshooting, crazing, porcelain, Bristol Glaze, glaze

Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment and Archie Bray Residency.

Fluxed Up with Lisa Orr Oct 02, 2024

Get ready for the wonderful and hilarious ceramic artist Lisa Orr! In this episode of our new For Flux Sake segment Fluxed Up, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Lisa shares her journey with making low fired white wares, the influence red iron oxide has on aventurine glazes, and her recent research into Persian luster firing. Also, the gang talk about Lisa’s development of the Rocket Kiln, a fast-firing smokeless wood kiln. Tune in for a dose of humor, technical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a ceramic artist. Got questions or need advice? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com

This week’s episode features the following topics: Glaze Troubleshooting, Rocket Kiln, Studio Stories, Ceramics Confessions, Lisa Orr, Red Iron Oxide, Filter Press, Studio Anecdotes, Behind the scenes, Potter, Ceramic Artist

Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment and Archie Bray Residency.

Is that an Oolite? Sep 25, 2024

Have you ever heard of an Oolite? Find out more about this rare and interesting glaze precipitate on this week’s episode. The gang also take a trip to materials corner to discuss new potassium feldspars that could replace Custer Feldspar, and answer a question about kiln venting. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Glaze troubleshooting, kilns, kiln vent, Oolite, Custer Feldspar, Potassium Feldspar

Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment and Archie Bray Residency.

The agony and ecstasy of Gillespie Borate Sep 18, 2024

Join us as the For Flux Sake gang dive into layering glazes. Have you ever noticed some glazes look better below others, but not on top? Find out why the order you apply them matters and more on this week’s episode. We also have a surprise visit and a great question about Gillespie Borate from their #1 superfan Kookie Kane. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Glaze Troubleshooting, layering, Colemanite, Gerstley Borate, Gillespie Borate, Boron

Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment and Archie Bray Residency.

Fluxed Up with Nick Sevigney Sep 11, 2024

Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Nick Sevigney! In this episode of our new For Flux Sake segment Fluxed Up, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Nick shares his journey from porcelain skepticism to newfound appreciation, the impact of the Custer Feldspar shortage, and reveals the trials of handling glaze disasters. Plus, we uncover the joys and frustrations of gallery life and laugh over some truly memorable teaching moments. Tune in for a dose of humor, technical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a ceramic artist. Got questions or need advice? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com

This week’s episode features the following topics: Glaze Troubleshooting, DIY, Studio Stories, Ceramics Confessions, Nick Sevigney, Custer Feldspar, Studio Anecdotes, Behind the scenes, Potter, Ceramic Artist

Today's episode is brought to you by Immaterial: 5000 years of Art, One Material at a Time, a podcast from the Met Museum.

Shivering Sucks Sep 04, 2024

We're kicking off Season 4 of For Flux Sake with a bang—or should we say a "ping"? Matt, Rose, and Kathy are joined by producer Ben to unveil some exciting surprises awaiting you in the new season. We're firing up a conversation about shivering, crazing, and all the unpredictable quirks that come with ceramics. Why is your glaze flaking off? Could your firing cycle or even hand sanitizer be the culprit? And what’s the deal with delayed crazing? We're here to get to the bottom of your ceramic problems! If you’d like to be featured on a future episode of the show please send your audio questions to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.

This week’s episode features the following topics:Shivering, Crazing, Delayed Crazing, Paint your own pottery, Vitrification, Low-Fire Ceramics, Clay bodies, Thermal expansion

Today's episode is brought to you by Immaterial: 5000 years of Art, One Material at a Time, a podcast from the Met Museum.

Can I use paint on my ceramics? Jul 31, 2024

In Episode 72, the gang discuss using acrylic paints on pottery. You'll learn when it's safe to use acrylics and find out the effects of firing temperature on your cold-finished pieces. Also we'll get into pyrometric cones yet again and break down the difference between cones and temperature readings. Why are those last crucial 100 degrees Celsius so important? And finally, we're discussing the benefits of bisque-firing underglazes. Discover how this step can help prevent color bleeding and other potential glaze flaws. Glazing problems? Kiln meltdown? Send your questions to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com - you might hear the answer on the show!

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Acrylic paint, painted ceramics, ceramic sculpture, cold finish, pyrometric cones, kiln firing, heatwork, temperature, underglaze, glaze flaws

Today’s episode is brought to you by Immaterial: 5000 years of Art, One Material at a Time, a podcast from the Met Museum.

Cone packs or cone plaques? Jul 17, 2024

We start today’s episode learning why self-supporting cones are crucial for accurate firings, as well as everything you need to know about using cone plaques, from proper placement to reusability. We also delve deep into the world of firing temperatures talking about how to achieve vibrant colors at cone 10 while exploring the influence of alkaline earth fluxes on chemistry. Have you been thinking of substituting feldspars in your glazes recently? Make sure to listen and learn about the importance of finding the perfect feldspar match to balance your glaze chemistry.

Confused about glazes or facing a kiln crisis? Don't suffer in silence! Send the For Flux Sake crew a voice memo or message with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com - your problem could be solved on-air!

Today’s episode is brought to you by the 28th Annual Bray Benefit Auction.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Pyrometric cones, cones, kiln, firing temperature, firing atmosphere, cone 6 vs cone 10, blue glaze, green glaze, copper carbonate

Does your water source affect glazes? Jul 03, 2024

Listen in as the gang visit Materials Corner to discuss the latest updates surrounding the loss of Custer. Matt also answers a question from a brewer about the source of water that you use in your glazes. The answer might surprise you! Also, Kathy and Rose share how they've both used CMC in glazes and Matt dives into the science behind it.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Water, Custer Feldspar, Glaze troubleshooting, CMC, material substitution

Can ceramics be safely used for mixing hair dye? Jun 19, 2024

Listen to episode 69 where Matt, Rose, and Kathy discuss a listener's question about the use of ceramic bowls in the hair salon. Can ceramic be safely used for mixing hair dye? The team delves into the chemistry to determine if these bowls are a safe choice or a potential disaster.

Thinking about going green in the studio? The gang dives into listener concerns about sustainability in a large community ceramics space. Is lowering firing temperatures the answer? What about the materials themselves? Join the discussion as they explore how to strike a balance between eco-friendly practices and keeping a community studio functional.

Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Toxicity, leaching, glaze chemistry, glaze flaws, sustainability, eco-friendly, firing temperature, recycling clay, cone 10, cone 6

What’s the deal with Shino glazes? Jun 05, 2024

In episode 68, we're getting schooled on Shino glazes! Matt, Rose, and Kathy discuss some of the history, science, and stunning beauty of these unique glazes. The gang also takes a deep dive into the murky waters of water chemistry in glazes. Is it the secret ingredient or a total myth?

We'll also debunk some common misconceptions and explain why getting to know your specific gravity and viscosity is the real key to glaze consistency. Can you substitute tin in your glazes? Spoiler alert- it depends. Join the fun and listen in on the latest episode of For Flux Sake!

Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Shino glaze, Japanese ceramics, specific gravity, viscosity, glaze application, glaze troubleshooting, glaze firing, material substitution, tin oxide

Should I be afraid of manganese? May 22, 2024

Clay drama got you throwing shade? We've ALL been there! Join the For Flux Sake gang for episode 67 as we commiserate over inconsistent clay bodies and the woes of surprise firing results. We’ll explore the limitations of trying to adjust an existing clay body and glaze to meet your needs and some of the many reasons why commercial clay bodies can vary from batch to batch. Plus, we’ll shed some light on the truth about manganese myths. Learn what is and what is not an actual hazard to your health. Don’t rage-quit that project yet, listen to the latest episode of For Flux Sake and regain your sanity in the studio!

Today's episode is brought to you by Bailey Pottery Equipment. Bailey Pottery Equipment has everything you need, from beginner to pro. They offer top-notch supplies at discount prices, all backed by friendly service.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Manganese, Toxicity, Absorption rate, commercial clay body, Clay absorption, reformulating clay, reformulating glaze, glaze fit

Glaze Doctors Live from NCECA! May 08, 2024

Listen to Kathy, Rose, and Matt take your glaze concerns head-on in this fired-up live recording from the convention this year! The audience delivered rapid fire questions to the gang so get ready for a hodgepodge of hot glaze conundrums. From water content and adjusting a recipe, to cracking the code on crazing crystals and banishing hard pan pandemonium, they tackled every question that came their way, and then some. Do you think anybody was able to stump them? Listen and find out. A special thank you to NCECA for co producing this episode and for supporting podcasting in the ceramics community.

Today's episode is brought to you by Snow Farm. From June 2nd-7th, join David McDonald for a hands-on workshop on making perfect-fitting lids for your thrown pieces.

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Glaze Flaws, Crazing, Crystalline, Crystallization, Glaze Formulation, Raw Materials, Glaze Application, Glaze making tips, NCECA, NCECA 2024

Electric Kiln 101 with Freddy Fredrickson pt. 2 Apr 24, 2024

Listen to the final part of our conversation with the fantastic Freddy Fredrickson, former kiln master at Alfred University and founder of Fredrickson kilns. This episode will have you thinking beyond temperature when trying to get the most out of your kiln during your firings. Is cone 6 truly more energy-efficient than cone 10? Can your thermocouple be the silent hero of your firings? Freddy has answers to all your burning questions (pun intended!) and more!

Glaze got you in a daze? Mystery clay malfunction? Fire up your phone and send the For Flux Sake crew a voice memo or a message with your ceramic crisis at forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com - your problem could be solved on-air!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Electric Kiln, Cone 6, Cone 10, Cone 6 vs. Cone 10, Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficient Firing, Kiln Troubleshooting, Cones, Kiln Calibration, Kiln Design, Kiln Building, Kiln Efficiency

Electric Kiln 101 with Freddy Fredrickson pt. 1 Apr 10, 2024

Join Matt as he dives deep into kilns with Freddy Frederickson, the legendary founder of Fredrickson Kiln Company. For over 30 years, Freddy wasn't just building kilns at The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, he was perfecting the craft as their master kiln builder. In this first episode of our two-part interview, Freddy shares his remarkable journey. From the evolution of electric kiln technology to filling and firing an even kiln, listen in as he answers some of your burning questions about using your electric kiln.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Electric Kiln, Firing, Kiln, Kiln Troubleshooting, Kiln load, kiln firing

Should I bisque higher than I glaze? Mar 27, 2024

Thanks to everyone who came out to our live taping at NCECA. We had a blast and look forward to airing that episode in a few weeks. Today on the show the gang talk about the effect of mold in clay, bisque firing higher than your glaze temperature, and the wild wild west of slip formulas. If you need assistance with a ceramic chemistry problem, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Slip casting, Mold, Clay Durability, Glaze Application, Slip Formula, Bisque temperature

How can I make durable floor tiles? Mar 13, 2024

This episode of Flux Sake is a technical delight! Rose and Matt unpack the fascinating world of commercial clay body profiling with Ceramic Material Workshop's ongoing research project. They'll unpack the different tests used and what they reveal about a clay body's performance. Need to know the perfect clay body and glazes for your project? We've got you covered! The gang tackles listener questions on finding durable materials for high-use barware and crafting long-lasting floor tiles. Feeling the spray gun frustration? You're not alone! The episode wraps up with solutions to a clogged spray gun, with insights from Kathy, Rose, and Matt on keeping your glaze application smooth.

Join the Flux Sake Crew Live! Catch the whole gang for a live recording at the NCECA conference in Richmond, VA on Friday, March 22nd at 11 am. Don't miss out!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Food Safety, Functional Ceramics, Utilitarian Ceramics, Dinnerware, Restaurant ware, Clay Durability, Glaze Durability, Coefficient of Friction, Ceramic Tile, Glaze Application, Glazing with spray gun

Should I be afraid of lead leaching? Feb 28, 2024

The For Flux Sake crew is gearing up for NCECA! Tune in to find out their plans and where you can catch them live at the conference. They also dive deep into listener questions, tackling concerns about lead leaching in your kiln from past firings and fish tank safety. Can your ceramic pieces pose a hidden danger for you or your aquatic friends? Learn the facts with us and stay safe!

Got a perplexing ceramic problem? Send the crew a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com and they might just feature it on a future episode.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com

This week’s episode features the following topics:

Lead, Leaching, Toxicity, Lead Toxicity, Lead Testing, Lead Leaching, NCECA, Studio Safety

What are those symbols on my glaze label? Feb 14, 2024

On today’s episode the gang talk about deciphering the labels on your commercial glazes. They also answer listener questions about standard bisquing temperatures in the U.S., and if there is a toxicity risk when using lead glazed wares from the 19th century. If you need assistance with a ceramic chemistry problem, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.

Kathy, Matt, and Rose are excited to be participating in this year’s NCECA conference in Richmond, VA. Come on out and bring your friends for a live taping of the show on Friday March 22nd at 11 am. Hope to see you there.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

Bray Poxy archiebrayclay.com

How often can I recycle my clay? Jan 31, 2024

On today’s episode the gang talk about recycling clay, knowing how hot a slip or glaze can be fired, and tips for running a community studio. If you need assistance with a ceramic chemistry problem, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.

As we head into the new year, we are having a comment drive. This is one of the easiest ways to support this show, and the best part is that it’s totally free. To participate simply leave a review and a rating for the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks everyone for listening and supporting the show!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

The Bray www.archiebray.org

Can a glaze flaw be aesthetically attractive? Jan 17, 2024

On today’s episode the gang answer an interesting question about the beauty of glaze flaws, as well as discussing fake reduction glazes using silicon carbide and making pots that are durable enough for restaurants. If you need assistance with a ceramic chemistry problem, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.

As we head into the new year, we are having a comment drive. This is one of the easiest ways to support this show, and the best part is that it’s totally free. To participate simply leave a review and a rating for the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks everyone for listening and supporting the show!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

The Bray www.archiebray.org

Can I create atmospheric effects in an electric kiln? Jan 03, 2024

Happy New Year from the For the Flux Sake gang! In today’s episode Kathy, Rose, and Matt answer three listener questions about kiln peeps, creating atmospheric effects in an electric kiln, and the best ways to test wild clay. If you need assistance with a ceramic chemistry problem, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.

As we head into the new year, we are having a comment drive. This is one of the easiest ways to support this show, and the best part is that it’s totally free. To participate simply leave a review and a rating for the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks everyone for listening and supporting the show!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

The Bray www.archiebray.org

Do I have to sieve my glazes? Dec 20, 2023

On today’s episode of For the Flux Sake the gang answer three listener questions about sieving glazes, burnishing clay, and wiping off bisque. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. Thanks everyone for listening in 2023. We look forward to having lots of new episodes for you in the upcoming year.

Hello For Flux Sake Listeners! Have you ever wondered what me mean when we talk about the unity molecular formula on the show? The UMF is a great way to understand glaze chemistry, and we talk all about it in our Glazed and Confused class. To show our appreciation for your listenership, we are offering a free lifetime membership to our Glazed and Confused class until the end of December. To sign up for FREE visit www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com and use the offer code “UMF” when you sign up. Happy Holidays!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

AMACO Brent www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

The Bray www.archiebray.org

The end of an era... Dec 06, 2023

On today’s episode the gang talk about the end of Custer Feldspar. How do we all adjust to one of America’s most popular, and reasonably priced, feldspars going out of production? Hear more about potential substitutions and the ripple effect this will have on the ceramic community. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

AMACO Brent www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

The Bray www.archiebray.org

Hello For Flux Sake Listeners! Have you ever wondered what me mean when we talk about the unity molecular formula on the show? The UMF is a great way to understand glaze chemistry, and we talk all about it in our Glazed and Confused class. To show our appreciation for your listenership, we are offering a free lifetime membership to our Glazed and Confused class until the end of December. To sign up for FREE visit www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com and use the offer code “UMF” when you sign up. Happy Holidays!

What is the advantage of diversifying your fluxes? Nov 24, 2023

On today’s episode the gang answer questions about the rising cost of lithium and the advantages of diversifying your fluxes. They also talk about the slight color shifts that happen in clear glazes. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

AMACO Brent www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

The Bray www.archiebray.org

Hello For Flux Sake Listeners! Until the end of November, we are offering a 25% discount on our beginner glaze workshop - Glaze of Our Lives. This is one of our on-demand workshops that help people learn about what glazes are, and how they really work. We answer the questions you’ve always wondered about and smash the ceramic myths you may have been told. Head over to www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com and use promo code - forfluxsake (all one word)- at time of check out to receive the 25% discount. Check it out and don’t forget to keep on test, test, testing!

Cone six or bust! Nov 08, 2023

On today’s episode the gang answer a few questions about cone six, including one about electric kiln temperatures, and another about firing cone 6 glazes to cone 10 in a soda kiln. They also talk about making lava-like effects on clay with vinegar. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

AMACO Brent www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

The Bray www.archiebray.org

Hello For Flux Sake Listeners! Until the end of November, we are offering a 25% discount on our beginner glaze workshop - Glaze of Our Lives. This is one of our on-demand workshops that help people learn about what glazes are, and how they really work. We answer the questions you’ve always wondered about and smash the ceramic myths you may have been told. Head over to www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com and use promo code - forfluxsake (all one word)- at time of check out to receive the 25% discount. Check it out and don’t forget to keep on test, test, testing!

Happy Halloween! From flame ware to the blood bricks of Boston Oct 25, 2023

On this extra spooky episode of For Flux Sake, the gang talk about flame ware, the best length of time to mix casting slip, and fast firing manual kilns. They also share a mysterious tale about the blood bricks of Boston. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

AMACO Brent www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

The Bray www.archiebray.org

Hello For Flux Sake Listeners! Until the end of November, we are offering a 25% discount on our beginner glaze workshop - Glaze of Our Lives. This is one of our on-demand workshops that help people learn about what glazes are, and how they really work. We answer the questions you’ve always wondered about and smash the ceramic myths you may have been told. Head over to www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com and use promo code - forfluxsake (all one word)- at time of check out to receive the 25% discount. Check it out and don’t forget to keep on test, test, testing!

How can I tell if my matte glaze has fully melted? Oct 11, 2023

This week on the podcast the gang talk about the chemistry of raku glazes, the prevalence of cone 8 in European ceramics, and the intricacies of a fully melted matte glaze. They also share fun facts about Prisma color pencils and their use in ceramics. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info we talked about in this episode, visit Ceramic Materials Workshop.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

AMACO Brent www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

The Bray www.archiebray.org

What does wedging actually do to clay? Sep 27, 2023

Today the gang discuss three questions about clay, including what actually happens when you wedge. They also talk about the ever-evolving situation with EPK. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info we talked about in this episode, visit Ceramic Materials Workshop.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

AMACO Brent www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

The Bray www.archiebray.org

What’s the best way to test clay absorption? Sep 13, 2023

Welcome back for season three of For Flux Sake! Today the gang talk about fast firing, the best way to do an absorption test, and a pair of kiln questions about thermocouples and electricity types. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info we talked about in this episode, visit Ceramic Materials Workshop.

Our friend Paul Blais, host of The Potters Cast, was recently in a bad accident. There’s a Go Fund Me to help support his family during his recovery. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

AMACO Brent www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

The Bray www.archiebray.org

Season 3 coming soon! Sep 08, 2023

Your favorite glaze nerds are back for season three of For Flux Sake! New episodes drop every other Wednesday starting this week. If you have a question about ceramic chemistry send us a voice memo at forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.

See you soon!

How does throwing on the potter’s wheel effect your body? Aug 02, 2023

We are wrapping up our second season of the podcast and want to send a huge thank you to all of you for listening to the show. In this episode the gang talk about the long-term effects of throwing on your body, how to grasp the working qualities of porcelain, and how kiln cooling might change your glazes. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info we talked about in this episode, visit Ceramic Materials Workshop.

We are excited to be celebrating the 2nd birthday of the Brickyard Podcast Network with an online auction and fundraiser. Sixteen artists have donated work to help us raise money to support the network. If you are a fan of our podcasts don’t miss this chance to buy work from Sarah Pike, Roberto Lugo, Adrienne Eliades, Michael Kline, and many others. Bidding will start on the network’s birthday August 16th and ends August 19th. To find out more visit us at givergy.us/TheBrayBrickbyBrick.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 900 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

The Bray is actively committed to promoting, celebrating, and sustaining the ceramic arts through its residency program, education center, and gallery. www.archiebray.org

How can I safely use gold luster? Jul 19, 2023

This week on the show we have a great slate of questions from our listeners. Kathy, Matt, and Rose talk about the effect of Terra Siggilata on absorption, flashing caused by soluble materials, and best practices for safely using luster. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info we talked about in this episode, visit Ceramic Materials Workshop.

Hello For Flux Sake Listeners! As you know, Matt and Rose do a lot of glaze testing… A lot. They’ve decided to share some of that testing in their amazing new digital glaze book Test Test Test!:7500 glaze tests from Ceramic Materials Workshop. The book features a broad spectrum of oxidation and reduction glazes including matte, gloss, and crystalline, half of which are at Cone 10 and the other half at Cone 6. Each glaze is documented with images, recipes, and chemistry giving you an opportunity to learn these glazes inside and out. Check it out and don’t forget to keep on test, test, testing! To purchase visit www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 900 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Why does clay shrink when fired? Jul 05, 2023

We all know that disappointing feeling. You open a kiln and see a beautiful piece that looks exactly like yours, except that its oddly smaller than you remember. On this week’s show the gang talk about the chemical process that causes clay shrinkage, as well as, the pros and cons of using manganese for speckled clay. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info we talked about in this episode, visit Ceramic Materials Workshop.

Hello For Flux Sake Listeners! As you know, Matt and Rose do a lot of glaze testing… A lot. They’ve decided to share some of that testing in their amazing new digital glaze book Test Test Test!:7500 glaze tests from Ceramic Materials Workshop. The book features a broad spectrum of oxidation and reduction glazes including matte, gloss, and crystalline, half of which are at Cone 10 and the other half at Cone 6. Each glaze is documented with images, recipes, and chemistry giving you an opportunity to learn these glazes inside and out. Check it out and don’t forget to keep on test, test, testing! To purchase visit www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 900 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

So what’s up with lava glazes? Jun 22, 2023

Have you seen a lava glaze and wondered how to make that surface in your own studio? Today on the show, the gang talk about silicon carbide and its use in lava glazes, as well as answer questions on plaster pop outs and soluble sodium. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info we talked about in this episode, visit Ceramic Materials Workshop.

Hello For Flux Sake Listeners! As you know, Matt and Rose do a lot of glaze testing… A lot. They’ve decided to share some of that testing in their amazing new digital glaze book Test Test Test!:7500 glaze tests from Ceramic Materials Workshop. The book features a broad spectrum of oxidation and reduction glazes including matte, gloss, and crystalline, half of which are at Cone 10 and the other half at Cone 6. Each glaze is documented with images, recipes, and chemistry giving you an opportunity to learn these glazes inside and out. Check it out and don’t forget to keep on test, test, testing! To purchase visit www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 900 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Can I really fire my pots in a microwave? Jun 09, 2023

Did you see the video of the potter firing their pot in the microwave? Is that real? Today on the show the gang talk about this curiosity of ceramic technology. They also talk about temperature fluctuations in a kiln, and Matt goes on an epic rant about vitrification and porosity. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info we talked about in this episode, visit Ceramic Materials Workshop.

Hello For Flux Sake Listeners! As you know, Matt and Rose do a lot of glaze testing… A lot. They’ve decided to share some of that testing in their amazing new digital glaze book Test Test Test!:7500 glaze tests from Ceramic Materials Workshop. The book features a broad spectrum of oxidation and reduction glazes including matte, gloss, and crystalline, half of which are at Cone 10 and the other half at Cone 6. Each glaze is documented with images, recipes, and chemistry giving you an opportunity to learn these glazes inside and out. Check it out and don’t forget to keep on test, test, testing! To purchase visit www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 900 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

What is this mystery material? May 24, 2023

Have you inherited a studio’s worth of raw materials but have no idea what they are? On today’s episode of For Flux Sake the gang talk about how to test mystery materials to find out their usefulness. They also talk about the best ways to record the information you learn from your test tiles, and Matt and Rose give a report on their trip to the Fiesta Ware factory. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 900 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

How do Crystalline Glazes work? May 10, 2023

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake Matt does a deep dive into crystalline glazes. The gang also talks about the nature of frits and the composition of stains. It’s an episode filled with practical information to help you understand how ceramic materials work. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 900 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Should I trust my cones or my thermocouple during a firing? Apr 26, 2023

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts talk about the best way to measure progress in a firing. They also talk about Chat GPT and the potential for artificial intelligence in ceramics, as well as answer questions about quartz inversion and firing schedules. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 900 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Why does my glaze leave flash marks on the clay? Apr 12, 2023

Today the gang check in after an exciting trip to NCECA. They also take questions about glaze recycling, hard water, and soluble sodium flashing. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 900 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

For Flux Sake Live! Vol. 2 Mar 28, 2023

For today’s episode we have a live taping from this year’s NCECA conference in Cincinnati, OH. Kathy, Matt, and Rose took questions from the audience about glaze development and mysterious kiln reactions. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 900 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Does clay really have memory? Mar 14, 2023

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts talk about clay memory and why some slab-built things warp. They also discuss delayed pinging and the aging of glazed work. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Kathy, Matt, and Rose are excited to announce that the first in-person taping of For Flux Sake will be happening at this year’s NCECA in Cincinnati. If you come to the podcast room at 1pm on Friday March 17th you can join the live taping and have your questions answered. It’s going to be a blast so bring your questions and your friends!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 900 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

What do I do if my glaze is hard panning? Mar 01, 2023

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts talk about dipping glazes and what to do when your glaze hard pans at the bottom of the bucket. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.

Kathy, Matt, and Rose are excited to announce that the first in-person taping of For Flux Sake will be happening at this year’s NCECA in Cincinnati. If you come to the podcast room at 1pm on Friday March 17th you can join the live taping and have your questions answered. It’s going to be a blast so bring your questions and your friends!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 900 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Why do so many cultures use unglazed pots for cooking? Feb 15, 2023

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts dive down the rabbit hole of unglazed ceramics and vitrification. Along the way Matt talks about the history of kiln technology while also offering to fight any ancient Grecians who might be listening to the podcast. It gets wild. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Kathy, Matt, and Rose are excited to announce that the first in-person taping of For Flux Sake will be happening at this year’s NCECA in Cincinnati. If you come to the podcast room at 1pm on Friday March 17th you can join the live taping and have your questions answered. It’s going to be a blast so bring your questions and your friends!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 900 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

What’s the deal with Yellow Iron Oxide and Red Iron Oxide? Are they the same? Feb 01, 2023

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts answer a handful of questions about material substitutions. They talk about the similarities between iron and cobalt colorants, and which raw materials you can interchange for others. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Kathy, Matt, and Rose are excited to announce that the first in-person taping of For Flux Sake will be happening at this year’s NCECA in Cincinnati. If you come to the podcast room at 1pm on Friday March 17th you can join the live taping and have your questions answered. It’s going to be a blast so bring your questions and your friends!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 900 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Is it ok to recycle my throwing clay and use it as a casting slip? Jan 19, 2023

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts answer three questions about clay bodies. They talk about how you make casting slip, determining when it is ok to mix clay bodies together, and whether or not aging your clay makes a difference for plasticity. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.

Kathy, Matt, and Rose are excited to announce that the first in-person taping of For Flux Sake will be happening at this year’s NCECA in Cincinnati. If you come to the podcast room at 1pm on Friday March 17th you can join the live taping and have your questions answered. It’s going to be a blast so bring your questions and your friends!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

What is the best way to transport glazed bisque ware to the kiln? Jan 04, 2023

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts talk about the best ways to transport glazed bisque ware from your home studio to the community kiln, and why black underglaze can have trouble staying smooth at cone 10. They also return to a discussion from a previous episode about the practicality of using beach sand as a clay or glaze material. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

The Kiln Episode…and holiday gift guide! Dec 14, 2022

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts celebrate the holiday season with their ceramic gift guide. They also answer three questions about kilns and firing, including differences in kiln types, practical tools for maintenance, and whether water or air is to blame for explosions during firing. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

As the end of the year approaches, we are asking you to donate to the Brickyard Network. You can help this show and our network of ceramic podcasts by supporting the Archie Bray Foundation with your tax-deductible donation. To donate visit www.brickyardnetwork.org and scroll down until you see the donate now button. Thanks so much and happy holidays!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Can you create reduction glazes in an electric kiln? Nov 30, 2022

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our fearless hosts start with a listener question about what they make (or used to make) in their own studios. They also discuss how reduction works and if it’s possible to create reduction in an electric kiln. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

If you design a t-shirt logo for the show you could win a free class from Ceramics Materials Workshop. To enter send your submission to the email above by Dec. 31st 2022. Good luck!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

What is the best way to display test tiles in your studio? Nov 16, 2022

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake the gang start by talking about the best way to display test tiles in our studio. They also talk about copper as a disinfectant and how to keep your kiln wash from hard panning. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

If you design a t-shirt logo for the show you could win a free class from Ceramics Materials Workshop. To enter send your submission to the email above by Dec. 31st 2022. Good luck!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Happy Halloween: How do I stop this creepy crawling glaze? Oct 31, 2022

On today’s Halloween episode of For Flux Sake the gang answer three questions about glazes: to sieve or not to sieve, how to stop crawling, and a real stumper about brushing. If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

If you design a t-shirt logo for the show you could win a free class from Ceramics Materials Workshop. To enter send your submission to the email above by Dec. 31st 2022. Good luck!

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

What is Quartz Inversion? Oct 19, 2022

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake the gang talk about one of the famous phenomena of ceramics, Quartz inversion. Is it a big deal or just a convenient explanation for unknown failure? They also announce their first podcast contest. If you design a t-shirt logo for the show you could win a free class from Ceramics Materials Workshop. To enter send your submission to the email below by Dec. 31st 2022. Good luck! If you have a ceramic chemistry problem you’d like help with, send us a voice memo with your question to forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

Why is my clay dunting? Oct 05, 2022

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake the gang answers a few questions about dunting, as well as how and when you should use target cones in a firing. Matt also puts out a call for questions about crystalline glazes to be featured in future episodes. If you have anything you’d like help with, send us a voice memo at forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

What is the best way to recycle clay? Sep 21, 2022

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake the gang talks about the best ways to recycle clay and why tracking specific gravity can help with glaze application issues. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog. If you would like to have your question answered on the show, send us a voice memo at forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

Can I use beach sand in my clay or glazes? Sep 07, 2022

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake the gang answers a listener question about how you might incorporate materials from your local beach into your ceramic studio. They also discuss the speed of firing in an electric kiln. Is slow better than fast? Tune in to find out and learn more on the first episode of season 2 of For Flux Sake. To see the supplemental info, we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Season 2 coming soon! Sep 06, 2022

The gang are back for season two of the podcast! New episodes drop every other Wednesday starting this week. If you have a question you'd like Matt and Rose to answer on the show send us a voice memo at forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.

See you soon!

What should I do with my left-over glazes? Jul 21, 2022

For Flux Sake wraps up their first season with a discussion of mold and water absorption in fired clay bodies, as well as, a few ways to approach waste glaze disposal. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

The Pregnancy Episode Jun 29, 2022

Today on For Flux Sake we have a special episode focused on studio safety and pregnancy. Host Rose Katz talks with Bill Katz, a retired OBGYN with over 40 years of experience, about the potential effects of ceramic materials on pregnancy. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Does the coefficient of expansion really matter for a glaze? Jun 15, 2022

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts talk about the coefficient of expansion and its relevance for practical use when planning glazes for your studio. Hint, hint…It’s not as helpful of a measurement as you might think. They also discuss the effect of crazing on clay body strength and how to deal with glaze faults when you work in a communal studio. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Slippy, Slip, Slip Jun 02, 2022

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts talk about the definition and dynamics of slip. They also discuss a few helpful tips for once firing. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Should I be afraid of silicosis? May 18, 2022

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts talk about studio cleanliness and the presence of silica in our community studios. Matt shares a CDC paper on the topic and settles a few misconceptions about the prevalence of silicosis in studio ceramics. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

For Flux Sake Live! Vol. 1 May 05, 2022

This week we feature the first ever live taping of For Flux Sake. Our hosts answer listener questions from their Zoom audience about clay for outdoor sculpture, the characteristics of common Frits, and why it’s so hard to make a smooth glaze on dark midrange clay bodies. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is a free online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

The Four Horsemen of Pinholing Apr 20, 2022

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts give us the good and bad news about pinholing. Turns out this tricky defect can be caused by four separate problems wrapped into one. Tune in to hear their solutions and the variety of ways you can stop this glaze defect. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

We will be hosting our first live taping of an episode on April 18th, 2022. The event will be happening on Zoom and is free to the public. Come prepared with some questions to stump Rose and Matt. You can register at www.brickyardnetwork.org/live.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

The gang tackles slip casting Apr 06, 2022

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts talk about the ins and outs of slip casting. They discuss the dynamics of plaster and why some slip recipes are harder to cast with. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

We will be hosting our first live taping of an episode on April 18th, 2022. The event will be happening on Zoom and is free to the public. Come prepared with some questions to stump Rose and Matt. You can register at www.brickyardnetwork.org/live.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

What do I do if my kiln loses power? Mar 23, 2022

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts have a grab bag of listener questions. They talk about dealing with freezing bags of clay, what to do if your kiln loses power mid-firing, and the pros and cons of venting electric kilns. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

We will be hosting our first live taping of an episode via Zoom on April 18th, 2022. The event is free to the public but registration is required. Come prepared with super hard questions to stump Rose and Matt. You can register at www.brickyardnetwork.org/live.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

AMACO Brent www.amaco.com

Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Is my moldy bag of clay really more plastic? Mar 09, 2022

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts talk about the effect of mold growth on plasticity. They also answer a question about slaking clay and a listener writes in to challenge the gang on bisque temperatures. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

How hot is too hot to open my kiln? Feb 24, 2022

One of the hardest things in ceramics is waiting for your kiln to cool. On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts talk about the threshold for unloading a hot kiln. They also answer a few questions about crazing and discuss why Shino glazes turn fuzzy when they dry. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

How does layering affect the chemical composition of glazes? Feb 09, 2022

Have you ever wondered why your glazes change so much when you layer them? On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts talk about combining glazes and they also discuss the carbon foot print of pottery making. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Help! Why is my colemanite spitting? Jan 26, 2022

There’s nothing like the disappointment of opening a kiln full of glazes that spit all over the shelves. On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts talk about how you can fix that issue and they also answer a listener question about liner glazes. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

What should I do with this mystery material? Jan 12, 2022

Have you ever found a bucket of material and not known what it is? On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts talk about how you might test that mystery material so that you can put it to good use. They also answer a listener question about adding colorants to commercial glazes. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an online source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Toxicology 101 with Sarah Urfer Dec 21, 2021

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake, Matt sits down with toxicologist Sarah Urfer to talk about the relative toxicity of ceramic materials. They discuss methods of absorption and the old adage “the dose makes the poison”. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to Electric kilns, ...and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an on-line source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

How much water should I put in my glaze? Dec 09, 2021

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts talk about the relationship between specific gravity and glaze thickness, both before and after a glaze has been fired. They also answer a listener question about how you might change a dunking glaze into a brushing glaze with additives. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to Electric kilns, ...and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an on-line source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. The images are high quality and can be used with no permission required, making them a great resource for students and teachers. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

What is the difference between a slip and underglaze? Nov 24, 2021

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts answer a handful of questions about slip, underglaze, and stains. If you’ve been wondering what the similarities and differences are, tune in for this lighthearted talk on the topic. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

Skutt Ceramic Products has been manufacturing equipment for Potters since 1953 and their reputation as a pioneer in innovative kiln design continues with the 4th generation of this family-owned Business. www.skutt.com.

For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to Electric kilns, ...and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

The gang tackles porosity and clay body issues Nov 12, 2021

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts answer two listener questions about porosity in clay bodies. They also discuss whether or not you need a degree to be a ceramic artist. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Skutt is a proud sponsor of For Flux Sake. Skutt Ceramic Products has been manufacturing equipment for Potters since 1953. Skutt’s reputation as a pioneer in innovative kiln design continues with the 4th generation of this family-owned Business. Their KilnMaster Touchscreen controller offers a sleek, smartphone like interface, that is intuitive and packed with powerful tools that allow potters to easily program, diagnose and remotely monitor their kilns. With 5 dedicated kiln technicians on staff and the most comprehensive network of distributors across the globe, you can be assured that Skutt will be there for you before and after the sale. For more information on their line of kilns visit www.skutt.com.

Should I bisque higher or lower to stop pinholing? Oct 27, 2021

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts answer two listener questions about pinholing. Matt also reports back on a conversation about COVID and clay with an epidemiologist. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Skutt is a proud sponsor of For Flux Sake. Skutt Ceramic Products has been manufacturing equipment for Potters since 1953. Skutt’s reputation as a pioneer in innovative kiln design continues with the 4th generation of this family-owned Business. Their KilnMaster Touchscreen controller offers a sleek, smartphone like interface, that is intuitive and packed with powerful tools that allow potters to easily program, diagnose and remotely monitor their kilns. With 5 dedicated kiln technicians on staff and the most comprehensive network of distributors across the globe, you can be assured that Skutt will be there for you before and after the sale. For more information on their line of kilns visit www.skutt.com.

Should I be testing the new materials I got from the ceramic supply? Oct 13, 2021

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts answer two listener questions about best practices for testing both new and old glaze materials. They also discuss rising kiln prices and the slowdown in the international supply chain. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Skutt is a proud sponsor of For Flux Sake. Skutt Ceramic Products has been manufacturing equipment for Potters since 1953. Skutt’s reputation as a pioneer in innovative kiln design continues with the 4th generation of this family-owned Business. Their KilnMaster Touchscreen controller offers a sleek, smartphone like interface, that is intuitive and packed with powerful tools that allow potters to easily program, diagnose and remotely monitor their kilns. With 5 dedicated kiln technicians on staff and the most comprehensive network of distributors across the globe, you can be assured that Skutt will be there for you before and after the sale. For more information on their line of kilns visit www.skutt.com.

The Gang talks about why glazes “ping” Sep 29, 2021

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts answer listener questions about earthenware vs. stoneware, once-firing ceramics, and the most musical of glaze phenomenons, “pinging”. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Skutt is a proud sponsor of For Flux Sake. Skutt Ceramic Products has been manufacturing equipment for Potters since 1953. Skutt’s reputation as a pioneer in innovative kiln design continues with the 4th generation of this family-owned Business. Their KilnMaster Touchscreen controller offers a sleek, smartphone like interface, that is intuitive and packed with powerful tools that allow potters to easily program, diagnose and remotely monitor their kilns. With 5 dedicated kiln technicians on staff and the most comprehensive network of distributors across the globe, you can be assured that Skutt will be there for you before and after the sale. For more information on their line of kilns visit www.skutt.com.

The gang discusses easy glaze recipes for beginners Sep 15, 2021

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake our hosts give an update on shifts in the availability of materials that might effect studio ceramics over the next few years. They also answer a listener question about easy glaze recipes for beginners. For supplemental info, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Skutt is a proud sponsor of For Flux Sake. Skutt Ceramic Products has been manufacturing equipment for Potters since 1953. Skutt’s reputation as a pioneer in innovative kiln design continues with the 4th generation of this family-owned Business. Their KilnMaster Touchscreen controller offers a sleek, smartphone like interface, that is intuitive and packed with powerful tools that allow potters to easily program, diagnose and remotely monitor their kilns. With 5 dedicated kiln technicians on staff and the most comprehensive network of Distributors across the globe, you can be assured that Skutt will be there for you before and after the sale. For more information on their line of kilns visit www.skutt.com.

Substituting feldspars, gloss vs. matte glazes for food service, and do I need to bisque Sep 01, 2021

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake the gang tackles the topics of substituting feldspars, suitability of gloss vs. matte glazes for food service, and that age old question, “Do I really need to bisque?” To see the supplemental info we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

Skutt is a proud sponsor of For Flux Sake. Skutt Ceramic Products has been manufacturing equipment for Potters since 1953. Skutt’s reputation as a pioneer in innovative kiln design continues with the 4th generation of this family-owned Business. Their KilnMaster Touchscreen controller offers a sleek, smartphone like interface, that is intuitive and packed with powerful tools that allow potters to easily program, diagnose and remotely monitor their kilns. With 5 dedicated kiln technicians on staff and the most comprehensive network of Distributors across the globe, you can be assured that Skutt will be there for you before and after the sale. For more information on their line of kilns visit www.skutt.com.

Food-safe glazes, kiln cooling, and sourcing test glazes Aug 18, 2021

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake we are introduced to our show hosts Kathy King, Matt Katz, and Rose Katz who talk about their friendship and how the show started. We also dive into our first batch of listener questions, tackling the topics of food-safe glazes, kiln cooling, and sourcing glazes to test. To see the supplemental info we talked about in this episode, visit the blog at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com/cmw-blog.

For Flux Sake Season 1 Trailer Aug 13, 2021

Matt and Rose Katz of the Ceramics Materials Workshop will answer your burning questions about clay and glaze. Each episode, co-host Kathy King will present listener submitted questions that will be answered in a comical, but also insightful way. This show will have you laughing, and learning, about the chemistry behind ceramics in no time.

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