December 26, 2026 – January 10, 2027

new year firing 2026-2027

in train kiln

Through this community woodfiring, come and learn all about high temperature ceramics.

This is a hands on firing workshop where each one will participate in all aspects of the wood firing process. Bring your own bisque fired stoneware or porcelain works and learn how to glaze, decorate and wad pieces in order to maximize the beauty of atmospheric firing. Everyone will participate in the loading and firing of the kiln. While the kiln is firing you will learn about firing and variables that affect surface development until it reaches desired conditions.

Woodfiring at Clay Kitchen Portugal

Community woodfiring at Clay Kitchen Portugal sunrise

what the Program includes?

This is an intensive, hands-on wood-firing workshop where participants are involved in every stage of the process, from preparation to unloading the kiln.

During the program, participants will:

Work with their own bisque-fired stoneware or porcelain pieces;
Glaze, decorate and wad their work to enhance atmospheric firing effects;
Community woodfiring;
Participate in:
- Wood preparation;
- Kiln loading;
- Candling;
- Stoking (shift-based);
- Kiln cooling;
- Unloading the kilns.

what are the learning focus?

Understanding variables that influence surface development in atmospheric firing
Practical knowledge of wood kiln operation
Collaborative firing practice and shared studio workflow

who is the facilitator?

The firing is led by David Trueb, who guides the entire process. All participants are expected to actively contribute throughout the workshop.

Workshop languages: English (main), with support in Portuguese and German.

materials & supplies

Up to 3 boxes (50 x 40 x 25 cm / 20″ x 15.5″ x 10″) with 40 bisque-fired pieces, high temperature stoneware or porcelain (cone 11, 1300°C); open for greenware
Comfortable studio clothes, warm jacket, (no synthetic fibers)
Sturdy shoes
Gloves
If you have, eye protection: dark eye glasses or welding goggles

studio rules

A common understanding of studio practices is conducive to a creative and productive environment for exchange of skills and ideas.

Education is the primary focus of this studio and safety is a primary concern. Many safety issues are resolved by maintaining a clean studio. Every user is responsible to clean the space(s) they have used.

During the workshop, it is a rule that we support each other and cooperatively fit us into the group.

costs & conditions

Tuition: 950€
inclusive of all studio materials, glazes and firings, picnic lunches & welcome dinner.
It does not include accomodation.

Payment
650€ are paid in the registration, as a deposit (this is non refundable, so be sure that you have insurance coverage). With the transfer of 650€ not only your registration is completed, also your place in the workshop is reserved for you.

Cancellation Policy
In case the workshop will be cancelled, you get your reimbursement 100% back.

If you have any questions or do you need to organize an accommodation in town, support for traveling, feel free to contact us.

Pre-register here

Name

First

Last

Email

Phone number

Address

Date of birth

and the firing?

How would you like to participate?

Ceramic participant
Ceramic participant + Companion

Preferred accommodation type

Camping on site (contribution is necessary)
Somewhere else

Do you have any dietary restrictions?

Photos and/or videos are taken during the workshop.

I hereby give my consent for publication of my photographs and videos taken during the workshop for its use in any promotional and/or marketing materials.
I don't want the pictures or videos of me to be used.

What are you expecting with this firing?

Studio rules: for this workshop, you need to be ready to be a part of the team, to cooperate, to respect the fire and to clean (in the studio and in the kitchen). Do you agree?

Yes
No

Payment Awareness

I understand that a deposit is required to reserve my spot.

Next events at clay kitchen portugal

December 5-14, 2026

Timeless ceramics, with John Colbeck

This intensive 10-day workshop focuses on form, surface, and firing. It is entirely dedicated to the exploration of porcelain — its sensitivity, strength, and unique capacity for refinement. Through a combination of demonstrations and individual practice, participants will investigate how to create timeless ceramic forms that embody clarity, balance, and depth. This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from John Colbeck, one of the most respected figures in contemporary ceramics.

December 26, 2026 – January 10, 2027

New Year Firing 2027

Through this community woodfiring, come and learn all about high temperature ceramics. This is a hands on firing workshop where each one will participate in all aspects of the wood firing process. Bring your own bisque fired stoneware or porcelain works and learn how to glaze, decorate and wad pieces in order to maximize the beauty of atmospheric firing. Everyone will participate in the loading and firing of the kiln. While the kiln is firing you will learn about firing and variables that affect surface development until it reaches desired conditions.

March 18-28, 2027

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January 11 – March 12, 2027

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