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Explore every episode of the podcast For Flux Sake

Dive into the complete episode list for For Flux Sake. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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1–50 of 68

TitlePub. DateDuration
Why did my piece explode when it was refired?04 Nov 202600:39:01

The worst feeling in ceramics is opening a kiln to discover a piece exploded. Today the gang answers listener questions about explosions in refires and what could cause cracking in slip cast pots. They also discuss Matt and Rose's latest clay body profiling, which now includes 88 new clay bodies sent in from around the world. www.mycmw.com  

 

We are happy to partner with Dick Blick to give away a $100 gift card to For Flux Sake listeners. To enter head over to Patreon and leave a comment under the Giveaway post. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, Kiln Fire, Sheffield Pottery, Speed Ball, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Ware Glazes.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Kiln explosion, clay body profiling, slip casting

 

What happens when I rebisque my pots?14 Oct 202600:43:18

We love when our international friends call in and today we have a great question from Colombia. The gang talk about making vitrified clay with South American ingredients, the logistics of changing firing temperatures, and the effect of rebisquing a pot. 

 

CMW has a brand spanking new website, including a great new way to check out For Flux Sake episodes. You can also submit your questions for the show directly on the website at mycmw.com/ask. It's an easy way to participate in the show and it's all free. Submit your question today and you might hear yourself on the next episode of For Flux Sake. 

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Wonky Pottery Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Ware Glazes.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Fly Ash, Wollastonite, vitrification, underglaze, bisque

 

Does it matter how fast my kiln cools?07 Oct 202600:34:50

We start today's episode with a trip to Materials Corner to talk about #1 Pottery Plaster. The gang also answer listener questions about converting celsius to fahrenheit and the cooling rates of kilns. 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, Kiln Fire, Sheffield Pottery, Speed Ball, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Ware Glazes.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

#1 Pottery plaster, K-59 Georgia Pacific plaster, celsius, fahrenheit, cooling rate, kiln

 

Can there be too much boron in a glaze?09 Sep 202600:39:49

This week's show starts with a discussion of a recent viral ceramic video and the merits of a potter dipping pots in water immediately after glazing. The gang also answer listener questions about the amount of boron glazes, melting in cone 6 mattes, and a safety concern from drinking out of a crazed mug.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Ware Glazes.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Boron, cone 6 matte, crazing, glaze safety

 

How do I reassure customers that I don't use lead?02 Sep 202600:36:50

We start off season six of the podcast with a great question about customer service around ceramics. The gang answer a question from a paint-you-own pottery studio about reassuring customers that they don't use lead and using the full range of cobalt and copper sources that are available on the market. 

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, Kiln Fire, Sheffield Pottery, Speed Ball, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Ware Glazes.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Season 6, paint-your-own pottery, lead, cadmium, cobalt, copper

 

Why do cone 10 reduction glazes all look similar?12 Aug 202600:41:55

We start the episode with a quick trip to Materials Corner to hear good news about the mining of Red Art. The gang also answer listener questions about firing cone 6 clays to cone 10, finding vitrified commercial clays, and the aesthetic origins of cone 10 glazes in the United States. 

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Rhode Kilns, Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Ware Glazes.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Cone 10, Red Art, vitrified commercial clay, Materials Corner

 

For Flux Sake Live in Boston!05 Aug 202600:56:33

For the first time ever the whole gang gathered in Boston for a live show at Harvard Ceramics. In this episode they answer listener questions about finding inspiration, altering glazes to fire hotter, dunting in plates, and the decomposition of iron in glazes. A very special thank you to Harvard Ceramics and the Harvard Ed Portal for hosting, and to the excellent questions the audience brought that evening.

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Rhode Kilns, Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Ware Glazes.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Hard panning, epsom salts, inspiration, reclaim, plate, dunting, iron decomposition

 

Do things ever explode in a glaze firing?08 Jul 202600:33:27

Today we have a special NCECA focused episode featuring questions recorded in person at this year's conference in Detroit. The gang answer questions about explosions in a glaze firing, sanding bisque ware, and wheel cleaning. They also start the episode taking a trip to Materials Corner to talk about changes in the Red Art supply. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth to record with us at NCECA. We can't wait to see you again next year.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Rhode Kilns, Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Explosions, sanding, cleaning, NCECA, materials corner, Red Art

 

Do all glazes need Bentonite?01 Jul 202600:43:39

Today we have a special NCECA focused episode featuring questions recorded in person at this year's conference in Detroit. The gang answer questions about using hot wax, refiring in a community studio, particle packing for brushing glazes, and best practices for using Bentonite in glazes. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth to record with us.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Rhode Kilns, Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Wax, refiring, brushing glazes, particle packing, bentonite, NCECA

 

The Cost versus Reliability episode10 Jun 202600:40:09

Today the gang compares cost versus reliability when buying kilns and kiln shelves. The episode starts with a question about purchasing S-type thermocouples for new kilns and a discussion about preventing warping in cordierite kiln shelves. On a related but strange note, they also talk about how a popular outdoor grill helped lead the U.S. into our current talc shortage.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Rohde Kilns, Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

S-type, K-type, thermocouple, cordierite, advancer, kiln shelf, Big Green Egg, talc

 

Can I add something to a commercial glaze to change its temperature?03 Jun 202600:36:41

To start today's episode the gang talk about their upcoming live show in Boston. We hope you will join us June 5th at the Harvard Ed Portal, where Kathy, Matt, Rose, and Producer Ben will be ready to answer your burning questions about clay and glaze. They also answer listener questions about what to do when all your glazes mature at a different temperature, and how to identify a mystery white spot in the surface of your fired glaze.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Rhode Kilns, Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Live show, glaze temperature, Cone 5, Cone 5 ½, Cone 6, crystal formation

 

Why do layered glazes look different every time?13 May 202600:38:34

Today we have a special Flux U episode where the gang dive deep into glaze application to answer a listener's question about the chemical and physical limitations of glaze layering. What seems like a simple topic turns out to be quite complex. They also talk about helpful tips for buying and installing your first home kiln. 

Have you ever wanted to be on a For Flux Sake episode? Join the gang in person for a live taping June 5th at the Harvard Ed Portal! Kathy, Matt, Rose, and Producer Ben will be in Boston to answer your burning questions about clay and glaze. Do you secretly need even more live shows? June 6th you can join a special Flux U taping at Harvard Ceramics. It's going to be a whole wonderful weekend of clay and glaze mania.

Flux U, is an exclusive perk for Patreon members. If you'd like to have access to additional episodes like this one and special merch head on over to Patreon and join the For Flux Sake community. 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

This week's episode features the following topics:

Glaze application, kiln, electrician, particle packing, layering

 

Can I use ash from a volcano in my glaze?06 May 202600:29:26

To start today's explosive episode a listener writes in wondering about using ash from Mt. St. Helens in a glaze. The gang also talk about best cleaning practices for keeping pets and children safe in a home studio, and methods for reducing pinholing. 

Would you like to ask your burning questions about clay and glaze to Kathy, Matt, and Rose in person? June 5th the whole gang heads to Boston for a live show. It's going to be a blast! Tickets are available now through the Harvard Ed Portal.

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Ash Glaze, home studio, silica, silicosis, pinholing

What materials should I buy to start mixing glazes?08 Apr 202600:30:55

We love questions from our educator friends. Today's episode starts with a question from a high school teacher who wondered what the best materials are for starting a glaze lab. The gang also answer a question about cleaning up clay with soap and take a trip to Materials Corner to report on the recent bankruptcy of a major ceramic materials supplier. 

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Glaze lab, beginner glazes, soap, Materials Corner

 

Is it best to use the medium or fast fire setting on my kiln?01 Apr 202600:34:37

Have you ever wondered what the firing rates are for the pre-programmed kiln schedules in modern kilns? In today's episode the gang talk about the differences between slow, medium, and fast on Bartlett controllers, and how the rates affect glaze outcomes. They also answer a listener question from Sweden about Boron sources and why some of them were recently banned. To start the episode Rose and Matt also announce their exciting new adventure into the world of commercial glaze - Ware Glaze.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Firing speed, Bartlett controller, borax, boron, Sweden

Why are my plates cracking?11 Mar 202600:37:26

Unloading a kiln can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially if it's filled with a new ceramic form that gives you trouble. Today the gang answer a listener question about how to keep plates from cracking, the best temperature for firing terracotta, and if there is a vegan alternative for shellac.

 

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. Are you coming to NCECA? Look for Matt and Rose at the Ceramic Materials Workshop booth and Kathy at the Harvard Ceramic booth in the expo hall. Hope to see you there. 

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Compression, particle packing, terracotta, low fire, shellac

 

What causes carbon coring in clays?04 Mar 202600:36:46

What is carbon coring, and should we care about it? The term is actually a misnomer, with the real culprit being iron, a common ingredient in reduction fired clays. Today the gang talk about the phenomenon along with questions about kiln safety, and best studio practices for kids and pets. 

 

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. Are you coming to NCECA? Look for Matt and Rose at the Ceramic Materials Workshop booth and Kathy at the Harvard Ceramic booth in the expo hall. Hope to see you there. 

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Carbon coring, red iron oxide, black iron oxide, reduction, stoneware clay

 

Do I really need to sieve my glazes?11 Feb 202600:33:59

Glaze preparation is a necessary part of the ceramic process, but have you ever wondered why sieving glazes is important? Today the gang talk about various ways to prepare a glaze and why you might not need to sieve as much as you think. They also break down the idea of glazes that fire at multiple temperature ranges, and answer a listener's question about bubbling in a clear glaze. 

 

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.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Sieving, bubbling, clear glaze, low fire, mid range, high fire

 

Should I make my own clay?04 Feb 202600:38:30

To start today's episode we take a ride to Materials Corner to talk about the situation with EPK, as well as, if there is an easy substitute to use in clay and glazes. The gang also answers a listener's questions about the feasibility of making your own clay. What equipment do you need? Does doing it yourself save money? 

 

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.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

EPK, Materials Corner, clay mixing, pug mill, Pioneer Kaolin, Georgia Kaolin

 

Do kilns really need peep holes?15 Jan 202600:33:42

Have you ever wondered why kilns have peep holes? Today Matt, Rose, and Kathy debate the function and necessity of peep holes, while also tackling a question about glazing only the interior of a pot. They also start the episode talking about the research Kathy is doing at Harvard Ceramics into the historic use of graphite as a ceramic sealer. 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.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Peep hole, kiln venting, glaze tension, glaze compression, dunting, vitrification

 

Is there a difference between real and fake ash glazes?08 Jan 202600:39:37

Happy New Year! To start 2026 the gang answer listener questions about ash glazes, mixing brushing and dipping glazes, and how the particle size of colorants affects glaze outcomes. They also begin the episode sharing stories about the highs and lows of art center holiday sales. 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.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Ash, Fake Ash, colorant, particle size, holiday sale, brushing glaze, dipping glaze

 

Gabriel Kline and Bill Collins on food safe glazes11 Dec 202500:43:54

Have you wondered what makes a glaze food safe? Today we are happy to welcome Gabriel Kline and Bill Collins to the show to talk about the topic, and their new book Amazing Glaze: Food Safe Recipes. They discuss the definition of food safety, how to test glazes, and what they learned after testing dozens of popular cone 6 and cone 10 recipes.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Food safety, leaching, crazing, cone 6, cone 10, shino, phase separation



Why is the last 200 degrees of the firing the most important?03 Dec 202500:28:31

Do you fire your kiln fast or slow? And does it really matter? Today the gang answer a few listener questions about the relationship between temperature, glaze melt, and vitrification. They also discuss a class of clays out of the UK that vitrify at low fire temperatures. 

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Firing rate, glaze melt, shino, cone 6, cone 8, vitrification

 

Why is my casting slip hard-panning?20 Nov 202500:38:20

Commercial casting slips are great for their convenience, but what do you do when your recipe hard-pans in the bucket? Today the gang talk about why hard-panning happens and how you can fix it. They also discuss making temp checks, the best bisque temp for commercial glazes, and the controversy around the sale of fake ceramic pigments.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Materials corner, hard-panning, casting slip, commercial glaze, temp checks, 

 

Help my clay is plucking!12 Nov 202500:32:45

Have you ever had small pieces of an unglazed foot ring stick to a kiln shelf? This bummer of a phenomenon is called plucking, and today the gang talk about how and why it happens. They also answer a listener's question about increasing plasticity in halloysite porcelains and take a trip to Materials Corner to discuss the rumors swirling around EPK production. 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.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

EPK, Materials corner, Halloysite, Frost porcelain, Southern Ice porcelain, Bentonite

 

Halloween Extravaganza with Lord Celsius, Wizard of Clays, and Copper Carb01 Nov 202500:33:49

Halloween is our favorite holiday at For Flux Sake. We can't get enough of the costumes, candy, and science! Join the gang this week as they answer listener questions about using wild clays in a community studio, washing dirty clay laundry, and the proper way to open a bag of dry ceramic material. 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.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Halloween, Lord Celsius, Clay Wizard, Copper Carb, laundry, silicosis, wild clay, dry materials storage

 

What are the do's and dont's of working in a community studio?15 Oct 202500:33:36

Joining a new community studio can be exciting, but also a little scary. Today the gang talk about how to be a good community member. They also answer listener questions about clay color changes, using tar paper in the studio, and where to start when you get your first potter's wheel. 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.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

vitrification, under fired, clay color, tar paper, community studio, potters wheel

 

How do you convert glazes to European materials?08 Oct 202500:39:47

Have you ever moved and had to convert your glazes to materials from a different continent? Today the gang talk about how you might do that along with why 'S' type thermocouples are the best for accurate firings. They also answer listener questions about upcycling large amounts of casting slip and solutions for handles that keep popping off. 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.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

thermocouple, casting slip, pulling handles, BMix, European glazes

 

What's the history behind Orton cones' unusual numbering system?01 Oct 202500:33:43

Today's episode starts with a trip to Materials Corner where the gang talk about the likely end of a favorite Kaolin for soda firing. They also answer listener questions about the logic behind Orton cone's numbering system, the cause of scumming in clay, and the lowest temperature that it's ok to store clay. 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.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Materials Corner, Helmar Kaolin, Orton cones, scumming, winterizing your studio

 

Is the bacteria in reclaimed clay a problem?18 Sep 202500:35:32

To start the show Kathy shares about the research being conducted into vanishing historic lusters at the Harvard Art Museum. The gang also answer listener questions about material supply chains, the cleanliness of reclaimed clay, and why Matt and Rose went solar. 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.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Chinese lusters, supply chains, reclaimed clay, bacteria, carbon foot print, solar

 

What makes a glaze have a wide firing range?10 Sep 202500:36:40

Have you ever wondered why some glazes have a wide firing range? Today the gang talk about this phenomenon, answer listener questions about adding stains to clay bodies, and discuss underglaze application. This episode also starts with a trip to Materials Corner along with a check in from a listener about the porosity of flower pots. 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.

 

Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Firing range, materials corner, frit 3134, flower pots, underglaze, brushing glaze

 

What defines low-fire ceramics?03 Sep 202500:40:30

We are back for season 5 of the show with a low-fire themed episode. Today the gang talk about a few parameters that define low-fire ceramics, as well as how de-airing pug mills work. They also start the show talking about the brand new For Flux Sake Patreon. This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. 

 

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.

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Low-fire, terracotta, pugmill, de-airing, wedge, vitrification

 

How does a kiln sitter work?16 Jul 202500:39:04

Do you remember the joys of using a kiln sitter? Those mini cones were so cute until you dropped one in the bottom of a fully loaded kiln. Even though manufacturers have shifted to computer controlled models, sitters were a key part of electric kilns for decades. Today on the show the gang answer listener questions about firing a kiln with a kiln sitter and making your own decals. Rose also reads a hilarious story about a clay plasticity experiment gone wrong. 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 episode is the last of the season. We will take a summer break for the month of August and be back to start season five in September. 

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program, and Cornell Studio Supply.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Kiln sitter, cones, electric kiln, decals, plasticity, clay formulation

 

How can you tell if a glaze is fully melted?09 Jul 202500:35:42

Today your favorite glaze experts answer a listener's question about judging the melt of an ash glaze, methods for wet mixing bentonite, and whether or not it's safe to use industrial dinnerware made before lead was regulated. They also open the show talking about why you should never crush encapsulated stains. 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.

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program, and Cornell Studio Supply.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Ash glaze, glaze melt, bentonite, macaloid, lead test, encapsulated stain

Are metallic glazes similar to melted metal?02 Jul 202500:37:20

Have you ever wondered what makes a bronze glaze work? This week on the show the gang answer a listener's question about metallic oxides in glazes, and discuss the finer points of what makes a pinhole a pinhole. 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.

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and Ceramic Materials Workshop Consulting.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Pin holing, metallic oxides, bronze glazes, cobalt crystalline glazes, crystalline glaze

Can you adjust a cone 6 glaze up to cone 10?20 Jun 202500:32:23

Have you ever found the perfect glaze, but it is formulated for a different temperature? Today the gang talk about adjusting glazes from cone 6 up to cone 10, and how you might tell if your kiln can handle going to cone 10. They also start the episode checking in about their summer plans. 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.

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and Ceramic Materials Workshop Consulting.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Cone 6, Cone 10, Bristol glaze, kiln, elements

Does how tight a kiln is packed affect its final temperature?11 Jun 202500:25:12

Have you noticed how a tight kiln pack can slightly change your cones? In this week's episode the gang talk about why this happens, as well as answer a listener's question about firing a balloon inside of a ceramic sculpture. 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 episode is made in memory of Megan Whetstine, a beloved member of the For Flux Sake and Ceramic Materials Workshop family. Her sense of humor and creativity will be deeply missed.

 

This week's episode features the following topics:

Mentorship, kiln packing, cones, balloon, carbon

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and Ceramic Materials Workshop Consulting.

What does vinegar do to clay?05 Jun 202500:33:43

Have you ever wondered why vinegar is added to joining slip? This week on the show the gang talk about the use of vinegar in the studio and the absorption rates of blending reclaimed clays. They also answer a listener's question about glazing terracotta flower pots. 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:

Vinegar, Vitrification, reclaim, absorption, terracotta flowerpots

Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and Ceramic Materials Workshop Consulting.

 

 

Fluxed Up with Steven Young Lee21 May 202500:51:42

Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Steve Lee! In this episode of our Fluxed Up series, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Steven shares about his path to harnessing failure to create his beautiful porcelain forms, as well as his time as director of the Archie Bray Foundation and his role in starting the Brickyard Network. 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:

Porcelain, Archie Bray Foundation, Brickyard Network, gas firing


Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and Ceramic Materials Workshop Consulting.

Are ceramic sealers safe to use on functional ceramics?14 May 202500:29:54

Today we return to the much loved topic of glaze durability on For Flux Sake. Kathy, Matt, and Rose start by talking about the long term durability of Bristol glazes. Then they delve into listener questions about ceramic sealers and substituting for Gerstley Borate in Raku glazes. 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 durability, Bristol glaze, ceramic sealer, tile sealer, Gerstley Borate, Gillespie Borate


Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the newly translated Spanish version of Ceramic Materials Workshop The Middle Glazes.

Episode 100!07 May 202500:28:03

Today we are celebrating the 100th episode of For Flux Sake! We'd like to thank the listeners for their excellent questions and for following along as the show has evolved over the last four years. To start this episode Kathy, Matt, and Rose share a few things they have learned making the show. They also answer listener questions about aging your glazes and single firing. 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:

Bisque Firing, single firing, aging glazes, glaze


Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the newly translated Spanish version of Ceramic Materials Workshop The Middle Glazes.

Fluxed Up with Susan Feagin23 Apr 202500:41:25

Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Susan Feagin! In this episode of our Fluxed Up series, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Susan shares funny stories about working at the Penland School of Craft, as well as how she creates brightly colored slips for soda firing. 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:

Soda Firing, Slip, Penland, glaze, cone 6


Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the newly translated Spanish version of Ceramic Materials Workshop The Middle Glazes.

When do glazes actually melt during the firing?17 Apr 202500:31:58

Have you ever wondered when the magic happens during the firing? This week on the show the gang talk about the last 100 degrees C of the firing when glazes generally do their melting. They also answer a listener's question about thermocouples placement, and take a trip to Materials Corner to talk about Frit 3110. 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:

Firing, Frit 3110, Thermocouple, Materials Corner, glaze melting, boron


Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the newly translated Spanish version of Ceramic Materials Workshop The Middle Glazes.

Who are we?09 Apr 202500:35:58

This show has been going on for so long that the gang thought they should reintroduce themselves. Kathy, Matt, and Rose start the show talking about the experiences that lead them into a life of clay. They also answer a listener's question about calcining clay. 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:

Kaolin, calcining, Alfred, Connecticut College


Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the newly translated Spanish version of Ceramic Materials Workshop The Middle Glazes.

Fluxed Up with Meredith Host25 Mar 202500:37:47

Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Meredith Host! In this episode of our Fluxed Up series, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Meredith shares about working with decals and layered underglaze, as well as how she had to pivot away from her favorite glaze in the middle of a major commission. 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:

Underglaze, crawling, decals, Kitten's Clear, Cone 6, pattern


Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the newly translated Spanish version of Ceramic Materials Workshop The Middle Glazes.

What should we know about cristobalite and quartz inversion?06 Mar 202500:31:46

Cristobalite and quartz inversion are the great boogie men of ceramics, often being used to explain cracking clay, glaze fit issues, and general ceramic mayhem. In this episode the gang sort fact from fiction and explain the changes that silica goes through during firing. They also start the episode talking about Matt's amazing new computer keyboard, which has beautiful celadon-glazed porcelain keys. 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:

Porcelain, celadon, cristobalite, quartz inversion, silica


Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the Rosenfield Collection of Ceramic Art.

 

Fluxed Up with Paul Andrew Wandless20 Feb 202500:41:09

Get ready for a wild ride in the studio with ceramic artist Paul Andrew Wandless! In this episode of our Fluxed Up series, we dive into the precarious world of ceramics filled with personal stories, studio mishaps, and the ever-elusive perfect glaze. Join us as Paul shares about making casting slips out of dark clay bodies, as well as how he builds with cast slabs for extra strength and durability. 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 testing, print making, underglaze, dark clay bodies, slip casting, deflocculation


Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the Rosenfield Collection of Ceramic Art.

Are there budget-friendly black and purple glazes?13 Feb 202500:35:43

Have you ever tried to create budget-friendly glazes? It can be hard, especially when you want rich purples and blacks. This week the gang talk about ways to save money in your glaze lab, and how tariffs might affect the supply chain. They also start the episode commiserating on how cold it is this time of year in New England, and what to do if your clay freezes. 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:

Frozen clay, glaze lab, glaze chemistry on a budget, purple, black


Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the Rosenfield Collection of Ceramic Art.

How can I measure thermal expansion?06 Feb 202500:30:22

Have you noticed thermal expansion measurements on your clay or glaze recipes? If so you might be wondering what those measurements mean, and how you use them to predict glaze fit on a clay body. This week the gang discuss thermal expansion and why those numeric values aren't always so helpful. They also answer a listener question about glazes with rare earth elements. 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:

Thermal expansion, glaze fit, clay body, rare earth elements, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Erbium


Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the Rosenfield Collection of Ceramic Art.

 

 

How can I get the best firing out of my new kiln?29 Jan 202500:33:00

New kilns bring lots of excitement to the studio, but also a few questions. Should I calibrate my thermocouple? And, Do I need to adjust my firing rate to my new elements? This episode the gang talk about new kilns, ASTM standards for ware, and the difference between K23 and K26 soft bricks. They also start the show discussing testing methods for glaze durability. 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:

Thermocouple, New Kiln, commercial kiln, K26, K23, bricks

 

Today's episode is brought to you by Cornell Studio Supply and the Rosenfield Collection of Ceramic Art.

 

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