Unlock the timeless magic of pit firing with our beautifully designed, fully illustrated free downloadable PDF guide, The Art of Pit Firing with a Brick Kiln Structure. Whether you're a beginner exploring alternative firing methods, a hobbyist refining your results, or an experienced potter looking to try a brick-built variation, this guide will walk you through every step of our tried-and-tested process.
Created at Village Ceramics & Crafts, the guide distils our real-world workflow using a simple but effective brick kiln structure built from hard kiln bricks rather than a traditional dug pit. With clear sections, bold headings, practical tips, and full-page imagery, it offers a complete, approachable introduction to the craft.
Inside you’ll discover:
🔥 A Complete Step-by-Step Workflow
From preparing your pots to assembling the brick kiln, packing with organic materials, firing, cooling and the final grand reveal — each stage is explained in detail.
🌿 Natural Additives & Colourants
Learn how to use materials such as banana skins, seaweed, orange peel, mussel shells, straw and more to create stunning organic fuming effects, plus guidance on safe use of colourant powders.
🧱 How to Build Our Brick Kiln Structure
A practical alternative to a dug pit. We show how we assemble a sturdy rectangular kiln from standard-sized hard kiln bricks placed directly on our gravel driveway.
🔥 Controlled Firing & Safe Cooling
Including how to build an even burn using mixed woods, when to introduce the metal sheet to reduce oxygen, and why overnight cooling is essential for crack-free results.
✨ Finishing Touches
How to clean, wax and finish your pots to bring out the best of the smoky blushes and organic markings.
🛠 Troubleshooting & Practical Tips
Real-world advice on black smudges, faint colours, cracking risks and improving your pit firing consistency.
Designed in Calibri with clear bold section titles, large readable fonts, and strong visual structure, the guide is easy to follow and perfect for printing or viewing on any device. It also includes Village Ceramics & Crafts branding and website details throughout for a professional, cohesive finish.
Download it free today and bring the ancient magic of pit firing into your studio — with a method that’s simple, repeatable, and endlessly rewarding.
