Firing pottery without a kiln is a creative and adventurous endeavor, but it requires careful planning and experimentation. Whether you choose Raku firing, home oven firing, or pit firing, each method offers unique results that can add character to your pottery pieces.

Pottery can sit for as long as you like before firing. It's best to ensure freshly made pottery is totally dry before firing. This can take two days to a week depending on your climate. Once totally dry pottery can sit indefinitely before firing.

Drying. The first step after a piece is formed is to be sure that it has enough time to dry fully to a stage of clay called bone-dry. This means that the piece must sit undisturbed for 3-7 days until all of the moisture has evaporated.