**The Quiet Before the Fire: Kiln Loading Day**

Today was kiln loading day. No big dramatic moments, no flames yet—just the slow, careful ritual of placing each piece where it belongs, trusting the kiln and the fire to do the rest.

The studio was full of bisque ware from the last few weeks: chawans, teapots, cups, small planters, a few larger vases. Everything had its little blue tape label with an arrow showing which way is up (or sometimes which way is “front”). I laid out shelves on the floor first, arranged the pieces by size and shape, then started stacking.

Smallest cups went on the lower shelves, taller forms toward the back, fragile rims protected by soft wadding balls. I kept turning pieces around, checking flame paths, making sure nothing was too close to the firebox or the bag wall. It’s like playing 3D Tetris with fragile eggs—every move matters.

By late afternoon the kiln was full. Door closed, last look through the peephole, everything snug and waiting. The space felt strangely empty without the pots scattered everywhere.

Firing starts by the end of this week.  

Until then, the kiln is holding its breath.

See you on the other side of the fire.

#WoodFiring #KilnLoading #CeramicsDiary #柴燒 #PotteryLife