Speaking of Beavers...

SInce we are talking of Beavers...I have also decided to make a mold of two Beaver Tails (from the same beavers that will be calcined). I was able to work on them in my new studio! It is great having all of my materials together in one large space to work with. The plaster molds are finished and drying and I hope to use them to make clay beaver tails very soon. (The other picture is of the mama and baby goat that I am temporarily sharing my studio with until it warms up...aren't they cute!)

Beaver Kiln

Because of Beavers, I have decided to build a small wood kiln.

This Kiln is for calcining the bodies of some Beavers that my friend Carl had trapped for their fur. My intent is to burn the beavers down and use their bones as bone ash in a glaze. I will also be able to use it to calcine any other materials that I come across and I will also be testing it for temperature to see how hot it can get (to see if I may be able to fire work in it as well...)

The bricks are all dry laid because it is just a temporary calcining kiln.

Some technical details:

The firebox is 4' long x 18" wide and tall

The stacking chamber is 18" wide x 20" Long and Tall

The chimney is 6' Tall x 9" wide

The flame path will be roughly 16' long

I hope to fire it next week and will post the results!