Our handmade clay yarn bowls are individually decorated which makes each a unique item. Even though we carefully fire each piece in the same manner, variation occurs and gives unique qualities to the piece. These bowls are finished in a Western Raku, using techniques that we've been working on since 1972. When we start the day of firing it's quiet and the kiln yard is still. During the first couple of hours the burner on the kiln starts to roar and the tempo quickens. Soon there is a wafting smoke filled atmosphere in the yard and I'm ducking flames as they shoot from the reduction chambers. The process certainly gets the heart pumping Like our bowls done in other techniques, these are the only size we regularly make. They were designed for use with fibers of all types, whether it is in a cake form or a ball. The inside of the bowl is a smooth shiny dark glaze. Folks ask me how I got started making these bowls. I don't knit or crochet. That said, I have a partner, my wife Brenda, who does enough knitting for the both of us (although I can always use another pair of wool socks). One of our good friends in Brenda's knitting group asked if I could make one...that started me down the path of fiber related products. Because of the knitting group and their comments and suggestions, LickinFlames makes yarn bowls with fiber in mind. We completely understand the importance of a well crafted and detailed bowl. We also understand that fiber folks really do appreciate nice looking objects and we strive to make our bowls both fully functional and "easy on the eye." The colors and iridescence on the pieces are hallmarks of LickinFlames. The yarn bowl takes several weeks to dry and then the finishing can take place. When the bowls are removed from the kiln, decorated and cooled, each is washed, dried and cork bumpers are added to the foot to protect your fine furniture. Approx. 6 x 4 inches To read more about the Raku technique used to make this piece look here.