Red Stripe Overboard!

I like to slump bottles in my kiln for use as serving trays, spoon rests, and hanging objet d'art. They don't always turn out as expected. In fact, I've ruined a few perfectly beautiful bottles this way.

Recently, I thought my kiln's goose was cooked for good when I opened the lid and saw this lovely little mess.

Lessons learned?

1. Kiln-wash the bastard kiln once in a while.

2. If a bottle seems like it wants to roll, it probably will right after you close the lid of your kiln (even if you think you have it stabilized with a piece of kiln shelf paper).

3. The enameled labels on Red Stripe bottles don't burn off when fired.

Huzzah!

Things I Have Learned

1. My kiln has 2 relays (switches).
2. Relays last approximately 32,000 "clicks" (or was that 23,000?!).
3. One of my kiln's relays quit, causing one of the two elements to not fire.
4. Running a kiln twice with only a single element firing can cause problems including, but not limited to, melting of electrical outlets and plugs as well as oozing of weird substances from plug prongs.
5. New relays cost approximately $20 and I can replace them myself.
6. I'm back in business!