Meet My Girls: Divas of Warehouse

Behind every batch of pottery and shimmering tile, there’s a fiery lady working backstage. Or in my case, four of them. I lovingly named each kiln in my studio after iconic performers who embody their unique spirit and heat. From glass fusing to large-scale ceramic sculpture, these kilns do it all (and do it with flair).

Each of these kilns had a life before mine. They came from different places, carried by hope, hustle, and a whole lot of human willpower. And though they’ve each had other homes, I love them as though they were made just for me.

Allow me to introduce you to my quartet of kiln divas: Chavela, Eartha, Josephine, and Nina.

Chavela Meltglass (Paragon Pearl 18)

Glass Only | 1.5 cu ft | 18" x 18" x 8.5"

Named for the fierce and passionate ranchera singer Chavela Vargas, this compact queen rules the realm of glass. She’s my go-to for:

* Fused glass tiles

* Slump firing

* Jewelry panels

* Seasonal workshops

Chavela came to me from a dreamy hilltop home just blocks from my own. It was a quiet neighborhood I had always admired but never entered until a sweet couple on their way to San Diego opened their garage and handed me this gem. She may be small, but her spirit is molten. Expect clarity, precision, and just enough drama to keep things interesting. She doesn't do clay, but give her glass, and she’ll make it sing.

Eartha Kilnt (Amaco AH-25)

Ceramics | 7.8 cu ft | 19.75" x 21" x 30.125"

Eartha Kilnt, named for the sultry, grounded performer Eartha Kitt, is all about steady warmth and classic elegance. She’s my rock for:

* Bisque firings

* Midsize altar pieces

* Small batch glaze firings

Eartha was my first kiln, my initiation into serious firing. We got her home with a mix of manpower and sheer hope, squeezed into the back of a tiny Toyota pickup. No straps, just dreams. She’s the wise auntie of the studio, always reliable, never rushed, and with that signature purr of consistency.

Josephine Bakes (Skutt KM1227)

Ceramics | 9.9 cu ft | 28" x 28" x 27"

With a nod to the glamorous trailblazer Josephine Baker, this kiln is all about elegance and timing. Josephine Bakes handles:

* Dinnerware

* Planters

* Small batch production glaze firings

Josephine entered my life in the back of a hatchback, broken down into her individual rings. I picked her up just a couple blocks from the shores of Long Beach, reassembled her with care, and we’ve been in sync ever since. She's got rhythm, reliability, and just the right space for turning out perfect batches that need a little extra love.

Nina Meltcone (Skutt KM1627PK)

Ceramics | 18.5 cu ft | 27" x 46" x 31"

Nina Meltcone, named after the powerhouse that is Nina Simone, doesn’t just fire clay, she transforms it. She’s the studio’s deep-voiced soprano, built for:

* Large-scale sculptures

* Full kiln rentals

* Community batch firings

Nina came straight from school service into mine—retired, rehomed, and ready to burn. She was my most expensive kiln purchase, but also my biggest lifesaver. If you’ve got a vision that takes up space, Nina will hold it and heat it with purpose.

Each kiln plays her part in helping me bring form, function, and fire to the work I share with you. If you're interested in booking a firing, renting kiln space, or learning more about the process, check out my Firing Services Page.

These girls keep the studio singing and they’d love to help you make something beautiful.