Saggars are clay containers that pottery is placed inside of during firing. They were originally used to protect the glaze surface during the firing process. Modern day Saggar Firing sees the opposite occuring; with organic materials deliberately trapped inside containers (saggars) with the ceramic ware for the sole purpose of making marks. I use combustible organic materials, oxides, salt, soda ash and other chemicals to create colors. The atmosphere of smoke and fumes stay inside the saggar and carbonize, flash and blush the surface of the clay. My favorite material is seaweed!!