How To Build A Binde > Steps 15 - 20

15.  The binde should be left to dry in the shade for a week. 

At this point, if the binde was not made on plastic, use a fine wire to separate the clay from the surface, sliding underneath the binde.

It's now time to fire your binde so that it will be ready for use!

16. The bindes should sit under the sun for 2-3 hours to acclimate to the heat before firing.

17.  If a kiln is not available, you can build a makeshift kiln...  

Lay several sticks down to form a base on which to place the bindes. Build a covering with more sticks and kindling, which should burn easily. Finally, encircle the "kiln" with more sticks as if building a tent.

or use a wood-burning oven. In either case, let the fire burn itself out.

18. Take care when removing bindes from fire or stove. Use tongs or sticks to remove and let cool. 

19.  Knock on the sides of the binde (as if knocking on a door).  It should sound light, like porcelain.  If the clay sounds heavy, it has not fired enough and will crack easily when heated.

20.  Your binde is ready for use!   To prolong it's usefulness, keep it away from water (eg. hot water spilling from a pot).  We recommend that you do not use water to extinguish the fire in a binde. Either let the fire burn itself out or pull the logs out of the binde to extinguish them.

Enjoy your binde and know that you are helping to conserve forest habitat every time you use it!

If you need additional information on the making, care or use of a binde, please contact Anne Savage or Luis Soto.

We would appreciate receiving your feedback! Please take a moment to complete this form so that we can learn about how you plan on using your binde.

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