The Dome Starts To Close



With the closing of the dome, the palm leaf designs come into play. With the growth of the chimney will come the Baking Frogs. This rare species is only found on the south shores of Maui.

Growth Of The Outer Shell



The growth of the outer shell takes time to firm-up at such a thickness, so clay is mixed daily and pan-dried for the right consistency.

The Palm Impressions

The dome of the outer shell will have a thatch roof look. We will be using palm leaves to make impressions onto the outer shell.

Brick Arched Opening

I'm starting the process of auditioning a dozen bricks for the arched opening.

The Beginning of The Outer Shell

The 3 layers of the oven start to take form. The inner shell, space for the insulation and the outer shell.

The Inner Shell

The "Wonder Oven" will have an inner shell, insulator and cosmetic outer shell. The inner shell will be test-fired with extreme heat looking for cracks and flaws before continuing.

The Secret Ingredients

Mike called upon his mentors in the industry looking for the right mixture of materials to handle the intense heat of the "Wonder Oven".  The secret ingredients are: clay, sand, water, straw and... toilet paper.

Introducing The Potter

I called upon friend and fellow artisan, Mike Yoder, a well known potter here in Central PA. Mike and I have collaborated on several successful projects in the past. Mike creates the first "Wonder Oven" mini proto-type.

An Idea Was Born

Late September 2010, an idea was born. Judy and Kerby Confer wanted a brick-fired pizza oven in their new home in Maui. After researching many traditional pizza ovens, I wanted to create one as unique as them. And the "Wonder Oven" was born.