Bigger work without a kiln?

[sparrow]

Hi, the off-the-mandril calla lily tutorial Jolene linked to looks soooo lush, but I noticed that, anytime the work is gigger or complex, it says 'pop straight in the kiln' (which for me means 'pop straight under the fire blanket') - should I steer clear of this kind of stuff until I can afford a kiln? I think I'd be heartbroken if I tried a batch of lilies and they came back cracked from annealing

[Marijane]

I have been practicing off mandrel leaves while I wait for the kiln to warm up, and none have broken.  Just make sure the overall thickness does not vary too much.

Mari