Owning a kiln can open new doors. Many successful shop owners started out first as an artist, and after purchasing a kiln, found they could make personalized gifts with family and friends. Then one day they found themselves with a successful moneymaking home-based business. Once you have a new kiln, explore all of the possibilities. Some kilns can be used to fire, fuse or slump glass, and work with different clay bodies or a variety of other exciting finishes.