Handmade Tile associaTion - Free - 2014 directory
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Handmade Tile Association
guide to Handmade tile and mosaic artists
2014 Directory
Free
Handmade Tile Association, llc
Welcome to the Handmade Tile Association’s 15th Annual
Directory.
Mission Statement
“The Handmade Tile Association is a union of independent
artisans who design and create tile and artwork
incorporating tile. The goals of this group are to nurture
and inspire each member’s unique talents and creativity,
and to trade knowledge, techniques and skills to
improve excellence and innovation in design, production
and distribution of tile. The Association also works to
broaden awareness of tiles as a medium with limitless Discover American Art Tile
applications, and provides a common entry point for
consumers to access a wide array of artisan-made tiles.”
The Handmade Tile Association, LLC would
like to thank our Structure Sponsor:
BOARD MEMBERS
Josh Blanc, President
Norma Hanlon 3
Jan Hohn
Roger Mayland, Secretary
Christine Nelson
DIRECTORY PRODUCTION
Handmade Tile Association, Publisher
Josh Blanc, Editor & Designer
Copy Editor, Chris Madsen
Park Printing, Printer
CONTACT INFORMATION
Handmade Tile Association, LLC
34 Thirteenth Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-781-6409
info@handmadetileassociation.org
handmadetileassociation.org
Find us on Facebook and LinkedIn
First Edition. All original artwork is copyright of the artists.
©2014 Handmade Tile Association, LLC.
All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission of the copyright holder(s) is prohibited.
4
table of Contents
Mission Statement 3
Letter from the President
by Josh Blanc 7
Member Support 9–10
Looking up
by Michael Padwee
Tiles in New York Blogspot 12
Tile Artists Index 11
Calendar 13
Tile Artists 15–29 Tile Heritage Foundation
Digitized Photo Library
Photo by Joseph A. Taylor
Mary Colvin - Art Teacher / Mosaicst
North Branch Area Middle School 31
5
About the Cover
Art tile mystery solved...at least partially The romanticized scene on the cover,
measuring 36” x 42”, was produced
by Joseph A. Taylor at Rookwood Pottery in Cincinnati in
Tile Heritage Foundation 33 1915, two years after the death of the
company’s president, William Taylor,
A popular contemporary approach to ceramic who was personally responsible for
tile decoration introducing tiles and architectural
ceramics to this prestigious firm in
by Sheila A. Menzies
1902. The mural is located in what
Tile Heritage Foundation 35 has become known as “The Rookwood
Room,” a solarium on the 2nd mansion
Tile Resources 36–37 on East Town Street in Columbus, Ohio,
one of three similar murals adorning the
How to plan for tile in your home room. The bucolic setting, featuring a
by Josh Blanc and Carrie Carlson hilltop castle, is thematically typical of
many art tiles and murals produced dur-
Clay Squared to Infinity 38
ing the Arts & Crafts period, reflecting
the wealth and cultural superiority of our
Tile Setters 42 European forebears.
Handmade Fireplace Budget
Comparisons
tile does not
(range of average costs for fireplace projects)
Stoves: $500 - $4000
Gas Logs $300 - $700
cost as much Stone Mantels
Wood Mantels
$700 - $3000
$500 - $2500
Installation $1000 - $5000
as you Handmade Tiles for Fireplaces
$300 - $2500
might think. For more info:
www.handmadetileassociation.org
6
Kitchen Budget Bathroom Budget
Comparisons Comparisons
(average costs for kitchen projects) (average costs for bathroom projects)
Appliances $800 - $10000 Toilet $70 - $1000
Stoves $200 - $2000 Tub $100 - $2600
Cabinets $10000 - $60000 Vanity w/top $50 - $2750
Flooring $1000 - $12000 Fixtures Shower/tub & vanity $150 - $1000
Counter Tops $2000 - $5000 Medicine Cabinet $30 - $1200
Handmade Tiles for Kitchens Handmade Tiles for Bathrooms
$300 - $2500 $300 - $10,000
For more info: For more info:
handmadetileassociation.org handmadetileassociation.org
Letter from the president
Why do people love handmade things? Henry Ford once
said “Every object tells a story, if you know how to read it.”
Storytelling is a wonderful way to talk about handmade objects.
Most travelers buy mementos from the places they visit; many
tend to be handmade items. Those reminders become starting
points for conversations with friends, family and people just met.
Shelter is a deep core desire and a necessity for humans.
Placing handmade objects like tile in your home becomes a per-
sonalization of that concept. Your home installations and collec-
tions project your ideas, values, and vision on how you engage
and live in this world. Installing a handmade tile fireplace, kitchen backsplash or art
object showcases an individual’s interest in architecture and interior design. When
I visit someone’s home, whether I have been there many times, or if it’s my first, I
am always interested to get a sense of how other people live and what they collect
to try to learn how they relate to the world. I believe it is a good way to discover the
essence of people.
Artists and craftspeople strive to create and refine their possessions and ideas.
Many phases of an idea are experimental, until a final design is settled on. Then the 7
building of that object begins with refinement of the form, until it has gone as far as
it can, to express the language of the piece. That constant refinement by the artist
can be observed by astute visitors to a studio or gallery. To those who collect, it is
the small details that are embedded in each handmade object that makes it more
valuable. It is those nuances that artists develop, the building up of the language,
that collectors learn to recognize and read into each object.
Each year, the artists in this directory submit new work to showcase their latest
pieces for you to enjoy. Whether this is the first time you have seen this directory,
or it’s the 15th time, I believe you will be impressed by the expressiveness, the
beauty and the quality that each artist showcases. I hope you will engage the
artisans whose work you find fascinating and start a dialogue with them. Once you
start down this path of utilizing handmade objects in your home I am sure you will
develop your own personal story.
Josh Blanc
President
Looking for
tile and mosaic classes?
www.handmadetileassociation.org
8
hta member support Super Friends Accent Elegance, American Restoration Tile, Artisan Tile Northwest, Bloomington Art Center, Bond Tile & Stone, Christine Nelson Design, Clay Squared to Infinity, Continental Clay, Corazzo Tile, Edina Art Center, Elfstone Studio, Emu Tile, Friends of Terra Cotta, Hohn & Hohn, Inc, James Whitney Tuthill, Jeanie Daves Pottery, Joseph Lundgren Consulting, Kathleen Mellin Grubbs, LLC, La Alameda Press, Lea-Way Designs, LLC, Mercury Mosaics, Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, North Prairie Tile, Inc., Our Creative Outlet, LLC, Pebble Tile Shop, Pewabic Pottery, SAMA, Seran Kayserilioglu, Sharon Tuthill, Silver City Clay Festival. Sligo Creek Tile, SOMI Tileworks, Syzygy Tileworks, Tile Council of North America, Tile Heritage Foundation, Timeless Tiles, Twin Cities Bungalow Club, Untapped Resource, Inc., Weaver Tile. Business Alma Artisan, Barbara Schmidt, Belvedere Art Tile Ltd., Bon Ton Designs, Bonnie Fercho, Bread & Roses Remodeling, Carol Lake, Ceramic Chinn, 9 Claudia Riedener, Clay Earth Studio, Dean Tile, Deb LeAir, Desert Rise Stone Distr., Earth, Wood & Fire, Eloise Oviatt, Fay Jones Day, Forbush ARTiques. Gary L. Quirk, Hot Flashes, House on the Hill. Janet LU Rudawsky, Janeway Studio, Kerber Tile, Kumal, Louise Campbell, Martha Coursey Mosaic Tile Works, Medicine Bluff Studio, Minnesota Clay, Minnesota Mosaic Guild, Mosaic on a Stick,LLC. Motawi Tileworks, Nancy Froseth, Native Tile & Ceramics, NKBA MN Chapter, Northern Clay Center, One Acre Ceramics, Pearson Art Works, Piping Cat Studio, Potek Glass, Sheryl Tuorila, Sight Line Tile, Status Ceramics, Stephanie Kaczrowski, Sticky Earth Studio, Stone Hollow Tile, Tile Fusion, Tile Restoration Center. Friends Adriane Walzer, Joanne Sher, Kathy Manzella, Kathy Lutherm, Leslie Newton, Chris Madsen Marcia Glancy, Nancy Saathoff, Special Thanks To the many artists, businesses, galleries, individuals, museums, organizations and families who helped with this directory.
Send registration form and check to: HTA Membership Registration Form
Handmade Tile Association, LLC
34 Thirteenth Ave. NE Name _ ______________________________________________________________________________
Suite 109 Company Name _____________________________________________________________________
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Address _____________________________________________________________________________
Make enclosed check payable to: City ______________________________________________ State _ _________ Zip _______________
Handmade Tile Association
Your membership and assistance E-mail _______________________________________________________________________________
are greatly appreciated! Web Site ____________________________________________________________________________
Select your membership Phone _______________________________________ Fax ___________________________________
c $25 Friend Membership
c I would like advertising rates sent to me.
c $35 Business Membership
10% off advertising rates c I would like information on being a sponsor.
c $50 Super Friend Membership c I would like to volunteer for the organization.
15% off advertising rates
www.handmadetileassociation.org — 612-781-6409 — info@handmadetileassociation.org
10Tile Artists by page
Alma Artisan 15 Syzygy Tile / Lee Gruber 28
B.A. Schmidt Arts & Enterprises, Inc. Tile Restoration Center / Steve Moon 28
Barbara Schmidt 15
Untapped Resources, Inc. / Sheryl VanderPol 29
Bevedere Art Tile, LTD. / Susan Martin Serra 16
Weaver Tile / Scott Weaver 29
Bon Ton Designs, LLC / Mary Anderson 16
Ceramic Chinn / Alex Chinn 17
Clay Squared to Infinity / Josh Blanc 17
Corazzo Tile / Michele Corazzo 18
Deb LeAir Ceramics 18
Earth, Wood & Fire / Laura & Jim McCaul 19
Elfstone Studio / Susan Meyer 19
Fay Jones Day Tile / Fay Jones Day 20
11
House on the Hill Studio / Martha Coursey 20
Kathleen Mellin Grubbs, LLC 21
Q.
La Alameda Press / Cirrelda Snider-Bryan 21
Mosaic Tile Works / Martha Coursey 22
Mercury Mosaics & Tile Inc. /
Mercedes Austin 22
Moravian Pottery & Tile Works 23
Native Tile & Ceramics / Diana Mausser 23
How long does it take to
North Prairie Tileworks, Inc. / Roger Mayland 24
receive handmade tile
Pewabic Pottery 24
once I order them?
A.
Sheryl Tuorila Fine Art Tile 25
Sight Line Tile / Amy Baur & Brian Boldon 25
SoMi Tileworks / Kirsten Walstead 26
Stephanie Kaczrowski 26
Average delivery times are
Stone Hollow Tile / Wendy Penta 27
Suzanne Crane Fine Stoneware 27
2 - 8 weeks.Looking up
by Michael Padwee
tilesinnewyork.blogspot.com
After I had seen a book about London that
showed architectural details of buildings above
street level, it occurred to me that many people
never look up as they walk the streets of our
cities and towns. They never notice how builders
and architects have ornamented their creations,
and I’m as guilty of this as the next person. Fig - 1 Roundels
These days, as I walk around the City, my eyes usually stray upward, and one day as I walked
along East 72nd Street in Manhattan, I passed an apartment building with some ceramic
roundels under the ground floor arches on its facade. (Fig. 1) I took a few photos, wrote down
the address, and decided I’d look the building up sometime in the future. Two years later I did
an internet search for 160 East 72nd Street and
discovered the 14-story building was built in 1927
for the grandson of “robber baron” Jay Gould. The
building was made a NYC landmark in 2010, but
the creator of the roundels remained a mystery in
the Landmarks Designation Report.
When searching for information about this
building, one article mentioned that the ceramics
12 had been made by Henry Varnum Poor. One of
the ceramic pieces had a signature of initials, so I
Fig - 2 Poor’s initials
searched the internet for an identification. (Fig. 2)
Henry Varnum Poor (1887/88-1970) was a
well-known painter, potter, designer and architect. He lived in an artists’ community in Rockland
County, New York, where he built his own house, as well as
houses for John Houseman, Burgess Meredith, and others.
Poor created ceramic WPA murals for post offices in
Chicago and San Diego during the Depression, and ceramic
pieces for Rockefeller Center when it was built. In New York
City I discovered four other major murals by Poor that still
existed but had mostly been forgotten: two tile murals were
in the auditorium of Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn
(Fig. 3); a tile mural was on the facade of Junior High School
185 in Queens; and a large tile mural was on a waiting room
wall in Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. Fig - 3 Abraham Lincoln HS murals
There are many architectural and ceramic surprises like these that are rarely seen, and even
when they are seen, most people don’t realize what they are. So look up as you walk along a
street, but do watch your step.
For more about Henry Varnum Poor see:
http://tilesinnewyork.blogspot.com/2013/01/architectural-ceramics-of-henry-varnum.html
Read more articles on handmade tile at handmadetileassociation.orghandmadetileassociation.org
2014 Calendar
calendar of
National Tile Events
Important dates and Deadlines
February 21 - 23
The Grove Park Inn Arts & Crafts September 1
Conference Start of 2015 Handmade Tile Association Directory
Asheville, North Carolina drive. RSVP your place in the 2015 directory.
arts-craftsconference.com
October 15
April 26- 27 Last day to RSVP for 2015 HTA Directory advertising, to
Minneapolis/St. Paul Home Tour avoid $35 late fee: October 31.
The drop dead deadline for 2015 HTA Directory.
Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota advertising
MSPHomeTour.com
November 15 & 16
April 29 - May 2 Proofing party for 2015 HTA Directory.
Coverings
13
Las Vegas, Nevada Communications
coverings.com
Newsletter
April 30 - May 4
The newsletter goes out by e-mail at the beginning of
SAMA Conference each month. Please submit news by the 25th of each
Houston, Texas
month to be considered for the newsletter.
americanmosaics.org
Spotlight on Artists
May 16 -18
In the middle of each month, members receive a special
Art A Whirl e-newsletter that features three artists from the
Minneapolis, Minnesota directory. The articles explore their newest work and
nemaa.org/art-a-whirl.com includes links to learn more about them.
May 17 - 18 Social Media
Moravian Tile Festival The Handmade Tile Association uses Facebook and
Doyslestown, Pennsylvania LinkedIn to communicate with members and interested
buckscounty.org/visitors parties. We post at least 4 times a week. Please send us
your newest images of projects, interesting tile facts and
July 30 - August 3 events so we can promote you in the world of handmade
Silver City Clay Festival tile.
Silver City, New Mexico
clayfestival.comThe Handmade Tile Association Directory is designed to be a source for inspiration when
considering a tile project for your home. Whether you’re planning a kitchen backsplash, bathroom
installation, fireplace surround, or other artistic element, consider your personal style and the year
your house was built. Choosing tiles that complement the historic era of your home adds
authenticity and value.
Peruse books, magazines and websites; visit showrooms and talk to artists; create a folder of your
favorite ideas and work with a designer to bring your project to life.
Many artists and showrooms provide tile samples for a small fee. Pick them up or order them from
a catalog to see how they look in your own environment.
Contact a tile setter to measure the project and order the tile. This step alone will often save you
time and money. Professional installation ensures that your project will last for years to come.
Enjoy your one-of-a-kind tile masterpiece!
14
Q.
Can I afford
handmade tile?
Yes!
A.
Most kitchen & fireplace
projects range from
$300 - $2500Alma Artisan
Alma Artisan
Tina Schowalter
S1415 State Road 37
Alma, WI 54610
608-685-2562
AlmaArtisan.etsy.com
tina.schowalter@yahoo.com
AlmaArtisan.com
I really love making tiles for my
Clay as Canvas collection. It is an
ongoing series of work that allows for
creative freedom, experimentation,
and artistic growth. Each piece is an
original work of art that is signed and
numbered.
15
B.A. Schmidt Arts creates unique,
handmade porcelain tiles inspired by
myth, nature and classic children’s
B.A. Sch midt Arts & Enterprises
illustrations.
Every tile is handcrafted, and can
be used indoors or out. These tiles
are perfect for the kitchen or bath,
around a fireplace, on a fountain, or
in a garden wall. They mix beautifully
with a wide variety of stone and
commercial field tiles.
These handmade tiles are available at
dealers nationwide.
B.A. Schmidt Arts &
Enterprises, Inc.
Barbara Schmidt
128 Lincolnwood Rd
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-432-5679
Fax: 847-432-6921
barbara@baschmidtartstiles.com
baschmidtartstiles.comBelvedere art tile. ltd BELVEDERE ART TILE LTD.
Susan Martin Serra
PO Box 177
Chromo, CO 81128
970-264-0642 or 970-799-2559
belvedereceramicarts.com
At Belvedere, our designs are
inspired by nature and come
alive through the patient work of
masterful hands. Artist Susan Martin
Serra combines her knowledge of
drawing, painting and sculpture
with the alchemy of earth, fire and
air to create exceptional art tiles of
graceful style and timeless beauty.
We proudly offer a selection of
in-house designs, or Susan will
gladly create special one-of-a-
kind pieces for you. Our offerings
include individual tiles, murals and
vessels for indoor and outdoor
environments.
Visit our website at:
belvedereceramicarts.com
16
At Bon Ton we are all about custom
handmade tile. We are inspired by
the environment around us and
incorporate your vision into ceramic
works of art. Owner/Artist Mary
Anderson will work with you to create
your vision in tile.
Our focus is on creating the industry’s
most beautiful backsplashes, fireplace
surrounds, bathrooms, murals
and feature walls. Our projects
Bon Ton Designs, llc
include residential and commercial
applications.
We offer traditional and Arts & Crafts
designs, and enjoy pushing the
envelope with a unique and modern
flair.
Bon ton designs, llc
Mary Anderson
1355 Oregon Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55427
612-270-2533
bontondesigns.com
Showroom by AppointmentCeramic Ch inn
Ceramic Chinn
Alex Chinn
St. Paul, MN
651-699-0271
ceramicchinn@gmail.com
facebook.com/pages/Ceramic-
Chinn/371593472910899
Ceramic Chinn makes hand carved
tiles with images or patterns derived
from nature. Frost hardy terra cotta
is used for all exterior work.
Individual number tiles are made in
three standard sizes using an Arts &
Crafts font. Custom sizes, colors, font
choices and multi-number plaques are
available.
Kitchen, bathroom and fireplace tile is
made to order with many clay, glaze
and size options. Contact Ceramic
Chinn to discuss your project ideas
and how clay can be part of it.
17
Clay Squared specializes in kitchens,
bathrooms, fireplaces and fine art
projects.
Designs: We offer a number of
original hand-carved tiles,“The Cosmic
Collection,” house numbers, shaped
tiles, mosaics and switch plates.
Clay Squared to In fin ity
Colors: More than 30 stock colors.
Commercial/Residential Projects:
We can help you design any kitchen,
fireplace or bathroom project. We also
work with commercial clients to design
signs, murals and fine art.
Custom work is always available.
Visit our showroom Monday through
Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm, or order
online at claysquared.com.
Clay Squared TO INFINITY
Josh Blanc
34 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-781-6409
claysquared.comCorazzo Tile corazzo tile
Michele Corazzo
551 Graham Drive
Chesterton IN 46304
219 926 3845
m_corazzo@hotmail.com
corazzotile.com
View my permanent floor tile
installation at the Field Museum,
Chicago—Pacific Island exhibit.
Specialty: Custom painted and drawn
tiles with nature as subject. Most of
my work is in mural format.
Media: Underglaze paints, pencils,
and chalks. The tiles are glazed in
clear gloss or satin and are not
recommended for floors.
Sizes include 6” or 4 ¼” tiles.
Handmade tiles vary.
Expect 6-10 weeks for completion, not
including design time and shipping. For
details, please visit my website.
18
Deb LeAir specializes in brightly
colored, hand-carved tiles for use in
backsplashes, fireplace surrounds,
or any project to enhance your living
space. Botanical, contemporary, or
abstract designs are available.
Framed, ready-to-hang compositions
of art tiles are also available.
These terra cotta tiles are individually
carved and painted with terra sigilatta,
a refined clay slip. A black glaze or
copper wash make the colors pop,
deb LeAir Ceramics
and all installations are sealed for
durability.
Call or email for a show schedule,
gallery information or studio
appointment.
DEB LEAIR CERAMICS
651-226-5989
debleair@yahoo.com
debleair.comEarth , Wood & Fire
Earth Wood & Fire
Laura & Jim McCaul
715-866-8410
earthwoodandfire.com
Earth, Wood & Fire specializes in
clay carvings and fine furniture.
Laura McCaul loves to carve the
human figure, animals, birds and
abstract designs for individual tiles
or custom-designed surrounds.
Each tile is finished using her own
version of a Native American process
called blackware, which produces
unique earthy tones and flashings.
Laura’s work is part of the Minnesota
Historical Society’s permanent
collection, and was featured on the
Autumn Woods series of the PBS
program “Hometime.”
Jim McCaul designs and builds fine
furniture, featuring Laura’s blackware
tiles. Their work is available through
galleries, private commissions and
online.
19
Elfstone Studio is known for distinctive
Elfston e Stu dio
bas-relief tile designs inspired by
mythology, fairy tales, and Nature.
Many designs feature the contrasting
textures of glazed and unglazed areas,
as well as various glaze colors and
textures.
Specialty: Creating custom designs
based on images of the flora and
fauna most meaningful to the client.
Application: Fine art pieces, accent
tiles, backsplashes, fireplace
surrounds, and murals.
Elfstone Studio
Susan Meyer
815-312-0805
Info@elfstonestudio.com
Elfstonestudio.comFay Jones Day tile
Fay Jon es Day tile
Fay Jones Day
541-424-3359
fayjonesday@gmail.com
www.fayjonesday.com
Fay Jones Day Tile is a small, home
studio in Oregon. This clay artist
specializes in handmade decorative
accent tiles for Craftsman Bungalows.
Tiles include 6”, 4.25” and 3” accent
tiles, alphabet tiles and number tiles
as well as Craftsman welcome signs.
Her tiles are original design relief tiles
made with terracotta and earthenware
clays for use on fireplaces, kitchen
backsplashes and baths.
20
Martha Coursey has been hand
painting ceramic tiles for more
than 30 years for homes, resorts,
restaurants and the showrooms of tile
distributors.
Stock backgrounds: handmade
or commercial grade tile, tumbled
House on th e H ill Stu dio
marble or stock you supply. White,
beige or bisque backgrounds: standard
or crackled.
Colors: all designs available in
standard colors or hand painted to
coordinate with your swatches.
Designs: stock designs, modified
stock designs or ceramic murals that
incorporate your personal information.
house on the hill studio
Martha Coursey
3436 Briarcliff Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30345
404-558-7512
martha@houseonthehillstudio.com
houseonthehillstudio.comKathleen mellin grubbs, llc
Kath leen Mellin Gru bbs, llc
1895 Lincoln Ave
St. Paul, MN 55105
651-260-7885
kathymellingrubbsmosaics@gmail.com
kathygrubbs.com
Mosaic fine art integrates handmade
tile, stone, glass, and mixed media into
works that offer visual joy, fascination,
humor, and gentle personal and
spiritual inner movement.
Using modern and ancient mosaic
materials, styling and techniques, I
create pictures, murals, backsplashes
and 3D art for homes and commercial
sites, indoors and out.
“I believe your view of art and
spirituality is sorely lacking in our Post-
Modern conversation… spread the
word!”
-Alex Sobieski - “Whoa, that’s amazing!”
Classes and commissions welcome;
contact Kathy for more info.
21
At my website are pictures of the tile
series called “Garden Companions,”
illustrations of companions in our
yards. Number, Chinese New Year,
animal, fruit, and flower tiles are also
available.
Hand-rolled slabs are pressed into
the handmade “imprint” tile, and
glazed individually. These cone 5-fired
tiles come with or without screw
holes - you specify.
La Alameda Press
La Alameda Press
Cirrelda Snider-Bryan
9636 Guadalupe Tr. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114
505-897-0285
cirrelda@laalamedapress.com
colorofsand.wordpress.com
etsy.com/shop/Cirreldamosaic tileworks Mosaic tileworks
Martha Coursey
3436 Briarcliff Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30345
404-558-7512
martha@mosaictileworks.com
mosaictileworks.com
Artisan mosaic works can be
custom designed or chosen from
an assortment of ready to ship
pieces. We offer complimentary
design services to architects and
designers, from concept to finished
work and installation. Our designs
are suitable for both interior and
exterior applications. We specialize
in the use of natural, rare and
handmade materials. Most works
include rare fossils, historical
artifacts, semiprecious stones and
minerals, handmade porcelain figures,
stoneware tile, handmade fused glass,
and smalti. Member of the Society of
American Mosaic Artists and CMA.
22
Mercury Mosaics is a group of
handmade tile artisans ready to adorn
your space with our beautiful tile.
We are known not only for our bold
colors and textures, but our attention
to detail and ability to walk any client
through the tile design process from
start to finish. We do tile work for
both residential and commercial
spaces—everything from kitchen
backsplashes, restaurant walls and
church murals to retail spaces. You
name it and we’ll tile it!
Mercu ry Mosaics
Mercury Mosaics
Located in the Northeast
Minneapolis Arts District
681 17th Ave NE Suite 160
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-236-1646
info@mercurymosaics.com
mercurymosaics.comMoravian pottery & tile works
MORAVIAN POTTERY & TILE WORKS
130 E. Swamp Road
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6098
mptw@co.bucsk.pa.us,
www.buckscounty.org/visitors
Founded in 1898 by Henry C. Mercer
(1854-1930), a proponent of the Arts
& Crafts Movement, the Tile Works
is administered by the Bucks County
Department of Parks and Recreation as
a working history museum, producing
reissues of Mercer’s line of hand-made
decorative tiles, mosaics, and pavers
utilizing his original techniques and
equipment to maintain the look and spirit
of his Moravian Tiles.
Image pictured: 2014 Special Edition Tile
“Birds of Tintern”.
23
Creating restoration quality
handmade decorative ceramic tile
in Southern California since 1990.
Specialty applications include: borders
and field patterns for kitchens,
bathrooms, pools and fountains;
craftsman-style fireplace surrounds
and hearths; scenes and rug pattern
murals for floors and walls.
Native Tile & Ceramics
All of our glazes are custom made
at Native Tile. We incorporate the
traditional methods of cuerda seca
and various relief techniques to
create our tile patterns. Although
many of our patterns are drawn
from historical reference, we eagerly
integrate personal inspiration.
Native Tile & Ceramics
Diana Mausser
2317 Border Ave
Torrance, CA 90501
310-533-8684
www.nativetile.comNorth Prairie Tileworks, In c. North Prairie Tileworks
Roger L. Mayland
2845 Harriet Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-871-3421
handmadetile.com
North Prairie Tileworks specializes
in custom tile with an emphasis
on Arts & Crafts designs, historic
reproductions and functional tile
art. We offer over 150 custom
colors, decorative relief tiles,
original and made-to-order designs.
Our field and relief tiles are found
in many homes throughout the
U.S. and Canada on floors, walls,
backsplashes, fireplaces, bathrooms
and as decorative accents and
trims. Our tiles are also in public
facilities such as: Lake Mead
National Park, Canon Falls and Pine
City libraries, NJ Route 36 bridges,
Signet Society at Harvard and
the American Swedish Institute’s
Nelson Cultural Center.
24
Pewabic Pottery is Michigan’s only
historic non-profit pottery studio.
Located in a Tudor Revival building,
it was founded at the height of the
Arts & Crafts movement. Since
1903, Pewabic has been producing
handmade tile specifically designed
to meet the unique needs of
designers, architects, contractors
and homeowners who want Pewabic’s
signature look. The tiles are suitable
for interior and exterior use and are
made from Pewabic’s own high-fire
stoneware. Unique custom glazes
Pewabic pottery
provide a rich depth of color, perfect
for any installation.
Pewabic Pottery
10125 E Jefferson Ave
Detroit, MI 48214
313-626-2000
gallery@pewabic.org
pewabic.orgSh eryl Tuorila Fin e Art Tile
Sheryl Tuorila fine art tile
Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson St NE, Studio 403
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-423-9197
slt@sheryltuorila.com
sheryltuorila.com
ART INSTALLED
Unique, handmade tile mosaics for
your home or business.
Fine art wall panels, backsplashes,
fireplaces and custom furniture.
Commissions encouraged.
Open studio:
First Thursday of every month, 5-9pm
or by appointment.
See website for gallery shows, events,
and class offerings.
See Facebook artist page
Sheryl Tuorila Mosaics
for current projects and blog info.
25
Luscious kiln-formed glass tile in a
variety of hard-to-find colors.
Combining the solid colored field tile
with custom art tile translucency, color
& visual details are like none other in
the residential or commercial market.
Vintage buttons, illustrated maps,
dandelions and a ball of string are a
few source materials that influence our
unique line of art tile. Visit our studio
inside the Casket Arts Building and see
what sort of combination best defines
the space around you.
Great indoors or out. See what
sight lin e tile
Sight Line Tile can develop for your
bath, kitchen, or fireplace surround.
sight line tile
Amy Baur & Brian Boldon
681 17th Ave NE, Studio 121
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-788-9301
info@sightlinetile.com
sightlinetile.comsomi tileworks Somi Tileworks
Kirsten Walstead
4201 2nd Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55409
612-964-6551
kirsten@somitileworks.com
www.somitileworks.com
I specialize in high-relief ceramic tile,
custom tile designs, field tile and
accent tile. My tiles are suitable
for residential and commercial
installations. I can help you create a
custom design for any room. Visit my
website for more information about
studio hours, gallery shows, upcoming
art fairs and events.
Showroom:
Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson St. NE, Studio #339
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Open by Appointment.
Completion time: 3–4 weeks.
26
Specialty: I buy glazed, commercial wall
and floor tile, hand stencil designs with
china paint, then fire the tile again for
durability. The over-glazes I use have the
look of watercolor.
Designs: Hundreds of stencil designs
are available, including realistic images
of Minnesota fish, birds, animals, leaves,
fruits and flowers. Custom designs are
also available.
Stephan ie Kaczrowski
Application: My tiles are suitable for
interior walls, floors, counter tops and
backsplashes. They have been used in
showers, fireplace surrounds and as
framed artwork.
Stephanie Kaczrowski
7933 Idaho Ave N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
763-560-2922Ston e hollow tile
Stone Hollow Tile
Wendy Penta
8532 Edison Street NE
Blaine, MN 55449
763-786-9102
wendy@stonehollowtile.com
stonehollowtile.com
Wendy Penta’s stoneware tiles are
infused with her love of nature and
the medium in which she creates.
Her original relief designs are
both realistic and stylized, totally
handcrafted and finished with soft
matte glazes. Hand painted art tiles
are her speciality and reflect years of
mastering various glaze tones.
For a complete catalog of relief
designs, one-of-a-kind tiles and tiles
ready to ship, visit her website.
27
Suzanne and Matthew Crane
make their Arts & Crafts-inspired
handmade stoneware tiles, tiled
furniture and pottery at their studio
Suzan n e Cran e Fin e Ston eware
near historic Charlottesville, Virginia.
Tiles are made by pressing real
botanical specimens into the clay
to create a fossil-like impression,
glazed with a variety of celadons,
and fired to cone-7 in a reduction
atmosphere. They welcome
commissions for kitchens, baths,
fireplace surrounds, mirrors, tiled
furniture and floors. Inquiries from
designers, showrooms, architects
and individuals are also welcomed.
SUZANNE CRANE Fine
Stoneware
Suzanne Crane
4225 Earlysville Rd
Earlysville, VA 22936
434-973-7943
sue@suzannecrane.com
suzannecrane.comsyzygy Tile syzygy tile
106 North Bullard Street
Silver City, NM 88061
575-388-5472
info@syzygytile.com
www.syzygytile.com
Visiting the Moravian Tileworks in
Doylestown, PA, Lee Gruber and David
del Junco remarked, “We can do
this” and returned home to begin the
research and development that led to
Syzygy Tile. The year was 1993.
Today, 20 artisans work together to
produce an exquisite line of handmade
tile. Distinctive, sophisticated and
timeless, Syzygy Tile displays the
passion with which it is designed and
produced.
Lovely shapes, mosaics and decoratives
are cut and pressed by hand; the glazes
are carefully applied with a brush.
28
Tile Restoration Center makes warm,
rustic and historically accurate
reproductions of classic American Arts
& Crafts era decorative ceramic tiles.
TRC also creates many new and custom
tiles in the Arts & Crafts mode, as well as
contemporary styles.
Tile REstoration Center
Owner Steve Moon’s high-fired
stoneware tiles are most often used to
create fireplaces and fountains that are
the centerpiece of any home.
tile restoration center
2464 NE Stapleton RD #4
Vancouver, WA 98661
206-633-4866
fax: 206-633-3489
trc@tilerestorationcenter.com
tilerestorationcenter.comUntapped Resou rce, In c.
Untapped resource, inc.
Sheryl VanderPol
4020 Pilgrim Ln N
Plymouth, MN 55441
763-542-1116
sheryl@untappedresource.com
untappedresource.com
Sheryl VanderPol is your Untapped
Resource for custom artwork. Using any
handmade or commercial ceramic as
the canvas, I create hand-painted tiles
and porcelain sinks, fired to a beautiful
permanency, along with wall murals and
Trompe l’oeil.
The creative process begins with
conversation:... “My first priority is to get
to know the customers and what they
love. People get excited when they realize
they can put a little of themselves into a
design.” “If you can dream it, we can do it.”
- Sheryl VanderPol
29
We produce high-fired stoneware tiles
for interior or exterior applications.
Our glazes are mixed in our studio,
and most have a matte or satin matte
finish.
The designs are high-relief and reflect
our love of the natural world.
We produce many fireplace surrounds
and kitchen backsplashes. Custom
designs are also welcome.
Whether you need a gift tile or a home
project, we are happy to help.
Please visit our website at
weavertile.com.
Weaver Tile
weaver tile
Scott Weaver
Horton, MI 49246
517-529-4621
weavertile.com30
handmadetileassociation.org
t i l i n g i n o u r s c h o o l s : th e a g e o f c h a n g e
by Mary Colvin - Art Teacher / Mosaicst
North Branch Area Middle School
jonny161994@gmail.com
Reflecting back on a large tile
mural project I originated 4 years
ago, many new thoughts and
ideas have come to mind after
experiencing the final results up
on an interior wall in our school.
It has prompted more ideas for
Antoni Gaudi-like tile projects;
his work was the inspiration. A
project like this is multi-faceted
yet pretty simple in a lot of
ways, meaning it isn’t rocket
science, yet planning, patience
and persistence is of the utmost
importance. Without dedicated
planning and strong will, there
is no result. Ground level
planning with curious students
and an entrusted art friend and
colleague helped energize and
motivate. Pen and paper sketching and planning as well as many meetings with administrators, colleagues,
construction experts, tile supplier companies, school custodians, tiling artists as well as students was 31
paramount. As the design for the mural took off and the project got off the ground, it was not that difficult
to do; other than putting in long hours creating the tesserae by hand, glazing and firing, organizing colors,
grouting and then finally hanging it, all while maintaining involvement with our middle school students. It was
challenging at times. Summer hours were used as well. Many students and adults alike volunteered their
time.
The mural consists of six 3’ x 5’ Wedi board panels merged together and mounted with 8” heavy duty
drywall screws and a 6-ply birchwood underlayment to prevent warpage. Thinset was hand mixed and
tesserae were set individually. The mural is viewed vertically from left to right as a triptych and references
the three seasons and months our children are in school: fall, winter and spring. The mural was titled
“The Age of Change” since middle school years are the years our children change the most dramatically
emotionally and physically. (Can you find the typical teenage scratched and gouged words in the middle of
the tree?)
Read more articles on handmade tile at handmadetileassociation.orgResources
Want to advertise in the Handmade
Tile Association 16th Annual
Directory?
Deadline
October, 15 2014 th
612-781-6409
Check the website for more details:
handmadetileassociation.org
32handmadetileassociation.org
Art Tile Mystery Solved...at least partially?
by Joseph A. Taylor
Tile Heritage Foundation
Photos by Karin Kraemer & Michael Padwee
It’s helpful to have tile scholars in our midst, people we can rely on to
answer the unanswerable, to assist in separating myth from reality, to
solve the mysteries of the tile industry...if only partially. Michelle Lee, the
author of The Myth and Magic of Nemadji “Indian” Pottery (Left Hand
Publishing Co., 2004) is one such person. When she says that she’s
“99.9 percent” sure, it’s a safe bet that it’s true!
The Nemadji floor tiles, plain and unglazed, installed in 1928 through-
out the entry of Tower Hall at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth,
are accented with a series of 4x4 decoratively incised tiles depicting a
variety of birds and animals. Although today largely worn from foot traffic over the years, the creatures
with their intricately carved borders do attract attention, mine in particular when I was in Duluth in 2006
and saw the tiles for the first time. Could these art tiles be Nemadji, when we know that Nemadji Tile and
Pottery Company of Moose Lake produced only unglazed floor tiles (and utilitarian pots)? Ms. Lee’s book
says nothing about these tiles, and the information on file at Tile Heritage is devoid of any such reference.
Perhaps the architect, Thomas Ellerbe, pulled them out of a hat? (See tiles at right.)
But then a year ago Michael Padwee, an ardent tile historian in Brooklyn, NY, emailed Tile Heritage with
pictures of these exact same tiles, wanting to know who made them! His were found in the lobby of
Hampton Hall, an apartment building in Pittsburgh, PA designed by architect H.G. Hodgkins in 1928 (see
below). Naturally, we turned to the expert herself, and she responded:
33
“I can say with 99.9 percent accuracy these decorative tiles are
Nemadji. I based that on the fact that several of these small tiles were
excavated at the site of the original Nemadji tile plant in Moose Lake.
There is one of these tiles on dis-
play at the Moose Lake Museum,
and I have one in my personal
collection. Given that they were
used as accents with Nemadji
field tile, I’m confident they too
are Nemadji.”
Mystery solved? Well, perhaps
not fully. We’d like to know who
designed these tiles and who was responsible for initially modeling
them at the Nemadji plant. Could it have been Frank Johnson, co-
owner of the company? We know that Johnson, a ceramic artist, had
a falling out with his partner, C.J. Dodge, and left Nemadji prior to
1929, accepting a teaching position in the art department of a pri-
vate girls’ school in Tarrytown, NY. Could Johnson have designed and
Nemadji in Hampton Hall, Pittsburgh. perhaps modeled these art tiles before he left?
Read more articles on handmade tile at handmadetileassociation.orgQ.
How many tiles are in there
in a square foot?
A.
Size (h x w) Tiles per Sq. Ft.
1” x 1” 144
1” x 2” 72
34 2” x 2” 36
2” x 3” 24
2” x 4” 18
3” x 3” 16
2” x 6” 12
2” x 8” 9
4” x 4” 9
3” x 6” 8
3” x 8” 6
4” x 6” 6
4” x 8” 4.5
8” x 8” 2.25
10” x 10” 1.44
12” x 12” 1handmadetileassociation.org
A popular contemporary approach to ceramic tile
decoration
th e a p p l i c a t i o n o f p h o t o g r a p h y i n c e r a m i c s
by Sheila A. Menzies
Tile Heritage Foundation
There’s been a recent revival and interest in life imagery on clay during the last ten years, and indeed
earlier. Tiles, as well as ceramic sculpture and pottery, are enhanced by the beauty and joyfulness of applied
images and words. There are non-permanent methods that are popular (sublimation), ink or stains on clay
that are not fired on. However, for the purpose of this article, I am only addressing ‘kiln fired’ processes.
One of the major mid-century figures in the research, development and success of photography applied
to ceramics was Walter D. Ford (1906-1988) of Ford Ceramic Arts, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. In 1940 he
presented an extensive paper on the subject that was published by the American Ceramic Society in 1941.*
Some of the processes he finessed were attributed to much earlier work in the UK by Thomas Wedgwood
(1802), Joseph Nicephore Niepce (1827), and the French processes of Du Motay & Marechal as well as A.
Poitevan (undated).
Some aspects discussed in detail in Ford’s paper included a chemical dusting–on process, a carbon
process, photomechanical transfer, relief photo processing, glazing, porcelain cameo production and
translucency. His research and success laid the groundwork for today’s artisans – enhanced by the use of
less laborious, modern technologies from surprisingly simple photo transfers to more complex and beautiful
screening processes.
Another successful, contemporary proponent of the art form is master ceramist, Richard Shaw.** 35
Listed below are multiple resources for further viewing (a how-to video) and reading.
The tile image shown here was reproduced from nature by Laura Brodax, a long time master of the craft.
“Trees in Conversation” by Laura Brodax
“Photographic imagery onto, in this case, porcelain tiles is an effective way of glazing a permanent lasting
material for exterior or interior use. The printing process creates a unique transfer that combines images
and technique with the fluidity and permanence of a glazed and fired surface. Each glaze color is hand-
printed and the clay tile is high-fired.” Laura Brodax.
More images: www.laurabrodax.com
* http://www.tileheritage.org/pdfs/Photography_on_ Ceramic_Walter Ford_ 1941.pdf
** http://www.tileheritage.org/pdfs/Viewpoint_Ceramics_The_Photographic_%20Image.pdf
http://ceramicartsdaily.org/ceramic-supplies/tile resources Marketing
Trebuchet Communications 612-205-5911
Artist Studios
Lecy Campbell 773-882-1084
drumbodentiles.com Media
American Bungalow 888-286-4256
Arts & Crafts Homes
and the Revival 978-283-4721
CLASSES & workshops
Ceramics Industry 847-763-9534
Bloomington Art Center 952-563-8575
Ceramics Monthly 800-342-3594
Bon Ton Designs 612-270-2533 Clay Times 540-882-3576
Edina Art Center 952-903-5780 Houzz 714-913-6286
Mercury Mosaics 612-236-1646 Pottery Making Illustrated 800-340-6532
Mosaic on a Stick, LLC 651-645-6600 Tile Heritage E-news 707-431-8453
Northern Clay Center 612-339-8007 Tile Magazine 818-224-8035
Pewabic Pottery 313-822-0954
Sheryl Tuorila Mosaics 612-423-9197
36
Organizations
Galleries American Swedish Institute 612-871-4907
American Museum of Artisan Tile Northwest 360-331-1295
Ceramic Art 909-865-3146 Ceramic Tile Distributors
Bloomington Art Center 952-563-8575 Association 800-938-2832
Edina Art Center 952-903-5780 Friends of Terra Cotta 212-932-1750
Mosaic on a Stick, LLC 651-645-6600 Handmade Tile Association, LLC 612-781-6409
Northern Clay Center 612-339-8007 Minnesota Historical Society 651-296-8071
Minnesota Mosaic Guild 651-645-6600
Moravian Pottery & Tile Works 215-345-6722
Historic tile resources National Tile Contractors 601-939-2071
American Restoration Tile 501-425-2895 Association
Clay Squared to Infinity 612-781-6409 Potters Council 866-721-3322
North Prairie Tileworks 612-871-3421 Society of Mosaic Artists 724-238-3087
Tile Council of North America 864-646-8453
Tile Heritage Foundation 707-431-8453
Kitchen & Bath designers
Christine Nelson Design 612-750-7821
NKBA 651-699-1050handmadetileassociation.org Shows ATNW Handmade Tile Festival 206-633-4866 Coverings 864-646-8453 Minneapolis-St. Paul Home Tour 612-867-4874 Moravian Pottery & Tile Works 215-348-6098 Silver City Clay Festival 575-538-5560 Tile Books Friends of Terra Cotta 212-932-1750 Tile Heritage Foundation 707-431-8453 tile product suppliers Continental Clay 612-331-9332 37 Mayco Colors 614-675-2018 Minnesota Clay USA 952-884-9101 tile setters Bond Tile & Stone 612-386-4007 Bread & Roses Remodeling 612-824-5993 Hohn & Hohn, Inc. 651-224-8877 Kerber Tile, Marble & Stone 952-445-7392 Tile Fusion 952-367-6500 tile showrooms Clay Squared to Infinity 612-781-6409 North Prairie Tileworks 612-871-3421 Mercury Mosaics 612-236-1646
How to plan for Tile in your home
by Josh Blanc and Carrie Carlson
Clay Squared to Infinity
Step 1 Create the vision of your tile project:
There are hundreds of tile designs, colors and concepts
for you to choose from and the process can sometimes
feel overwhelming. When creating your vision of your tile
project we recommend looking at books, magazines and
the internet. Your local book stores carry a great selection
of magazines and home improvement books. We recom-
mend utilizing the National Kitchen and Bath Association,
Houzz, and the Handmade Tile Association websites. Bring
in clippings of ideas and color schemes you like.
Step 2
Questions to ask yourself:
“What is the style you want to create in the space?” “Do you want to work
with the period of the home i.e. a Bungalow, Arts & Crafts, Victorian, Tudor,
rambler, or contemporary style?” Working in a period will guide your deci-
sion process and help narrow down your choices. “Are you more eclectic
and want to make a piece of art in the space?” If so, working with themes
and color ranges will help you keep on task.
38
Step 3 Time lines:
Order time for tile can average from 2-8 weeks. You will also want to make
sure that you have your tile when your tile installer is scheduled to prevent
extra charges.
Step 4 “Do I need a designer or architect to do my kitchen tile project?”
Designers and architects are people who understand space, design
and color. They typically cost 15% of a project but when you have large
projects their insights and knowledge can save you more than their fees.
Step 6 Electrical and other backsplash obstacles:
Plumbing and electrical Infrastructure can influence placement and design
of your tile project. Electrical outlets are required by code every 4 feet. An
alternative for both the electrical outlets and the light switches is an under
cabinet power strip mounted to the bottom of the cabinets at the back by
the wall. This will totally eliminate any switch plates on your backsplash, or
in a bathroom.handmadetileassociation.org
Q.
What do I use to clean tile?
A.
Make your own cleaner using
environmentally friendly
materials that are safe and
cheap.
1/4 cup white vinegar 39
2 tsp. borax
3 1/2 cups hot water
20 drops of essential oil
Example lavender or lemon
1/4 cup liquid dish soap
In a 32-oz spray bottle, mix
the vinegar, borax and water
thoroughly. Add essential oil if
desired.
Add the dish soap last.40
Follow the HTA Q.
Tile News What color grout should I use?
Sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter
Daily Info
Daily posts on Facebook
A.
Opportunities Traditionally a cement grey
color has been used since
Visit our LinkedIn page the Roman era.
handmadetileassociation.org
41tile setters
42
Q.
How much extra tile
should I order for
my project?
A.
10% to 15%
is standard.handmadetileassociation.org
4344
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