I thought it would be fun to document the process of creating a tile picture so I took photos of the work I did on the sunflower tiles. The first step is to start with a clean bisque tile. Draw your design onto the tile lightly with a pencil. The lead will disappear during firing. In this case I am working from a photograph.
I mix my glazes like paint to achieve the colors I desire. Since glaze does not look like the final fired colors they will become, you have to be aware of the fired color they will achieve, and that comes with practice.
Three coats are needed to achieve a deep rich color. Each coat must dry before the next is added. I decided to take some artistic license and make the vase blue, as well as changing the flowers and vegetables a bit.
When you are satisfied with the final design, and it is completely dry, it is time to do three coats of overglaze. The overglaze will look opaque, and completely cover the design under it. Once all three coats are dry, the tiles can be fired.
See this tile picture in the next post for the final fired results!
This 2-tile (6" tiles) picture is available loose or mounted, ready to frame.
A four-tile (all 6" tiles) picture also ready for mounting and framing, or embedding in a counter-top or wall.
This is a 6" old fashioned rose inspired by Mary Lena's Rose...see my blog "A Colorful World" and check the archives. This was one of the tiles I recently sold, but it can be recreated (in any color).
I began my artistic endeavors in the 60's, working in oils, and I still love that medium. However, a love for beautiful ceramics pieces, including Aesthetic, Delft and Arts and Crafts style tiles prompted me to seek instruction in 2003 in various glazing techniques from a prominent ceramic artist in Texas . Since that time my passion for creating beautiful hand-painted glazes on tile has developed into a business. The following examples of my work are available for purchase either as a group of loose tiles suitable for installation as bathroom or kitchen backsplashes, countertops and borders or as a focal point behind a stove. Or these tile pictures will be purchased mounted on board, grouted, and can be professionally framed, for hanging on any wall in your home. [a few I have in stock are already framed] The tilework is not suitable for outdoor installation or use, but will withstand normal cleaning with soap or mild detergent, and the humidity generated in a bathroom environment or behind a stove. They are completely glazed stoneware. All glaze colors and artistic renditions of subjects will be slightly different as each tile is hand-done by me before firing, but I make every effort to recreate what is shown in the photograph as closely as humanly possible. If you wish for any color changes from what is shown, reasonable requests will be honored, but the shipping time will be increased by three weeks (or four weeks for large orders) to allow for the personal attention your tiles will need. Tiles are pre-manufactured and will easily "match" mass-produced tiles. They are either approximately 4" or approximately 6", and will be specified in the description. All work is completely guaranteed to your satisfaction.
My email address is bluelotustile@gmail.com. Email me and I will respond, but you can also leave me a message here so I will know to look for your email. Thanks! I have Paypal and payments can be made in that way.
A two-tile picture, mounted and ready for framing (you choose your own frame) is $64. A three-tile picture mounted in the same way is $92.
All 4" loose tiles are $19. All 6" loose tiles are $24.
Spring Jonquils tiles picture, already framed, is $80. The Marsh tile picture, already framed, is $134.
I ship using USPS. Shipping and handling fees for the USA are as follows (and includes the insurance):
Four-inch tiles $4.--add $2. for each additional tile. Six-inch tiles $5.--add $3. for each additional tile. For tile pictures, mounted and ready for framing, charge is as if the tiles were loose, adding an overall $5. charge to cover the added weight of the mounting for all two-tile or three-tile pictures. Anything with more than three tiles, add a $10. overall fee for the added weight of the mounting.
Special shipping arrangements can be made for anyone with an unusually large order. For any tile in stock, shipping can be accomplished within 5 business days of a paid order. For anything that has to be accomplished after the order is made, add an additional three weeks. For especially large orders allow three to five weeks from the order date.
About Me
The Tile Lady
My name is Marie. My birthplace was in Alabama, but I was raised in a Navy family and we moved a lot. Later, my husband and I saw many different homes across the states, with his tours in the Army and then the Air Force. We are Christians and have a wonderful family. My husband of 40-plus years is my best friend, and we have a wonderful daughter and an adorable grandson. I am a writer, painter and tile artist. I also love to quilt!