I can't believe it.

I can't believe it!

I sent this mural only a few days ago to my client in Virginia.  

It's already installed.  And what a beautiful job.

 I love the way the subway tiles are laid on an angle. 

I am so pleased that I received this picture. 
I seldom see my tiles once they are  sent off. 



I can't believe it.

I have walked past this corner of my garden and didn't notice that my Hellebore have sent out a few tentative blossoms.  

It's been warmer than usual.  We have not had a winter,  nor have we had much snow.  

Maybe it will rain come Spring.

Have a wonderful weekend dear friends.  

Gina

Craquelure

Often used by Forgers of Old Master Paintings.

The technique of craquelure  gives new ceramic tile a deliberate and fine pattern of dense cracking. 

It begins with a plain, once fired,  bisque  tile. 

The design is then outlined with Delft blue pigments and colored powder pigments are added.  

At this point I can decide if I want to add a glaze (pink in the picture) which will crackle the tile during the firing process.  Or I can add a glaze which will fuse the color pigments with the glaze to produce the typical hand painted ceramic appearance. 

 My client has chosen a Craquelure finish for her kitchen tiles.  

I have applied three coats of special crackle glaze and fired the tiles  to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.  This is how they look when they come out of the kiln.  You can barely see the crazing.  

Tiles are now treated with a mixture of sepia brown and black India Ink.  The tiles are wiped clean.  

The craquelure  is permanent.  The process of crackling continues for a few more days giving off little cracking sounds and reminding me that they are ready to be sent off to their new home.  

I'm already working on a new project.  A large mural for a kitchen backsplash which features a design from a roll of William Morris wallpaper called "Fruit".  

Wishing you a joyful week, 

Gina