HANDMADE TILE ASSOCIATION

G UID E TO HAN D MAD E TILE A N D MOSA IC A R TIST S

2016 Directory

Fr e e
 HANDMADE TILE ASSOCIATION, LLC
Welcome to the Handmade Tile Association’s 17th 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 applications, Discover American Art Tile
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 Sponsors:
BOARD MEMBERS
Josh Blanc, President
Jan Hohn 3
Joe Kerber

DIRECTORY PRODUCTION
Handmade Tile Association, Publisher
Josh Blanc, Editor & Designer
Chris Madsen, Copy Editor
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.

©2016 Handmade Tile Association, LLC
All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission of the copyright holder(s) is prohibited.
4
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission Statement 3
Member Support 9–10
Tile Artists’ Index 11
Tile Heritage Foundation
The Handmade Spanish Tile and Digitized Photo Library
Mudejar Architecture Private Collection
by Arpi Nalbandian
Tileometry 12
ABOUT THE COVER
Calendar 13 The tiles pictured above are embossed
art tiles designed by Herman Mueller and
The Hamm Legacy in St. Paul produced by the American Encaustic Tiling
by Joseph A. Taylor Company in Zanesville, Ohio; they date to
Tile Heritage Foundation 14 the 1890s. The four featured tiles are
part of a ten-tile panel of 6x6s (#487),
Tile Artists 15–29 measuring 12 x 30 inches. These are
dust-pressed, white-bodied tiles made from
5
metal molds under intense mechanically
Historic Tile Discovery Gives Math World
applied pressure and then colored with
a Big Jolt. It’s The First Such Find in 30 translucent glazes that accentuate the
Years relief. Panels of this kind were designed for
Shared by Sheila Menzies residential use on walls and were either
installed or framed and hung in the home
Tile Heritage Foundation 31 as a painting or photograph would be. The
company itself, American Encaustic, was
founded in 1875 and within 50 years was
one of the largest tile manufacturers in
Tile Resources 32–33 the world. However, production ended in
1935 due to financial strains brought on
How to Plan Your Fireplace Tile by the Great Depression.
by Josh Blanc and Carrie Carlson
Clay Squared to Infinity, LLC 34
Tile Setters 36
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7
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 HTA MEMBER SUPPORT
SUPER FRIENDS
Argenta Mosaics, Artisan Tile Northwest, Artistry,
Bantam Tileworks, Barbara Skan, Christine Nelson
Design, Clay Squared to Infinity, LLC, Clay Times,
Continental Clay, CrackledUp, Edina Art Center,
Euro Marble and Tile, Friends of Terra Cotta, Hohn
& Hohn, Inc, Jayy Reese, Jeanie Daves Pottery,
Kathleen Mellin Grubbs, LLC, Kelly Schwanitz, La
Alameda Press, Lea-Way Designs, LLC, Minneapolis
Home Tour, Moravian Pottery and Tile Works,
National Kitchen and Bathroom MN Chapter,
National Tile Contractors Association, North Prairie
Tile, Inc, Northern Clay Center, Re.Be.Do., Society
of Mosaic Artists, Status Ceramics, Silver City
Clay Festival, Sligo Creek Tile, SoMi Tileworks, Tile
Council of North America, Tile Heritage Foundation,
Tileometry, Timeless Tiles, Tortuga Tileworks, Twin
Cities Bungalow Club, Weaver Tile, Whistling Frog
Tile Company

BUSINESS
Alma Artisan, Barbara Schmidt, Belvedere Art Tile,
Ltd, Bon Ton Designs, Bosetti Art Tile, Ceramic
Chinn, Deb LeAir, Drumboden Tiles, Edie Karras
9
Arts, Forbush ARTiques, Foster Willey, Fusion Tile,
Inc, Gooseneck Designs, Hot Flashes, House on
the Hill, Janeway Studio, Kerber Tile, Martin’s Tile
and Stone, Michael Wirth, Mosaic on a Stick, LLC,
Native Tile & Ceramics, Paddy Wrob Studio, Pratt
& Larson Ceramics, Rocky Canyon Tileworks, Sheryl
Tuorila, Sight Line Tile, SJ Studios, LLC, Sikiu Clay
Designs, Silkpaint Products, Stephanie Kaczrowski,
Stone Hollow Tile, Syzygy Tileworks, Terra Fina Clay
Studio, Theresa Mustafa Tileworks, LLC, Tile Fusion,
Tile Restoration Center, Tiles from Away, Wickwire
Clay Works, Woodland Stoves & Fireplaces

FRIENDS
Caron Bell, Chris Madsen, Constance Bergum
Designs, Deb Daniel, Debra Kress, Joanne Sher,
Joseph Lundgren Cunsulting, Kathy Adamek,
Linden Hills Pottery, Norma Hanlon, Potek Glass,
Sandra Shaughnessy, Stewart Pottery, Teresa
Kofodimos, Tesserae

SPECIAL THANKS
To the many artists, businesses, galleries,
individuals, museums, organizations and families
who helped with this directory.
Send registration form and check to:
Handmade Tile Association, LLC
34 Thirteenth Ave. NE
Suite 109
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Make enclosed check payable to:
Handmade Tile Association
Your membership and assistance
are greatly appreciated!
Select your membership
c $25 Friend Membership
c $35 Business Membership
10% off advertising rates
c $50 Super Friend Membership
15% off advertising rates
www.handmadetileassociation.org — 612-781-6409 — info@handmadetileassociation.org
HTA Membership Registration Form
Name ______________________________________________________________________________
Company Name ____________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________
City _____________________________________________ State _________ Zip ______________
E-mail _______________________________________________________________________________
Web Site ___________________________________________________________________________
Phone ______________________________________ Fax __________________________________
c I would like advertising rates sent to me.
c I would like information on being a sponsor.
c I would like to volunteer for the organization.

10
 TILE ARTISTS BY PAGE
Alma Artisan / Tina Schowalter 15 Tortuga Tile Works / LuRu 28

Argenta Mosaics / Christine Slocomb 16 Weaver Tile /Scott Weaver 28

B.A. Schmidt Arts & Enterprises, Inc / Wickwire Clay Works / Melissa Wickwire 29
Barbara Schmidt 16

Bantam Tileworks / Darin Ronning &

Travis Messinger 17

Bevedere Art Tile, LTD / Susan Martin Serra 17

Bon Ton Designs, LLC / Mary Anderson 18

Bosetti Art Tile / Marina Bosetti 18

Ceramic Chinn / Alex Chinn 19

Clay Squared to Infinity, LLC / Josh Blanc 19

Deb LeAir Ceramics 20

Drumboden Tiles / Lecy Campbell 20

11
Fire Creek Clay / Dana Hidby 21

House on the Hill Studio / Martha Coursey 21

La Alameda Press / Cirrelda Snider-Bryan 22

Mercury Mosaics & Tile, Inc/Mercedes Austin 22

Native Tile & Ceramics / Diana Mausser 23

North Prairie Tileworks, Inc. / Roger Mayland 23

Pratt & Larson Ceramics 24

Re.Be.Do. / Micah Waalen 24

Sight Line Tile / Amy Baur & Brian Boldon 25

SoMi Tileworks / Kirsten Walstead 25

Stephanie Kaczrowski 26

Stone Hollow Tile / Wendy Penta 26

Suzanne Crane Fine Stoneware 27

Syzygy Tile / Lee Gruber & David del Junco 27

 THE HANDMADE SPANISH TILE AND MUDEJAR ARCHITECTURE
By Arpi Nalbandian,
Tileometry
Photos by Arpi Nalbandian.

Handmade ceramic tile use throughout Spain is prolific. Not only can it be
seen on the floors and walls of Aragonese countryside homes, but these
hand-crafted tiles also played an integral role in the everyday life and
function of many embellished palatial royal dwellings.

ZARAGOZA
Located on the banks of the Ebro River, Zaragoza is best known for hosting
Expo Zaragoza in 2008, an event that served to showcase the city’s
commitment to water conservation and sustainable practices. Obviously, the
benefits and long-lasting sustainable aspects of handmade ceramic tile and
terracotta also played an integral role during this event.
La Seo del Salvador features
elaborate Mudéjar handmade brick
However, the true highlights of Zaragoza lay and ceramic pieces that make up the
beyond a pedestrian bridge in the historical north wall of the cathedral.
part of the city. Walking through the Plaza de la Seo in Zaragoza, one
notices two basilicas: the Cathedral of San Salvador (La Seo del Salvador);
and Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. Without a doubt, handmade
ceramic tile played an aesthetic and architectural role with both these
structures. The vibrant tiles in hues of blue, green and yellow are as
energetic as when they were first carefully applied to the exteriors of
12 these structures.

Handmade tiles from within Aljaferia
Palace, once home to King Ferdinand
and Queen Isabella of Spain, embellish
the floors and walls of this historical site.
Currently, it serves as home to Aragon’s
regional parliament.
TERUEL
Teruel (a World Heritage city designated by UNESCO) is a center for Madejar
(Moorish) art, a style influenced by Islamic tradition and more contemporary
European architectural styles. The fortress-like city is characterized by
extensive use of brick and hand-glazed tiles within its architecture.
Built on high ground in the south of Aragon, Teruel preserves a medieval
legacy within its historic center. The cathedral tower, along with those of San
Salvador, San Martin and San Pedro, are the jewels of this group of Madejar
monuments.

According to UNESCO, Mudejar art in the Aragon region developed as a result

of the Christian reconquest in the early 12th century. Following a series
of campaigns to recapture territory from the Moors, such as in Spain and
Portugal, Christians of the region allowed the Moors to remain on the recon-
quered territories, going so far as to allow the Moors to keep their own culture
and religion, and most importantly, their expression of art. Because of the sym-
biotic relationship, Mudejar art and architecture flourished.

I hope you enjoyed this brief sprint through Spain, a country that I look forward Example of Madejar handmade, hand-
glazed ceramic tile creations.
to exploring many more times throughout my life!

Read more articles on handmade tile at handmadetileassociation.org

 2016 CALENDAR

2016 CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES

NATIONAL TILE EVENTS
February 19 -21
The Grove Park Inn Arts & Crafts
Conference
Asheville, North Carolina
arts-craftsconference.com
April 4- 8
American Mosaic Summit
San Diego, California
americanmosaics.org
April 18 - 21
Coverings
Chicago, Illinois
coverings.com
April 30 - May 1
Minneapolis/St. Paul Home Tour
Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota
MspHomeTour.com
May 16-17
Moravian Tile Festival
Doylestown, Pennsylvania
visitbuckscounty.org/events
May 20 - 22
Art-A-Whirl
Minneapolis, Minnesota
nemaa.org/art-a-whirl
July 25 - 31
Silver City Clay Festival
Silver City, New Mexico
clayfestival.com
Early November
Artisan Tile Northwest Tile
Festival
Seattle, Washington
artisantilenw.org
September 1
Start of 2017 Handmade Tile Association Directory
drive. RSVP your place in the 2017 directory.
Contact us at info@handmadetileassociation.org
October 15
Last day to RSVP for 2017 HTA Directory advertising,
to avoid $35 late fee: October 15 2016.
The drop dead advertising deadline for 2017 HTA
Directory: October 31.
November 15 & 16
Proofing party for 2017 HTA Directory. Cookies will be
served!
COMMUNICATIONS 13
Newsletter
The newsletter goes out by e-mail at the beginning of
each month. Please submit news by the 25th to be
considered for the newsletter.
Spotlight on Artists
In the middle of each month, members receive a special
e-newsletter that features two or more artists from the
directory. The articles explore their newest works and
include active links to learn more.
Social Media
The Handmade Tile Association uses Facebook and
LinkedIn to communicate with members and interested
parties. Please send us your newest images of projects,
interesting tile facts and events so we can promote you
in the world of handmade tile.
 THE HAMM LEGACY IN ST. PAUL
By Joseph A. Taylor
Tile Heritage Foundation

According to legend Theodore Hamm, a butcher by

trade who emigrated to the U.S. from Germany in
1854, partnered with his friend, Andrew Keller, in
a startup brewery in St. Paul, Minnesota and then
staked all of his money on Keller, who left in the
early 1860s to seek his fortune in California, leaving
Hamm in charge of the brewery.
“Pulsichrome” from the American Terra Cotta & Ceramic Co..

Upon Keller’s untimely death in 1865, Hamm lost a friend and everything he’d invested, yet now had an
operating brewery to support his wife and three children. He named the brewery the Theodore Hamm
Brewing Company. The popularity of Hamm’s brew was truly astonishing. Within 10 years production had
increased from 500 barrels a year to 5000, then by 1882 to 26,000 barrels! Hamm worked side by side
with his eldest son William, who assumed the reins at the brewery after his father’s death in 1903. By this
time Hamm’s beer had a national reputation.

The city of St. Paul, the state’s capital, had grown into a major mid-western metropolis by the turn of the
last century. In 1914 a group of investors began construction of a major downtown department store at
the corner of St. Peter and Sixth streets, but once the huge steel skeleton was mounted, progress gradually
stalled as the United States became increasingly involved in World War I.
14
At the end of the war William Hamm saw an
opportunity and purchased the abandoned project,
hired local engineers and architects, Toltz, King &
Day, who in turn chose the American Terra Cotta &
Ceramic Company of Terra Cotta, Illinois to provide
the decorative cladding for the entire six stories
above ground as well as the main lobby.
The “pulsichrome” finish, with its subtle color varia-
tion adding visual attraction to the building’s
surface, coupled with the repetitive sculptural
features, resulted in an architectural marvel, the
perfect location for the executive offices of Hamm’s
Brewery.

* Wikipedia: Hamm’s Brewery

The Hamm Building, St. Peter and 6th streets, St. Paul, Minn.
* Berry III, G.A. and Darling, Common Clay: A History
Photos by Joseph Taylor. of American Terra Cotta Corporation 1881-1966.

Read more articles on handmade tile at handmadetileassociation.org

 How to use this directory
The Handmade Tile Association Directory is designed to be a source of 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!

15
I’m interested in creating a “spa feel”
with my ceramic medallions. I want
to bring comfort, luxury, and timeless
beauty to the spaces we enjoy most.
I roll and shape each piece of clay
individually by hand, fire, and then
arrange them into concentric circles.
It is a meditative process which I
enjoy very much. Each one-of-a-kind
medallion can be used with stone or
ceramic tiles of your choice to create
a beautiful focal point in your project.

ALMA ARTISAN
ALMA ARTISAN
Tina Schowalter
S1415 State Road 37
Alma, WI 54610
608-685-2562
AlmaArtisan.com
etsy.com/shop/AlmaArtisan
ARGENTA MOSAICS ARGENTA MOSAICS
Christine Slocomb
Atlanta, Georgia
argentamosaics.com
cslocomb@argentamosaics.com
404-951-4284

Argenta Mosaics creates focal point

murals, tiles and sinks using a variety
of materials to complement any
environment. Murals, glass and stone
tiles, mosaic sinks and happy clients
are my specialty.
Collaboration with clients to achieve
their vision is my focus. I have over
20 years experience as a mosaic
artist, both teaching and creating. I
am always ready to incorporate your
ideas and materials to make a work
of art that is uniquely you. Please visit
my website or call me directly for
more information.

16
B.A. Schmidt Arts creates unique,
handmade, porcelain tiles inspired by
nature, classic children’s illustration
and the Arts & Crafts movement.
Every tile is handcrafted by Barbara
B.A. SCHMIDT ARTS & ENTERPRISES

Schmidt. They are perfect for a

kitchen or bath or around a fireplace.
They are also available as gifts in
handmade quartersawn oak frames.

Shown here are two 4” x 8” Swan tiles

inspired by an 1875 wallpaper design
by Walter Crane.

B.A. SCHMIDT ARTS

& ENTERPRISES, INC.
Barbara Schmidt
128 Lincolnwood Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-432-5679
barbara@baschmidtartstiles.com
baschmidtarts.com
facebook.com/BASchmidtArts
 BANTAM TILEWORKS

BANTAM TILEWORKS
Darin Ronning & Travis Messinger
816 Bantam Road
860-361-9306
bantamtileworks.com
The Bantam Tileworks concept first
came to Darin while visiting the
Metropolitan Museum of Art when
a friend suggested that he put his
nose up close to the glass of a
Louis Comfort Tiffany fountain. Darin
quickly realized how many layers of
color were visible in the glass. It was
something he knew he wanted to try
to replicate in ceramics.
For over a year he and Travis worked
with up to 8,000 colors, combining
them to create multi-layered depth to
the glaze. Through trial and error they
narrowed the options down to 100 of
the most eye-catching combinations
for the current, and ever-evolving,
Bantam Tileworks’ palette.

17
Belvedere Art Tile combines many
years of experience and a resolve
for continued artistic growth to
bring innovation and freshness to
their design collection. No project is
too small. Belvedere offers in-house
designs and specializes in complex,
custom artworks for clients wishing
to create extraordinary environments
of timeless beauty and artistic
excellence.

BELVEDERE ART TILE, LTD

BELVEDERE ART TILE, LTD
Susan Martin Serra
PO Box 177
Chromo, CO 81128
970-264-0642 or 970-799-2559
claypainter@hotmail.com
belvedereceramicarts.com
BON TON DESIGNS, LLC BON TON DESIGNS, LLC
Mary Anderson
1355 Oregon Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55427
612-270-2533
bontondesigns.com
Showroom by Appointment
At Bon Ton we are all about custom
handmade tile. We are inspired by the
environment around us and strive to
incorporate your vision into ceramic
works of art. Owner/Artist Mary
Anderson will work with you to create
your personal vision in tile.
Our focus is on creating the industry’s
most beautiful backsplashes, fireplace
surrounds, bathrooms, murals and
feature walls. Our projects include
both residential and commercial
applications.
We offer traditional and Arts & Crafts
designs and enjoy pushing the envelope
with a unique and modern flair.

18
Marina Bosetti uses the ancient
technique of “cuerda seca,” a
cloisonné-inspired method that mimics
the look of mosaic, to create tiles with
rich ceramic glazes and an intriguing,
touchable texture. Her work is inspired
by the Arts & Crafts Movement which
emphasizes simplicity and explores
themes found in nature, as well as
medieval, romantic, and folk styles.
Marina has created tiles for kitchens,
bathrooms, fireplace surrounds,
and wall art, among other works.
She would love to create something
beautiful for you!
BOSETTI ART TILE

BOSETTI ART TILE

Marina Bosetti
Raleigh, NC 27603
919-414-8950
BosettiArtTile.com
marina@bosettiarttile.com
facebook.com/BosettiArtTile
 CERAMIC CHINN

CERAMIC CHINN
Alex Chinn
St. Paul, MN 55105
651-699-0271
ceramicchinn@gmail.com
ceramicchinn.com
facebook.com/pages/Ceramic-
Chinn

Ceramic Chinn makes hand-carved

tiles with images or patterns derived
from nature. Frost-hardy terracotta 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.

19
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

CLAY SQUARED TO INFINITY, LLC

tiles, mosaics and switch plates.
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, LLC

Josh Blanc
34 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-781-6409
claysquared.com
DEB LEAIR CERAMICS DEB LEAIR CERAMICS
651-226-5989
debleair@yahoo.com
debleair.com

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. All
installations are sealed for durability.
Call or email for a show schedule,
for gallery information or for a studio
appointment.

20
Drumboden Tiles is a small artisan
studio specializing in handcrafted
ceramic relief tile. Each stoneware
tile is a unique piece of functional art.
Custom commissions are welcome
and design services are available. For
more information, see our website,
www.drumbodentiles.com, or check us
out on Pinterest and Facebook.

DRUMBODEN TILES
DRUMBODEN TILES

Lecy Campbell
112 Barberry Road, #28
Johnson City, TN 37604
773-882-1084 cell
lecycampbell@hotmail.com
drumbodentiles.com
pinterest.com/DrumbodenTiles
facebook.com/DrumbodenTiles
 FIRE CREEK CLAY

FIRE CREEK CLAY

Dana Higby
Meridian, ID
208-941-7460
dana@firecreekclay.com
firecreekclay.com

The craftsmanship of these ceramic

tiles are done by the work of one
artist in a small home studio. Each
step of this process is overseen
with care to produce only top quality
ceramic tiles that will last a lifetime.
Fire Creek Clay creates tiles that work
beautifully with stone or commercial
tiles for any installation in your home.
Visit Fire Creek Clay’s website to
view the variety of tiles available.
Customization is welcomed.

21
Martha Coursey has been handpainting
ceramic tiles for more than 30 years
for homes, resorts, restaurants and
tile distributor showrooms.
Stock backgrounds: handmade or
commercial grade tile, tumbled marble
or stock you supply. White, beige or
bisque backgrounds: standard or
crackled.

HOUSE ON THE HILL STUDIO

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.com
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/Cirrelda

On my website are images of the

“Garden Companions” tile series,
illustrations of animals in our yards.
Also available are house numbers,
Chinese New Year and fruit and
flower tiles, organized by category.

Hand-rolled slabs are pressed into

handmade “imprint” tiles, which are
then glazed individually. These cone
5-fired tiles come with or without
screw holes, whichever you need.

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, also for 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!
MERCURY 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.com
 NATIVE TILE & CERAMICS

NATIVE TILE & CERAMICS

Diana Mausser
2317 Border Ave
Torrance, CA 90501
310-533-8684
nativetile.com

As we approach our 25th anniversary

we reflect back on our humble
beginnings with pride and nostalgia.
We realize with gratitude that our
history of growth and development
includes part of the history of the
lives of those who work here as well.
Our dedication to harnessing the ever
technical and fickle ceramics process
has never wavered. The experience we
have gained has resulted in a product
of beauty and quality. We look forward
to refining our unique style in this next
chapter. Stay Tuned....

23
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,

NORTH PRAIRIE TILEWORKS, INC .

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, Cannon Falls
and Pine City libraries, NJ Route 36
bridges, Signet Society at Harvard
and at the American Swedish
Institute’s Nelson Cultural Center.
NORTH PRAIRIE TILEWORKS, INC.
Roger L. Mayland
2845 Harriet Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-871-3421
handmadetile.com
PRATT & LARSON CERAMICS PRATT & LARSON CERAMICS
1201 SE 3rd Ave
Portland, Oregon 97214
503-231-9464
info@prattandlarson.com
prattandlarson.com

In 1982 Oregon artists Michael

Pratt and Reta Larson started
Pratt & Larson Ceramics. From the
beginning, the emphasis has been
on creativity, originality, and quality.
Our tile catalog contains thousands
of sizes, shapes, mosaics, textures,
decorative designs and moldings
in styles ranging from traditional
to contemporary. Any tile may be
ordered in any of our 300 glaze
colors. Custom color matching is also
available. Bring the artistic beauty of
Pratt & Larson’s handmade ceramic
tile to your next project.

24
hand made
hand glazed
custom
photo realism
murals
installation
tile innovation

RE.BE.DO.
Micah Waalen
15561, 241st Street
RE.BE.DO.

Cold Spring, MN 56320

320-247-3359
rebedocommunity@gmail.com
rebedocreates.com
 SIGHT LINE TILE

SIGHT LINE TILE

Amy Baur & Brian Boldon
681 17th Ave NE, Studio 121
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-788-9301
info@sightlinetile.com
sightlinetile.com
Our aesthetic: clean, modern, fresh.
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.
This year we developed small works of
glass that stand in relief, off the wall.
Visit our studio inside the Casket
Arts Building to see what sort of
combination best defines the space
around you.
Great indoors or out. See what Sightline
Tile can create for your bath, kitchen,
or fireplace surround.

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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.

Completion time: 3–4 weeks.

SOMI TILEWORKS
SOMI TILEWORKS
Kirsten Walstead
Studio & Showroom:
Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson St NE, Studio 185
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-964-6551
kirsten@somitileworks.com
somitileworks.com
STEPHANIE KACZROWSKI STEPHANIE KACZROWSKI
7933 Idaho Ave N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
763-560-2922

Specialty: I buy glazed, commercial

wall and floor tile, then hand-stencil
designs with china paint, before
firing 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.
Application: My tiles are suitable for
interior walls, floors, countertops and
backsplashes. They have been used in
showers, fireplace surrounds and as
framed artwork.

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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. New
are “applied clay” tiles that add 3-D
dimension to one-of-a-kind art tiles.
For a complete catalog of relief
designs, one-of-a-kind tiles and tiles
ready to ship, visit her website.
STONE HOLLOW TILE

STONE HOLLOW TILE

Wendy Penta
8532 Edison Street NE
Blaine, MN 55449
763-786-9102
wendy@stonehollowtile.com
stonehollowtile.com
 SUZANNE CRANE

SUZANNE CRANE FINE STONEWARE

FINE STONEWARE
Suzanne Crane
4225 Earlysville Rd
Earlysville, VA 22936
434-973-7943
sue@suzannecrane.com
suzannecrane.com
Suzanne and Matthew Crane
make their Arts & Crafts-inspired,
handmade, stoneware tiles, tiled
furniture and pottery at their studio
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.

27
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.

SYZYGY TILE
SYZ YGY TILE

106 North Bullard Street

Silver City, NM 88061
575-388-5472
info@syzygytile.com
syzygytile.com
TORTUGA TILE WORKS TORTUGA TILE WORKS
2602 McKinley Street
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-593-9055
luru@tortugatileworks.com
tortugatileworks.com
facebook.com/tortugatileworks

Tortuga Tile Works specializes in non-

traditional themed, custom tile projects.
Artist LuRu captures the imagination
of her clients to create unique works of
art for customers’ homes. From
Mid-century sci-fi to graffiti subway tiles,
Tortuga fits your style.
Tiles are sculpted and reproduced by
hand, using press molds. The shape
and depth of the sculptural tiles vary.
All tiles are hand-glazed.
Choose from the hundreds of tiles
already in production or have LuRu
create a new design for you.

28
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.com
WICKWIRE CLAY WORKS

WICKWIRE CLAY WORKS

Melissa Wickwire
PO Box 702/301 First Ave. West
Grand Marais, MN 55604
218-370-1474
melissawickwire@gmail.com
wickwireclayworks.com

Wickwire Clay Works creates ceramic

tile for art lovers who crave connection
with their surroundings. Each tile is
handcrafted in Melissa Wickwire’s
small studio on the North Shore of
Lake Superior. Nature, tradition
and contemporary concepts inspire
function, simplicity and surprise. Collect
stoneware tiles one at a time or
collaborate on a custom commercial or
residential installation. Wickwire Clay
Works: “Tile made by a human.”

29
 RESOURCES

3030
 HANDMADETILEASSOCIATION.ORG
HISTORIC TILE DISCOVERY GIVES MATH WORLD A BIG JOLT
IT’S THE FIRST SUCH FIND IN 30 YEARS
Shared by Sheila Menzies of Tile Heritage Foundation.

Derived from text written by David Freeman, Senior Science Editor, The Huffington Post.

A team of mathematicians has wowed the math

world with their discovery of a new kind of
pentagon capable of “tiling a plane”-- that is,
identical pieces fitting together on a flat surface
without overlapping or leaving any gaps.

It’s said to be only the fifteenth such pentagon

ever found and the first new one to be found in
30 years. Finding one is a bit like discovering a
new atomic particle, Dr. Casey Mann, associate
professor of mathematics at the University of
Washington in Bothell and a member of the team,
said in a written statement.

Image courtesy of Dr. Casey Mann, The team made the find with the help of a
University of Washington - Bothwell, WA computer program designed just for the purpose.
In addition to Mann, the team includes Dr. Jennifer McLoud-Mann, who is also an associate professor
of math at the University, and David Von Derau, a recent graduate of the University. 3131
Along with suggesting a new way to tile a bathroom or kitchen floor, Mann said the discovery could
lead to advances in chemistry and structural design, specifically in the study of crystals and in the
emerging field of self-assembly, in which scientists aim to create structures that come together all on
their own as a result of their shapes and other properties.

Of course, tiling patterns (also known as tessellations) hold significant aesthetic appeal for tile
makers, designers and for mathematicians.

Dr. Steven Strogatz, a mathematician at Cornell University, called the new discovery “cool” and
pointed out that tessellations also show up in quilts, wallpaper designs, and honeycombs as well as
Escher woodcuts and buildings like the Alhambra.

The discovery adds to a curious set of facts about tessellations and convex polygons (conventional
ones with outward-pointing corners). Mathematicians have proven that no convex polygons with more
than six sides can tile a plane, according to Mann. All triangles and quadrilaterals can, as can three
kinds of hexagon. It’s clear that regular pentagons (those with equal sides and angles) cannot tile a
plane; as for how many kinds of irregular pentagons can, Dr. Mann said no one knows for sure.

Full story posted: 08/19/2015 12:05 PM EDT | Edited: 08/20/2015 07:09 AM EDT

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/historic-tile-discovery-gives-math-world-a-big-
jolt_55d3e39ce4b07addcb4495ba

Read more articles on handmade tile at handmadetileassociation.org

 TILE RESOURCES
ARTISTS MARKETING
Forbush ARTiques 641-856-6042 Trebuchet Communications 612-205-5911

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS MEDIA

Artistry 952-563-8575 American Bungalow 888-286-4256
Bon Ton Designs 612-270-2533 Arts & Crafts Homes
and the Revival 978-283-4721
Edina Art Center 952-903-5780
Ceramics Industry 847-763-9534
Mercury Mosaics 612-236-1646
Ceramics Monthly 800-342-3594
Mosaic on a Stick, LLC 651-645-6600
Clay Times 540-882-3576
Northern Clay Center 612-339-8007
Houzz 714-913-6286
Pewabic 313-822-0954
Pottery Making Illustrated 800-340-6532
Sheryl Tuorila Mosaics 612-423-9197
Tile Heritage E-news 707-431-8453
Tile Magazine 818-224-8035
32
GALLERIES
American Museum of
Ceramic Art 909-865-3146
ORGANIZATIONS
Bloomington Art Center 952-563-8575
American Swedish Institute 612-871-4907
Edina Art Center 952-903-5780
Artisan Tile Northwest 360-331-1295
Mosaic on a Stick, LLC 651-645-6600
Ceramic Tile Distributors
Northern Clay Center 612-339-8007 Association 800-938-2832
Friends of Terra Cotta 212-932-1750
Handmade Tile Association, LLC 612-781-6409
HISTORIC TILE RESOURCES Minnesota Historical Society 651-296-8071
American Restoration Tile 501-425-2895 Minnesota Mosaic Guild 651-645-6600
Clay Squared to Infinity, LLC 612-781-6409 Moravian Pottery & Tile Works 215-345-6722
North Prairie Tileworks 612-871-3421 National Tile Contractors 601-939-2071
Association
Potters Council 866-721-3322
KITCHEN & BATH DESIGNERS Society of Mosaic Artists 724-238-3087
NKBA 651-699-1050 Tile Council of North America 864-646-8453
Natural Built Home 612-605-7999 Tile Heritage Foundation 707-431-8453
 HANDMADETILEASSOCIATION.ORG

SHOWS
ATNW Handmade Tile Festival 206-633-4866

Want to advertise
Coverings 864-646-8453
Grove Park Inn Arts & Crafts Conference
828-628-1915
Minneapolis-St. Paul Home Tour 612-867-4874
Moravian Pottery & Tile Works 215-348-6098 in the
Silver City Clay Festival 575-538-5560
American Mosaic Summit 724-238-3087
Handmade Tile Association
TILE BOOKS 18th Annual Directory?
Friends of Terra Cotta 212-932-1750
Tile Heritage Foundation 707-431-8453

33
TILE PRODUCT SUPPLIERS

Deadline
Continental Clay 612-331-9332
Mayco Colors 614-675-2018
Minnesota Clay USA 952-884-9101

TILE SETTERS
October, 15 2016 th

Hohn & Hohn, Inc. 651-224-8877

Kerber Tile, Marble & Stone 952-445-7392

TILE SHOWROOMS
612-781-6409
Clay Squared to Infinity, LLC 612-781-6409
North Prairie Tileworks 612-871-3421 Check the website for more details:
Natural Built Home 612-605-7999
Mercury Mosaics 612-236-1646 handmadetileassociation.org
SoMi Tileworks 612-964-6551
 HOW TO PLAN YOUR FIREPLACE TILE
by Josh Blanc and Carrie Carlson
Clay Squared to Infinity, LLC
1. The presence of the fireplace
Besides being the heart of the home, the fireplace is consid-
ered one of a home’s major interior architectural features and
can set both the mood and the style of the room. With that in
mind, there are many things to consider when selecting hand-
made tile for your fireplace. Whether starting from scratch or
modifying an existing fireplace, taking the time to learn about
fireplaces, both past and present, will give you the guidance to
determine what style will best fit your home and you.

Clay Squared to Infinity LLC.
2. Fireplace codes
Fireplaces have codes that determine what materials can be
applied to the both front face and the hearth. Handmade
ceramic tile is a non-combustible material and therefore can
be used on both the hearth and fireplace face, right up to the
opening. If you are planning to use other materials along with
handmade tiles in these locations, please be sure to check the
current International Residential Codes (IRC) or your city hall to
make sure your project is up to code.

3. Fire resistant qualities of ceramic tile

Handmade ceramic tiles are one of the best products
34 to use for your fireplace surround or hearth. These two
surfaces contain areas that must be non-combustible.
Ceramic tile is completely fireproof at any temperature.
It will not burn or feed a fire. It does not give off toxic
gases, smoke or fumes during a fire. Ceramic handmade
tile even provides protection for structural surfaces
during fires.

4. Do I need a designer or architect to plan my fireplace?

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.

5. Determining your fireplace style

Given the architectural importance of the fireplace,
there are 3 distinct styles that you can follow: historic,
regional or your personal expression of creativity. In the
historic category you would be looking at the style of
the home. Some styles to consider are: Victorian, Tudor,
Colonial, Arts & Crafts, Cape Cod, Mid-Century, Modern
or Contemporary. Finally, the style of your fireplace can
Clay Squared to Infinity LLC.
also be a forum for expressing your own personality. Ask
yourself if there are colors, shapes or patterns that you relate to? Is there a theme throughout
your home that can be applied to your fireplace to reinforce that personal statement?
HANDMADETILEASSOCIATION.ORG

35
 HTA GLOSSARY
Bas Relief: 3-D Modeling that is raised above a flat
background.

Cuerda Seca: referred to as “wax resist,” a wax line is

drawn on the tile to keep the different glaze colors apart.

China Paints: an opaque overglaze paint that is fired onto

an already glazed ceramic.

Earthenware: pottery made from common clay, usually

fired no higher than 1,100 degrees.

Extruded: clay forced through a die to shape the clay into a

desired form.

Field Tile: an area of plain, solid-colored tiles.

Glaze: a liquid suspension compound of finely ground

minerals that forms a glassy coating when fired to a
certain temperature.

Grout: the material used to fill surface spaces between

installed tiles.

Majolica: an Italian name for tin-glazed ware.

Over Glaze: low-temperature ceramic enamel painted on a

36 previously glazed clay surface, then fired for a second time
at a lower temperature.

Mold: a negative form usually made of plaster of Paris

into which wet clay is pressed by hand or machine, or into
which liquid clay is poured to form a tile.

Porcelain: translucent, non-absorbent clay body fired at a

high temperture.

Sealer: a protectant for tiles and grout to keep moisture

out.

Sgraffito: the process of scraping through a layer of slip

for decoration.

Slip: a thin solution fo clay and water used for decoration.

Stonware: a clay body resembling stone--very hard,

vitreous--which is fired between 1200 and 1300 degrees.

Terra Cotta: a red, low-fired clay body. Historically used for

architectural building decorations.

Thin Set Mortar: recommended tile adhesive for

installations of tiles.

Under Glaze: any color decoration used under a glaze.

Vitreous: a clay body that has been fired to its mature

temperature, making the body impervious to liquid
absorption.
37
 TILE SETTERS

38

Installation guides at handmadetileassociation.org

HANDMADETILEASSOCIATION.ORG

39
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