I love spending time on the beach, not just in the summer, but the winter too. Whilst walking on the beach with my family we often find lots of interesting things washed up from the sea. One time Geoff found some seaweed that when laid out flat looked like a tree. That started me on a journey using seaweed in a much more graphic way - initially to make a light and then some tiles which I displayed in our shop.
Large porcelain lamp impressed with seaweed:
One of my clients, who loves living by the sea, saw the seaweed tile panel displayed in our shop and decided that she wanted something in that style. She popped into the shop and over a couple of meetings we discussed what she would like.
Porcelain tiles cut, impressed with seaweed and ready for first firing:
We initially ascertained the size of the tile panel needed in relation to the size of the sink that she had in her bathroom. I made her a sketch of what she might have.
Porcelain tiles after first firing. Glaze colours being applied:
When she returned we discussed colours, she showed me paint samples of the walls in her bathroom and we looked at them next to the glaze samples I have here in the shop. I then made the panel to her specifications.
Detail of porcelain tiles decorated and ready for clear glaze application:
When I had finished making the tile panel, Geoff took it to her house and installed it for her.
Porcelain Tile panel finished and in situ:
She said:
"I saw some beautiful hand painted seaweed tiles in the window of Liz's shop and knew they would be perfect. Liz was very friendly and keen for me to have these individual tiles exactly how I would like them. She went to the beach to select the seaweed and wanted some paint samples to make sure that the tiles she was creating for me would fit perfectly in my bathroom. Liz showed me different designs she could use with the seaweed and made sure I was happy before she began making them. They are a real feature in my bathroom and I am delighted with them and enjoy knowing that the seaweed was collected from a local beach."
Detail of porcelain Tile panel in situ:
If you are thinking about commissioning a tile panel I can help you choose colours, textures and sizes based on your specific needs. By choosing certain flowers or colours your tile design could remind you of a special holiday or relaxing time away. Some people have flowers or lace from their wedding or other life events immortalised in their tiles.
Close up of porcelain tile panel above bathroom sink:
I can offer consultation by phone, email or even a personal meeting at our shop in St Leonards. Let me know your thoughts and we can create something really personal for you. Read more about the commissioning process here.
All tiles are suitable for bathroom and kitchen usage. Porcelain is a durable material and perfect for tiles.
These Porcelain Seaweed Tree tiles are approximately 12.5cm x 14cm