The Handmade Tile Book
Is tile making as difficult as it appears? According to ceramicist Gardner, the answer is not simple. Obviously, it is not difficult to roll out an even clay tile, let it harden, then fire up. Where the difficulty arises is in the decoration--a time for creative inspiration. The author chooses a few techniques on which to focus, then refers to each appropriate skill within 20 projects. Tile designs are grouped by methods, including sprigging; incising and sgraffito; stamping, sponging, and wax resist; onglaze and luster; and shaped tiles. There is no funny or elaborate patterning; typical of her modern designs are blue-and-white Delft look-alikes, a lotus-patterned frieze, and black-and-white geometrics. This book is best used with the other hand on a standard ceramic textbook.Barbara Jacobs