Interview with Nutmeg Designs

Today's post is the first in an occasional series exploring Tile Artisans. I hope to share their love of tile by discovering both their techniques and inspirations. Social media allows me to find and connect with these amazing tiles artisans that I never knew existed - some around the corner and others across the globe. Today I'm excited to share an interview with Margaret Almon of Nutmeg Designs.

Card & Thank you Bill Buyok received from Nutmeg Designs

I became enamoured with some of Margaret's work a few years back and began following and supporting her on twitter. This spring I was touched by the kindness of a simple gesture that few of us do in this electronic age, Margaret wrote a note thanking me for my support - on the cover was a joyful expression of her stain glass mosaics. I was touched and so happy to share more about this amazing person and tile artisans.

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How and when did you start creating the mosaic glass art masterpieces?

In 2003, I saw the mosaics of Hildreth Meiere at the Wernersville Jesuit Center, and I was smitten. I was working as a medical librarian and making collages at my dining room table, and cutting glass wasn't feasible.

Buying a house with my husband, Wayne Stratz, in 2004, gave me a studio space. After reading and checking every possible book on mosaic out of the library(being a librarian after all), and taking some classes, I began my Etsy shop, Nutmeg Designs in 2007.

Hope Spiral by Nutmeg Designs

My husband began making stained glass in 2008, which transformed our home into a "one-bedroom-two-studio-rowhouse." We wanted to collaborate, and started with words, such as Hope and Joy, with Wayne designing the lettering and cutting and grinding the pieces, and then I created the background.

In 2010, a friend suggested we make house numbers, and what a friend she was! House numbers on Pennsylvania slate had an immediate positive response from our clients. Even though craft shows have been much tougher over the past few years, clients have found our house numbers online, and commissions and custom work have steadily increased.

House Numbers 1670 by Nutmeg Designs

As an artisan, what inspires your glass art creations?

Quilt blocks were my first inspiration. My husband's grandmother was a quilter, and we have one of her Log Cabin quilts. Like quilts, mosaics are based on modular patterns, and since sewing was not my strength, I was eager to translate the patterns into glass.

Color guides me in my work, experimenting with complementary hues, and color gradation.

My husband and I started collecting art tiles before we started making art, and the aesthetic of the Arts & Crafts movement remain an inspiration with our house numbers. We are fortunate to live near the Moravian Tileworks in Doylestown, PA.

Garden Sign in Blue and Orange by Nutmeg Designs

Now, of the many designs and projects, which stands out as your favorite? Why?

A Flickr friend commissioned us to create a house number for her sister, who loves the weathered colors of totem poles. Wayne began by designing and cutting out the numbers in white glass. Looking at the blue, teal, and red glass for the background reminded me of a Canadian artist I admired, Emily Carr. Flipping through a book of her art, I found a watercolor painting of totem poles evocative of what our client requested. It was a pleasure to have such variegation, and other clients have gravitated toward the color scheme when they see photos of the original 1670. Listening to our clients tell stories about what they envision is a catalyst for creativity.

Joy Mosaic by Nutmeg Designs

What was the proudest moment for you and your hand-made mosaic/tile business?

After my employer closed the library in 2010, I began working in my business full time. Being laid off was a shock, but after the initial shock receded, and after many conversations with my husband, I knew that making mosaics was what I wanted to do. I stopped looking for a library job, stopped receiving Unemployment, and began working for myself, and persisting in spite of uncertainty.

Log Cabin in Copper and Cream by Nutmeg Designs

In promoting your creations, and to help gain greater exposure, which digital platforms do you use (Blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, etc.)? How do you use them to promote your hand-made business?

I have blogged at Margaret Almon Mosaics (http://margaretalmon.com), since 2008, on topics such as mosaic art, tiles, Margaret Mondays, Orange Tuesdays, quilts, The Alexander Technique and jazz. Our most recent house number order was from someone who saw a photo on my blog. Readers have become friends, fans, and clients.

This year Wayne and I began a blog at our website for collaborations (http//nutmegdesignsart.com), documenting work in progress, our commissions and the process of being a Dynamic Duo.

Facebook, both personal accounts and Business Pages, has allowed us to share photos of our work in progress, our studios, materials, and finished mosaics.

Twitter is something we enjoy, and have met very interesting folks, including an Icelandic Jazz Pianist, Sunna Gunnlaugs, and jazz vocalist Andrea Wolper, both of whom make wonderful music and who became clients.

Pinterest excels in being a visual medium for sharing our work, and we do get traffic from that platform. I also find it tempting, and need to take breaks from it to actually make work in the studio. It is the top referral source to my blog

Turtle Camp by Nutmeg Designs

Which of these social media platforms has helped your business the most? How?

Facebook has shown us how responsive people are to our images, and their tendency to say "I want to buy that." The exponential process of friends of friends of friends viewing our images has been a blessing.

Although Etsy may be more e-commerce than social media, it also has been very helpful in helping people discover us. If someone searches for mosaic house numbers in Google, results in Etsy rank high, and people can come across our work.

Where do you see Nutmeg Designs going from this point forward?

Commissions have led us to new collaborative designs, like a Celtic knot tree for a wedding gift, and we practice remaining open to inspiration and improvisation. We cherish delighting people with our work. As we like to say, "Catching the Eye. Delighting the Soul."

Is there anything you would like to add, especially to those who have a deep appreciation for the art you create?

When someone makes one of our house numbers part of her home, we are honored. When someone commissions a word sign to bring hope to a friend going through a hard time, we are awed by the power of friendship. We are grateful to those who champion our art, purchase it, share it, write about it, and enjoy it.

House Numbers 737 by Nutmeg Designs

Name: Margaret Almon & Wayne Stratz

Company(s) Name: Nutmeg Designs (Margaret Almon Mosaics /Stratozpheres Stained Glass)
Email: imagine@nutmegdesignsart.com
Phone: 215-353-6970

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/nutmegdesigns
https://www.facebook.com/MargaretAlmonMosaics

Twitter
https://twitter.com/nutmegdesigns
https://twitter.com/margaretalmon

Pinterest
http://pinterest.com/nutmegde/
http://pinterest.com/margaretalmon/

Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nutmegdesigns/

LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/in/margaretalmon/
www.linkedin.com/pub/wayne-stratz/71/49a/430

Website for Collaborative Nutmeg Designs glass
http://nutmegdesignsart.com/

Margaret Almon Mosaics Blog
http://www.margaretalmon.com/

Etsy
Nutmeg Designs Shop has Collaborative Work plus Margaret's solo work
https://www.etsy.com/shop/nutmegdesigns?ref=si_shop

Stratozpheres also stocks the Collaborative Work plus Wayne's solo work
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Stratozpheres?ref=si_shop

Italian Made: Fashionable Tile, Design

The Italians are famous for their design sense. From the clothing and accessories they design to their timeless architecture and art work, and of course their legendary sports cars. There is no limit to their imagination.

The same determination applies to their design sense when it comes to tile. From Venetian glass mosaic tiles, to ceramic tile that closely resembles heavy brocade patterns, to the crispness of summery linens, it seems the Italians have perfected the art of mimicry.

During the recently held Coverings tile and stone show held in Atlanta, Italian tile manufacturers unveiled their creativity and ingenuity with new twists on patchwork type styles, state-of-the-art anti-bacterial and self-cleaning tiles, time-tested encaustic and majolica patterns, fabric-like textures and embossing, large-format tiles, and quick-installation ceramic tile systems.

Matching is Overrated

Patchworks tiles, such as “Minoo” by Marcel Wander for Bardelli, feature ornate 8”x8” porcelain floor tiles in five silkscreen patterns reminiscent of Persian rugs.

For Mosaico+, renowned mosaic artist Carlo Dal Bianco used mosaics from the company’s various lines to create a series of new decorations. For the “Lacquer” and Inlay” series, he used iridescent mosaics from the Perle collection and square glass chips from Concerto to invoke ancient Chinese dynasties.

For a mixed color palette, Ceramica Sant’Agostino’s “Abita” collection of 8”x24” white body wall tiles boast a diamond effect in three chromatic mixes of beige, lilla and menta.

Philippe Starck also played a role within the ceramic tile sector with the launch of “Flexible Architecture” for Italian manufacturer Ceramica Sant’Agostino. The decorative, modular tile can be specified on one to four sides of the tile or on no sides at all to create an endless array of architectural compositions.

“Minoo” by Marcel Wander for Bardelli.

"Lacquer" by Mosaico+

"Abita" by Ceramica Sant’Agostino

Philippe Starck's “Flexible Architecture” for Ceramica Sant’Agostino.

Antibacterial & Self-Cleaning

Ceramic tile is inherently hygienic. It contains no VOCs, so it was only natural for Italian manufacturers to collaborate with biotech companies to offer products that promote the antibacterial, antipollution and self-cleaning properties of ceramics.

Among the latest to develop these types of tiles are Fincibec with “Antibact”, Century with “Technica”, Mirage with its “Sundeck” (its zero maintenance decking product), and Panaria, Lea Ceramiche and Cotto d’Este (all part of the Panaria Group) with their antibacterial floor and wall tiles for residential and commercial applications.

Further, as an industry first, Casalgrande Padana unveiled “Bios Self Cleaning Ceramics” that uses HYDROTECT technology from the Japanese brand, TOTO, to create self-cleaning, anti-bacterial and pollution-reducing tiles. The HYDROTECT coating contains two active agents: titanium dioxide, which is photo-catalytic; and a well-balanced formulation of metals that offer antibacterial and antivirus properties. The technology is especially useful for exterior cladding and can be applied to all Casalgrande Padana products.

Lea Ceramiche's "BioPlank"

Vintage Encaustic, Majolica

Inspired by vintage encaustic and majolica tiles, old world historical charm has been renewed with new fervor thanks to high-tech printing methods.

Of these unique collections is “Azulej” – the latest porcelain tiles designed by Patricia Urquiola for Mutina. Inspired by ancient handcrafted majolica made of hydraulic cement, the 8”x8” glazed porcelain tiles are available in three neutral base colors (white, light grey and dark grey) in a choice of nine patterns or as a combination of 27 different designs. Following this trend is the Majolica pattern of Refin’s “Frame” collection. Designed by graphic design firm Studio FM, the large 30”x30” square tiles feature traditional decors from majolica tiles of the 19^th and 20^th centuries but presented in a more graphic light.

“Vintage” by Cerim, “Cotto Vogue” by Cir and “Concept” by Ragno are a few other collections featuring this unique look.

Vintage by Cerim.

"Azulej" by Mutina designed by Patricia Urquiola.

Planking with Style

The lines of wood and ceramic are blurred once again with a wide-range of plank-sized tiles that made an appearance at Coverings. Not only do these longer tiles resemble wood, but they are now taking on the look of concrete and stone.

“Sunrock” by Atlas Concorde is available in a range of formats including 6”x36” and 9”x36” while Coem’s “Pietra del Friuli”, inspired by stones found in the northeast of Italy, also comes in a 6”x36” plank size. ImolaCeramica’s “Vein” collection mimics vein-cut or cross-cut marble, and Ceramiche Caesar’s “Wabi” is inspired by oak.

Wabi by Ceramiche Caesar.

Tactile Textiles

Textiles and ceramic tile seem to be enjoying a heavenly relationship within the Italian manufacturing arena. From Raw Edge’s second collection for Mutina called “Tex,” a rich, three-dimensional and multi-colored collection of 4.5”x8” rhombus-shaped glazed porcelain tiles, to the “I Tessuti” collection created by Elena Strafella for Cottoveneto, the range of fabric-inspired patterns are not only realistically breathtaking, but they also capture the essence of the designer’s soul.

Additional textile-inspired products include Marazzi’s “Silkstone” line whose decorative ceramic wall tiles are inspired by Indian saris, Japanese kimonos, tulle and silk.

Marazzi's "SilkStone"

"I Tessuti" by Cottoveneto

Large-Format Tiles

In their continuous evolution to better serve the A+D communities, large-format tiles are becoming increasingly comfortable in various settings and environments.

For example Novabell’s “Avant” collection is available in a heavy-duty 20mm paving version in a 24”x24” format and special R12 anti-slip finish while Ceramiche Keope’s “Pecorsi SMART” tiles are available in five stone looks and a 24”x24”x¾” size. Pastorelli’s new 2cm-thick “Quartz Design” series features the same sparkling reflections as quartz flecks, while “Sunrock” from Atlas Concorde gets its inspiration from Travertine.

Further innovations in the large-format tile circle come from Cotto d’Este’s Kerlite series, “Exedra”; Panaria’s “LightQuartz”; “Micron 2.0” by ImolaCeramica; “Gli Alabastri di Rex” by Rex; and “Industrial” by Floor Gres, which reinterprets cement in porcelain slabs as large as 1.2m x 3m.

"Industrial" by Floor Gres.

Lastly, “Studies in Gouache” a tile product designed by Diego Grandi for Lea Ceramiche – is the first slim tile with a contemporary bas-relief design. The four decors (grid, scratch, weave and moire b) feature geometric and abstract patterns engraved and sanded into the 3mm tiles. They are offered in the same chromatic range as the company’s “Gouache.10” collection.

“Studies in Gouache” a tile product designed by Diego Grandi for Lea Ceramiche.

So, which of these Italian tile designs is your favorite? How and where would you use it in your next project? 

Affordable Luxury with Hand-Painted Field Tiles

Enjoy Long-Lasting, Affordable Luxury with Hand-Painted Ceramic Tiles

Image via Lonny Magazine.

With summer just around the corner, it's time to clean and restore the backyard for a season full of fun and great memories. Along with washing the outdoor furniture, cleaning the grill for upcoming BBQs, and testing outdoor equipment, don't forget to refresh and update the look of your swimming pool with new richly colored, hand-painted ceramic field tile.

Field tile, or solid colored tile, is a tile found in the main "field" or area of an installation covering the walls, floors or steps of your swimming pool. In essence, field tile refers to a solid color tile. Of course, you can pair field tile with decorative ceramic tile to create a spectacular custom design.

In addition to their wide variety of uses, hand-painted ceramic tile offers more versatility and value than any other material with their resistance to abrasion, freeze/thaw conditions, and color permanence properties. With such a wide variety of deep, rich colors and sizes to choose from, ceramic tile gives you the freedom to create beautiful swimming pool designs that will withstand the elements. Here are several tile collections for you to consider when you're ready to update your pool tile:

Arles is a handmade tile with stunning, reactive glazes that are full of movement. Inspired by the fields of Provence, France, this series is available in five colorways.
Cracked Ice is composed of unique glass tiles in a myriad of geometric shapes, and several rich colors.
Pillow Chiclet offers a classic shape with a touch of softness. The wonderful translucent colors are hand-painted onto softly domed "pillow-like" tiles.
Yucatan takes its inspiration from old sprawling haciendas and villas found throughout the Mexican peninsular state.

Featured Tile

Yucatan Cobalt	Cracked Ice Slate Blue
Pillow Chiclet Royal	Arles Mist

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Pinterest: Celebrating Summer

"And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer." - F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

School is out, and dreams of summer adventures wait! For this month's Pinterest focus, we chose two of our Pinterest boards that best reflect this exuberance of upcoming trips and longer, fun-filled days.

Alongside summer's energy comes the urge to start a new project, perhaps one that has been set aside for years. Replacing cracked or broken pool tile or finally installing that fountain or water feature you've always wanted for the garden - now's the time!

Using handmade or hand-painted ceramic tile for your next outdoor project will not only enhance the look of your home, but you can rest assured the tile you choose will withstand the elements, too. For whatever project you choose, Avente Tile is here to help you reach any design goal on any budget. Our extensive ceramic tile Design Ideas gallery features a large collection of projects dedicated to inspiring you and your living space. How can we help inspire you?

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Project Pick: Fountain with Spanish Tiles

The peaceful sounds of a water feature are enhanced by the presence of delightful hand-painted tile. Spanish Andalucia tiles are used to frame this outdoor fountain grotto, while Spanish Brushed Natural tiles are used around the front edge. Finally, the water's bright blue is enhanced with our Yucatan Cobalt tiles for the water level.

Like all our hand-painted tiles, the patterns are hand-brushed by the tile artisan. The Spanish tiles are created using the traditional Majolica glazing techniques. Because the hand of the artist is at work, you will see variation from tile to tile. Remember, these tiles can't be used in outdoor environments subjected to freeze/thaw cycles.

Feeling inspired? Take a look at our complete collection of hand-painted Spanish ceramic tile, read more about on this design, Fountain with Spanish Tiles, or explore other ceramic tile design ideas.

The Buyer's Guide to Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are materials that can add glamor and value to any part of your home. Although initial cost can be expensive, these tiles are easy to maintain and can stand the test of time. If you are considering this flooring option, this article provides valuable tips and important considerations on ceramic tiles.

The Buyer's Guide to Ceramic Tiles

1. Durability

There are different types of ceramic tiles and each one has its own tolerance to the temperature of the room and exposure to dirt and stains. In general, ceramic tiles are durable. However, to achieve the longest possible life, it is advisable to regularly sweep the floor and maintain a clean and sanitary tile surface. When there are stains, you can apply water mixed with vinegar or friendly detergents that won’t strip the glaze off the tiles.

2. Maintenance

As mentioned in the intro, ceramic tiles are pretty easy to maintain but removing and replacing them are hard. When one tile is damaged, you should buy an equally matching tile to replace it and go to the store where you first bought it or find one that specializes in creating custom-made tiles to fit the original design, size and shape of the ceramic tile.

3. Cost

Ceramic tiles are usually quite pricey so expect to splurge a bit when buying pieces. The cost is directly tantamount to the complexity of the design, life cycle of the material used and also the durability guaranteed by its manufacturer. Also take into account the cost of installation required as you can’t install the tiles on your own if you’re not expert in this. Installation is often charged per square foot including some factors like location and the size of the area.

Author Bio:

Aubrey Madrona is a Social Media Specialist. She loves Music and spends a lot of her time playing piano and reading. She’s currently building her reputation as an online writer of Marble Mosaic.

Spring into Summer with our Cement Tile Ideas

Handmade cement tiles are an easy-to-maintain product that not only offer deep colors and a rich history, but most importantly, they offer long-lasting beauty and extensive design possibilities for floors and walls. 

From bold tile patterns in contrasting colors or classic cement patterns in harmonizing colors, the resulting design is certain to transform the look and feel of any space. To that end, we’ve assembled dozens of image-filled cement tile projects and ideas onto our Design Ideas Portfolio.

With dozens of Cement Tile Design Ideas in our portfolio, we're sure you'll be inspired!

Our extensive portfolio of design ideas will show you how handmade cement tile can be used on floors, wall, ceilings, backsplashes, as a tile rug, wainscoting, mural, or in or around a water feature. Because of their natural slip-resistant qualities and versatility, cement tiles are perfect for flooring a bathroom, kitchen, dining room or outdoor patio.

Our Houzz Ideabooks offer a glimpse into the endless possibilities when designing  with handmade cement tile.

Additionally, we invite you to explore the world of cement tile via our Pinterest boards Cement tile floors/walls, and Cement Tile Rugs. Cement tiles are used all over the world in countries such as Cuba, France, Spain, Portugal and more. Our Houzz Ideabooks also offer various settings and applications for handmade cement tile.

Our Pinterest board featuring Cement Tile: Floors, Walls

Our Pinterest board featuring Cement Tile: Rugs

Creating a Custom Cement Tile

Creating a custom pattern takes time. There is time to work out the design of the pattern, choose the colors, and create virtual designs with options. Most importantly, you need time to decide what looks best and is right for you. Then, once the design is final, more work begins. A mold needs to be made for the pattern and a strike-off or sample tile is created using the mold. This allows you to verify the pattern, color, and design before a full-order.

So how much time does it take to make handmade cement tile? Once you have your colors and pattern picked out, it will take about six to eight weeks. For a fully customized handmade cement tile pattern and color options, the delivery time is much longer – up to several months. Here’s an example of the timeline for a fully customized cement tile pattern:

• 2-3 weeks - Pattern development in black and white with several iterations.
• 1-2 weeks - Color choice and placement with several iterations.
• 2-3 weeks - Create mold.
• 2-3 weeks - Create strike-offs and ship for approval.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of why it takes so much time, and the increased costs involved, in creating a custom handmade cement tile. Rest assured the end result of the time and effort of invested in creating a one-of-a-kind tile product is well-worth it! 

Have we inspired you? Where would you use our handmade cement tile?

Spanish Tile Design, Innovation Inspires Coverings 2013 Attendees

Tile of Spain's exhibit at Coverings 2013. Image courtesy of Tile of Spain.

Ceramic tile use throughout Spain is prolific. Not only can it be seen on the floors and walls of Spanish churches and palaces, but ceramic tile also plays an integral role in the everyday functioning of modern homes, hospitals, educational centers, hospitality and commercial applications. 

At Coverings 2013, held recently in Atlanta, the Tile of Spain marked its 26th year in exhibiting Spanish innovation at the annual tile and stone show. The Tile of Spain international brand represents 125 ceramic tile manufacturers belonging to the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Association (ASCER).

Tile of Spain's pre-Coverings catalog of the 43 ceramic tile and stone manufacturers slated to exhibit at the show.

Collectively, the advanced ceramic tile technology and architectural/design solutions presented during Coverings by 43 Tile of Spain members made an unforgettable, awe-inspiring impression for any visitor of the expansive pavilion.

Further, true to their eco-friendly stance, Tile of Spain’s Spanish Pavilion booth was constructed of 100% recycled cardboard and organic dyes. “Made by the company ECOWALL, it was created with modular cardboard pieces joined together by small connectors. The use of ECOWALL reduced the costs of transportation, building, storage and is environmentally friendly,” Tile of Spain noted. 

Now, here are some of the highlights of the ceramic tile products seen at the Spanish Pavilion.

Apavisa’s new Vintage collection is a handmade, contemporary collection  reminiscent of days gone by. Also from Apavisa is the three-dimensional Archconcept series (shown here) that continually defies imagination. www.apavisa.com

Grespania showcased the marble looks of its Numancia (shown above) and Icaria porcelain floor tiles in 60x60cm and 30x60cm sizes. Java, Daino and Nepal wall tiles were introduced as well. www.grespania.com

Keraben showcased its Maderia series, part of the company’s Home Collection, which takes its inspiration from natural wood. Available in nine shades, Madeira features a gently rippled surface. www.keraben.com

Taking center stage at the La Platera booth were the Copper (shown above), Crosscut and Pietra Roma collections. Using digital technology, these ceramic tiles mimic the look of natural stone. The Incanto line, which combines 12 different graphics of stone, concrete, wood and marble, was also on display. www.laplatera.com

Levantina featured its 3mm-thick Techlam series of ceramic tile. The large yet lightweight panels (measuring up to 1000x3000mm), offer versatility in size, color, durability, and installation flexibility, including as a cladding system (ventilated façade). www.levantina.com

Onix presented its FuseGlass 1"x1" mosaic tile which artfully combines textures and effects. Onix offers a wide selection of colors, ranging from the neutrals (white, beige, grey) to striking blacks, golds, silvers and browns. All of ONIX's new collections are made of 98% recycled glass. www.onixmosaico.com

From Pamesa was the debut of the Thule series of inkjet wall and floor red body tiles. Its Reef series of porcelain tiles, available in six colors and three formats, were also attention-getters! www.pamesa.com

Inspired by wood and marble, the Tarima and Sande series by STN Ceramica had visitors gawking. The show-stoppers -- Hexagon (shown above), Orion and Planet wall tile series -- each offered additional inspiration with their various surfaces and textures. www.stylnul.es

I hope you enjoyed this brief walk through the Tile of Spain Pavilion. For more information about these and additional Spanish tile manufacturers, please visit www.tileofspainusa.com. 

Remember, Coverings 2014 will be held April 29 through May 2 in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Hope to see you there!

Finally, for additional sources for Spanish, Moorish and Arabesque ceramic tile designs, colors and formats, check out Avente Tile. So, which is your favorite tile? How and where would you use it to fit your design and architectural needs? 

Tiles with a Classic Spanish Touch

New Clay Arabesque Ceramic Tiles Offer Classic Spanish Touch

Similar in their hand-crafted workmanship to our line of Arabesque Spanish Cement Tile, our Clay Arabesque Ceramic Tile collection pays homage to its Moorish and Spanish tile roots with deep, rich colors and intriguing geometric shapes. The clay Arabesque tiles pictured above are from Aljafería Palace, a fortified medieval Islamic palace built during the 11th century in Zaragoza, Spain. As you can see, hand-crafted clay bisque tiles are truly timeless elements.

Further adding to its inherit rustic appeal is the fact that our decorative, hand-painted Clay Arabesque Ceramic Tile is produced using a classic extruded red clay body. Using this method of production only enhances this collection.s appeal.

Manufactured in the USA, these high-fired classic terracotta tiles offer unsurpassed flexibility as they can be customized for any décor need with traditional unglazed bisque colors, glazed bisque colors, glazed blends, and more than 50 studio glazes.

Clay Arabesque Tile: Alcazar	Clay Arabesque Tile: Aragon	Clay Arabesque Tile: Leon
Clay Arabesque Tile: Mudejar	Clay Arabesque Tile: Sintra	Clay Arabesque Tile: Zaragoza

From contemporary to rustic, our Clay Arabesque Ceramic Tile collection is sure to fit any need in any setting whether it.s for walls or floors, indoors or outdoors. There are 6 designs within this collection. Our online product catalog details the available styles, tile sizes, shapes, formats, color, and price for each design. Remember, each piece is handcrafted, therefore, please expect to receive them within 4 to 6 weeks from the time your order is placed.

Lastly, by using our Clay Arabesque Ceramic Tile in your next design project, you'll feel good knowing your choice is also good for the environment. Along with being made in the USA, this collection is made using clay sourced from California and includes 33% recycled post-industrial content.

Our Ceramic Tile FAQs section should help answer any questions you may have. If not, please feel free to call our office at 888.739.4972.

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Project Pick: Cadiz Tiles Add Warmth to Maine Coastal Kitchen

Spanish ceramic tile conveys warmth and instills Old World ambiance in any environment. With centuries-old tile designs, our versatile Spanish ceramic tile collection includes borders, corners, large decorative tiles and accent dots.

It.s because of its inherit versatility and stunning colors that homeowners Buck and Marsea Ryan chose our hand-painted 6"x6" Cadiz Spanish Ceramic Tile series for their kitchen backsplash.

The Ryans, who live by the Maine coast near Acadia National Park, chose the vibrancy of Cadiz to add much-needed focal points to the white tile backsplashes behind their oven and kitchen sink. We think the unexpected pops of color and patterns have added interest and energy to these spaces!

You can read the complete story about this project on our Avente Tile Talk Blog.

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Pinterest: Celebrating Spring

"He who does not travel does not know the value of men." --. Moorish proverb

Spring is definitely in full-swing with an energy like no other season. For this month.s Pinterest focus we chose our boards that focus on the color orange for vivid exuberance, and of course Spain for highlighting the unveiling of our new Clay Arabesque Ceramic Tile colelction.

With that energy comes the overwhelming urge to remove the layers of wear and tear that have compiled over the years.
It.s time to take on a project that has been set aside for years. Now is the time for renewing not only your home and living areas, but also a time to renew one.s appreciation for the little things.

Whether you embark on a small or large project, Avente Tile is here to help you any design goal, and for any budget. Our extensive Design Ideas gallery features a large collection of projects that incorporate our handmade and hand-painted ceramic tile, cement tile, decorative tile, mosaic tile, and so much more. So, how can we help you?