jeaniesean@COMCAST.NET on tue 2 sep 03
Paperclay works great for tiles. I've used it on large 10x10" tiles with bas
relief and had some warping (mostly minor) due to thickness/thinness of tiles.
Paperclay does not affect the surface texture.
Sorry I can't help with pricing.
Jeanie Campbell
> i can't give any advice regarding pricing, but i will warn you of the perils
> of firing tiles with 3D designs (e.g., bas relief). the uneven thickness of
> the tiles due to the built-up designs renders them very vulnerable to sever
> cracking in the firing stage. so, before you make any promises as to delivery
> date of your tiles you might want to do a few tests with various clay bodies. i
> had best luck with low-fire (^04) clay. i've also heard from others that
> yours is a good use of paper clay, just so long as you're not troubled by
> whatever texture is left on the surface by the burnt-out paper "voids." i've
> never
> tried paper clay so i don't know first hand.
>
> buena suerte!
>
> eric
>
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John Rodgers on tue 2 sep 03
I have been asked to make some 6"X6" square tiles, and 3"X6" octagonal
tiles. They will be flat with hand built decorations on the surface, not
carved. Finishing will be done by airbrushing with stains and glazes.
At this point, I may or may not do the installation of the tiles. That
is being discussed. As part of the deal I must provide a couple of
extra tiles of each size in case of breakage or other damage, and for
future use.
I have never done tiles before, and have not a clue as to what this kind
of custom tile work is worth. I was wondering if anyone on the Clayart
List might be willing to share expereince and pricing information for
such work. It would be most appreciated.
Regards,
John Rodgers
Birminmgham, AL
Nancy Guido on tue 2 sep 03
1. Make molds of your tiles.
2. Charge a lot.
3. Don't do the installation.
Those are my three rules for happiness in tile making.
Make molds just in case something breaks, because you know if it's important
it will break. Always make extra, at least 20% especially if you haven't ever
made tiles before - get Frank Giorgini's Handmade Tile book - lots of good
info on making tiles and firing tiles. Firing tiles is different from firing
pottery.
Don't be nice, don't give the work away. Take a field trip to a tile shop,
check out the prices of the tiles, price accordingly. Don't go to Home Depot
to check the prices. My favorite quote from a good friend, "Not everyone can
afford handmade tiles."
Get a good installer to install the work. I've only done one installation,
my own kitchen, and there are a lot of little details and decisions, I'm still
not done. I'm too slow. My installer, John the Tile Guy, is an artist in his
own right and does a great job with my tiles. Also, you don't want to get
into pricing out installation. If you want to practice setting tiles, make a
table.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.
Nancy G.
Finally empty nesting in Livonia, Michigan. yippee!
Eric B on tue 2 sep 03
i can't give any advice regarding pricing, but i will warn you of the perils
of firing tiles with 3D designs (e.g., bas relief). the uneven thickness of
the tiles due to the built-up designs renders them very vulnerable to sever
cracking in the firing stage. so, before you make any promises as to delivery
date of your tiles you might want to do a few tests with various clay bodies. i
had best luck with low-fire (^04) clay. i've also heard from others that
yours is a good use of paper clay, just so long as you're not troubled by
whatever texture is left on the surface by the burnt-out paper "voids." i've never
tried paper clay so i don't know first hand.
buena suerte!
eric
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