LOVE THIS!!! Amy, hearing you explain your logic again shows your sensibility: Most chateau bathrooms are relentlessly modern, rather like chain hotels. Although they are nice they are sterile. Your plan to make your own is perfectly sensible. You could just paint the relevant bathrooms so they are temporarily useful - their plainness will help you stick to the plan! (We got a cheap countertop for our kitchen when we moved in, later replacing it with terrazzo, which I love, but it was expensive for us.) Brava, and I wish you all success.
I love your green tiles. If they are not good enough for your bathroom please still use them somewhere else. Like at an outside tap. They will make a space look so special!
Amy, Everything you make is excellent in its own way... 200 years ago, when an artisan helper was learning from his "master/boss" how to make tiles, then colour and glaze them, fire them to use in some château owner's home, there was very little "throw it away and let's try again". I would love to see you place some of those cast-off tiles in the room initially intended for their use. This allows the world to know that you are human, not superhuman as Mark and all of your fans are convinced that you are! The interest in your journey will be forever within your masterworks!!! In a couple years I would love to visit your home (if invited) just to see where your learning/imperfect tiles are placed along with their perfect cousin tiles... William👏👏👏
Wow! The leaves made a beautiful impression! It alludes to the beautiful woodlands you. It also reminds one of the serendipitous impressions made in old tiles by random items falling on the the wet clay or animals simply walking across them. Plus the peacock mural tiles look stunning.
The clarity of your filming has greatly improved. Amy - is that your musical accompaniment to the vista shots? Your vlogs are always so personal and inclusive - this is what sets your vlogs above lots of other vloggers. Taking a unique approach to restoration & renovation and putting so much care & thought & vision into honest hard work. Well done to all the team. Hope you are all keeping well. Hugs& bisous 🤗😘🤗😘🤗😘🤗😘
Even if you do "everything right" my experience is that clay has a will of its own - often with surprising results. Love the green tiles! If you don't find a wall or counter top for them maybe you could cover a wood table top. Adorable Clement is so smart imitating you & wanting to help! 😊
Even if some of the experiments come out badly enough to have No use, you can break them up & use grout to make a mosaic wall or table or countertop or bed headboard. The larger rejects could be used to make colorful pathways through a garden or orchard to help with weed control. If you know Anna & Philipp at "How To Renovate Without Killing Your Partner" she made her own tiles for the stove backsplash, design to baking! You could have one more person in your arsenal for help! I Do Love the green tiles you made. You could check with Nicki Positano, she just got new tiles for her kitchen & she might have a less expensive outlet. Her design is Simple & Beautiful. Best Of Luck!🤞
The process is alway part of the journey and so happy that Marc's brother was able to hook you up with the tile tool maker. Having a space that you can spread out to make the tiles is a bonus. Thank you for takiing us along truly love it.
I am soo impressed with your bravery, ingenuity, creativeness, and artistry. Your bathroom tile work will be one giant experiment, but one to be appreciated for possibly centuries. 'Just imagine!!!! You will have tiles in your historical chateau, like no others in the world, made with your own imagination and design. Clement, and then, your daughter will remember you making your tiles, and will be able to tell their grandchildren about your efforts and creation. Your work will be a historical document, of sorts. How absolutely wonderful! I love the variation in the glazing of the green tiles, and can't wait to see how the leaf pressed tiles turn out. 🌱🌿🍀
This was so interesting. I am glad you are taking on the challenge to make your own tiles for unique character in the bathrooms of your Chateau. Makes it personal and feels like a home, not a hotel. Clement was adorable, but when isn't he😁😉? He is so smart. Hope Marc can rid the beetles from the timbers in the ceiling.
Amy, you are absolutely amazing!!! Not only what you are willing to try and 'figure out' but your wonderful imagination. Such great memories for Clemente and yourself and a special place in the chateau !! I wish I didn't live 3000 + miles away from you !!
My father and I made custom tiles for pools and jacuzzis. We designed the tile pieces then made moldes to mass produce them. Much easier and faster to pore the slip. Porcelain makes the best tiles for indoor work and earthenware is great for outside areas.
I think the green tiles are beautiful! The peacock tile is very beautiful as well. Maybe the green tiles could be used in another place, like a laundry area or pantry.
You seemed the most comfortable in this video, it was such an interesting topic and I can't wait to see how they turn out. I really liked the green tiles as well as those you have done on the Peacock mural. I remember seeing you on Chateau DIY starting that project.
How wonderfully talented you are Amy, and to take on this special tile project...so admirable. You are also very lucky to have a BIG helper (Clement) too! I look forward to viewing your 1st completed tile project.
This was fascinating to watch. I am really impressed at your first attempts of tile making. Can't believe how ambitious you were in tackling that peacock tile mural as a first attempt as it was so intricate. I personally think the green ones look great especially as you are still learning. As they say practice makes perfect and if those are you starting out I can only imagine how fantastic they will be once you have mastered the art of making tiles. I really admire your patience.
Very interesting to learn how to make tiles. Your drawing of the peacock is beautiful. I like the green tiles also, The imperfections are truly beautiful. Looking forward to more. Enjoyed. Blessings to you all. You sure made this fun Amy and Master Clement helping is adorable.
Amy, I am very impressed that you are taking on this challenge....I am sure that you will get it and am very excited for you. Over the years you have tried and done so many different projects and the outcomes have always looks amazing....have fun learning!!
I can't wait to see your peacock finished. Don't give up on it, it's going to be amazing. You're very hard on yourself, you are your own worst critic. You're doing brilliantly especially with Clement's help! 😄
Well done keep going Plaster of Paris moulds are ready helpful for making relief patterns as it starts to leech the moisture out of the clay and gives more stable definition of your design. Ask Mark to make you tile sized cookie cutter ... will make your process faster
What a wonderful project, such creativity ❤. I loved watching it and humming along to “By the Light, of The Silvery Moon”. No one ever, is a master at what they do, it takes patience and a lot of trial and error, learning as you go along. You are doing an amazing job Amy! ❤
Make scratches on the back of the tiles to help them compensate as they change shape during the process. This also helps them stay flat. Many tiles have this on the back.
Amy, you may not be artistic, but you have an artistic soul. Your determination to learn and research is amazing. Wishing you all the luck in your endeavors and I know the end results will be fabulous. I will love watching you grow and admire your blossoming skills, with witnessing and admirering the end results.
You are one amazing lady Amy, your tiles wow! to have the courage to buy a kiln and have a go is amazing, your bathrooms are going to look fantastic, what a woman! I could watch you all day and your a great mum, much love xxxxxxxxxxx😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Have a bit of experience with ceramics myself and my husband is a beekeeper. Beekeeping supply houses sell stainless steel comb honey cutters with a wooden handle. Usually they are 4x4 inches square and are made like a large cookie cutter. If the size and shape suits you it would be a convenient way to cut your slabs into tiles of equal sizes with nice straight edges. Sells for between $15-$20 USD but I expect they are also available in the UK. Don’t know about France though. Good luck with the tiles! Johanna Maine USA
As if making tiles isn't challenge enough, you're doing it with two small children. I'm impressed! My two would have turned the workshop upside down and there would have been clay from here to breakfast time. Keep at it as you're doing a great job. I loved the music too.
Your doing a great job. I enjoyed watching your enthusiasm. I'm a potter and here's a few tips that will make it a little easier. Tiles dry without too much warping between drywall sheets. Clay has a memory the more you handle it the more likely it is to warp. After rolling out your clay you really need to compress it with a rib,that also helps with warping.
Thanks guys! Always welcome tips! I did drywall (taped up) for the first batch but got the bisque tile suggestion from Reptile Tiles so thought I’d try it this time!
Brilliant vlog Amy! So enjoyed watching and hearing about your tile making endeavors. Looking forward to following along. I admire your creativity in all you do. Watching you with Clement was precious. Best Wishes to you and your beautiful family!🥰
Oh this makes me SO happy! ❤️😀 I'm an old artist, and originally a ceramicist for years. I've seen many chatelaines make tiles using bisque fired terracotta but none give real diy a shot, good for you! Naturally, watching you a myriad of thoughts spring to mind. But I think it's really important to learn by doing, and to understand the life and property of clay is all in the hand on experience. With tiles there's endless possibilities. Yes it's a slow and repetitious process, labour intense in a way. At least if you see it from the perspective of time consuming. But it's also so organic, peaceful and meditative. If you ever get into throwing you'll find it as addictive as any yoga or meditation. Working with art is alot like practical scientific work, lab experiments etc. It really involves huge amounts of testing, trials, repetition, keeping notes on all variations and results. And your findings inspire new ideas! Ceramic work is a great way to actually make sure you do get the time in your weekly routine to spend on mindful quiet making. (when I've shared my studio I've often worked with earphones of Bach or jazz, not viable with babies around perhaps) Clay is friendly and intuitive so it's wonderful also for children to refine their motor skills and create freely. I see you have good advice around you. And high ambitions! That's a great place to start. And what a lovely studio too 😍 Many ceramicists use found objects, household tools and make their own. In that regard there are no rules. Anything that works is great, and all sorts of things in our environment make interesting relief patterns! What I would say is that the thickness of any slab should be relative to its areal size. I assume you've grasped this. I'd say there's no real advantages of making tiles super thin. Especially not if working with low fired clay, ie terracotta, which is more fragile and doesn't fire waterproof. I'd also use well grogged clay for slab work, especially tiles. The warping happens also in the firing process, not so much the air drying one. Grogg helps prevent this. Slip without grogg can still make the surface silky smooth. Remembering bathrooms are functional spaces with alot of humidity and direct water contact, and terracotta isnt waterproof I'd not aim for too thin. Heavier tiles are of course a bit more labourious to fix to walls, or at least take more time as you cant simply stack them all the way up in one go. But again, that may not be the first priority, as you're doing one space at a time, not 14 baths in one go. I'd not aim for tile bodies thinner than at least 5 millimeters dried and fired. Mosaics are an option too, and I'd save any cracked or discarded tiles for mosaic use in other projects like wall decorations, bird baths, fountains or a decorative bench or table. (its also fun to combine with any broken porcelaine). Ready made glaze does tend to be quite expensive, especially of the type you're using. There are alot less expensive options to try. Mason stains are cheap. Give a whole range of pretty colors. If you prefer a glossy finish you simplu use a layer of transparent glossy glaze on top. You can buy a basic glaze dry, a transparent glossy and a basic matte white glaze and use oxides to color them. With designs like your peacock one, very multicolored and illustrative you're probably better off using the mayco or amaco factory ones although you can get fine results with mason stains and transparent glossy glaze on top too. But for tiles like the leaf relief simply giving the pattern a little wash of cobalt oxide (for blue) or copper oxide or copper carborate (for green) will bring out all the fine detail. Oxides are poweder form very concentrated metal pigmentd simply diluted with water as much as you need in a sitting and brushed on with a watercolor brush, then you glaze on top when it's dried a bit. Dipping and brushing on your glaze are better options for coverage of flat surfaces than spraying (which is more useful for 3d objects but requires a well ventilated box) when handling any dry glaze, oxide, and mixing you should wear protective latex gloves and face mask always. These are the fine airborn particles dangerous to inhale before slaked into wet form, and some ingredienys in glaze aren't healthy for your skin either. Not even the mayco ones. I don't mean to scare you at all, I've just seen alot of self taught people make mistakes that wouldn't fly in college for obvious health concerns. The glazes bought in dry form usually have recommended claybodies to pair with. Your clay supplier should be able to help you with that. You just mix them up with water in plastic buckets with a tight fitting lid. The green tiles you made would be lovely with glazed brushed on with a wide soft brush. I couldnt see the carving well enough on my screen to detect the trouble, but with line carving its easier to get perfect results with a fine looped tool rather than a scribe type tool. A fine pointy loop of wire on a handle used on slightly softer clay than leather hard will do the trick. You can run your finger over to idenyify and smooth any rough edge. I'm exited to see your process and hopefully see you fall in love with ceramic work ❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰
@@k.j.2481 Thank you. A big part my reason for using social media is about artists sharing their work, their problems and questions, advice and ideas. To me it's the point of it all. Besides the enjoyment of following some people on very different journeys. I'm glad to help anyone who needs advice and I'm always learning too. Just recently Ive realized I really miss ceramics. I'm in an inner-city environment atm so it's not the easiest thing to set up without huge investments. My building from 1656 doesnt meet the requirements for professional kiln electricity and it's VERY hard to find a studio in Stockholm that will let you fire with them. Unfortunately. It may have to wait for a while. I've made tiles before but never an entire bathroom for myself. That's also on the list of future things I'd like to do. I love seeing creative people embark on new paths of creativity. It's lovely that these things can be so easily shared from afar these days. When I started out that was science fiction 😂
Bonjour Marc and Amy Clement Juliette how fascinating the tile tutorial the greens ones you did just stunning green my favourite colour 😍The tile press making your own tiles a talent and patience well done Amy I look forward to the leaf pressed tiles Clement absorbing all the skills craftsmanship history of the Chateau I’m always impressed Have a fabulous week my loves Merci beaucoup💖💖😘😘😍😍👌👌🌟🌟
This was so interesting. I always wondered if you finished your peacock tiles. Maybe this adventure will spur you into finishing that project. The tiles you have finished of that project are so beautiful. I think they will make a lovely feature in that primary bedroom en-suite. ❤️😊
I’d so love to finish those tiles. I just haven’t got any 2-3hr blocks of time at the moment to just sit and paint and I can’t stop and start once doing a tile. Hopefully one day though!
Love the hand made tiles. The imperfections show character and each one will be slightly different. Nothing wrong with that. Loved the green tiles. Great job. Looking forward to seeing your journey. You never know. You may end up making a business out of tile making.
This is fascinating and creative! I’m sure you will come up with a process that works for you. There seem to be so many options for this craft. It boggles the mind to think of it! Looking forward to seeing your path forward and the end results! ❤
This was so much fun to watch! Your first attempts were pretty- and that peacock design was beautiful. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! I have no doubt it will be beautiful as well. Clement is adorable, what a sweet little helper!
What a wonderful idea to make your own personal tiles 🤗 You are never afraid to try something new. You just jump right into it! 😀 You’re so cool! 👍🏻👏🏻 I’v done some ceramics myself in my younger days, but unfortunately I had to give it up due to constant tendinitis in my wrists 🥴 But I just wanted to tell you that you can make prints of almost everything. Especially lace is very efficient and beautiful. But what ever pattern you’ll find around you. I love that peacock wall that you made earlier. It is so beautiful! 🥰 Good luck with it all. I’m looking forward to the results ♥️
Amy, I love your enthusiasm and can do attitude. I marvel at how busy you are already with your children, animals, home and huge chateau project and to add tiles for 14 bathrooms, Wow. I do understand the satisfaction that will come from seeing your tiles adorn your bathrooms, there is nothing like it.
Wax the side edges of the tiles after making them and they won't warp as they dry. Also, tent your drying rack with plastic to control the drying a bit better. Its that the tiles are loosing moisture from that cut edge along with the top and bottom edge they are congruent with that causes the curling. The center larger areas of the top and bottom dry slower and contract less than where 3 surfaces are loosing moisture on the edges. The wax is smelly on the bisque firing but works. Applying wax to the bottoms of vessels or the vertical sides of tiles also keeps your glaze from sticking to them so they don't stick to you kiln shelf and gives a very clean glaze edge. If you use a sculpture clay with more grog (previously fired and pulverized clay) it will have less shrinking. Be sure to mark the back of your tile with its type and to what cone/temperature you fired it. Shrinkage increases at higher temps. A good way to create your reference tile for shrinkage is to incise a line on it and score a 10 mm section with vertical lines intersecting the horizontal line. It gives a quick visual reference for what percentage shrinkage you have easily with no maths needed. Always do test tiles for glaze on the clay you will be using as the ingredients in the clay interact with those in the glazes.
Interesting tip on the wax for drying! I don’t know if you saw my plastic tent at the end! It worked pretty well this time. I also did the first batch with more grog but didn’t love the finish. I would like to try wax for the glaze though. For sure it will help me get neater edges. Make sure you keep giving me tips as the videos progress!!!
@@Chroniclesofrosieres Yes, I did see your tent. You are going to need drying shelves for the quantity of tile you will need to make. Look at the description of the clay's grog size. The smaller the grog particle size the less rough it will be but still have less warping and shrinking. Also, don't go less than 1/4" thick on your tiles. They won't be as durable. To get a raised design on your tiles you'll need to learn how to make plaster molds to help with production time. Key is not having undercuts in the design and to use pottery plaster for the molds. Wall plaster won't do. When incising a design into the clay, use a blunter edge rather than a pointed edge. A sharp edge makes it want to crack through while a rounded edge doesn't. You don't have to incise deeply either. Using transparent glazes for the pressed leaves will show the detail better and not fill the shallow lines so they disappear. Many pottery suppliers will alter a clay to your needs if you order a large enough batch. You will have that much with making tile for the bathrooms. Figure out how much clay you'll need by weighing the wet tile and multiplying how many you need and add at least 10% for seconds (quality not up to standard) you don't want to use. Making pottery is very much like baking breads in some of the processes. You can get premade tile cutters to size that are like cookie cutters. Saves time and helps uniformity of size. Marc might be able to make some.
Wow Amy, I love the mural wall tiles! That will be a beautiful bathroom when it's finished!. I admire your persistence in learning and research about everything you do, and the pottery is no exception. I do like that tile roller, it reminds me of a laundry wringer! I do like the idea of imprinting on the tiles, it's going to be interesting to see the results. I have very little knowledge of anything to do with pottery, so I'm learning so much watching you! Can't wait to see the next episode about the tiles!! Big hugs xxx
Love your channel. Amy you and Marc seem to make a great team…I especially like your self deprecating humor. It makes me think I, too, can do this. Watching from PA, USA.
Amy I just LOVE this tile project you are doing! I used to do pottery when I was a younger and thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish you 100% luck in the process and I can't wait to see it completed. What a wonderful idea for your chateau!
You under estimate your talents. The picture you drew is amazing and you are very brave to take on this wonderful world of making and painting your own tiles. Looking forward to seeing how it all turns out.
very ambitious project! I love the looks of the first design you have for the small bathroom... I will be back to watch your progress on the testing tiles and to see where this clay adventure takes you... lovely video..thank you
In canada we often use white subway tiles in a herringbone pattern with pale grey grout and a ribbon at waist height of designer tiles which works really well and adds some uniqueness for your other bathrooms..🇨🇦
Aww really enjoyed this video Amy. Well done you trying out new ideas. The tiles will look beautiful Im looking forward to see how you get on in the next video. Much love lisa xx ❤
I’m so excited to see how the leaves turn out. I think it would be fun to use the kids hand and feet prints maybe for the bottom area. Using leaves from your garden make it so personal. Good luck!! Can’t wait🥰
I too, made my own tiles after seeing the cost of handmade tiles. I had never done anything with clay before. My first batch was thrown away because of warping. I then got drywall sheets, cut them the dimension of the tile and stacked tiles the length of the drywall, about four feet long and 8" wide. I stached them on each other and then put books and rocks on top for weight and it worked great. It was a long, arduous process with the learning curve but I was so very hapy with the tiles.
Wonderful! Glad to hear it worked out for you! I tried drywall and may go back to it but found the bisque tile an excellent tip from Reptile Tiles and it worked so well this time!
Wow that was a superb video. You are amazing to take on this endeavor and even though it’s challenging, you are very smart. You’re doing your research and experimentation and will end up with beautiful, unique tiles for your bathrooms and kitchen. Thank you for sharing this project with us, Amy. I can’t wait to see follow up videos of your tile making adventure. xxx
I love love loved this video. So interesting seeing the details of your projects. I also think the earlier made green tiles were actually quite beautiful as well. Maybe usable in another space?
I love what you are doing, as I am a potter myself! Your baby boy is definitely craft oriented, with the way he was putting water onto his bit of clay, with the cutting implement. He is also very intuitive, as you are, so he takes after you! I also had my own nursery school. I love what you are doing, creating your own tiles. You are a truly amazing, creative person. Your husband is a lovely chap too, and you make a lovely family. Good Luck to you in all you do. I watch all the Chateau things, can not get enough, it is so inspiring. Thank you for this video, and Blessings to you all from beautiful Autumn sunny Devon, England. xxxc
Thank you Amy, really interesting watching you creating your tiles. Really looking forward to seeing the next instalment. I have to say how beautiful your trees looked in the opening scenes xx
The information in this video and the way you presented it is fantastic. It's so interesting and makes me want to try something like it. Without buying a kiln, of course. Because of the enormous amount of tiles you will be needing, it was the perfect decision for you. Please invite us to follow the progress on this particular project and thank you for sharing this one. So sorry you heard that dreaded beetle and hope it's a simple matter to address.
Really enjoying your creative challenge. Clay cut straight from the bag will be air free so you can use in the slab roller without wedging and potentially adding air🙂
I sure hope you will have a shower! Your painted tiles you did are gorgeous! The green ones are amazing! Love the color...best wishes for continued succcess.
Sure you will get a great finish - love your honesty, we all have jobs we start and struggle to finish due to time, and we have nowhere near the reasons you have :)
Oh my goodness! All I can say is you have the patience of a saint! Very very hard work albeit the beautiful results. Well done 👏. I absolutely loved the green set you made and do hope you use them 💚
I've got a feeling your tiles will be amazing, keep at it and remember practice makes perfect well done.
You're very kind to say so. It's lovely to have people have confidence in me because I'm not sure I always do!
That will come with time
LOVE THIS!!! Amy, hearing you explain your logic again shows your sensibility: Most chateau bathrooms are relentlessly modern, rather like chain hotels. Although they are nice they are sterile. Your plan to make your own is perfectly sensible. You could just paint the relevant bathrooms so they are temporarily useful - their plainness will help you stick to the plan! (We got a cheap countertop for our kitchen when we moved in, later replacing it with terrazzo, which I love, but it was expensive for us.) Brava, and I wish you all success.
Thank you so much Lisa! You’re always so kind and supportive x
I love your green tiles. If they are not good enough for your bathroom please still use them somewhere else. Like at an outside tap. They will make a space look so special!
Amy,
Everything you make is excellent in its own way... 200 years ago, when an artisan helper was learning from his "master/boss" how to make tiles, then colour and glaze them, fire them to use in some château owner's home, there was very little "throw it away and let's try again". I would love to see you place some of those cast-off tiles in the room initially intended for their use. This allows the world to know that you are human, not superhuman as Mark and all of your fans are convinced that you are! The interest in your journey will be forever within your masterworks!!! In a couple years I would love to visit your home (if invited) just to see where your learning/imperfect tiles are placed along with their perfect cousin tiles... William👏👏👏
Wow! The leaves made a beautiful impression! It alludes to the beautiful woodlands you. It also reminds one of the serendipitous impressions made in old tiles by random items falling on the the wet clay or animals simply walking across them. Plus the peacock mural tiles look stunning.
The clarity of your filming has greatly improved. Amy - is that your musical accompaniment to the vista shots? Your vlogs are always so personal and inclusive - this is what sets your vlogs above lots of other vloggers. Taking a unique approach to restoration & renovation and putting so much care & thought & vision into honest hard work. Well done to all the team. Hope you are all keeping well. Hugs& bisous 🤗😘🤗😘🤗😘🤗😘
Thanks Kathryn! I can’t take any credit for the filming - it’s all Adonis! So glad you’re enjoying the journey. You’re always so supportive x
Not me playing the music btw. It’s a lovely one I found on the TH-cam music library
Even if you do "everything right" my experience is that clay has a will of its own - often with surprising results. Love the green tiles! If you don't find a wall or counter top for them maybe you could cover a wood table top. Adorable Clement is so smart imitating you & wanting to help! 😊
Thank you Martha! They won’t go to waste for sure!
Even if some of the experiments come out badly enough to have No use, you can break them up & use grout to make a mosaic wall or table or countertop or bed headboard. The larger rejects could be used to make colorful pathways through a garden or orchard to help with weed control. If you know Anna & Philipp at "How To Renovate Without Killing Your Partner" she made her own tiles for the stove backsplash, design to baking! You could have one more person in your arsenal for help! I Do Love the green tiles you made. You could check with Nicki Positano, she just got new tiles for her kitchen & she might have a less expensive outlet. Her design is Simple & Beautiful. Best Of Luck!🤞
I love the green tiles as well. Good to know they won’t “got to waste” 🥰
The process is alway part of the journey and so happy that Marc's brother was able to hook you up with the tile tool maker.
Having a space that you can spread out to make the tiles is a bonus. Thank you for takiing us along truly love it.
You’re very kind Rita. Thanks for watching!
I am soo impressed with your bravery, ingenuity, creativeness, and artistry. Your bathroom tile work will be one giant experiment, but one to be appreciated for possibly centuries. 'Just imagine!!!! You will have tiles in your historical chateau, like no others in the world, made with your own imagination and design. Clement, and then, your daughter will remember you making your tiles, and will be able to tell their grandchildren about your efforts and creation. Your work will be a historical document, of sorts. How absolutely wonderful! I love the variation in the glazing of the green tiles, and can't wait to see how the leaf pressed tiles turn out. 🌱🌿🍀
That’s so kind of you thank you. It’s lovely to have such supportive comments x
This was so interesting. I am glad you are taking on the challenge to make your own tiles for unique character in the bathrooms of your Chateau. Makes it personal and feels like a home, not a hotel. Clement was adorable, but when isn't he😁😉? He is so smart. Hope Marc can rid the beetles from the timbers in the ceiling.
Thank you Angela. I do love working with my little boy x
Amy, you are absolutely amazing!!! Not only what you are willing to try and 'figure out' but your wonderful imagination. Such great memories for Clemente and yourself and a special place in the chateau !! I wish I didn't live 3000 + miles away from you !!
My father and I made custom tiles for pools and jacuzzis. We designed the tile pieces then made moldes to mass produce them. Much easier and faster to pore the slip. Porcelain makes the best tiles for indoor work and earthenware is great for outside areas.
Looking forward to seeing the end result...
I think the green tiles are beautiful! The peacock tile is very beautiful as well. Maybe the green tiles could be used in another place, like a laundry area or pantry.
You seemed the most comfortable in this video, it was such an interesting topic and I can't wait to see how they turn out. I really liked the green tiles as well as those you have done on the Peacock mural. I remember seeing you on Chateau DIY starting that project.
How wonderfully talented you are Amy, and to take on this special tile project...so admirable. You are also very lucky to have a BIG helper (Clement) too! I look forward to viewing your 1st completed tile project.
Thank you very much!!!
BRAVO
This was fascinating to watch. I am really impressed at your first attempts of tile making. Can't believe how ambitious you were in tackling that peacock tile mural as a first attempt as it was so intricate.
I personally think the green ones look great especially as you are still learning. As they say practice makes perfect and if those are you starting out I can only imagine how fantastic they will be once you have mastered the art of making tiles. I really admire your patience.
You’re very kind - thank you!
I Think the green tiles look Great!
The leaf tiles are my favorite!! Crunch, crunch, crunch...
😊😘
Very cool! Can't wait to see how they turn out. I love the leaf imprints. 😘
I loved this episode Amy. Keep them coming 🎉❤
Very interesting to learn how to make tiles. Your drawing of the peacock is beautiful. I like the green tiles also, The imperfections are truly beautiful. Looking forward to more. Enjoyed. Blessings to you all. You sure made this fun Amy and Master Clement helping is adorable.
Thank you, that’s lovely!
Amy, I am very impressed that you are taking on this challenge....I am sure that you will get it and am very excited for you. Over the years you have tried and done so many different projects and the outcomes have always looks amazing....have fun learning!!
Aw thanks Jane! 😊
I can't wait to see your peacock finished. Don't give up on it, it's going to be amazing. You're very hard on yourself, you are your own worst critic. You're doing brilliantly especially with Clement's help! 😄
Well done keep going
Plaster of Paris moulds are ready helpful for making relief patterns as it starts to leech the moisture out of the clay and gives more stable definition of your design.
Ask Mark to make you tile sized cookie cutter ... will make your process faster
❤Good luck Amy and Clement. This is so wonderful to watch. Love to see your tiles in their final position in the bathrooms. ❤
What a wonderful project, such creativity ❤. I loved watching it and humming along to “By the Light, of The Silvery Moon”. No one ever, is a master at what they do, it takes patience and a lot of trial and error, learning as you go along. You are doing an amazing job Amy! ❤
Wow Amy incredible! 🥰 🤩 you are so creative and this is really inspiring. Your son's face gave away how much he was enjoying himself, what a cutie! 🥰🥰
So kind of you to say. Thank you! I loved working with Clément too!
Very interesting. That peacock mural looks like it will be beautiful. Clement is a good helper.
Wonderful video Amy!! Thanks for all the hard work you did to bring it to us. 😊
Thank you lovely Judi x
Such an exciting project! It’s going to be amazing having your own hand made tiles all over the chateau
Can’t wait to see the progress of the tiles, fascinating!
Thank you 😊
Make scratches on the back of the tiles to help them compensate as they change shape during the process. This also helps them stay flat. Many tiles have this on the back.
Amy, the green tiles are (already) wonderful. I’ve been looking at handmade Moroccan tiles & yours’ are every bit as nice!
That’s very kind of you thank you!
Amy your peacock mural tiles are gorgeous xxxx
Amy, you may not be artistic, but you have an artistic soul. Your determination to learn and research is amazing. Wishing you all the luck in your endeavors and I know the end results will be fabulous. I will love watching you grow and admire your blossoming skills, with witnessing and admirering the end results.
That was great. Really interesting. You're great at explaing things. Looking forward to seeing how they turn out
Thank you!
You are one amazing lady Amy, your tiles wow! to have the courage to buy a kiln and have a go is amazing, your bathrooms are going to look fantastic, what a woman! I could watch you all day and your a great mum, much love xxxxxxxxxxx😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Have a bit of experience with ceramics myself and my husband is a beekeeper. Beekeeping supply houses sell stainless steel comb honey cutters with a wooden handle. Usually they are 4x4 inches square and are made like a large cookie cutter. If the size and shape suits you it would be a convenient way to cut your slabs into tiles of equal sizes with nice straight edges. Sells for between $15-$20 USD but I expect they are also available in the UK. Don’t know about France though.
Good luck with the tiles!
Johanna Maine USA
wow! deep dive into tiles!
As if making tiles isn't challenge enough, you're doing it with two small children. I'm impressed! My two would have turned the workshop upside down and there would have been clay from here to breakfast time. Keep at it as you're doing a great job. I loved the music too.
Your doing a great job. I enjoyed watching your enthusiasm. I'm a potter and here's a few tips that will make it a little easier.
Tiles dry without too much warping between drywall sheets.
Clay has a memory the more you handle it the more likely it is to warp. After rolling out your clay you really need to compress it with a rib,that also helps with warping.
If you use drywall sheets be sure to tape up the edges so the plaster isn't exposed. Plaster in clay will cause faults during firing of the clay.
Thanks guys! Always welcome tips! I did drywall (taped up) for the first batch but got the bisque tile suggestion from Reptile Tiles so thought I’d try it this time!
Brilliant vlog Amy! So enjoyed watching and hearing about your tile making endeavors. Looking forward to following along. I admire your creativity in all you do. Watching you with Clement was precious. Best Wishes to you and your beautiful family!🥰
I thought the green tiles you had already made were fantastic, I would definitely use them, they are gorgeous❤️
I thibk the green ones are lovely. You should use them somewhere
Already love the tiles you made! It’s going to be beautiful!! 🤎🔥🍂
Thank you!!!
Oh this makes me SO happy! ❤️😀
I'm an old artist, and originally a ceramicist for years. I've seen many chatelaines make tiles using bisque fired terracotta but none give real diy a shot, good for you!
Naturally, watching you a myriad of thoughts spring to mind. But I think it's really important to learn by doing, and to understand the life and property of clay is all in the hand on experience. With tiles there's endless possibilities. Yes it's a slow and repetitious process, labour intense in a way. At least if you see it from the perspective of time consuming. But it's also so organic, peaceful and meditative. If you ever get into throwing you'll find it as addictive as any yoga or meditation. Working with art is alot like practical scientific work, lab experiments etc. It really involves huge amounts of testing, trials, repetition, keeping notes on all variations and results. And your findings inspire new ideas!
Ceramic work is a great way to actually make sure you do get the time in your weekly routine to spend on mindful quiet making. (when I've shared my studio I've often worked with earphones of Bach or jazz, not viable with babies around perhaps)
Clay is friendly and intuitive so it's wonderful also for children to refine their motor skills and create freely. I see you have good advice around you. And high ambitions! That's a great place to start. And what a lovely studio too 😍
Many ceramicists use found objects, household tools and make their own. In that regard there are no rules. Anything that works is great, and all sorts of things in our environment make interesting relief patterns! What I would say is that the thickness of any slab should be relative to its areal size. I assume you've grasped this. I'd say there's no real advantages of making tiles super thin. Especially not if working with low fired clay, ie terracotta, which is more fragile and doesn't fire waterproof. I'd also use well grogged clay for slab work, especially tiles. The warping happens also in the firing process, not so much the air drying one. Grogg helps prevent this. Slip without grogg can still make the surface silky smooth. Remembering bathrooms are functional spaces with alot of humidity and direct water contact, and terracotta isnt waterproof I'd not aim for too thin.
Heavier tiles are of course a bit more labourious to fix to walls, or at least take more time as you cant simply stack them all the way up in one go. But again, that may not be the first priority, as you're doing one space at a time, not 14 baths in one go. I'd not aim for tile bodies thinner than at least 5 millimeters dried and fired. Mosaics are an option too, and I'd save any cracked or discarded tiles for mosaic use in other projects like wall decorations, bird baths, fountains or a decorative bench or table. (its also fun to combine with any broken porcelaine).
Ready made glaze does tend to be quite expensive, especially of the type you're using. There are alot less expensive options to try. Mason stains are cheap. Give a whole range of pretty colors. If you prefer a glossy finish you simplu use a layer of transparent glossy glaze on top. You can buy a basic glaze dry, a transparent glossy and a basic matte white glaze and use oxides to color them. With designs like your peacock one, very multicolored and illustrative you're probably better off using the mayco or amaco factory ones although you can get fine results with mason stains and transparent glossy glaze on top too.
But for tiles like the leaf relief simply giving the pattern a little wash of cobalt oxide (for blue) or copper oxide or copper carborate (for green) will bring out all the fine detail. Oxides are poweder form very concentrated metal pigmentd simply diluted with water as much as you need in a sitting and brushed on with a watercolor brush, then you glaze on top when it's dried a bit. Dipping and brushing on your glaze are better options for coverage of flat surfaces than spraying (which is more useful for 3d objects but requires a well ventilated box) when handling any dry glaze, oxide, and mixing you should wear protective latex gloves and face mask always. These are the fine airborn particles dangerous to inhale before slaked into wet form, and some ingredienys in glaze aren't healthy for your skin either. Not even the mayco ones. I don't mean to scare you at all, I've just seen alot of self taught people make mistakes that wouldn't fly in college for obvious health concerns.
The glazes bought in dry form usually have recommended claybodies to pair with. Your clay supplier should be able to help you with that. You just mix them up with water in plastic buckets with a tight fitting lid.
The green tiles you made would be lovely with glazed brushed on with a wide soft brush. I couldnt see the carving well enough on my screen to detect the trouble, but with line carving its easier to get perfect results with a fine looped tool rather than a scribe type tool. A fine pointy loop of wire on a handle used on slightly softer clay than leather hard will do the trick. You can run your finger over to idenyify and smooth any rough edge.
I'm exited to see your process and hopefully see you fall in love with ceramic work ❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰
Excellent advice.
@@k.j.2481 Thank you. A big part my reason for using social media is about artists sharing their work, their problems and questions, advice and ideas. To me it's the point of it all. Besides the enjoyment of following some people on very different journeys. I'm glad to help anyone who needs advice and I'm always learning too.
Just recently Ive realized I really miss ceramics. I'm in an inner-city environment atm so it's not the easiest thing to set up without huge investments. My building from 1656 doesnt meet the requirements for professional kiln electricity and it's VERY hard to find a studio in Stockholm that will let you fire with them. Unfortunately.
It may have to wait for a while.
I've made tiles before but never an entire bathroom for myself. That's also on the list of future things I'd like to do.
I love seeing creative people embark on new paths of creativity. It's lovely that these things can be so easily shared from afar these days. When I started out that was science fiction 😂
Amy you look even more beautiful after having children. Beautiful tiles! My favorite color! And isn’t Clement adorable!!!!!
I love your endurance and determination for excellence in learning... but LOVE your denim APRON !!!
Bonjour Marc and Amy Clement Juliette how fascinating the tile tutorial the greens ones you did just stunning green my favourite colour 😍The tile press making your own tiles a talent and patience well done Amy I look forward to the leaf pressed tiles Clement absorbing all the skills craftsmanship history of the Chateau I’m always impressed Have a fabulous week my loves Merci beaucoup💖💖😘😘😍😍👌👌🌟🌟
❤️❤️❤️ Thanks Brenda. Have a lovely weekend!
@@Chroniclesofrosieres you too my loves out in the garden for me Amore💖💖😍😍👌👌
This was so interesting. I always wondered if you finished your peacock tiles. Maybe this adventure will spur you into finishing that project. The tiles you have finished of that project are so beautiful. I think they will make a lovely feature in that primary bedroom en-suite. ❤️😊
I’d so love to finish those tiles. I just haven’t got any 2-3hr blocks of time at the moment to just sit and paint and I can’t stop and start once doing a tile. Hopefully one day though!
Love the hand made tiles. The imperfections show character and each one will be slightly different. Nothing wrong with that. Loved the green tiles. Great job. Looking forward to seeing your journey. You never know. You may end up making a business out of tile making.
This is fascinating and creative! I’m sure you will come up with a process that works for you. There seem to be so many options for this craft. It boggles the mind to think of it! Looking forward to seeing your path forward and the end results! ❤
This was so much fun to watch! Your first attempts were pretty- and that peacock design was beautiful. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! I have no doubt it will be beautiful as well. Clement is adorable, what a sweet little helper!
Amy how wonderful! I can’t wait, to see the next video!
Your hair looks beautiful! You could press ferns into the clay if you're in a ferny place. That would look pretty.
What a wonderful idea to make your own personal tiles 🤗 You are never afraid to try something new. You just jump right into it! 😀 You’re so cool! 👍🏻👏🏻 I’v done some ceramics myself in my younger days, but unfortunately I had to give it up due to constant tendinitis in my wrists 🥴 But I just wanted to tell you that you can make prints of almost everything. Especially lace is very efficient and beautiful. But what ever pattern you’ll find around you. I love that peacock wall that you made earlier. It is so beautiful! 🥰 Good luck with it all. I’m looking forward to the results ♥️
Amy, I love your enthusiasm and can do attitude. I marvel at how busy you are already with your children, animals, home and huge chateau project and to add tiles for 14 bathrooms, Wow. I do understand the satisfaction that will come from seeing your tiles adorn your bathrooms, there is nothing like it.
Thank you that’s very kind of you to say.
Really enjoyed this video. Thanks for taking us along for the ride x
Wax the side edges of the tiles after making them and they won't warp as they dry. Also, tent your drying rack with plastic to control the drying a bit better. Its that the tiles are loosing moisture from that cut edge along with the top and bottom edge they are congruent with that causes the curling. The center larger areas of the top and bottom dry slower and contract less than where 3 surfaces are loosing moisture on the edges. The wax is smelly on the bisque firing but works. Applying wax to the bottoms of vessels or the vertical sides of tiles also keeps your glaze from sticking to them so they don't stick to you kiln shelf and gives a very clean glaze edge. If you use a sculpture clay with more grog (previously fired and pulverized clay) it will have less shrinking. Be sure to mark the back of your tile with its type and to what cone/temperature you fired it. Shrinkage increases at higher temps. A good way to create your reference tile for shrinkage is to incise a line on it and score a 10 mm section with vertical lines intersecting the horizontal line. It gives a quick visual reference for what percentage shrinkage you have easily with no maths needed. Always do test tiles for glaze on the clay you will be using as the ingredients in the clay interact with those in the glazes.
Interesting tip on the wax for drying! I don’t know if you saw my plastic tent at the end! It worked pretty well this time. I also did the first batch with more grog but didn’t love the finish. I would like to try wax for the glaze though. For sure it will help me get neater edges. Make sure you keep giving me tips as the videos progress!!!
@@Chroniclesofrosieres Yes, I did see your tent. You are going to need drying shelves for the quantity of tile you will need to make. Look at the description of the clay's grog size. The smaller the grog particle size the less rough it will be but still have less warping and shrinking. Also, don't go less than 1/4" thick on your tiles. They won't be as durable. To get a raised design on your tiles you'll need to learn how to make plaster molds to help with production time. Key is not having undercuts in the design and to use pottery plaster for the molds. Wall plaster won't do. When incising a design into the clay, use a blunter edge rather than a pointed edge. A sharp edge makes it want to crack through while a rounded edge doesn't. You don't have to incise deeply either. Using transparent glazes for the pressed leaves will show the detail better and not fill the shallow lines so they disappear. Many pottery suppliers will alter a clay to your needs if you order a large enough batch. You will have that much with making tile for the bathrooms. Figure out how much clay you'll need by weighing the wet tile and multiplying how many you need and add at least 10% for seconds (quality not up to standard) you don't want to use. Making pottery is very much like baking breads in some of the processes. You can get premade tile cutters to size that are like cookie cutters. Saves time and helps uniformity of size. Marc might be able to make some.
So much helpful info here Nanci - thank you!
Great vlog. So interesting to watch. Can’t wait to see the finished result and your first bathroom complete. Love your enthusiasm.
Wow Amy, I love the mural wall tiles! That will be a beautiful bathroom when it's finished!. I admire your persistence in learning and research about everything you do, and the pottery is no exception. I do like that tile roller, it reminds me of a laundry wringer! I do like the idea of imprinting on the tiles, it's going to be interesting to see the results. I have very little knowledge of anything to do with pottery, so I'm learning so much watching you! Can't wait to see the next episode about the tiles!! Big hugs xxx
Love your channel. Amy you and Marc seem to make a great team…I especially like your self deprecating humor. It makes me think I, too, can do this. Watching from PA, USA.
You can Paula! You can do anything! Thank you for watching. It’s lovely to have you along!
Super interesting. Look forward to watching more tile making!!
Amy I just LOVE this tile project you are doing! I used to do pottery when I was a younger and thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish you 100% luck in the process and I can't wait to see it completed. What a wonderful idea for your chateau!
Thank you so much Lisa!
This was very interesting. I would love to see a whole series on the process of making your tiles. They will be amazing!
You under estimate your talents. The picture you drew is amazing and you are very brave to take on this wonderful world of making and painting your own tiles. Looking forward to seeing how it all turns out.
Thank you! ❤️
paper doilies work really well too for the pattern on tiles... I am so impressed; thanks for the vlog
Oooo I hadn’t thought about paper doilies. Great tip thanks!
and lace...?
Stoke and coats are awesome! I used them for years.
very ambitious project! I love the looks of the first design you have for the small bathroom... I will be back to watch your progress on the testing tiles and to see where this clay adventure takes you... lovely video..thank you
Clever lady! Love shiny glossy tiles
Absolutely FASCINATING! Hurry up with more videos LOL, cheering yo on from Ontario, Canada, Loved loved Loved this video!
Place the clay between news paper with a block of wood or a large book on to to keep it flat while it dries. Flip it over every day helps as well.
In canada we often use white subway tiles in a herringbone pattern with pale grey grout and a ribbon at waist height of designer tiles which works really well and adds some uniqueness for your other bathrooms..🇨🇦
Enjoyed seeing your process and eager to see the results. Your bathrooms will be unique and undoubtedly beautiful.
great video. very interesting
Aww really enjoyed this video Amy. Well done you trying out new ideas. The tiles will look beautiful Im looking forward to see how you get on in the next video. Much love lisa xx ❤
I think those green tiles look great, and the ones for the mural looks good too. You don’t have to be a perfectionist Amy.
I’m so excited to see how the leaves turn out. I think it would be fun to use the kids hand and feet prints maybe for the bottom area. Using leaves from your garden make it so personal. Good luck!! Can’t wait🥰
I too, made my own tiles after seeing the cost of handmade tiles. I had never done anything with clay before. My first batch was thrown away because of warping. I then got drywall sheets, cut them the dimension of the tile and stacked tiles the length of the drywall, about four feet long and 8" wide. I stached them on each other and then put books and rocks on top for weight and it worked great. It was a long, arduous process with the learning curve but I was so very hapy with the tiles.
Wonderful! Glad to hear it worked out for you! I tried drywall and may go back to it but found the bisque tile an excellent tip from Reptile Tiles and it worked so well this time!
Wow that was a superb video. You are amazing to take on this endeavor and even though it’s challenging, you are very smart. You’re doing your research and experimentation and will end up with beautiful, unique tiles for your bathrooms and kitchen. Thank you for sharing this project with us, Amy. I can’t wait to see follow up videos of your tile making adventure. xxx
Well done you, love the more rustic look too.
Fantastic job on exploring different techniques.
I love love loved this video. So interesting seeing the details of your projects. I also think the earlier made green tiles were actually quite beautiful as well. Maybe usable in another space?
I love what you are doing, as I am a potter myself! Your baby boy is definitely craft oriented, with the way he was putting water onto his bit of clay, with the cutting implement. He is also very intuitive, as you are, so he takes after you! I also had my own nursery school. I love what you are doing, creating your own tiles. You are a truly amazing, creative person. Your husband is a lovely chap too, and you make a lovely family. Good Luck to you in all you do. I watch all the Chateau things, can not get enough, it is so inspiring. Thank you for this video, and Blessings to you all from beautiful Autumn sunny Devon, England. xxxc
Beautiful tiles Amy I can see the vision you are wanting. Can not wait to see the out come. Bravo😘
Thank you Amy, really interesting watching you creating your tiles. Really looking forward to seeing the next instalment. I have to say how beautiful your trees looked in the opening scenes xx
Thank you lovely Janet!
So fascinating to watch! And very inspiring!
Looks so interesting, well done!! 🎉
wee tip for drying slabs, use scraps of plasterboard .I used to use it all the time in school when making slab pots .
The information in this video and the way you presented it is fantastic. It's so interesting and makes me want to try something like it. Without buying a kiln, of course. Because of the enormous amount of tiles you will be needing, it was the perfect decision for you. Please invite us to follow the progress on this particular project and thank you for sharing this one. So sorry you heard that dreaded beetle and hope it's a simple matter to address.
I really enjoyed this video ! You have given me lots of ideas ! Thankyou.
That was very cool. Thanks.
Thanks!
Thank you so much! I’m so sorry I missed this earlier!
This came up on patreon today so I’ve watched it again 😁 with the adverts 😂 it’s very interesting to watch you making tiles 😁
Really enjoying your creative challenge. Clay cut straight from the bag will be air free so you can use in the slab roller without wedging and potentially adding air🙂
I sure hope you will have a shower! Your painted tiles you did are gorgeous! The green ones are amazing! Love the color...best wishes for continued succcess.
Sure you will get a great finish - love your honesty, we all have jobs we start and struggle to finish due to time, and we have nowhere near the reasons you have :)
Very interesting thoroughly enjoyed this vlog . Your very patient love australia 🇦🇺
Oh my goodness! All I can say is you have the patience of a saint! Very very hard work albeit the beautiful results. Well done 👏. I absolutely loved the green set you made and do hope you use them 💚
So impressed What a wonderful project.