I’m so excited to finally be able to share my first set of botanical tiles that have been used for a kitchen splash-back.
After much trial and error, I can’t explain good how it feels to see a beautifully presented installation of my work, actually in situ, in someones very own home.
Just to be asked to make such a permanent feature to display in a home was a huge compliment, and I (as well as the clients, thankfully!) am thrilled with the results.
The Tile Commission
When the clients first approached me about the possibility of commissioning a set of botanical wall tiles I admit that I was initially terrified.
A previous wall tile project had not gone to plan because my tiles were not 100% flat. After months of research and testing, I had to give up on the original project as I wasn’t happy with the outcome of my attempts, and suffered for a while with impostor syndrome.
I explained to the new clients that I would love to make the tiles for their kitchen splash-back, but unfortunately some of my tiles may turn out slightly warped. To my surprise, this didn’t bother them one bit and they told me that they didn’t care as long as they could have my tiles on their wall!
When I thought about it, my work is not perfectly uniform or symmetrical. The vases that I make sometimes do not have a straight rim. The wall hangings that I make sometimes have a slight curve to them. The bowls that I make have wavy edges, and I have always described my work as ‘natural’ and ‘rustic’.
The overall finish of the tiles does have a very organic feel, and I love the fact that you can clearly see that they are individually handmade, not mass produced using machinery or moulds.
I think it took this new challenge to really question myself and realise my worth. For these challenging questions that I needed to ask myself about my work, I am grateful because it has helped me believe in myself so much more, and understand the direction of my work.
Making The Tiles
With my new found confidence, believing in myself and knowing that the client valued my work, I had so much fun creating every single tile.
I really enjoyed picking the wild flowers and choosing a composition for each tile.
I decided to make some plain glazed tiles to break up the botanical design as I thought it would look too busy otherwise, and the client agreed.
Client Feedback
~ Becky & Dan. Maidenhead, Berkshire.