Raku TilesCeramic tiles formed of lowfire clay, with real leaves from my garden or the neighborhood area embossed into the clay. After bisque firing, the leaves are glazed. The tiles are fired in a raku kiln. When the kiln reaches approximately 1800 degrees, the tiles are quickly removed to a newspaper-filled trash can with a lid. The resulting fire/smoke causes the unglazed background to turn black as it absorbs the carbon from the combustion. The glaze turns many colors in the process, and often they are a happy surprise.
Because of the sensitivity of the carbon black to sunlight, I recommend that the tables be kept in the shade as much as possible if they are to be used outdoors. They should be waxed every six months or so with Mop n Glo or a similar wax. Ceramic tiles should never be left outdoors in the winter if you are in a climate which experiences freezes.
I use these tiles for mirror frames and for table tops. Standard sizes are shown. The young man who makes the table frames is an excellent wrought iron artist and can make virtually any size you like, but his time will be a factor in delivery. Mirrors can also be had in custom sizes, again with a longer delivery time because the frames are made in a frame shop.
|