The Gallery

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I have been doing ceramics for a couple of years and got interested in sculpted relief plaques. From there, I became fascinated with tiles and picked up a book on the subject. Next I came across a drawing from years ago that was part of an illustration project that never got off the ground. I looked at it and thought, "Tile mosaic!" I have no idea how many hours it took to make it, but I did document its progress and plan to make a PDF file available to interested people. I learned a lot and, all I can say is, "Fussy, obsessive, detailed oriented only need apply." There are about 186 pieces in this work and each required a great deal of attention. Adhesives and grouting were adventures in their own right. The original drawing had a lot of pattern in it and that is what led me to the Har-Bon website. The decals were easy to apply and added a decorative element that I could not have achieved without them. Any other questions? Nancy Camp

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Below are some beautiful pictures of Holly Zimmerman's work. Holly says the decals are fired onto porcelain discs or cabochons and then beaded around. I'm sure you all will enjoy them as much as I have. If you should like to contact Holly or visit her web site here are her numbers.
Web site: http://www.RabbitHollowCreations.com and e-mail: Holly@RabbitHollowCreations.com.

Cranberry Chocker - Spaniel Ornament - Pansy Barrette - Lilac & Rose Broach - Joyful Angel

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How happy we are to bring you some of Gloria's beautiful tiles.

After recently retiring from over 40 years of teaching ceramic classes and creating a line of hand painted china jewelry sold nationwide, ceramic artist Gloria Gomperts of Watertown, CT is now concentrating on creating unusual one of a kind tile sets for mosaic artists . Working mostly in a shabby pastel palette, always starting with just a slab of clay, much of her inspiration is derived from the endless variety of ceramic decals available which she uses in creative ways to add individuality to each set of tiles. As you will notice in the pictured sets, the same sweet decal is used in a variety of ways to enhance the focal points of the tile sets. It is then from the inspiration of that decal that the surrounding accompanying tiles have been designed in a soft Romantic Cottage style. In this case, they are all different - as are the smaller "filler" tiles - some embossed with antique lace, others painted with tiny white polka dots to create a "dotted swiss look", and then again, others with even more enchanting rose decals applied. What wonderful treasured mosaic heirlooms can be created from handmade tile sets as nearly anything can have a mosaic design applied to it - from table tops to mirror frames and even blemished surfaces on antique pieces can be beautifully renewed with a mosaic design applied over the damaged area - the possibilities are endless.

Also, the lovely focal pieces shown with decals are just the right size for a jewelry creation. Simply add a pinback to any of them and a charming piece of jewelry will be ready to wear or to give as a cherished gift. Let your imagination soar, as the artistic use of decals can bring you to your highest level of creativity.......

If you wish to contact Gloria her email is: gloribee@optonline.net

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Kim Ireland of "Ireland Custom Design" has sent us some pictures of their latest
designs on glass. The results are beautiful.

Kim's business is in Prescott Valley, Arizona
Phone: (928) 759-7015 or Email: tiledesigns@cableone.net

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We would like you all to meet our son Dick and his wife Tina.
They are the owners of "D & T Tiles by Design".

Dick offers the application of fired patterns on most ceramic, stoneware, china, and glass finishes. With 20 years of experience in design work, an endless choice of patterns, and the artistic ability to help you those choices, you are sure to be pleased.

If you are interested in visiting the D & T Tiles by Design Showroom, call for an appointment.
Phone: (989) 595-3119 or Email: dttiles@yahoo.com

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These gorgeous lampshades were submitted by Hannah Murphy from
"Hannah Murphy Lamps & Lampshades" of Toledo Washington.
What a unique and beautiful way to utilize our decals.

Hannah writes: "The decals I've purchased from Har-Bon are perfect for my unique "Sugar Shades". This process, almost a "lost art" from the Victorian Era, applies tiny glass beads, the size of sugar grains (hence "sugar shades") over the top of hand-sewn lampshade panels. An acrylic sealer, like many artists use on their canvasses, is applied to seal the entire panel, making the beads and decals a permanent part of the shade. The result is an awesome, glittering picture, beautiful with the light on or off. I will soon have instruction videos for sale to teach this fantastic craft! You may email: hannah@toledotel.com
or call Toll-free 888-994-lamp (5267)
URL - www.lampshademaker.com

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Kim Ireland has sent us these pictures of her beautiful sinks. Kim and her husband Charlie are the owners of Ireland Custom Designs in Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314.

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Our Tea Set was raffled off at a luncheon held for the local chapters of Red Hat Ladies.
Some 260 attended for a wonderful afternoon filled with laughter and friendship. We are
proud to say that our tea set raised nearly $400, most of which
will be donated to a local charity.

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Our Gallery is intended as a special place, open to hobbyist, professionals, or anyone having a Ceramic related project they would like to share with us. There are so many good ideas out there that we all could benefit from. All we need is clear snapshots or e-mail photos and the information to go with them. There is no obligation, and you do not need to belong to anything. E-mail pictures and info to bonnie@harbon.com or send to Har-Bon Ceramics & Decals, 24475 US 23 South, Presque Isle, MI 49777. I hope we have lots of fun with this. Bonnie