Tortuga Tidings

Mosaic Methods from History

2012-03-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

The art of creating tile mosaics reaches back through history. We started talking about tile history last month looking at Babylon and the longevity of their glazes. There are many ways of creating mosaics, in Babylon they made glazed bricks that fit together into compositions. The Islamic world continued this tradition and is well known for its elaborately tiled architecture. In this post I would like to touch on one of my favorite Islamic periods, the Seljuk period (1071-1229[1]) Their artistic traditions form a solid bedrock for mosaic history that can be traced to numerous styles throughout the world. Additionally I would like to share one of my own methods of mosaic construction.

“The Anatolian style of Seljuk architecture was in full bloom by the 13th century. Seljuk mosques, medreses (theological academies), tombs, and palaces were lavishly decorated with exquisite tiles. Examples of such tile-clad structures can still be seen in the Seljuks' capital city of Konya as well as in the cities of Sivas, Tokat, Beysehir, Kayseri, Erzurum, Malatya, and Alanya.”[2] They would create large single colored glazed slabs and cut geometric pieces out of them after they were fired using chisels. The tiles were laid out into patterns face down and a plaster mortar was poured over the back creating slabs of mosaic that they then installed. [3]

This technique is difficult and tedious, however, (and) the multi-colored technique came to be preferred. Up to the middle of the sixteenth century multi-colored tiles were made in glazes of various colors.[4]

Our preferred method of mosaic construction is to press out individual tiles and assemble them after they have been glazed.

Additionally, Tortuga Tile Works creates mosaics that are part press molded and part slab rolled and cut. This technique allows for individual one of a kind compositions. A large slab is rolled out. Detailed tiles such as koi fish or waterlilies are pressed out and arranged on the slab and then the slab is cut while it is wet to accommodate these pressed tiles. Waves and texture are then sculpted and pieces are sliced.

Before the tiles are fired. A picture is taken, a numbered key is created and then each piece is marked with a corresponding number.

After the tiles are bisqued and glaze fired, the mosaic is put back together like a jigsaw puzzle. They are then transferred to hardy board, laid in thin-set cement, grouted and sealed. For more information on the cement and grouting process, please see the about section on my website.

[1] from http://cappadociaguide.wordpress.com/history/seljuk/

[2] Turkish Ceramics:History of Turkish Tile from http://www.turkishceramics.info/content/history-turkish-tiles

[3] Herbert, T. & Huggins K. (1995) The decorative tile. (pp. 11) London: Phaidon Press Limited.

[4]Arslanapa , Prof. Dr. OKTAY from Ottoman Souvenir: Tile History http://www.ottomansouvenir.com/General/Tile_history.htm

Fish Tornado Backsplash

2012-02-15T09:38:00.004-08:00

Click photo to enlarge

Now the great tastes cooking on your stove top can be paired with your great taste in art. Make a style statement with your stove top back-splash! This piece is made up of 32 tiles that create the effect of a swirling school of fish. This Fish Tornado mosaic is low relief porcelain glazed in rich hues of cobalt.

Click photo to enlarge

It is available mounted on hardy board to be hung or placed similar to a painting. It can also be ordered with a mesh background for direct installations, where you cement and grout it into place. Additionally individual four inch square tiles can be ordered to be used as an accent with a plain background. Contact LuRu@tortugatileworks.com for pricing and ordering information.

Click photo to enlarge

It's brilliance will shine no matter what type of sauces you throw at it. The durability of finish has always made tiles perfect for the kitchen. This year I will highlight tile transformations throughout your home and garden. Be sure to watch for unique Tortuga Tile design options each month!

Tile on Location - Armory WallTogether

2012-02-08T06:22:00.000-08:00

I would like to take some time this year to appreciate and tout some amazing tile installations in our world. I thought I would start off with a truly inspiring mural at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach. I first encountered this mural a few years ago while loading in for Art Rock. The texture and complexity of the tile work really grabbed my attention. The mosaic is made up of fragmented pieces of glass, mirror and tile. The pieces of tile are all hand-made and you can feel the love and sense of community vibrating from it.

Some of you may already be familiar with the Armory or lived here while it was being created, I was still in Louisiana so was not in the loop. I have now learned that it was a project done in 2006 to engage the community and as a deterrent to graffiti. Alyx Kellington was the lead on the "WallTogether" project, and about 400 kids helped to make it possible. [i] There was also a second phase, which added 300 square feet and was coordinated by Lesley Davison. It was unveiled in 2008. [ii]

The following video is a great overview of the project:

In the video Ms. Kellington explains that the group that worked on this was of divergent cultures and backgrounds and yet by the end of it they were all friends. She also explains that the mosaic has several languages pressed into the tiles and that art in itself is a universal language to which anyone can respond.[iii] They have certainly succeeded, as it is difficult not to respond positively to this massive wall of vibrant energy.

Additionally, she attributes Isiah Zagar as the inspiration for the overall feel of the mosaic. Isiah Zagar is a mosaic artist who has been creating amazing murals throughout Philadelphia for the past 40 years. He has created Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, a labyrinth of interior and exterior mosaics that takes up half a city block![iv] I can only imagine what it must be like wondering through this magical installation and I am certainly putting it on my bucket list!

The WallTogether project is a very impressive undertaking and really seems to have served its purpose in bringing people closer together, now it stands as a monument to collaboration and is a beacon of inspiration to all those who encounter it. If you haven't seen it, you should check it out during one of the numerous events held at the Armory.

Phase I was funded in part by a grant from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties in addition to the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and Publix Super Markets Charities.[i] Phase II of “WallTogether” was made possible by a grant form the Palm Beach Country Club Foundation, The Community Foundation and Rush Philanthropic Foundation and Publix Supermarket Charities. “WallTogether,” a project initially funded by a $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation’s Mosaic Fund was made possible by monies raised during the Palm Beach! America’s International Fine Art & Antique Fair’s 2006 Vernissage. [ii]

[i] Slatkow & Husak Public Relations, Source: Armory Art Center (2006, October 13) Armory Art Center Announces Walltogether Project, from http://www.armoryart.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=news.details&ArticleId=28&returnTo=main

[ii] Ilene Adams Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Source: Armory Art Center ( 2008, May 8) Armory Art Center Announces the Unveilling of Walltogether - Phase II, from http://www.armoryart.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=news.

[iii] PalmBeachFilmTV, (2009, October 1) from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzkjWDRtuBQ

[iv] Philadelphia’s Magic Garden (2012) from http://www.phillymagicgardens.org/

Japanese Manga meets Roller Derby!

2012-02-02T08:42:00.000-08:00

Ever since my mother visited Japan and brought me back a thick manga book a couple of years ago, the idea of trying my hand at some big eyed, long legged ladies has been rattling around in my head. I recently cleaned my studio and sitting next to that manga book were some designs for roller skates that I have been wanting to make. It hit me that a manga roller grrl could be just the thing. So I give you my newest tile:

available online in my new collection of Sugoi Tiles (Sugoi means "wow" in Japanese)!

Incidentally, this might be a good time to mention that our local team the Gold Coast Derby Grrls has a bout this Saturday night, February 4th at 6 pm at the Skate Zone in Palm Beach! If you haven't been before, you are missing out on some exciting action. You should definitely check it out! If you can't make it this weekend they have another bout in Fort Lauderdale on February 18th.

I also have discovered that there is Roller Derby in Japan. Check out the Kokeshi Roller Dolls on Facebook They are Asia's first WFTDA apprentice team!

Glazes that Endure the Ages

2012-01-25T17:08:00.000-08:00

As I often mention to people at craft fairs, I make most of my own glazes. I like having the control over how saturated and transparent they are. Plus as long as I keep my raw materials stocked, I don’t have to worry about running out in the middle of a glazing day. I just make more of what I need.

Many of the glazes have a similar base of ingredients much like making a cake, you always have flour, eggs and milk. Where it gets interesting is the color, opacity and sheen, which are controlled by the addition of a variety of minerals. These minerals have been mined for thousands of years and although our knowledge of materials has grown, no one uses plutonium for red so much anymore, some things are as old as the ages, ingredients like red iron and copper. I use red iron to get a variety of yellows and I use copper for green, turquoise and blue glazes. These glazes are vibrant and I am sometimes asked if they will fade. Although our South Florida sun is awfully bright, the answer is generally no. Just like Gothic rose windows, glazes are glass and behave quite different from paint. To further underscore this point, I thought I would share a few examples from art history.

Overall, every culture on earth has created their own unique ceramic wares, whether it be pottery, tile or sculpture. Egypt produced glazed tiles using copper as a blue colorant as early as the fourth millennium BCE. An example of their tile work can be seen below in this image from the temple of Medinet Habu near Tell al Yehudia dating from 1180 BCE.[i]

The best known example of historic ceramic tiles date back to 575 BCE. The Ishtar Gate and the Processional Way from the Great Ziggurat of Babylon’s Temple to Bel are adorned with ceramic tile. [ii] Glazed in yellows and turquoises, the copper and red iron are still holding true after two and a half millennia.

Trends come and go, but ceramic tile is an enduring classic that is not only durable but imbues a surface with lustrous depth and a connection to the Earth and our history. I am continually inspired by the gorgeous color created from a mixture of chalky, dull minerals and a whole lot of heat, and I hope you are as well.

[i] Herbert, T. & Huggins K. (1995) The decorative tile. (pp. 11) London: Phaidon Press Limited.

[ii] Tansey, R.G. & Kleiner, F.S. (1996) . Gardner’s art through the ages (10th ed.). (pp. 57-58). Fort Worth, Orlando: Harcourt Brace College Publishers.

The Name Says it All - Stitch Rock Rocked!

2011-10-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

For everyone who came out this past weekend to Stitch Rock and supported local DIY crafters and artists, a big THANK YOU! What a great show. It was wonderful seeing so many creative people on both sides of the vending tables. I was so busy from start to finish that I neglected to take pictures, however Sherry Youngblood Marrero of Annie's Cupboards took this awesome video tour of the show and it really gives you the feel for how fun the atmosphere was. So if you weren't there, check it out! And check out her blog at http://anniescupboard.blogspot.com/

Also there are some great pictures from the New Times here.

Fall Lineup of Indie Craft Shows

2011-09-07T08:21:00.000-07:00

New shows this fall for Tortuga Tile Works are Art Sunny Side Up, Arboleda Festival and Revenge of the Tiki 3:Rockabilly vs. Punx. Also on the calendar are some favorites such as Stitch Rock, Downtown Open Market and the Fort Lauderdale Day of the Dead Festival

Art Sunny Side Up plays host this weekend to Indie crafters & their wares from around the state. Find crafts made from recycled items, vintage objects & imagery, punk memorabilia, paint, fabric, thread, and basically anything else that might inspire the DIYer. Oh, and clay, of course! Tortuga Tile Works will be there this Sunday, September 11th from 10 am to 4 pm. It's just three bucks to get in and proceeds go to charity!

Tortuga Tile Works is pleased to return to Stitch Rock again this year! This is the fifth year for this fabulous show! And since it is a birthday party, be sure to dress in your best party attire and enjoy cake and party favors throughout the day! Find amazing handmade crafts and unique products like D.I.Y fashion, funky home deco items, natural bath and body goodies, vintage finds, artwork photography, plus a few surprises up their sleeves for this extra special show. It is on Saturday October 1st from noon to 6 pm, so mark your calendars!

Revenge of the Tiki 3: Rockabilly vs. Punx is in it's third year, but this is the first year for Tortuga Tile Works to be vending. Put on by the folks at Kreepy Tiki Tattoo and the Monterey Club, it not only has some kick ass indie/retro/punk craft vendors, but also an amazing line up of music! Plus you can't go wrong with an event that also boasts the Shimmy Shake Burlesque review, jello wrestling with the Gold Coast Derby Grrls and a skateboarding performance by Sugar's Drop Shop. Yes there is something for everyone at this show! If you came out to Revolution this past March for Kreepy Kraft and liked what you saw there, this will be that plus a whole lot more! Show is on October 8th from 2pm until 4 am. Vendors will most likely close a bit before 4 am, so come early and shop then stay late and party like a rock star.

Boyton Downtown Market is inside at the Boynton Civic Center, Tortuga Tile Works has participated in the very fun Boca Downtown Market before, and has done events in the very friendly Boynton Beach area, so this event is a combination of good things! It is happening on October 16th from 11 am to 6pm.

Preparations are underway for another fantastic Day of the Dead Festival. Featuring an array of talented artists, performers, crafters and revelers, this celebration of the cycle of life and death is not to be missed.The event proper is on November 2nd, which is a Wednesday this year. The Skeleton Processional will start at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art at 6 pm and will lead the festivities to the FAT Village Art District. Once there, you will be astounded by Community Altars, Creepy Bands and Artist Exhibitions . There will also be a preview night for the art exhibition on Saturday, October 29th during the regularly scheduled Fat Village art walk. Tortuga Tile Works and a bevy of other local Day of the Dead craft enthusiasts will be found in the Craft Crypt once again this year. Keep up with which of your favorite vendors will be there on the Facebook event page!

Then heading into the Holiday Season, a new Miami show for us is the Arboleda Festival on November 12th from 10 am to 5 pm. Hosted outdoors in the heart of Miami's Design District, Arboleda will be the first large scale event of its kind in Miami to offer the community and its residents with a culturally creative and artistically eclectic experience; complete with music, gourmet food trucks, live art performances, D.I.Y. workshops, craft activities for kids, and an overall backdrop for creative exchange.

You can always keep up with where we will be on our website event page and in the side bar on the Tortuga Tidings blog.

Tiki Bar Revamp - Amped!

2011-06-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

Making a plain functional bar into a dynamic design keystone is as easy as choosing the tiles, cement, and grout! Check it out!

To create this bar, I started with a basic frame from K-mart. I chose it for its powder coating and it's easy component assembly structure. Although quite stylish in its own right, it needed to be tikified!

I broke out the glass and did some minor adjustments so that I could fit hardy board (a concrete board available in the tile section of your local hardware store) in it's place, then I glued the hardy board in with construction adhesive (ie. Liquid Nails). For the front panels I cut out the hardy board to fit. Then I drilled holes for bolts so that I could attach it after it was tiled. (Hint - get some masonry drill bits for the hardy board and invest a couple bucks in shiny new regular drill bits for the steel. Also use some oil for the metal holes and make the holes plenty big so that you don't have to stress about fitting it all together later as washers will ensure it won't be going anywhere.)

To cut the hardy board I used two methods: For straight cuts I used a razor knife and a straight edge to score it. Then I snapped it. For the curved cuts and notches I used my angle grinder with a masonry wheel. (be sure to use your safety gear here - goggles, ear plugs, close toed shoes, leather gloves, and for extra happiness face shield and leather apron - and follow all safety instructions given with your angle grinder! Also, be aware there is a potential for kicking and exploding disks -If you are unsure of this tool and procedure, stick to square shapes!)

Next I decided on which tiles I wanted to incorporate. As I am the tile maker, I made the tiles to fit the design - as a tile customer, just choose the tiles you want and order them online - purchase 10% extra for mistakes, cuts etc. Tiles can be cut with various tile saws. The basic type is a contraption where you score a line on the tile and then snap it. The fancier saws are wet saws that work more like a rotary arm saw. These can be rented from a local tool supply shop
.

Next I glued all the bolts and washers into the hardy board so that they wouldn't spin or knock around under the tiles. I used a two part resin. Rubber gloves are especially recommend here. Once the bolts are glued in be sure to raise the hardy board off of your work surface with some extra wood so that there is no pressure on the bolts.

Lay out the tiles as they are going to be cemented next to the hardy board. Make sure you have them just right and that your measurements are right on. It helps to have a second pair of eyes and hands to help with the actual cementing so that you don't get off track as you go. Once you put the tile down it is pretty stuck, you can nudge it a bit, but not much.

Time to mix the thin-set! Be sure to wear a mask and rubber gloves as you don't want concrete in your lungs or on your skin. Mix up your thin-set per manufacturer's instructions. I add some latex additive on the suggestion of a tile setter I met at a show. it adds a bit of elasticity to the mixture, which is helpful when transporting mosaics as I often do. Generally the manufacturer recommends putting a thin base coat down with the straight sides of your trowel and then adding more for the grooved coat. Make sure you don't mix and put too much out. This really depends on the intricacy and scale of your tile design. Start with a small section and then gauge from there.

Push all the tiles into the grooved cement. Then clean up any excessive oozed out cement that will interfere with grout work with a very wrung out, damp sponge.

After the curing duration, per the instructions of your thin-set, go ahead and grout the mosaic panel. Mix the grout per instructions given by the product. (Wear your mask and gloves again) Apply the grout over the mosaic panel. As Tortuga Tiles have a good deal of relief this is best achieved with gloved fingers and a moist sponge. Keep rinsing and wringing out your sponge and keep wiping the surface until you have nice smooth grout lines and cleanish tiles. If it is hard to wipe out grout from the recesses, use a nail brush to dislodge the grout. Do not use excessive water in this stage as it will lead to cracks in the grout later. After 15 minutes wipe the tiles with a dry cloth to get rid of the dust coat left from the wiping.

The next day seal the mosaic panel with grout sealer/enhancer per the instructions on the product.

Now it is just a matter of bolting it all together...

And mixing some drinks!!

Materials

Tortuga tiles
Bar frame
Consumable Supplies

· hardy board

· bolts, nuts, washers

· two part resin epoxy to glue bolts in place

· thin-set concrete

· grout

· optional -latex additive

· water

· sealer/enhancer

Tools

· drywall knife

· straight edge

· optional - angle grinder or other masonry cutting tool

· optional - wet saw or scoring rig

· mixing spoon or optional mixer attachment for drill

· trowel with straight and ridged edge

· buckets

· sponges

· nail brush

· wrench for bolts

Safety/Comfort

· safety goggles

· rubber/latex gloves

· leather gloves

· close toed shoes

· apron

· dust mask

· vapor mask (for the resin)

I hope you find this article helpful and inspirational. Although this is written based on my own practical experience I make no guarantee as to its accuracy, reliability, legality or safety of the given instructions. Licensed tile setters/contractors should be consulted/hired for guaranteed results.

Spring Fling

2011-04-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

It was another great Sunday at Cinema Paradiso in Fort Lauderdale this past weekend! This installment of the Indie Craft Bazaar, the Spring Fling, was yet another mixture of a lovely setting, funky stuff and super nice people! Tortuga Tile Works was in good company with some of my favorite folks, Irma of "I Work Artwork" was on hand with some wacky new crocheted butterfly characters, "Just V" was there with feathers and necklaces galore, "HennaEden" had a charming display of her wooden henna pieces. Plus there were soaps, and notebooks, and frame, and teacup bird feeders, and a host of other must have original accessories.

My friend Sean was in town and he found a quirky and adorable creature he named Pierre. This little guy was conjured up by "Mindy and Lola", two sisters with a variety of sewn goods, everything from hair flowers to an "I love lap dances, Las Vegas" bag. Sean and Pierre are shown here with Migdalia of RecycleMyBag.com.

Migdalia makes all of her bags out of recycled clothing with prints of her marvelous women. She also is a regular at Indie shows and always has new designs to drool over!

Be sure to catch all the latest indie craft wackiness coming up - Art Rock, Downtown Open Market and the Brickell Bazaar coming up in May!

Wild about Ray Guns

2011-02-28T07:43:00.000-08:00

Whether you prefer Flash Gordon or Barbarella, ray guns are the preferred weapon over the archaic slug throwers most of our police/military and underworld use today.

As the swankadelic weekend experience of Mod Miami approaches. Tortuga Tile Works is packing up various Atomic Mosaics featuring robots, rockets and of course ray guns. The ray gun tiles are among my personal favorite and I thought I would take this opportunity to share a few links on the subject.

First off, If you are interested in acquiring a weapon "to insure the peace at any of your galactic estates" check out these three models by Dr Gordbort in his illuminating infomercial.

Not sure if Dr. Gordbort is on the level with his claims, at the Atomic Rockets website you can learn the difference between a blaster, a needler and a fulgurator! Also make sure that you aren't throwing inaccurate information into your atomic conversation with their list of misconceptions like "rockets don't got windows"

There are some amazing slick designs at the Kurgawa's Gallery and to learn even more check out this bibliography of popular articles and books on Justin Pinchot's Toy Rayguns website.

Warm Welcome

2011-02-21T19:06:00.000-08:00

It's night time and you are all decked out for the Luau, but it's dark and you can't see anyone's address. Neighbors begin to look out the window at that weird car with the weird people slowly creeping down the street and turning around randomly in their driveway...not the case if you are going to Chip and Andy's. Their new Tortuga exterior street number mosaic is a beacon in the night for their party guests. Not only does it fit perfectly with their mid century Florida home, but they also installed a very cool atomic silo light above it. The neighbors still might peer out at your guests as they traipse to the door in their best Fashion Tramp Aloha wear, but you can rest assured they will easily find their way to your door!

The tiles are adhered to concrete board with Thinset concrete and then grouted and sealed for outdoor durability. These numbers also look great in a variety of color schemes in combination with other tile collections, such as red and brown with Death Head tiles or pink and burgundy with atomic ray guns. Contact luru@tortugatileworks.com for your own house number mosaic before your next big party and your guests will thank you! Simply pick out which tiles you want from the website and LuRu will put together a custom design just for you.

Nothing says, "I love you" like Valentine's Day Bacon!

2011-02-14T07:09:00.000-08:00

The Retro Indie Market was packed this past Valentine's Day weekend and we all had a great time! The craft vendors were in good company this time around with a host of vintage dealers! The combination really gave you the feel of a funky street market, although instead of a street, the location was the beautiful historic Boynton Beach Women's Club. The amount of people certainly made it feel like a thriving market. People lined up for the free brownies and then they just kept coming. The place was packed!

New tiles this show included the "True Love Always" couple in black or blond hair, two new musicians for the Day of the Dead tile series and of course the bacon!

Tortuga Tile Inspirations: Customer Spotlight on Christine

2011-02-01T13:10:00.000-08:00

When asked why Christine Bulger is attracted to the indie craft scene, she replies, “It’s fun, clever, and a little twisted.” Just like the projects that she has put together with her ever increasing Tortuga Tile collection. She started with Day of the Dead and soon ventured to Tikis, hula girls, mermaids and atomic. As I got to know Christine over the past year, it became obvious we have been cut from the same funky cloth. I asked her to share her inspiration and some of her process with us and here is her response.

“The Indie Craft Scene is not the same old flamingo wind chimes and beach scene paintings. I’ve been into the vintage-rockabilly-pinup scene for a long time, and that’s a big part of the indie craft scene. Whenever I go to an indie craft fair, I see so many items that make me smile, even laugh. It’s also inspired me to do my own crafting again. I’ve also met a lot of really cool, talented people. They’re people I’d want to be friends with. It reminds of when I went to college in Boston and met all sorts of people with off-the-beaten-path interests, a big change from the totally mainstream upstate New York town where I grew up.”

“My first project was to turn my plain white half-bathroom into a Day of the Dead-rockabilly-hell. I painted the room red, then added a black stripe around the room along which I attached Tortuga death head tiles. I used some other death head wall hangings in the room as well. I also used death head tiles to mosaic a Kleenex box."

I’d wanted to take some sort of arts and crafts class for a while and I think finding Tortuga tiles is what pushed me to take a mosaics class because I wanted to use them in projects. I took a mosaic class through the Palm Beach County public schools adult education program. It was a good reasonably-priced way to learn the basic techniques for making mosaics. I’d recommend the class, especially since it makes you focus at least a couple of hours each week on making mosaics. It’s so easy to buy all the supplies for a new crafting project, but then never actually get to it.”

“I used a flower tile in a tiki mosaic, and a death head to fancy up a washboard. I also used a tiki mask in a big wall hanging, and a Hula Suzi and a blonde mermaid in two smaller wall hangings. I’m also going to use some atomic tiles to mosaic some table tops.”

Thanks Christine, for sharing your awesome projects. If you would like to be featured in Tortuga Tidings, post your pictures on the Tortuga Tile Works Facebook wall, or send them to luru@tortugatileworks.com.