Behind the Scenes

How We Make Our Popular Ceramic Tile Art

Many people have ask about our tiles and our process….things like Do we use a kiln to apply the artwork to the tile? Or is it decopauged on? Will the design come off? Did you paint all these by hand? Can I use it as a trivet?…. So I'm going to take you behind the scenes today & share more about the process below!

It All Begins With The Artwork...

Each tile begins with the artwork.  

Whether it’s at the beach or in my messy studio, the artwork is the starting point.  After I’ve completed the design, it will be scanned into the computer so we can clean up the artwork to remove stray marks, etc.. 

Then We Set Up The Transfers

The artwork will then be ready to set up the transfers.   We use a process called sublimation to apply the artwork to the tile.  We have printers, paper, dye and even the tile is made especially for the sublimation process. After the transfer is created we will print and cut the transfer down.

An Eye For Detail...

The next step requires someone with an eye for detail.  Tammy has that eye!  You’ll notice in the photo that she’s carefully placing the transfer onto the tile.  It’s a tricky process because the artwork image prints in reverse.  The transfer must be applied so that the design is centered and not crooked.

Prayers For You

What you can not see in the photo is that with each tile she’s praying asking God to guide her hands in making that tile correctly and she’s praying for the person that will eventually receive that tile. 

This makes my heart very happy!

Time to Press!

After the transfers are taped down, the tiles can be carefully placed on the preheated Heat Press. We use a mat to cushion the tile and also help conduct & disperse the heat evenly.  The press requires a significant amount of pressure, so it’s a great way to build upper arm strength!

Each batch stays on the press 8 minutes. At the end of that time the pressure is released and the tiles are moved to a rack for cooling.

Almost Ready to Send to You, Our Customers!

Once the tiles are completely cool they are ready for the hangers and felt pads to be added before bagging them to send off to our customers.

20 Years In The Making...

We’ve been using this process for over 20 years to make our tiles.  I can still remember the first one we ever made and the thrill of pulling the transfer off the tile to see the beauty of the image it created. 

And even 20 years later, it is still fascinating to me.  I feel so blessed to be able to do this.  I’m also thankful for my team!  I couldn’t do all this without them!   

Sincerely,
Pam Coxwell | From the Heart Art