Ceramic Tile Making

The Extruder Book

This extensive how-to book emphasizes creative ways the extruder is being used in pottery studios. An impressive collection of more than 450 photos and drawings demonstrates the versatility and indispensability of the extruder and shows many ways for artists to improve and expand their work. You'll find numerous tips on selecting, buying, using and making dies for your extruder, as well as valuable inspiration for your work.

Daryl Baird includes information on the history of the extruder, safety issues, how to set one up, and even issues pertaining to schools. His section on tips and the 9 step-by-step projects provide a great launching point for anyone interested in getting started with the extruder, or even figuring out what to do with the one they already have.

Extruder, Mold & Tile Forming Techniques

Beyond the world of pinch and coil constructions and wheel-thrown pots lies a vast array of opportunities for the ceramic artist. In Extruder, Mold & Tile: Forming Techniques potters will discover a wealth of information, techniques and inspiration on topics that span the usual to the unusual as well as the functional to the sculptural.

The advent of the extruder centuries ago has served to benefit the artist in many ways, facilitating work that cannot be done easily, or at all, on the wheel or by hand. Molds have been used since the dawn of ceramics beginning with making pots inside baskets. And with tile making, ceramic artists find the two-dimensional aspect of claywork challenging and create astonishing works with both traditional and nontraditional forming methods.

Making & Installing Handmade Tiles

With more than 70,000 copies sold, Lark's Handmade Tiles has delighted crafters everywhere, and whetted their appetites for more beautiful ideas. They'll find just what they're looking for in these dozen ceramic tile projects, which include everything from trivets to tabletops to stepping stones. The wealth of practical, visually breathtaking information covered here includes everything from design and formation through decoration and site installation, making this manual an absolute must in every ceramics and home improvement library. Find out about basic tools and materials, glaze application, and techniques for making slab tiles. Get the lowdown on mosaics, and stamped, carved, and inlaid designs. With these techniques, even beginning crafters can start working fast, and move on to simple stair risers, a kitchen backsplash, and an exquisite window surround.