I n f o r m a t i o n S h e e t f o r O r d e r i n g

Y o u r C u s t o m - M a d e , H a n d - C a r v e d

T r e e o f L i f e  

  T R E E O F L I F E  

About Our Sculptural Tiles -- The Creation Process 

Wet clay tiles are laid over the forms and sponged down to sculpt the tiles from below. Once the clay is "leather-hard," iron oxide is painted over the tiles.

The shape of each tree is laid out on the studio tables with individual ceramic forms

Using small carving tools, the iron oxide is carved away, line by line. When fired and glazed, the iron oxide turns a rich brown/black tone and the exposed clay receives the glaze.

Working with Natalie Blake Studios means working directly with the artist to create a one-of-a-kind work of art.  Cynthia Parker-Houghten is our Lead Designer and master tree-carver, and she specializes in creating collaborative designs with homeowners and design professionals. 

In the Home: Kitchen Backsplashes, Showers, 

Fireplace Mantles,  Meditative Art for the Walls

In the Office:  Meeting Rooms, Reception Areas,

any space needs the uplifting energy of nature . . . . 

The Tree of Life is an ancient symbol of connection and integration between the earth and sky.  Representing abundance and expansion, a Tree of Life brings a soothing, meditative quality into a space.  Like a living tree,  our sculpted, hand-carved Trees are full of natural variations and organic expressions -- the hand of the artist, and the nature of natural materials fired at high heat -- means that no two trees are alike. 

Timeline and Pricing  

6" tiles, $135 each

8" tiles, $220 each

10" tiles, $335 each

12" tiles, $420 each 

A typical project takes 8 - 10 weeks to move through our production schedule.  This includes carving time, two drying times and two sessions in the kilns.  We send a photo for approval when the carving stage has been completed, and again after the glazing.  Rush Projects may be possible for an additional fee, depending on our current studio schedule.  Six weeks is the minimum time needed. 

These are our most popular tile sizes for murals and backsplashes, but we can create tiles as large as 18" 

For grouted installations: our tiles are undulating, sculptural tiles and we recommend 1/4" grout lines to help bridge the curves between the tiles.  For hanging installations:  we recommend up to 1/2" spacing for hanging installations to help frame each tile with space.   Be sure to include the spacing between the tiles in your measurements.  Our most popular tile sizes are 6", 8", 10" and 12", and each size lends a different character to the overall piece -- tile size is a matter of personal choice.  Please Note:  The shape of your space will determine the shape of your tree, and the more height you can give your tree, the more room it will have to grow.  Also, an even number of tiles means that the trunk of the tree should be offset to one side to avoid splitting it between two tiles -- we suggest an odd number of tiles if you would like a centered trunk. 

 1.  Measure your space and choose your tile size 

2.  Field tile and framing considerations for grouted

installations  

Steps For Ordering Your Tree 

Field tile is the term used for the plain, smooth tile used to fill the space around the sculpted tile. Many tile companies also produce "bull nose" framing tiles that can really make your piece stand out.  If possible, we recommend waiting until you have received your Tree tiles before finalizing your field tile choice.  Check out Heath Ceramics and Fire Clay Tiles for options that tend to work well with our glazes. 

We recommend visiting our website to review our portfolio of tree designs to find the type of tree you would like.  We have several general types of Tree of Life expressions, each with their own quality and energy. When placing your order, we will ask for the name of the example photo that comes closest to your Tree.   Here are a few considerations for choosing a Tree of Life design:  The Style -- realistic, lyrical, or playful? Evenly balanced and classic, or dynamic, energetic and expressive?  The Crown of the Tree -- fully visible within the frame, or extending beyond the frame? The Roots -- visible or hidden?  The Foreground --wildflowers, ferns, or smooth? The Horizon -- hills in the distance, sunset/sunrise? 

 3. Tree Designs  

4.  Glaze Colors 

Natalie has developed her own line of glazes over 25 years as a ceramic artist.  Please refer to our Glaze Chart PDF for the range of options. We recommend using no more than 3-4 colors on a Tree. We are happy to send a box of six glaze sample tiles for $50, including shipping.  These are lovely sgraffito carved three-inch tiles that can be used as coasters or hung on the wall as small spot of color.  Please Note: Glazing is a highly variable process between organic ingredients and extremely high heat. We do not guarantee exact outcomes with our glazing, and some colors have a higher variability rate. We will work closely with you to settle upon a successful glaze choice, and will send a photo for approval once your piece is out of the glaze kiln.  Adjustments after firing are sometimes possible.

Financial Agreement This is an agreement to commission an original work of ceramic art from Natalie Blake Studios, and acknowledges a non-refundable deposit. The deposit paid is equal to 1/2 of the estimated total commissioned artwork, and will begin the process of preliminary drawings, designer consultations, sample glaze firings, and/or mock-ups. NBS will send you photos of your project for client approval of the carved piece during production, before glazing. The final balance, 1/2 of the total artwork cost plus shipping & handling, will be due upon completion of the project and before shipping. I understand that if I am not satisfied with the finished work, I may either apply my first payment as studio credit to purchase an existing piece(s) of equal value, or I may have my original commission recreated at an additional 50% of the original estimated cost. Creative Agreement Natalie Blake Studios will not ship a piece until we are completely satisfied with the final product. NBS wants to ensure that you understand that your ceramic commission is a one-of-a-kind, handmade piece of artwork that takes time to make. NBS can usually complete a commission in 8-10 weeks, however NBS reserves the right to extend this timeline if we are not happy with the results. NBS is a small 3-person studio of skilled artists with very high standards for excellence. Important Note: Each ceramic piece is individually made and therefore will vary in size, color and design from another tile sizes can differ up to .5" in their dimensions due to the individual tile making process. While NBS does our best to achieve the look of the piece that you want, glaze colors can range in tone and shading. Glazing is a chemical process between minerals and extreme heat - - no two glazed tiles are exactly the same and we do not guarantee exact outcomes.  Part of the beauty of NBS tiles is found in their organic variation. We cherish the unique input that the clay, kilns and hand of the artist give to our final product. In addition, while you may choose a specific design from a photographic image or from a sketch, the hand of the artist carving your piece will influence the design on your commissioned piece — it will have variations from the image or sketch that you initially approved. This is part of the special allure of NBS tiles, making your commission an exclusive handmade piece of art.

When the details of your order are finalized, we will send you a commision Agreement summarizing your order and the projected shipping charges and timeline. The terms below are included in this agreement.   Please Note:  Projects do not begin production until a deposit is received. 

It's an honor to work with homeowners and designers to bring each tree to life.  We love what we do, thank you for supporting the work of our small studio and bringing hand-made art into your life!  Natalie, Cynthia, and the Studio Team