Tile Talk features tile projects, tile tips, design ideas & new products.
- "We are quite pleased with the tiles and are grateful for your work."
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Tom M.
Ashland, OR
February 2013 Tile Talk Newsletter
Project Pick: Moroccan Inspired Cement Tile Floor
This month's project pick includes a tile pattern whose name conjures both a romantic and exotic locale and the setting for a 1942 American romantic film classic, Casablanca. A perfect choice for Valentine's! The patterned cement tile, Casablanca, in this bedroom takes its cues from the Moroccan tradition of zellij tile design. The bright jewel tones, especially the blue, and small, intricate geometric lattice pattern, are details found in zellij tile and serve as the inspiration for this pattern. The Casablanca rug pattern is available in the standard 8" square format with a less-common 4"x8" border and 4"x4" corner to create a classic rug design.
Cement Tile and Moroccan Tile
Zellij is the art of hand-cut geometric mosaic design. Both decorative and elegant, zellij tile is noted for its rich colors and pattern. It is one of the highest forms of artistic expression in Moroccan culture and the Islamic world. Its repetitive mathematical patterns carry artistic, religious and scientific meaning.
The saturated blue, bright yellows, and deep greens in the Heritage Color Palette are great choices for emulating Moroccan zellij tile colors. The zellij tile shown here has cobalt blue, emerald green and bright yellow - colors that became popular in the 17th with zellij mosaics.
Colors Used in This Cement Tile Pattern
The colors used in The Casablanca pattern are listed below. You can use this colorway or easily customize the colors shown in the pattern below with any Heritage Color.
Solid Color Cement Tiles and a Tile Rug Design
Because they are hand-crafted, plain cement tiles in a single, solid color have a slight variation in shade that adds subtle sophistication. The plain cement tiles around the rug are often referred to as "fill tile" because they are used to fill the area around the border and rug. To make a room "pop," consider a bright, bold color like the blue used in this design. In this case, the blue is also thematic; it represents the gem tones one might find in a zellij mosaic. And, if you decide to create a cement tile rug, start with a scaled drawing and reading our Tips for a Creating a Great Cement Tile Rug Design.
Tips for a Creating a Great Cement Tile Rug Discover: Morocco
on Avente's Pinboard
Pinterest: Celebrating Love With Valentine's Day
When you fish for love, bait with your heart, not your brain -- Mark Twain
Saint Valentine's Day, now known as Valentine's Day, is observed on February 14 each year in many countries around the world. The liturgical celebration was named after an early Christian saint named Valentinus. The story goes that Saint Valentine was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry, and for ministering to Christians who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. It was during his imprisonment that Saint Valentine healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius. According to legend, before St. Valentine was executed, he had written "from your Valentine" as a farewell to the jailer's daughter.
Forward now several centuries later where Saint Valentine became associated with romantic love thanks to author and poet Geoffrey Chaucer (late 1300s). By the 15th century, Saint Valentine's Day had evolved into an occasion where lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering candies/chocolates, and sending greeting cards (known as "Valentines"). Today, the symbols of Valentine's Day are represented by heart-shaped outlines, doves, the color red, and of course our favorite cherub, Cupid.
In honor of Valentine's Day, we've selected a sampling of ceramic and cement tiles that would fit in perfectly with your current or upcoming projects!
Bird of My Heart - Valentine's Special
This month we're featuring "Bird of My Heart" as a sweetheart deal for tile lovers. Save 10% on "Bird of My Heart" through February 28. Created by an artisan that isn't afraid to use a bright, beautiful palette in her glazes and themes inspired from nature. Get acquainted with the complete line of Eartha tiles! They all boast of rich colors complete with intricate relief designs.
Eartha tiles are great gift ideas and your sweetheart will be sure to remember your artistic thoughtfulness! Remember, these tiles are handmade, one-at-a-time. No two are exactly alike.
To receive 10% off, call us at 888.739.4972 and mention the Valentine's special!
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