Ceramics Books and Magazines

I also recently found that, of all the pottery, kiln and firing books on my shelf (and there are many) this one has the most concise, easy-to-duplicate instructions for a good C-10 reduction firing in my 5-cu ft gas kiln. It's a challenge to fire a kiln that small evenly. For my last several firings, I've consistently gotten excellent clay-body reduction color and glaze color and surface development.

There is also a nice section of glaze recipes from low- to high-fire---I haven't tried them yet, but they look great.

If you're an absolute beginner, I would recommend starting with one of the smaller paperback project books (Lark's or Sunset's are both good for basic techniques and lots of different project ideas). If you've already decided that you like working with clay, and you're looking for your first (or your 10th) reference book, this one would be an EXCELLENT choice.


buy this book   March 20, 2002
 37 out of 38 found this review helpful

This was my first tile book. I have bought several others, and love many, but turn to Handmade Tiles regularly for quick information. It contains great information without that text book feeling. The tiles pictured in the book are whimsical and inspiring. If you are buying one tile book, this is the one to buy.


Best of the Lot!   January 4, 2002
 55 out of 56 found this review helpful

I recently became interested in tiles and tile-making and ordered a half-dozen books on the topic. This was the one book I'd keep and recommend over all of the others. Frank Giorgini is a teacher's teacher! I felt like I was sitting in on one of his classes. His in-depth knowledge, step-by-step photos and explanations and clear love of the topic are inspirational. Even if you knew nothing about handmade tiles, this book would make you want to start creating them! I especially enjoyed all the examples that were created by various students - there was something for every taste and level of experience. He makes it look do-able and easy. His tips and tricks will save amateurs much suffering. After reading this book, I felt eager to begin designing and creating my own handmade tiles, and confident that I had enough knowledge to do it right.
Personal note: I envy his students the opportunity to learn from Frank Giorgini!


inspirational!   June 20, 2000
 22 out of 25 found this review helpful

This book is a beautiful start if you are interested in making ceramic tile. Beautiful, diverse, all-encompassing illustrations and photos and matter of fact text make this an excellent choice.


An excellent textbook for tile makers   November 10, 1999
 58 out of 61 found this review helpful

This is one of two de facto textbooks those of us making tiles use. (The other is Handcrafted Ceramic Tiles by Janis Fanning)

The book is an excellent introduction to the techniques used, but you must remember, Frank has been doing this for a long time. There are some techniques he shows that should not be tried at home (or without teacher supervision).

The best part of the book for me was the color photo samples of tile installations. The book is an excellent resource for everything from tessellations to tile painting. Inspirational. Highly recommended.