A Bit of a Disaster | The Handmade Tile Project

[@sandrabergquist1684]

That's how we learn, and you will love the final results once you have mastered all the details. I love your spirit, personality, and bantering with Marc. He gets a kick out of it, too ! You're a great couple and your children are the sweetest. Love watching Clement's uneven gait as he walks / runs down the driveway, putting feet in puddles, whatever. He's a joy !

[@lorassorkin]

I'm sorry to see how disappointed you were, but honestly, I admire your patience and persistence to carry out such extensive tests. In the end, I expect you'll very very pleased with your work!

[@shannonvans]

It wasn't a disaster, because you tried it first and didn't jump into making loads of tiles, use the technique on them, and then not have it work on so many tiles that you would have to throw away. So it really did produce a result. Well done, you've already used the information you have gained and are continuing the process. Marcs lights are great but those bugs are wonderful.

[@tedlogan3194]

TO SCRAPE THE UNDERDESIGN, TRY FINE GRADE SAND PAPER INSTEAD OF A KNIEF OR DOUGH BLADE

[@elaineteut9579]

Oh, I laughed out loud with the insects placed around the ceiling. Mischievous. That was funny. Marc and Amy, you really compliment each other, Marc’s quiet charm and Amy’s unabashed sense of fun. I mean that in the best way. Good luck on your adventure with your tiles. I admire you for taking that on.

[@KrisanthiaMum]

Well said. I couldn’t of said it any better. They are marvelous 👍

[@camifromri2129]

I can’t believe how patient and determined you are. Teaching yourself how to make tiles with two kids , a dog, turkeys and a husband in the mix. You are a fierce Goddess. Much admiration.

[@lisakilmer2667]

Every supposed failure is a big step forward. Remember that every medium has inherent limitations (for instance, it's almost impossible to do transparency with fabric). The second set of glazes look really pretty and you will have so many choices. Forge ahead! And also, I really like the gentle interaction between you and Marc, even when teasing. Some of the DIY couples snipe at each other (possibly coached to do so?) and it's not cute.

[@janicedelp2775]

Very interesting about the tiles! I think you will do well in the end. I didn't realize it is so complicated but you are determined. I can imagine it is heart breaking when there are problems because it is such a lot of work. Some of the projects I have tried over the years haven't turned out well and makes me want to chunk it all. Then after awhile I might get brave enough to go back to it. I love the colors you use and the designs. Marc's lights look so nice and the insects are incredible. I'm sure the children will be fascinating to them. Janice from Arkansas USA

[@catherinequinn4457]

I thought the lights gave a warm glow and complimented the stone walls well done Marc

[@joannamills145]

I just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying the new video format. The photography and storytelling is excellent, but you are also so much more relaxed and happy in the videos. Very glad it all worked out! Kudos on the tiles. what an undertaking!!!!

[@kathif8598]

Aw, Amy, I'm so sorry your first tiles didn't come out like you had hoped. I felt so badly for you! But your second firing showed much promise. Keep plugging away. You are methodical and precise, so you will get the perfect bathroom tiles. We all have faith in you! ❤

[@johnsmithmaps]

"The pig chewed my screwdriver" how many times have I heard that!😅

[@campham4611]

I love how encouraging and supportive Amy is with her family.

[@rosemarythyme6351]

In life, success does not come without trial and error. No matter what medium you work with, knowing what doesn't give you the desired effect you want is a huge step forward! I have total faith that you will find your feet in creating beautiful tiles.

[@margaretstanton7567]

Well, a test is a test, so it served its purpose perfectly! Juliette was so interested--a future ceramicist! Such a doll! I admire you for this DIY--will be so satisfying to observe your own work every day. Congrats!

[@user-vy6or2zr6r]

It's not a failure. The experiment worked. You looked so disappointed. Love the lights and the bugs. Wow your little boy starting school.

[@Chroniclesofrosieres]

Thank you

[@susanrogers4730]

I feel your pain Amy, when you’ve put your heart into a project it’s so disappointing when it doesn’t live up to your hopes, but I guess this bit was always the practice and test. I expect you’re already trying again, and you’ve already learnt loads x

[@Chroniclesofrosieres]

I certainly have Susan. And I’ve got such a good idea for the next stage.

[@kgummee]

What a fun process. What may seem like a failure is a great learning opportunity. Whenever you finish a tiled area you will have created such personalized art for future generations!! I love it!!

[@brendabanacka4519]

I absolutely loved the bugs on the ceiling.

[@GG100ghp]

Very failure is a step forward towards being a skilled artisan, you are well in you’re way!

[@tedlogan3194]

EVERY CERAMIST HAS HAD THE SAME MORNING AS YOU. YOU'LL GET BETTER.

[@lollywenzel7276]

Amy, please take this in the spirit in which it is intended - as a suggestion. Have you seen Anna’s tile backsplash project for le fleur Honfleur (How to Restore A Chateau) ? Maybe she could pass along something of what she learned- although I think she had a completely different process and had her tiles fired by someone else. Worth a try even if just for moral support?

[@Chroniclesofrosieres]

😊 that’s quite a different technique. If you remember back a few videos ago I’ve done glazing on pre-fired bisque (like Anna) with some great results for other tile projects (like the huge shower peacock mural and the sink splash back) but I’m now working on scaling up my tile making by making my own tiles (not buying them pre-fired) and using different colouring and decorative techniques that are a lot more complicated and require a lot of experimentation!

[@srigging]

Awe.disappoint loses out to trying again with much better results. We look forward to tile success Amy 👍❤️ Oh...I LOVE the insects placed on the ceiling Marc!

[@nancibishof6462]

Amy, you might want to explore Mason Stains as colorants for your slips and glazes. They can be added to a commercial clear glaze to create a transparent colored glaze. I think the glazes the ground mineral literature was referring to is a paint glaze rather than ceramics glaze. There is a product known as kiln wash that will brush onto your shelves and provide a protective layer should a glaze drip onto it. Stroke and Coats glazes don't move much in the firing though but it is a good idea to use a damp sponge to remove the glaze on the tiles' vertical sides.

[@kgummee]

The giant bugs are spectacular. The kids will love it and they'll make gueats giggle!!

[@veronicamoss2597]

The lights look great Marc...Amy your tiles are all learning...like my baking,. I never let my kids see the picture in the cook book🤔😇😎❤️🙏

[@jeanmkaufmann]

I love the insects. It's unfortunate your glazing didn't turn out. You need a pottery studio where you can do everything in one room. I love the archaeologist in you, sampling, notes, how different colors "interact". You're a scientist at heart. 🙂🇨🇦

[@bernicebabe4154]

Love the bugs, Marc! Persistence will pay off, Amy. I am sure your final firing of the tiles will be just what you want.

[@baj0f0nd0]

I thought color and glaze had to be applied after the clay has been cooked once... You should give it another shot ... I guess you did ... I love so much method.

[@Chroniclesofrosieres]

Technically it doesn’t have to but it usually is. I had in fact fired these once already. There are a couple of other videos that cover it.

[@paulinelogan1400]

It was always going to be trial and error Amy but you got there in the end well done they look good 👍 love the hanging lights Marc xx

[@leahhaag6782]

Good job, Amy. Looking forward to seeing what color and design you Marc decide to use. 😃👍💖

[@melanierawlings35]

Thanks for being willing to share even when it doesn't work the way you hoped. And thanks for the humor that you and Marc share!

[@ritajohnson5594]

The challenges of balancing the different mediums but your on the right path. Marc the bugs were perfect and sure to give others a jump as well.

[@jennyhonda9642]

Batt wash is a thick slip that is painted onto kiln shelves to protect them from the damage of glaze runs.

[@stephaniegaromon3244]

Amy you recovered hugely and the second try was a great success. You are going to be a master tile and glazing expert. I love what you are doing. The coach house is stunning. I love the warmth of the hanging lights and they look whimsical along with the insects hiding on the ceiling. Good job Marc. Love your vlogs. xx

[@lisaakinlabi]

OK I totally love the bugs! When I moved into my home about 18 years ago I had it all painted and then I painted a small bug in each room for people to find. They had been a giggle for anyone finding them when they visited. So sorry about the tiles not showing the results you were hoping for. The 2nd trial turned out nice.

[@myownlittlehouse471]

Those final tiles look really great. Can't wait to see the finished effect!

[@elisabetharzberger2456]

WOW, Amy❣️such a good outcome of the 2nd try👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Samuel Beckett comes to mind: ever tried. ever failed. no matter. try again. fail again. fail better. I do admire your work & your patience❣️

[@nikishazechiel6848]

I love the bugs!!! And way to go on not giving up on the tiles!!

[@grammasgardenofideas5081]

i like the orange light its warm

[@katehall9812]

:D "...even more orange." Ever the scientist. ['Lo, Amy & Mark]

[@katehall9812]

i wish adding a screenshot of the CC were possible, "whilst Amy" is rendered very oddly. Believe it would amuse you both. [It's not Marc's accent.]

[@katehall9812]

Well done, Amy. Every trial teaches & is worth even dashed hopes.

[@judymossip7446]

You and Marc never give up! I enjoyed following you on this tile project because I would never work this hard for tiles. Thanks for the interesting vlog! 🇨🇦

[@etholleg]

"You can turn them off"....loved this 🤣

[@Chroniclesofrosieres]

😬😉😊

[@nativetexson]

I like the lights Marc installed in the coach house as well as the insects. The insects are subtle and a fun conversation starter. Since I don't know anything about pottery and glazing, I wasn't sure what to expect with the tiles. It is a learning experience and your detailed notes will be a good resource. Cheers!

[@tedlogan3194]

YOU SHOULD GET SOME KILN CONES THAT TIP MELT AT THE RIGHT TEMP. ITS A DOUBLE CHECK THAT YOUR KILN HAS REACHED THE PROPER TEMP OR NOT. ANCIENT TECHNIQUE, BUT HI TECH KILNS AREN'T ALL THEY ARE CRACKED UP TO BE.

[@patricianathan4676]

Wow how the time flew by, I enjoyed that so much, after the initial let down the colours were really good . I am sure this testing will help you progress,, it's very time consuming, how lovely to have such a supporting husband. WCL

[@theadventuresofsandyland4961]

Amy so sorry you were disappointed initially, but the tiles came out great in the end!! I have always found it difficult to get tile paint colours to come out well in the kiln, they always look so different to how you expect. You shouldn't be disappointed, you are experimenting and that always the best way to learn! I think what you have done is amazing and can't wait to see what happens next!! 😀🙌

[@coletteretif6316]

Don’t give up. Everything worthwhile takes time.

[@Chroniclesofrosieres]

Thanks my dear!

[@Cueman222]

As they say: If at first you don't succeed, try-try again! Love the metal insects. Hugs from Michigan.

[@elledammers8]

🙏😇There are No failures-only results 😇🙏 Your kickin butt girl ✨🤩✨ great 😊 job 🌞 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@jmk1962]

Loved seeing Juliette included in the updated intro. I admire your patience and perseverance.

[@champaigne3311]

You can use kiln wash to protect your kiln shelves from glaze spills.

[@suehall3298]

Love the new intro 🤗👍sorry the 1st lot of tiles were not up to scratch but I enjoyed the process the 2nd lot looked very interesting & a useful keep up the good work 🤗👍🌹💐🌹 Love Sue❤❤❤🇬🇧❤❤❤

[@inabates8919]

Looks like if I seeing right, warm tones have survived, cool not. Not an idiot, a learner. Got my fingers crossed.

[@barbararowland2443]

I find that the kiln gods are a mercurial bunch ; the tiles themselves were a success, no warping and minimal shrinkage 😊

[@stellaevans752]

Never mind Amy you will get there, you are so talented and trial and error will get you there in the end, I know how upset you were but it’s rare that things turn out perfect first time, keep going love, got to say Juliette gets more adorable every time I see her, she’s gorgeous, Mark you did a good job of the lights, I’m sure Amy loves them really 😂 the bugs are fantastic, much love to this lovely family xxxxxxxxxxxxx😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lynnralph8373]

I absolutely love the opening scenes of your videos. The love you have as a family is clear to us all. Brilliant.

[@robbiemoriarty7499]

Amy I have no doubt that you will ultimately get the results you want. The nice flat tiles looked great. Watching you finesse the glaze is so interesting. Can’t wait to see the next test.

[@gabrielawe5274]

don't be sad! you will try and try and you will learn and improve and going to be better and better and then you will laugh about your start-projects :-) good luck and have fun!!!!!

[@anisekhan5702]

Amy, there is no such word as disappointed, I am sure you are well appointed for this project, by the way you have such an hearty laugh a pleasure. Carry on please, I haven’t tried mine but will do.

[@johannaknowles8569]

Please don’t give up 😅good on you for doing something so creative and hands on 🎉

[@krismorris1810]

Hi dear Amy, don’t lose heart, good trialing, well done

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Love the new intro. Sorry the results were disappointing. There’s always a learning curve whenever you try something new. Don’t be discouraged and keep experimenting until you like the results. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Thanks for sharing 😍😘

[@Sciayam]

Even professionals have failore - just keep going on. I loved the insects - good luck

[@Chroniclesofrosieres]

Thanks Karen!

[@ruthwickline1000]

Just to let you know.. I am SO enjoying your ‘tile journey’! I love to watch ALL your videos and this journey is really interesting… ❤

[@lauriewhitlock8137]

I colour my slip with mason stains or velvets

[@annlyon144]

That’s to bad Amy about the tiles. I’m glad it wasn’t a hole project that failed. But it’s fun to watch ! ❤ I still love hearing Marc talk. So romantic. 😂

[@jezabel1960]

I like the warm hue the lights give off!!

[@karenreeves856]

Oh dear that's a bit of a blow that the slip didn't work isn't it? But the glazes are brilliant! There's some really nice colour interactions going on, and those leaf imprints are great! I can see a wall of those nice little square tiles with different leaf imprints on them, with sort of muddled greens and a bit of goldy sort of browns going on. It'd be superb! I'm finding watching you working on the tiles so soothing, your concentration and delicacy of brushwork is mesmerising. Well done you, Amy! And Mark, I'm in two minds about the orange lights too, but I love the placement of them. Those giant insects are epic! I want some on my ceilings now!! Much love and big hugs xxx

[@debbiegoodwin6316]

Oh well done Amy! So much perseverance, and the glazes were lovely!

[@isobelchapman9548]

Gosh, I felt so sorry for you but am absolutely delighted that it looks as if all will be ok, in the end. Well done, your patience will be well rewarded. God bless all your lovely wee family xx

[@alisondoughty2194]

Yeah.If at first you don't succeed.Congratulations.🎉

[@robbiemoriarty7499]

PS absolutely love the insects! Fun and unexpected.

[@sueg2658]

I’m so happy the second firing was more what you were looking for and successful for you. It’s not easy teaching yourself the art of ceramics. There is quite a learning curve even with an instructor, so you are doing great for going it alone! Great job. :-) Very nice kiln. I love Marc’s metal bugs, so much whimsy! I hope you film the children’s reactions to finding them too. The lights are neat and provide such a nice warm ambience. Enjoy the journey :-)

[@janetroberts2262]

At least you are still going on with the firing to see the results and are not giving up ❤❤❤

[@rolo4945]

Love the warmth of those lights ❤️

[@Chroniclesofrosieres]

😊

[@daynight4902]

best wishes to you

[@jeffreyskinner7167]

This room already looks amazing.

[@marilynwade9448]

And the bugs

[@marcellejosephine9119]

I’m so glad the second time the tiles came out much better with the glaze. Fascinating to see! Thankfully the lights are orange and not red! 😂 I’m from the Netherlands that would not be so appropriate 😆 Just kidding. Can’t wait to see next week’s video! 🤎🔥🪵🍂

[@Chroniclesofrosieres]

😂😂😂

[@steffaniel370]

Marc and Amy, just be careful with the arc flash coming from the panel board! If not taking proper precautions, you could injure yourself, in particular your eyes. ❤️🇨🇦

[@Chroniclesofrosieres]

Panel board? Not sure we understand!

[@steffaniel370]

@@Chroniclesofrosieres Sorry, maybe they’re called something different in France and the UK. I was just referring to the electrical switch/fuse board where you were turning the lights on. We noticed a flash that would happen before the lights came on. It’s just something to be mindful of. We did notice Marc looking away when turning the light switch on (to look at the “orange” lights lol) so that’s a good thing. Also, can I just say your vlogs are one of the best in quality I’ve seen so far! Whoever is filming for you is doing an incredible job - creative angles, amazing lighting and just the quality of the picture! Thank you for making such beautiful vlogs and sharing with us, always such a treat! ❤️🇨🇦

[@chappellroseholt5740]

Great job persisting, it is what all of us artists must do if we want to achieve our ideas. I wish I could give you some advice but I have never worked with tiling and kilns, although I would love to. Keep on keeping on. Love from the SF Bay Area.

[@miajoyce11]

Love how you both honor each others’ opinions and manage humor too!

[@gillianwheeler4380]

Amy you are so hard on yourself. X

[@meri8746]

I was thinking that another year is coming to a close. It has been a pleasure to be a part of your lives from afar. God bless and keep you all! ❤

[@lesley2110]

I am impressed with your knowledge and talent.....I can’t wait to see your final choices and then them laid in situ!

[@Chroniclesofrosieres]

That’s very kind. Thank you!

[@rebekahlow5957]

I love the insects on th ceiling! Very original idea. Learning about the tiles is very interesting. I look forward to seeing your experiments.I know in the end you will create beautiful tiles! Lo from Vermont

[@sharonhayes4308]

Love the Lights, they look Great 😊

[@Chroniclesofrosieres]

👍🏻😊

[@macorey54]

It's a learning curve and you were testing them anyway. Each time will get better. Are there other pigments that are better? I took a pottery course years ago when my son was a baby (he's in his 30s now). It was a controlled situation of course, run by an expert potter at an art school. Things turned out nicely. But, when my kids were elementary age, we went to one of those pottery painting studios while in Florida and although it was fun, we were not expert at applying pigments, so the results were more sloppy. I saw a true potter there & her work was very nice. I guess it does take practice and experimentation.

[@cathyagain5841]

Great bugs ❤ The experimenting with your tiles was interesting though understandable a disappointing occurrence for you Amy. Thank you for another fabulous video.

[@alanseviour7346]

The lights give a nice warm glow

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Bon courage! It's an art, after all.

[@jenniferpowell3953]

I know we grow from our failures but it doesn't stop us feeling shit, so sorry but we are all with you. Can I suggest an online shop for a cheap as chips set of lino cutting tools you will find them a marvel for carving the lather dry clay?

[@Chroniclesofrosieres]

Lino cutting tools would be amazing. Thank you for the tip!

[@a_highland_life]

I really liked that set of green ones that you showed us a few blogs back, the ones you did a year ago....they were very art nouveau and looked very professional.

[@sherried.3861]

Amy your laugh is so infectious! And Marc is the perfect foil. As others have said the tiles are a new endeavor for you. It will ( and probably already has since the videos are on KZbin time lol) all be fine! I paint. I’m here to say every piece has its challenges and it’s ugly phase. Sometimes that ugly phase is a bit persistent 😂.

[@barbaraholt7957]

What a wonderful adventure of discovery and learning! You are both so admirable for your ingenuity and diligence. Look at how much you have done! Those tiles are going to be a crowning point of the chateau! (Even if they are in the bathrooms!) thanks for sharing with us. ❤

[@Tricia888]

You are so patient. Really enjoy watching.

[@erderfleremuligheder]

I love the big bulbs, I have them in my home too 😊

[@traciannveno]

So fun. Seeing those tiles gives me such inspiration. You can already see how beautiful they will be , being hand made. You really have stumbled on a gem here and that gem is your heart in these designs. Good job guys love love the bugs and lights

[@johnoleary528]

Goodness me, I thought you were painting with a set of pan pipes! 😂

[@Chroniclesofrosieres]

😂😂😂

[@marilynwade9448]

I like the lites

[@tedlogan3194]

TOP COAT YOUR TESTS WITH CLEAR COAT IS GLOSS OR MATTE. THE COLORS NEED TO BE PROTECTED.

[@elizabethmckelvie5418]

Those multi filament light bulbs are amber not orange….but u can get them without colour