As a general studies student at Ohio University, I had the freedom to customize my own degree.  This wonderful program allows students to take classes that they feel will help them most. During my time at Ohio University, I enrolled in everything from sculpture and upholstery, to glass blowing and bronze casting- but more importantly- ceramics

Here is an example of a table top enhanced by a ceramic tile and a detail of that tile which is itself enhanced by additional details in the wood.

I don't use wood as simply a building material, it is my color palette.

Here is a sample of the type of tile composition I create to inlay into the wooden surface of my furniture. Initially my interest in clay developed out of a personal need to add color to my wood pieces but I found that inlaying tile into wood is not as easy as it first looks. Early in my experimental years, I suffered a 50% tabletop failure rate, due to the seasonal movement of wood. When wood moves and shrinks around an unforgiving tile, the wood top will split and crack long before the tile begins to buckle.

Applying grout without staining the wooden top can also be very challenging. Regardless of the wood finish, or care taken to protect the surface, grout will stain and infiltrate the pores of the wood so careful application is criticial. Sanded grouts come in an assortment of stock colors, but I've been experimenting to come up with my own custom colors that fit my work. Imagine grouts in lime green, violet or teal blue! Colored grout is but another tool with which to direct the eye.

 Besides adding color, tiles provide the perfect solution to common furniture dilemmas. Some of the my favorite ceramic additions include tiles on coffee tables and night stands which eliminate the need for coasters. When incorporated into the piece, the tile work is as important as the wood itself.

Sometimes the tile work is intended to enhance the beauty of the woodwork. Other times the ceramic piece is the focal point with the wood surface acting as a frame to enhance the tile. Always, the two mediums work together to create an overall beautiful piece of furniture.

Currently, my work is about creating furniture that features tiled areas that are recessed to enable customers to safely store their precious items. The tiles, carefully incorporated into the furniture, serve as the perfect spot for anyone's valuables. These items might be wristwatches, wedding rings, or even their house keys--precious items are different for everyone.

I experimented with various combinations of tile and wood for many years and in 1997, I authored an article that described the inlaying process. One week after the article was published in the Fall '97 issue of Tile Design and Installation Magazine, I received a phone call from an interior designer in California with a HUGE request. She wanted a quote to build 300 tiled-tables for a chain of well-known banks. My tables were catching on!

I've been working on a line of tables with common dimensions: plant stand, end table, coffee table, and even dining tables, too. These tables are available for purchase by other artists who want to inlay their own tiles, and are available at wholesale prices. Depending on the wood and some options (such as with or without drawers, assembled or unassembled, type of finish [or not], and the type of joinery used) these tables are gorgeous and affordable. The tops of these tables can contain a "shadow box" area, where tiles may be placed, or recessed areas can be routed for tile inlay.

www.allexperts.com is a great website, where you can ask "experts" in about any field a question. Answers to just about anything can be found there - from business to pets, home repair to astrology. I have been volunteering on this site as a wood expert for years and have received many thought-provoking questions. Click here to ask me a question, or to simply visit this great site for fun.

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