Our Process

So how are Hidden Hearth Tiles made?

Every collection begins with Karin’s original artwork. Each design is first painted by hand in gouache, then transformed into ceramic transfers. These are fired onto Natural Press ceramic tiles made by Fireclay Tile in Spokane, Washington.

Fireclay’s Natural Press tiles are produced using a clay body that is milled into powder and pressed into molds with a high-pressure pneumatic press. The tiles are then dried, glazed, and kiln-fired in a single run. All materials are sourced from North America.

This single-fire process (rather than separate bisque and glaze firings) reduces energy use and carbon output. The finished tiles are durable and suitable for a wide range of applications, including backsplashes, walls, showers (including steam showers), pools, exterior installations in any climate, residential floors, and fireplace surrounds (excluding the interior firebox).

Once the glazed tiles arrive at the Hidden Hearth studio, Karin applies the ceramic transfers by hand. Each tile is then fired again in the kiln, permanently bonding the artwork to the glaze.

Future collections may continue using this transferware process, or take the form of fully handmade, hand-painted ceramic pieces — one-of-a-kind works created entirely by Karin from start to finish.

Why we chose this method: Hidden Hearth is about making small, lasting pieces of place—art that can live with you day to day. This process lets us translate Karin’s hand-painted illustrations into durable tile while keeping the footprint light. It’s a blend of old-world transferware tradition and modern materials, chosen with equal parts craft, longevity, and care for where we live.