William Morris: Arts & Crafts Movement Designer

I've had a long-time love for the patterns of William Morris.

A true fan of the Arts & Crafts Movement,
I'm attracted to many of its aspects that contribute to
an attitude of comfort and serenity in the home:
deep, saturated colors, lots of rich wood, 
Frank Lloyd Wright architecture (think Fallingwater), 
mica or Tiffany-style glass lamps, stacked stone,
oil-rubbed bronze metals, and soft leathers.

Textile designer William Morris' boldly patterned fabrics, wallpapers and
embroideries played a big part in defining this decorating style. 
I've gathered some of my favorites to show you here on the blog.
(Starting with Compton, above.)

And here's a bonus - a fabulous quote by Morris.
I love his way of thinking! 

"The true secret of happiness lies in 

taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life."

-William Morris

Strawberry Thief

Lodden

Golden Lily

Forest

Leicester

Honeysuckle & Tulip

Pimpernel

Fruit Embroidery

Blackthorn

Granada

Bird and Pomegranate

Want more?

Go to The Morris & Co. website.

Tile Festival at the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works

Doylestown, PA is the home of the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works,

built by Henry Chapman Mercer in 1912 during the Arts & Crafts Movement.

Every year, for the past 18, a festival is held on the grounds.

It's an opportunity to view historic and contemporary art tiles

displayed by artisans from near and far.

What an enjoyable experience! 

While attending craft fairs and art festivals, I enjoy chatting with the artists. 
I really appreciate the vast variety of works represented.

I've gathered photos of my very favorites to show you.

Above ~ gorgeous, rustic leaf designs by Steve Day, of Berks County, PA.

Below ~ a photo of the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works

with its large white tents pitched for the Festival.

A National Historic Landmark, it's maintained by the 

Parks & Recreation Dept. of Bucks County.

The style of architecture that Mercer used was inspired by the 

missions of San Juan Capistrano and Santa Barbara, California. 

I enjoyed meeting Patricia Tolton of P2 Ware and seeing her awesome,

earthy, Arts & Crafts style tiles. She's based in Kennett Square, PA.

Isn't this dragonfly stunning?

This amazing piece is by Audrey Ketterer Pianko of Wild Heart Pottery & Tile.

Such bright colors in this contemporary, abstract mosaic!

Loved talking with Mandy Baker of Whispering Hill Studio in Jamison, PA.

She creates several series of tiles that are just beautiful!

Fabulous Craftsman-style tiles by Mission Guild!
Nature as subject matter, simple designs, beautiful quotes, and 
subdued color choices for the glazes combine to evoke a calm serenity.

Here's Lynn Hume, of Sligo Creek Tile Co., who creates 

terrific porcelain and stoneware tiles. She's from Takoma Park, Maryland.

I couldn't resist this lovely dogwood brooch;

it'll be a nice surprise for my mother-in-law!

These are among many gorgeous ceramic tiles by artist

Mary Philpott of the Verdant Tile Studio in Ontario, Canada.

Edwin Mighell, Jr. of Redoubt Press is from Anchorage, Alaska.

He creates these terrific tiles using a mix that includes glacial clay.

It was so nice to meet Gregory Hicho and see his exquisite mosaics...

...along with his retro designs for a bit of nostalgic fun!

The Moravian Pottery & Tile Works is located

 at 130 E. Swamp Road in Doylestown, PA.

Website

Facebook

Art & Glassworks - Lancaster, PA

A fabulous shop in the heart of Lancaster, Pennsylvania is Art & Glassworks!

The place has tons of artsy gift items; you're sure to find something you love!

A funky colored exterior with lots of bright blooms beckons you right inside.

How's this for a terrific selection?

Notice glass mosaic hoops that feature agate slices!

Crazy about every one of these tiles from Motawi Tileworks!

Lovely glass orbs show off kaleidoscopes of color!

Being a true fan of the Arts & Crafts movement, I was really drawn to

this pottery, all American-made by Ephraim, Door or Jemerick.

We love these pressed glass discs!

So far, we've collected a sunflower and a dragonfly.

Very pretty hanging in a window to catch the sun!

Gorgeous stained glass is everywhere!

You can ask for custom work too.

Next time you visit Lancaster, you can find 

Art & Glassworks at 319 N. Queen Street.

Also, check out their website & Facebook page!