Creating tiles to your design

In a world where it is increasingly difficult to get original or unique decorative work done in your home at a reasonable price, Jean Malone may be just the person you've been seeking. Jean paints tiles in vibrant colours and in a multitude of designs. She will come to your home, or have you into her studio, to discuss what sort of decorative tile feature you would like and where you would like it. Then, depending on the amount of work and area involved, she can, within days, produce the tiles of your desire. "I do features, tile panels, that sort of thing. I like to do a lot of stylised animals and birds but if someone has a particular style or design or colour scheme they would like, or even something replicated from a magazine, I'll work on that."

It all began when she worked and trained with Royal Copenhagen, in Copenhagen, on their blue and white porcelain. After that she moved to Italy where she did stone and ceramic restoration and, eventually, set up her own studio just north of Pisa. She wasn't far from Colorobbia, the ceramic company famous for its use of colour and glazes, and both learned from them and developed invaluable contacts. When she came back to Ireland 18 months ago she brought her entire studio with her. After a FAS Start Your Own Business course she set herself up in 300 sq ft of studio space in the Dun Laoghaire Enterprise Centre a couple of months ago.

Her tile painting technique involves a tin base of glaze over which the design is painted with oxide. People use her tiles over doors, around patios or behind cookers. She likes to highlight detail with gold and will produce tiles to cover both large or small areas. The cost depends on the amount of work involved but a single 10 x 10 centimetre tile costs about £6 to £7. Jean Malone produces the tiles to fit the area - she doesn't put them in place. You will have to get a tiler in to do that.

Jean Malone can be contacted at The Enterprise Centre, The Old Fire Station, Georges Place, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Tel 01 280 4798.