Folding, rippling, and forming into a cane is what millefiori is all about. Literally ‘a thousand flowers’, millefiori is an ancient process used to manipulate clay or glass, with each bend and twist creating a uniquely kaleidoscopic pattern hidden within a long, unassuming pole.
And it’s millefiori that forms the basis of the many marvellous designs found on DoodlePippin. Artist and DoodlePippin owner Ruth uses polymer clay to create her millefiori masterpieces, contrasting colours, producing ombre effects, and arranging each piece with incredible skill.
These millefiori patterns are mostly made into jewellery, but a reference slice of each motif is kept and cured to be photographed and used as the basis of her captivating tile designs.
Vibrant, colourful, sometimes William Morris-esque, the repeat millefiori designs offer up something fabulous for the tile world. As do the dragonflies, bees, and fish tiles you can find among them.
The DoodlePippin tiles are available with the motifs either heat-printed (for areas unlikely to be scratched or damaged) or kiln fired (for high-traffic areas).
A new post by Hanna Simpson, Diary of a Tile Addict, July 2023.