About Delectile and Carol Morrow

Carol Morrow creates beautiful one-of-a-kind tiles and tiled objects in her studio, Delectile, in historic Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Many of her pieces are inspired patchwork quilts made in Nova Scotia in the 19th century, whose traditional patterns are recreated in rich, glowing colours and intricately detailed textures. Other pieces draw their inspiration from the ocean, which she can see from her studio window as she works.

The tiles used in Delectile pieces are made in many shapes and sizes. Carol cuts out each tile by hand from white porcelain clay. She uses a variety of tools, home-made stamps, and found objects to give texture to the tiles. Her found object tools include shells, onion bags, buttons, an antique fork, and plumbing bits! Some tiles receive additional decoration from coloured slips (liquid clay) and underglazes. After bisque firing, each tile is glazed by hand in vibrant colours, and fired to 2230°F.

Small tiles are used to create exquisite mosaic mirror frames, trivets, and table tops. The tiles are carefully selected for each project, then affixed and grouted. These objects are available ready-made, or can be ordered in the client’s choice of size and colour. Tile-topped covers for old-fashioned radiators are also available by special order.

Larger tiles become plaques (e.g. "Welcome", "Breathe", and "Create" signs), trivets, Christmas ornaments, or one-piece frames for small mirrors or picture frames. Special-order plaques (e.g. "Michael's Room") and picture frames can be personalized with names and/or dates. These make marvelous baby or wedding gifts, Mother's Day presents (for the latest school photo), or special accent pieces for one's own home or office.

Carol makes custom-order backsplashes and tile installations, incorporating colours and motifs of the client’s choice. They may include individualized touches such as tiles incorporating the names of the clients' children, or in one case, small portraits of the owners' beloved dogs. People who would like a truly personalized installation can come to Carol's studio and decorate some of the tiles themselves. Pieces can range from simple patchwork designs to murals based on photographs to unique artistic creations.

Carol offers courses in her studio from time to time. Students in small groups learn the basics of making and decorating tiles, and can work on projects such as trivets, mirror frames, or accent tiles for their kitchens or bathrooms. She also teaches a tile creating course through the Lunenburg Summer Craft School.

Carol worked for many years in Toronto for the Ontario Government, doing financial management of non-profit housing programs. When these programs were devolved to municipalities, her job was scheduled for elimination. She took the bold step of deciding to make a dramatic career change, moving from a desk job to self-employment as an artisan. In order to make the leap from a hobbyist to a professional craftsperson, Carol enrolled in the School of Craft and Design at Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Oakville, Ontario in 2001. This program was an intense, three year course of study, covering many aspects of design, drawing, photography, and art history as well as a full education in ceramic studio practice. Following her graduation in 2004, Carol moved to Lunenburg, and opened Delectile in her home studio.