Custom Decorating

Patricia Whitchurch   

China painting    Porcelain art
Antique replacement specialist

            We do a tremendous amount of custom work.  If it is made of porcelain we can probably design and create what you want.  We specialize in lamp work,  both for new decorating and to restore damaged antique lamps.  If you can describe what you want and provide us with color swatches we can do just about anything on glass or porcelain.

The sign behind  Patricia's work area says it all.

Antique shade replacement

Custom Lamp Shades 

Custom Sinks 

Custom Tile

Other Custom Porcelain and China 

    Antique Lamp Restoration and Shade Replacement

How do we price our work

     In most cases you will need to ship the pieces to your broken shade or the base is it was painted to match a missing top.  This is the only way we can give a quote.   We can usually tell from the base and the hardware on a lamp what size and style of shade we will be needing. We also  need to be able to see what colors were used as well as any enameling or other brush techniques.  The type and style of artwork and these other questions must be answered before we can commit to a firm quote.

    We do not give estimates.  If and when we agree to a project you will know exactly what it will cost including delivery back to your home.   

Most custom replacement shades are in the $125.00 to $350.00 price range. It is impossible to give a firm quote with out seeing what needs to be done.  After looking at your parts and knowing what is needed we will be able to give you and exact quote.  

    After we have picked the appropriate shade we will be able to figure cost based on the following.

1.) The cost of the shade to replace the broken one. $35.00 to $250.00      ( We stock a large variety of white, hand blown shades, suitable for firing.)

  Custom hand painted 
         hand blown lamps and shades         

      We have a large selection of white hand blown lamp shades to choose from here in the shop, plus we have access to a large number of other shades. Most of our bases are solid brass, lacquered to prevent any tarnishing. We also carry in stock a large selection of German leaded crystal bases (no pressed glass, no hard plastic.) We also import white porcelain from Europe.  Anything porcelain, china or made from hand blown glass may be decorated to suit your needs and desires.

Once you have picked out the shape and style of hand blown glass shade you will need to decide on colors and artistic styles and patterns.  Almost anything you or your decorator want can be done.  The big question for us is time.  Each and every item we carry is a one of a kind original.  The work you order will be done one brush stroke at a time. We are often 6 to 10 months behind in custom orders.  Please understand that others have been waiting patiently for their custom orders.

   Custom Sinks 

      DO NOT purchase the sink !  Make a note of the brand name and part number.  When shopping for the unpainted sink you need to remember "solid china or porcelain" it will be marked on the box.  No stainless or cast iron cores, please, they tend to break almost every time when fired.

     Send this information to us, and we will pick up the sink from a local plumbing supply house.  We want to inspect it for any defect before beginning your project.  A small flaw or crack may cause it to break or even explode during the extremely high temperatures we use when firing  these items in our kilns.  When done the art work will be permanent and will not come off even after years of washing.

Faucet choices

     When making your fixture decision remember size - shape - color - and hardware configuration, that's one hole for the knobs, a 4 inch configuration or 8 inches, it's probably best to pick you faucets at this time to make sure they are going to fit.

     You are going to find that there is a huge range in the price of sinks.  A plain white simple sink can cost $75 to $100 or it can cost $1500, it's up to you, this does create a vast range of finished cost when we quote a painted sink.  The other factors are number of colors and what they are, and how many trips through the kilns.  How intricate is the artwork.  Time and labor as well as material cost are what determine the final figure.

    Once you have picked your sink and basic artwork I will begin coming up with a firm quote.  This quote will include shipping to your home.  No surprise extra charges.      

Custom tile

       Tiles may be scattered in foyer or bathroom floors.  The backsplash areas in the kitchen as well as counter tops are frequently used for murals or other elaborate designs.  The bath is a major canvas area for this type of personal art.

         This is the only type of work that we require you to furnish us with the items to be painted. The finished painted tile need to come form the same boxes as the rest of the tile you will be using in the room.   If not they may not match up exactly when installed.  Send us a few samples of your tile and some colors we will then phone and discuss the work.   After our conversation I will probably want to work up a couple of test pieces to ship back.  In this way we will both be seeing the same things. After you decide what you want I will quote the work and give you a firm delivery date.