Breaking Plates to Build a Community

KP Tiles (www.KPTiles.com) has grown by becoming a one-stop shopping network that serves the needs of designers, artists, teachers, students, suppliers, and others that in one way or another are involved with mosaic art and installation. Mosaic tile supplies are not easily acquired in one place or cheaply, which is surprising given the popularity of the medium. Mosaic tiles are used in a variety of progressive ways for interior design because they are functional and at the same time lend themselves to creative expression.Kristen Phillips started KP Tiles because she found it difficult to find affordable materials and services for her mosaic art and crafts projects. She says, “When I did find what I needed, supplies were often limited and I found myself trying to outbid other people on e-bay, but it was really difficult to get the mosaic tile I wanted cheaply, so I started to make my own.” That was a wise decision because Kristen was soon selling batches of tile made from broken plates, and it was difficult to keep up with demand. As her tile business grew, interested surfers who browsed the KP Tiles website asked Kristen questions about where to find other materials and products for their mosaic projects, such as uncut tiles, unique or unusual tiles, and mosaic surfaces ready for tile and grout work like mirrors and tables.

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