No, the mantle isn't made of birch; the handmade subway tiles that surround the feature tiles are in a new glaze called "birch" which I am a bit smitten with at the moment. It is so yummy looking, it reminds me toast. Or maybe a toasted marshmallow?
The feature tiles are glazed in "Autumn" which provides a nice contrast with the field tiles and also harmonizes nicely with the woodwork.
above: close up of the "Birds on a Branch" set in autumn glaze
This fireplace is part of a historic home right here in northeast Ohio, and the installation was planned and completed entirely by the homeowners themselves. I *think* they did it without cutting a single tile. It probably helps that one of them is an engineer!
Birch is not one of my standard glazes, but it is available by special request.
Thank you so much, M.P., for contacting me, placing the order and for taking the time to send pictures, and to T. for his careful layout planning and installation. I feel that this installation is really a collaboration between the three of us!