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Our gardens, terraces and courtyards can tell stories too. Discover how bespoke hand-carved tiles can transform an outdoor wall into a piece of art created especially for its surroundings.

Every commission begins with a story, a memory, a place, a few treasured words or a moment someone wants to hold onto. Through listening, carving and clay, those stories slowly become something tangible: a piece made by hand, created to become part of a home and the life lived within it.

Sometimes it takes someone else telling your story to remind you why it began. When DRIFT Journal stepped inside the world of Alchemy Tiles, they explored not only the centuries-old craft behind my work, but the memories, conversations and human stories that find their way into every piece I create.

Some objects simply belong in our homes. Others become part of our lives. Made slowly and by hand, they hold memories, mark important moments and carry stories long after the moment that inspired them has passed. Perhaps what makes something truly worth keeping isn't what it is worth, but what it comes to mean.

The flowers fade and the day itself passes in a beautiful blur, but some things remain. A name, a date, a few treasured words or a symbol held forever in clay can become more than a keepsake, it becomes a quiet vessel for memory, carrying the story, love and meaning of a wedding into the years and generations that follow.

Bespoke tiles begin with a story, not a surface. A gentle exploration of meaning, permanence, and what it truly means to create handmade ceramic tiles that are made to last.

Join Alchemy Tiles in Mawnan Smith this Easter weekend (4th–5th April) for a Big Spring Sale Open Studio event. Discover discounted and clearance handcrafted tiles, one-of-a-kind pieces, carving demonstrations, and the chance to discuss bespoke kitchen, bathroom, and fireplace commissions in a relaxed studio setting.

A behind-the-scenes look at the handmade process behind every Alchemy tile, from raw clay to finished piece, and why time, patience, and craft matter in bespoke ceramic tiles.

Alchemy Tiles has been honoured with the SME Southern Enterprise Award 2025, for the 6th year running, recognising exceptional craftsmanship, timeless design, and dedication to customer care. Each hand-cut, hand-carved tile is crafted from the heart and inspired by the spirit of Cornwall. This award celebrates Alchemy Tiles’ commitment to sustainable practices, innovative design, and the support of its customers and community.

For one special weekend only, my studio is opening its doors to welcome you into a festive world of handcrafted tiles, sculptures, paintings, prints, and Christmas treasures. Perfect for last-minute shoppers, thoughtful gifts, or simply a wander among beautiful creations, there’s something magical waiting for everyone.

Alchemy Tiles is thrilled to announce that its founder and artist, Mel Chambers, has won the Artists, Galleries and Designers Award at the prestigious Cornwall Living Awards 2025.

The Cornwall Living Awards celebrate the very best of the region, its makers, creators, innovators, and businesses that capture the true essence of Cornwall’s creativity and spirit. This year’s event, hosted by the Cornwall Living team, brought together inspiring individuals and enterprises from across the county for a night of recognition, connection, and celebration.

For Mel, this award represents much more than a professional milestone. Each Alchemy Tile is hand-cut and hand-carved, crafted from the heart, and inspired by the natural beauty, mythology, and soul of Cornwall. Every piece tells a story, one of patience, skill, and love for an ancient craft that she continues to honour and evolve.

Winning the Artists, Galleries and Designers Award acknowledges not only Mel’s artistry but also her dedication to preserving and reimagining traditional craftsmanship in a modern world. It stands as a testament to the value of handmade work and the importance of supporting local creative businesses that bring beauty and meaning into people’s lives.

Mel expressed her gratitude, saying:

“I am absolutely delighted to have won the Artists, Galleries and Designers Award at the Cornwall Living Awards 2025. This recognition means so much to me and to Alchemy Tiles, celebrating the passion, craftsmanship, and the importance of supporting local businesses. A huge thank you to the Cornwall Living team for a brilliant and memorable awards ceremony and for supporting my work through the good and the bad times.”

Mel also extends her heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted and continues to support her work, from kind words on social media to those who have brought her tiles into their homes. Each interaction has played a part in this incredible achievement.

As she celebrates this wonderful recognition, Mel is already looking ahead. New and exciting work is in development at Alchemy Tiles, marking the beginning of another inspiring chapter in her creative journey.

Alchemy Tiles: Five-Time Award Winner for Artisan Brilliance
Imagine tiles so beautiful they tell a story—your story. Alchemy Tiles has done it again, winning Best Artisan Ceramic Tiles Company – South West for the fifth year running! Hand-carved, timeless, and utterly unique, these award-winning tiles transform spaces into works of art. Crafted with passion by founder Mel Chambers, every piece blends ancient techniques with modern elegance, making each tile a masterpiece of sustainability and design. Curious how Alchemy Tiles keeps stealing the spotlight?

Click through to uncover the magic behind the South West’s favourite artisan brand. Your journey to timeless beauty starts here.