Save 50% on Factory Sale tile. Shop now.

Find a Showroom

Save 50% on Factory Sale. Shop now.

Fireclay Tile Mark
Hi, ! Search Site View cart
  • Factory Sale
Application
Original Ceramic
Natural Press Ceramic
Glass
Mosaic
Handpainted
Brick
Factory Sale
Filter By Application
  • Kitchen + Backsplash
  • Bathroom + Shower
  • Floor Tile
  • Wall Tile
 
  • Commercial Use
  • Outdoor Tile
  • Pool Tile
Modern subway tile striped pool 8
Original Ceramic
  • All Original Ceramic Colors
  • Studio Glazes
    New
  • Ceramic Stains
    New
  • Shop Shapes
  • Shop Patterns
  • Trim + Architectural Moldings
Resources
  • All Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Guide to Tile Trim
2023 img hi res full usage design Atypical design Studio photo jordan Layton wainscott offset cardamom 3x9 floor tile iron ore 2 hexagon FC596427 1

Original Ceramic tiles showcase handmade qualities with unique variations in color, crazing, and finish.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Natural Press Ceramic
  • All Natural Press Colors
  • Shop Shapes
Resources
  • All Natural Press Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Trim Guide
2024 residential full usage 4x4 terre verte satin red jasper satin indigo satin 2x2 red jasper satin bathroom checkerboard straight set 6x12 cove base indigo satin Pluck Architecture Leonid Furmansky FC796720 2

Our budget-friendly ceramics line, Natural Press is made with your largest indoor and outdoor projects in mind.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Glass Collection
  • All Glass Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Glass Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
Modern blue subway wall glass tile 2

Our radiant Glass Tile provides a freshness that pairs perfectly with today’s modern designs indoors or out.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Mosaic Collection
Learn More
Original Ceramic Mosaics Original Ceramic Mosaics Natural Press Mosaics Natural Press Mosaics Glass Mosaics Glass Mosaics
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Handpainted Collection
Shop All Nine Collections
Agrarian Agrarian Moroccan Moroccan Classic Cuerda Seca Classic Cuerda Seca
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote
Resources
  • All Handpainted Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Brick Collection
  • All Brick Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Brick Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Brick Trim
Glazed Thin Brick Destination Eichler Blue Brick Fireplace

Brick’s hand-mixed glazes enrich its surface, delicately exposing its unique textures and variations with the colors of the environment around us.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Quick Ship Tile
  • All Quick Ship Tile
  • Ceramic Tile
  • Glass Tile
  • Brick Tile
  • Handpainted Tile
Budget-Friendly Tile
  • $12 Essentials
  • $18 Foundations
  • Factory Sale
2022 img hi res full rights residential photo design plural design studio bathroom floor tile mini star and cross antique white grout FC 407104 2

Our bestselling tile products all ready to ship in five days or less.

Residential Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Design Packages
Commercial Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Commercial Pricing
  • 2025 Resource Book
Meet Your Partners
  • Virtual CEU
Trade callout

As a member you’ll receive exclusive access to new products, a professional discount, plus personalized service from our trade team who can help bring your vision to life.

Learn More →
Design Packages
  • All Design Packages
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Pool + Fountain
Custom Tile
  • Our Custom Capabilities
  • Book A Free Consultation
Tile Installation
  • Overview
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
Enscape 2025 04 08 12 57 54

Visualize our tile in your space with our comprehensive design packages.

By Product
  • Original Ceramic
  • Natural Press
  • Glass
  • Brick
  • Handpainted
By Type
  • Product Specification
  • Installation Guides
  • Design Files
  • Price Guides
  • Product Guides
  • Brochures + Catalogs
Popular Topics
  • Trim + Moldings
  • Pools
  • Customization
  • Sustainability
Get Help
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Contact Us
  • Track Order
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Factory Sale
Find a Showroom
Support
FAQ Track Order

Questions? We're here to help
Available 6am-5pm PST Monday-Friday

FCT Icons Chat cropped
Live Chat Online Now
FCT Icons Call cropped
Call Us (800) 773-2226 (toll-free)
FCT Icons Email cropped
Email support@fireclaytile.com
Factory Sale
Modern subway tile striped pool 8
  • Kitchen + Backsplash
  • Bathroom + Shower
  • Floor Tile
  • Wall Tile
  • Commercial Use
  • Outdoor Tile
  • Pool Tile
2023 img hi res full usage design Atypical design Studio photo jordan Layton wainscott offset cardamom 3x9 floor tile iron ore 2 hexagon FC596427 1

Original Ceramic tiles showcase handmade qualities with unique variations in color, crazing, and finish.

  • All Original Ceramic Colors
  • Studio Glazes New
  • Ceramic Stains New
  • Shop Shapes
  • Shop Patterns
  • Trim + Architectural Moldings
Resources
  • All Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Guide to Tile Trim

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
2024 residential full usage 4x4 terre verte satin red jasper satin indigo satin 2x2 red jasper satin bathroom checkerboard straight set 6x12 cove base indigo satin Pluck Architecture Leonid Furmansky FC796720 2

Our budget-friendly ceramics line, Natural Press is made with your largest indoor and outdoor projects in mind.

  • All Natural Press Colors
  • Shop Shapes
Resources
  • All Natural Press Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Trim Guide

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Modern blue subway wall glass tile 2

Our radiant Glass Tile provides a freshness that pairs perfectly with today’s modern designs indoors or out.

  • All Glass Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Glass Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Mosaic Collection
Learn More
Original Ceramic Mosaics
Original Ceramic Mosaics
Natural Press Mosaics
Natural Press Mosaics
Glass Mosaics
Glass Mosaics
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Handpainted Collection
Shop All Nine Collections
Agrarian
Agrarian
Moroccan
Moroccan
Classic Cuerda Seca
Classic Cuerda Seca
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote
Resources
  • All Handpainted Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Glazed Thin Brick Destination Eichler Blue Brick Fireplace

Brick’s hand-mixed glazes enrich its surface, delicately exposing its unique textures and variations with the colors of the environment around us.

  • All Brick Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Brick Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Brick Trim

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
2022 img hi res full rights residential photo design plural design studio bathroom floor tile mini star and cross antique white grout FC 407104 2

Our bestselling tile products all ready to ship in five days or less.

  • All Quick Ship Tile
  • Ceramic Tile
  • Glass Tile
  • Brick Tile
  • Handpainted Tile
Budget-Friendly Tile
  • $12 Essentials
  • $18 Foundations
  • Factory Sale
Trade callout

As a member you’ll receive exclusive access to new products, a professional discount, plus personalized service from our trade team who can help bring your vision to life.

Learn More →
Residential Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Design Packages
Commercial Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Commercial Pricing
  • 2025 Resource Book
Meet Your Partners
  • Virtual CEU
Enscape 2025 04 08 12 57 54

Visualize our tile in your space with our comprehensive design packages.

Design Packages
  • All Design Packages
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Pool + Fountain
Custom Tile
  • Our Custom Capabilities
  • Book A Free Consultation
  • Overview
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
By Product
  • Original Ceramic
  • Natural Press
  • Glass
  • Brick
  • Handpainted
By Type
  • Product Specification
  • Installation Guides
  • Design Files
  • Price Guides
  • Product Guides
  • Brochures + Catalogs
Popular Topics
  • Trim + Moldings
  • Pools
  • Customization
  • Sustainability
Get Help
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Contact Us
  • Track Order
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Explore All Samples
Quick Ship Samples
Quick Ship Samples
Original Ceramic Samples
Original Ceramic Samples
Natural Press Samples
Natural Press Samples
Glass Samples
Glass Samples
Brick Samples
Brick Samples
Handpainted Samples
Handpainted Samples

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Explore All Samples
Quick Ship Samples
Quick Ship Samples
Original Ceramic Samples
Original Ceramic Samples
Natural Press Samples
Natural Press Samples
Glass Samples
Glass Samples
Brick Samples
Brick Samples
Handpainted Samples
Handpainted Samples

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Certified B-Corp Climate Neutral Employee Owned American Made Search Shopping Cart User Lightning Bars Houzz Instagram Pinterest Tiktok LinkedIn YouTube Facebook Twitter Times Check Check Circle close arrow-right Next Arrow Previous Arrow question question print envelope PDF File Minus Plus Pencil
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Maker Spotlight: Pigeon Toe Ceramics

Design & Inspiration

Maker Spotlight: Pigeon Toe Ceramics

By Kali Gibson

2022 checkerboard cafe au lait Pigeon Toe Ceramics Pollen Tumbler giveaway homepage

Sam Sheeley of Pigeon Toe Ceramics firmly believes that home decor should be fun, which is why her approach to ceramics involves a healthy dose of respect for the craft and an even healthier dose of humor. This female-powered brand designs and manufactures modern ceramics from their Portland, OR studio, making us laugh with their playful social media posts at the same time we’re drooling over their gorgeous offerings.

We chatted with Sam about where the name Pigeon Toe came from, their process of creating perfectly symmetrical non-traditionally shaped items, and her personal favorite color from the stunning Pigeon Toe palette (it’s a controversial one!). Keep reading for the full interview.

Pigeon Toe + Fireclay Tile



Meet Sam!

Meet Sam of Pigeon Toe Ceramics!

Image: Pigeon Toe

Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your brand? Where does the name Pigeon Toe come from?
The name Pigeon Toe comes from my sister, when she gets excited about -anything- she stands pigeon-toed. Naturally, she was very excited when she started this company back in 2009. We have been working together here since 2014, but she recently stepped away from the company to pursue a career in interior design. I took over all operations last year, and live in Portland, OR with my husband, step son and two dogs. My background is in business development with a focus on marketing. After 8 years at Pigeon Toe, I can now claim to be an expert in all things ceramic as well.

Pigeon Toe ceramic tumblers, made by hand in Portland, OR.

Image: Pigeon Toe

You worked in business development prior to joining your sister at Pigeon Toe, what made you decide to switch gears?
After years of working at a multi-billion dollar company, I wanted to work somewhere (much!) smaller and more personal. I wanted the sweat equity to be mine, and to be in more control of decision-making. It is pretty great being able to pivot in the moment, and the only person you have to ask permission from is yourself. And in small businesses, there is A LOT of pivoting.

How long have you been interested in ceramics? What do you love most about your craft?
I love that you can make just about anything out of clay and it will last a lifetime (as long as you don’t drop it on a cement floor!). I love that the making process takes time- it requires patience, which is not something that comes naturally to me. I struggle with ADHD, and the multi-step process that is ceramics forces me to slow down. With that, I also love that every day is a bit different and that I am constantly presented with new challenges that force me to think outside of the box.

Inside the factory of Pigeon Toe Ceramics

Image: Pigeon Toe

Once you’ve come up with an idea for a new piece, what does your process of creating look like?
We 3D print all of our designs before putting them into production. We do this to test the size, scale, and functionality. Once we decide to move forward, we then use a scaled-up 3D print to make our master molds. Using 3D prints means we can make non-traditionally shaped items and also ensure they are perfectly symmetrical. All of our items are made from plaster molds, which means we use a liquid form of clay (slip) to make everything.

Inside the Pigeon Toe Ceramics factory.

Image: Pigeon Toe

How do you factor sustainability into your designs?
Our items are made to be used and made to last. We want them to be passed on to your children rather than eventually end up in a landfill. We consider our designs to be timeless and also sturdy enough to pass down throughout the years. We also recycle all of our clay scraps, so we have very little waste in the actual making process.

We LOVE the Pigeon Toe color palette! What's your process for adding a new glaze to your offering? What's your personal favorite color?
Quite a bit of trial and error! All of our colors are custom to us, so it usually takes about a year to finalize a new color. We don’t usually go off of trend, but rather what we think is missing in our assortment. We try to offer something for everyone. My personal favorite is Pollen- which is a controversial color! You either love it or you hate it.

Pollen glaze by Pigeon Toe Ceramics


We so appreciate your sense of humor and fun reflected in both your brand and your social media. What is keeping you inspired these days?
I think if I took it too seriously I would have quit a long time ago! At the end of the day, there are no emergencies in home decor, and I think it is important to keep that in perspective. The way we present our brand is an extension of me, and I couldn’t run social media accounts without being true to that. I like to laugh and break up my day with little things that may or may not matter. I try to break the monotony of production with humor. Home decor should be fun!

Follow Pigeon Toe Ceramics on Instagram for beautiful content and good laughs too!

Image: Pigeon Toe Instagram

As a business with handmade goods, we know the challenges of balancing the time it takes to make a beautiful product with meeting demand. What have those challenges looked like for you? What have you learned as your business has grown?
This is a complicated question, haha. We started tiny, grew pretty substantially, and then shrunk back down during the pandemic. Personally, I learned that bigger is not always better. I had to ask myself some tough questions about what I wanted out of this company. In the end, I decided that I wanted to keep us direct-to-consumer. This means that while we are technically “smaller,” our profit margins are better and we can support our staff without working ourselves to the bone. Work/life balance has never been more important. Again, there are no emergencies in home decor!

Pigeon Toe Ceramics tumblers and creamers.

Image: Pigeon Toe

What does it mean to you to be a woman-owned, made-in-USA business?
Designing and manufacturing locally mean that we are in full control of the process from start to finish. This is not just relevant to quality control standards, but most importantly employment standards. Everyone on our staff is incredibly talented and gets paid a living wage for what they do. Every Pigeon Toe piece purchased supports our tiny (but mighty!) staff of four humans in Portland, OR.


    If you could be any Fireclay Tile color, which one would you be and why?

    I would 100% be Lichen because I LICHEN it a lot. For real, it’s an amazing color and I want it all over my house.

    Our ceramic tile in Lichen.

    Are you LICHEN what you see too, or would you like to try another Fireclay color? Bring home free samples to find the perfect tile for you.

    Shop the Story

    Footer

    About Us

    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • The Factory
    • Installation Services
    • Showrooms
    • Press
    • Careers

    Get Help

    • 1-800-773-2226 6am-5pm PST M-F
    • Email Us
    • Track Order
    • FAQ
    • Shipping
    • Returns

    Resources

    • Trade
    • Commercial
    • Design Assistance
    • Specs
    • Design Files
    • Installation FAQs
    • Shop our Catalog

    Become an Insider

    We'll keep you updated with new products, design trends, promotions and any exciting happenings around the studio.

    Instagram Tiktok Houzz Pinterest Facebook YouTube LinkedIn
    Privacy Policy Terms of Service Accessibility

    © Fireclay Tile 2025

    This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience

    We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and collect personal information to better serve your project needs. You can opt out of the selling, sharing, or disclosure of personal data for targeted advertising by enabling Global Privacy Control on a compatible browser. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy.