a fireplace like no other

Meet Rick Pruckler of Whistle Frog Designs in Ferndale, Michigan.  He transformed our plain brick fireplace into a striking work of art.

Rick’s obsession with clay began at the age of eight when he took a weekend ceramics class at a local recreation and arts center in Waterloo, Iowa. As the  years passed, his creative drive and natural talent eventually led to a full scholarship to study ceramics at the University of Northern Iowa, and then to Ann Arbor where he received a Master’s Degree in Ceramics from the University of Michigan.

After graduation, Rick went to work for the historic Pewabic Pottery in Detroit. Beginning as a tile presser, he worked his way through nearly every department to eventually attain positions as designer for tile and installation, head of vessel production, and senior glaze researcher. While at Pewabic, Rick also developed the designs and glaze selection for his own style of tile and started Whistling Frog Tile Company. In 1996, Rick left Pewabic and devoted himself full-time to his business.

His mission is to maintain the human touch, good design and craftsmanship that is characteristic of the Arts and Crafts Period.

In addition to doing custom work, Rick also creates beautiful gift tiles he sells at art shows around Michigan. 

Steve and I love Rick’s sense of design and color.  The tile work around the fireplace has made our whole living room look amazing.  (Samson was even inspired to play Santa)