In a few easy steps, craft an inexpensive, but personalized tile gift for family or friends.
Just recycle!
Take leftover ceramic tiles and get creative. Most households have a few stray tiles left around after completing a bathroom or kitchen remodel; but if not available in your home, purchase new ones at your local home improvement store, like Home Depot or Lowe's. Be sure to check the close-out aisles, or go online at Home Depot or Lowe's to find a small quantity of leftover tiles at bargain basement prices.
If recycling older tiles, first clean them properly
Ceramic tiles are quite porous, so moisture, dirt and grime can sometimes permeate the color. To properly clean tile before your craft project, simple scrub with warm water. If badly stained, try shaving cream or Hydrogen Peroxide. For slates or marble finishes use water only or risk damaging the surface shine. It is easier to choose the lightly glazed porcelain tiles, such as ARPA or the Italian CEDOMUS, two of the best-selling brands at Home Depot. They offer a shiny, glazed surface that seals out most ordinary dirt and grime. Always begin with a clean, dry tile for best results.
The artistic look of durable ceramic tile has captured human attention since the 13th Century, and Home Depot reports, "when it comes to ceramic tiles, the choices are virtually endless...their strength, low absorption and wide range of styles, colors, and finishes make them perfect for almost any application." And that includes crafting!
Also check out the local Ceramic Shops for hand-crafted tiles
In Lady Lake, Florida, for example, one local shop called Amazing Glaze allows crafters to take classes and create their own tile designs, which opens up another new realm of crafting possibilities.
Tile crafter Judy Johansson of The Villages said, "We have a frame with a mirror that has 6 inch tiles around it, and I created a beach scene with a palm tree; all done freehand. Or, you can recreate a fabric pattern for a personal home design. Sometimes we put children's handprints or footprints painted on the tiles as a keepsake."
To begin personalizing this particular tile craft project, purchase an alphabet sheet of letters, like those found at any office supply store. The pre-printed alphabets, with fancy, script letters, will transfer easily to the clean, dry tile. With a pair of scissors, cut out each individual letter to transfer, making sure to spell the name correctly. Tape them gently in place. Rub over each letter (as per package directions) using a firm pressure and a straight-edge. (Tip: A store credit card works well as a rubbing tool.) When the letter is transferred, gently lift the clear covering and discard it. If a tiny portion of the letter sticks, or does not cleanly transfer, do not worry. Fix any slight imperfections with a black, fine point, permanent marker pen.
After the person's name is successfully transferred to the center of the tile, the fun begins. Implement the rubber-stampers. Form a pleasing design around the tile’s edge, or at all four corners. Choose stamp designs to please the recipient of this hand-made gift. After stamping, let it dry thoroughly.To protect your design, spray it lightly with a clear shellac or crafting fixative. When finished, place the tile in a stand-up photo holder.
Voila! Wherever this charming nameplate gift commands desk space, the smiles will surely follow.
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