A while back I was totally inspired by some tiles that Aimee from Artsyville had painted. I knew these were going to be one of my 52 projects as soon as I saw them. The color on the tiles is actually produced by alcohol ink which is designed to be used on non-porous materials. I went to Michael's and purchased a three pack of Adirondack Inks in Nature (Wild Plum, Butterscotch and Stream). Along with the inks you need the blending solution. As luck would have it, there was a Home Depot right next door to Michael's where I purchased 15 plain white tiles for 16 cents a piece.
The process is so simple. The inks are very messy though so be sure to put down some paper towels or newspapers under the tiles. You start with a white tile and wipe it down to get any dust or little particles off of it. Next you add a thin layer of the blending solution all over the tile and start dropping colors on to it. The blending solution acts as a thinning agent. It's amazing to watch all the beautiful patterns begin to form. You'll get different results by blending the colors together while they're still wet or by letting each color dry before adding more color. The inks dry very quickly so you need to work fast. I played around with texture effects. Just look how many colors only 3 inks produced! The possibilities are really endless and the inks come in so many different colors. Here's the good part: if you don't like the result, you simply wipe the tile down with the blending solution and start all over again. The last step is to seal them. I tried several different things. Modge Podge does NOT work; as soon as I brushed it on, the ink started to lift. I ended up spraying several coats of Polyurethane and that seemed to do the trick.
I'm not sure how I'll use these tiles yet. I was thinking about building a frame for a mirror with these. I was also thinking that these tiles would make great coasters or even look good cut in to mosaic pieces for a table top. Did I mention that these inks work on glass and metal too? Imagine the "stained glass" you could make.
What did you do this week?
~i am whirled away...taken to different place by their vibrancy...beautiful tiles...would defintely make great gifts...and i could only imagine stain glass...simply divine...my littlest did travertine tiles and watercolors in art class last year...the colors are pale, subtle and soothing...these take on a whole new dimision of fun...brightest blessings~
ReplyDeleteThe colors of the inks are absolutely VIBRANT and a few drops goes a long way. A set of 3 costs $9.99 and the blending solution was $4.99. I suspect that you could use regular rubbing alcohol as the blending solution. I think these would make lovely gifts too. Maybe for bringing to someone's house in a basket with a bottle of wine or something :)
ReplyDeletethey turned out beautifully!! what a lift on my sunday morning! thank you for sharing your sealing tips, too. can't wait to see what you do with these beauties!
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous! I painted tiles with a bake on paint years ago, but it wasn't very durable, and chipped off over time. Since you're thinking of using these on a table, does the finish seem pretty sturdy? I may copy this project!
ReplyDeleteThey would also work nicely as a trivet, not sure what you would set them in...maybe set them on pieces of hardy board with thinset, like setting real tile??? hmmmm
Thanks Aimee!
ReplyDeleteDiana, I'm not sure how durable these will be for a table. I've put maybe 3 coats on so far. In a mirror frame, I think they'd be fine but I do have to consider how well they'd hold up in other projects.
The tiles are beautiful. I can't wait until we have our own house with bathrooms to decorate. Hello tile shower!
ReplyDeleteMosaics is the first thing I thought of. They would look great! Or in a white tiled bathroom or kitchen with the occasional one thrown in as a feature!
ReplyDeleteThey look amazing! It looks so professional .... I will keep them in mind for a future project. I am sure my daughter will not mind doing a few tiles herself!
ReplyDeleteThe tiles are amazing - the colors groovy and such a shot of fun
ReplyDeleteGorgeous gorgeous gorgeous (deep breath) gorgeous gorgeous! I HAVE to try this...even though I keep telling myself to use the supplies I have. The color is just spectacular. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Amanda Fall. Every time I come back to this post I fall in love again. I really want to make some of these tiles. Also love the new wallpaper (that's the right term? not sure) and find it just perfect for the 52 Projects.
ReplyDeleteThank you all! I did change the look of the blog yesterday and feel pretty pleased with the new look :)
ReplyDeletewow these are gorgeous, Jane!
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