Two Ways to Create Custom Ceramic Tiles
We’ve been seeing custom tiles pop up all over the place. Whether you’re looking to create a modular piece of wall art, a set of coasters, playful Instagram-ish magnets, or a creative kitchen backsplash, ceramic tiles are there for you. So today, we’re please to bring you custom tiles two ways: the DIY method and the online design-and-order method.
First, the DIY method.
Materials:
– magazines, catalogs or print-outs of your choice
– Mod Podge
– Spray Shellac
– Xacto knife
Thumb through your latest pile of magazines and catalogs and pick out some images you like. We recommend Anthropologie, Patagonia, West Elm, and Crate & Barrel, to name a few.
Cut out your image. Cut your image so it’s about half an inch larger than your tile on all four sides. Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge on your tile, and press your image firmly onto the tile. Use your hands to smooth out air bubbles, and then place the tile under a pile of heavy books to get rid of remaining bubbles.
After 5 or 10 minutes, take your tile out from under the pile and place on a mat cutting board (or piece of cardboard). Use an Xacto knife to trim off the excess image, and use your thumb to smooth out the edges.
Take your tile outside, and seal the deal with a coat (or three) of Spray Shellac. If you want your tiles to be heat resistant, use lacquer.
If you want them to be waterproof, lacquer or varnish will do the trick. If you just want pretty shiny tiles to hang on your wall, the spray shellac is more than enough.
Voila!
Secondly, we have the Design-and-Order Method.
ImageSnap creates similar photo tiles… in a snap! This site is super easy to use, and you can order one individual tile magnet for your fridge or hundreds to revamp your entire kitchen.
In fact, you can import images directly from Instagram to turn into Teeny Tiles or Classics. How convenient is that?
These make perfect gift items, and are a great new way to display all your favorite photos. We love the idea of ordering a few as accent tiles for a bathroom, and might have to start a collection of our own documenting all of our fun DIY projects and products in ceramic form!
