Making decorative art tiles is a fun and easy craft project for the whole family. You can give your tiles as gifts, use them to commemorate achievements or special occasions, or frame them to use as wall hangings.
The best way to get started making decorative art tiles is to go to a ceramics painting studio. These studios usually charge a fee for each hour of studio time, and a flat rate for buying your ceramic item to paint. And, of course, they eliminate the need for you to own a kiln. You can go on a tile-painting outing with a group of friends or the whole family.
Instructions
1. Find a ceramics painting studio near you. There are many options to choose from: Some studio chains have multiple locations in regions of the country, while others are independent, single-location shops. See this article's reference and resource lists for possible places to go.
2. Go with your friends and family to the studio and select tiles to paint. Most studios will offer a variety of tile sizes.
3. Choose your paint colors. The tricky thing about this step is that ceramic paint colors look very different once they are "fired" in the kiln. Your studio will probably offer a chart to show you what each color will look once it has been fired.
4. Design your tile. Before you begin to paint, you may wish to draw a sketch or template on your tile with pencil. Don't worry, the pencil marks will "burn off" in the kiln and will not appear on your finished piece.
5. Paint your tile. If you want your paint to appear as a solid color, you should paint three layers on top of each other. Wait for each layer to dry somewhat before applying the next layer. For finer lines, some studios provide paints with tips; if you use these, the paint will come out in one concentrated line and you do not have to do multiple layers. Use stencils, sponges, or other materials provided by the studio for additional decorative ideas.
6. Write your name or initials and the date in paint on the back of your tile. Place the tile in the studio's holding area for pieces waiting to be fired. Ask the studio when you should return to pick up your finished piece. You will probably be able to pick up your new decorative tiles within 10 days.
