Hand-painted, dipped tiles often feature geometric designs.
If you've ever been to a craft market, art show or open market, you've probably seen stacks of colorful, highly designed tiles at some of the stalls. These tiles often feature hand-drawn geometric or scrolled designs with no two looking exactly the same. The look of these tiles often complements larger tile projects and adds visual interest to wall art displays.
If you love these hand-dipped, painted tiles but can't afford artisan prices, try making them at home. You get to customize your own pieces for less.
Instructions
1. Lay your raw, unglazed tiles out on a layer of newspaper. Sketch a design onto each tile in chalk. If you love to draw, these designs may be as intricate as you like. If you're a novice artist, try geometric patterns.
2. Squeeze a little thick slip glaze out onto a paper plate. Roll a thin, pointed paintbrush in the first color of slip you want to use. Brush the slip onto the tiles in long, even strokes within the chalk lines of the design. Don't try to make short, brushy strokes. The slip will settle as it dries and can ruin your design if you do so. Repeat with each color of slip glaze until you've finished painting your tile.
3. Allow the slip to dry overnight. You'll notice that it spreads a little; if your strokes were even, you don't need to worry.
4. Fill a small bucket about half full of clear clay glaze. Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands. The glaze isn't caustic, but can be painfully hard to remove when dry.
5. Grip the first tile by two corners and dip it slowly down into the glaze, holding it up on edge. Bring the tile up and hold it over the bucket until it stops dripping. Repeat with all the other tiles.
6. Place each tile on a tile stand inside your kiln. These stands are metal and prevent the tiles from sticking to the inside of your kiln.
7. Fire the tiles for about 5 hours at about 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be shiny and hard when you're finished.
