PROJECT 6
ALCOHOL INK CERAMIC COASTERS WITH TWO TECHNIQUES
Alcohol inks can be used on any nonporous surface, including ceramics. Inks can be dropped, painted, or blown around the surface to create interesting patterns, color, and detail. Tile is one of the easiest substrates on which to work with alcohol inks, primarily because you can easily wipe inks clean from the surface with isopropyl alcohol and start over again. Only a few colors are needed to produce vibrant results. In this project you will create two distinct styles using two different techniques. The results look as if you spent a lot of time, but they actually take mere minutes.
MATERIALS
tiles in any shape
paper towel
isopropyl alcohol or blending solution
alcohol inks
heat embossing tool
gold markers or gold embossing powder
sponge brush
spray sealant
UV protectant spray
TECHNIQUE 1
TILE COASTER
1. Begin by cleaning your tile with a paper towel and alcohol. Select two or three alcohol ink colors and add a few drops onto the tile, using the embossing tool to dryset the inks in place. Next, drop a generous amount of isopropyl alcohol or blending solution over the inks.
2. The key to this wispy ring-like technique is using an embossing heat tool instead of a hair dryer, which will blow the inks around without much control, even on a low setting. An embossing tool is easier to control with gentler heat and air than an actual heat gun, allowing you to create a wispy, ring-like effect.
3. To create this effect, hold the tool slightly above the wet solution and, using a back-and-forth motion, dry the inks every few seconds. The inks will act like a pool of water, drying into ring-like patterns. With this technique, the inks will dry in 10 to 20 seconds! Add more solution if desired and repeat the process. Try different colors on several different tiles. That’s it!
4. Finish your tiles with either gold metallic alcohol ink drops, or heat emboss with gold powder.
Take your tiles to the next level by adding heat-embossed stamping. Visit my YouTube channel for the full embossing on alcohol ink video tutorial. Visit www.youtube.com/janemonteith.
TECHNIQUE 2
TILE COASTER
This technique also takes a few minutes to create. Tiles can be embellished with gold metallic oil-based markers for added texture and appeal.
1. Begin by cleaning off your tile with paper towel and isopropyl alcohol. With a sponge brush, squeeze several colors of ink across the top.
2. Drag the ink-loaded sponge brush across the tile in several swipes, creating colorful streaks. When dry, begin dropping alternate ink colors onto the surface to form circles. Add some drops of alcohol to lighten the circles if desired.
3. Allow the tiles to dry before adding gold markings.
