How to Create Art Transfer Tile Coasters

Design your own art transfer tiles to use as unique coasters.

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In addition to her altered art, Dawn Beckert also creates one-of-a-kind tiles using her own original artwork — often the same pages she creates when making her altered art.

Materials and Tools:

transfer paper for inkjet printers
marble tiles
Golden Regular Matte Gel Medium
water based polyurethane, clear matte
matte finish spray sealant
original art collage
canvas
computer
inkjet printer
rubbing alcohol in spray bottle
brayer or bone folder
oven
heat gun
dust mask
wax paper
Check availability of products at hardware, craft and hobby stores.

Steps:

1. Create a mixed media collage on square stretched canvas. As the completed tiles will measure approximately 4" x 4", the canvas must be capable of being reduced to 4" x 4" size prior to its transfer onto tile.

2. Reduce the completed collage to fit in a 4" x 4" square area using a photo-imaging program on our computer.

Figure A

3. Once the collage has been reduced, using a regular color printer, print the image onto the smooth cream side or the transfer paper for inkjet printers. Four mini collages should easily fit on one 8-1/2" x 11" piece. Do not reverse the images and do not use too much ink. Too much ink may cause the image to bleed onto the transfer paper.

4. Heat set the images onto the transfer paper with the heat gun at least 6 inches away from the transfer paper for about 30 seconds.

5. Cut closely around the collaged square. Tip: Any area that is currently white will dry clear.

6. Soak the cut out collage image in slightly warm water for approximately 15 seconds. The collage should roll up in the water. Wait for the edges of the immersed image to begin to uncurl.

Figure C

7. Saturate the marble tile with rubbing alcohol then, carefully slide the backing sheet off and apply the collage image to the face of the marble tile.

8. Using a brayer or bone folder, carefully remove any air bubbles or wrinkles. Let dry completely.

Figure E

9. To use the tiles as coasters, apply a coat of water-based polyurethane to the tiles. Caution: Apply polyurethane in a well-ventilated area. Polycrylic sealant produces a shine to the tiles. A matte spray varnish may be applied to the tiles after the polycrylic has dried. Omit this step if tiles need not be heat resistant.
Tip: Apply the varnish over the polyurethane layer in a sweeping motion from left to right and bottom to top. Wear a dust mask and protect work surface with wax paper.

10. These altered art transfer tiles make a beautiful addition to backsplashes, countertops, and tabletops. Of course, if you mess one up, you can do what I do and smash the tile into many pieces and begin to create your own mosaic piece!

E-mail: dawn.beckert@cox.net

Website: www.divasdeste.com