How to Create Faux Terra-Cotta Wall Tiles

(Click image to enlarge.) Figure A (Click image to enlarge.) Figure B (Click image to enlarge.) Figure C (Click image to enlarge.) Figure D (Click image to enlarge.)

Host Renai Ellison explains how to transform plain cork tiles into wall art with wood-gel stains and paint stamps (see photo at right).

Materials:

cork (usually comes in 12 x 12" squares)
ruler
pencil
stain in two colors--one lighter, one darker
1" chip brush
foam brush
fleur-de-lis rubber stamp
ink in color that is similar to the darker stain
gold paint pen
polyurethane sealer

Steps:

1. Create a border around the cork that is the width of the ruler (figure A).
   
   
2. Draw a large diamond within the border, using the ruler (figure B).
   
   
3. Paint the border and the inside of the diamond with the lighter stain color and chip brush.
   
   
4. Using the foam brush, paint the areas around the diamond with the darker stain (figure C). Let dry.
   
   
5. Cover the stamp with ink and place it in the center of the diamond.
   
   
6. When dry, trace the outline of design with a gold paint pen to make it stand out (figure D).
   
   
7. Coat with a polyurethane sealer.

Also in this Episode

Our Place : Episode OPL-363
•	Architectural Borders
•	Terra Cotta Maker
•	How to Create Faux Terra-Cotta Wall Tiles
•	Trade Secrets