Alcohol Inks are one of my favorite products. They’re available in a huge range of colors, are forgiving when you work with them, and can create some amazing effects.
Today I’m stepping away from paper, Yupo, and my other “usual” surfaces, opting for ceramic tiles instead. The nice thing about working on the tiles is that they can be very functional, with the caveat that they’re properly sealed. They make great coasters or trivets,. If you want to get really into the process, you could create enough for a backsplash or to cover a small surface. Or go for some that are meant to be decorative only. No matter the end use, the creating is an incredible amount of fun!
In the video you’ll hear me discuss use Krylon’s Kamar Varnish to seal the tiles. Several (4 to 5) really light coats will do the job for simple objects like coasters. I have not used mine for something like a backsplash, but if you choose to I would suggest you “fix” the inks with Kamar, then use one that is meant to stand up to being splashed and clean. Check your local hardware store or big box home improvement one. That’s where I purchased the ceramic tiles, too. The 4″ x 4″ size generally sells for less than 20 cents each while the larger 6″ x 6″ size cost about 50 cents.
Supplies For This Video:
Ranger Alcohol Inks and Accessories
Joggles Fineline Applicators: 20/410 will fit the 1/2″ neck on this bottle. Choose either a 15, 16, or 18 gauge tip. A 15 gauge will be the easiest to squeeze.
6 Comments
I love the last project. The flowers remind me of Mums, and Sunflowers!
I love the tiles. The ‘air’ spray one is my favorite. The delicate petals/forms make me think of under the sea; fish tails and undulating plants.
Thank you for another wonderful set of techniques!
This was a wonderful demo.. Loved it.. I have played with alcohol inks before.. I did not know what to seal it with, so I color copied them in my printer.. For instance your medallions could be cut out and would look great on a greeting card or enhance any other project.. Somewhat like your round sticky snippets , I am not sure that is the correct name for them.
Thanks for sharing your hard work !!
The flowers are beautiful! Love the idea of using the canned air – I have been blowing through a straw and getting more lightheaded than I already am! Will try this on Yupo. Thanks for sharing your process!
I did the first type of tiles you demonstrated always adding a metallic mixative. Made pairs of each color combo, sealed them and backed them with felt for pairs of coasters. Such fun and the color combos were great. Thanks for the other ideas. I want to try the ones with the air. I have also seen a tutorial for using alcohol inks and canned air inside of clear glass ornaments.
Terrific video. Very interesting to see a variety of techniques. Thank you so much! I am interested in making tiles for a kitchen backsplash. Do you think the Kamar varnish is strong enough to withstand a grout application around the edges. I am worried about damaging or scratching the tiles while installing them,