Make your own tile backsplash

If any one of my artistic art friends want to make your own tiles (kitchen back splash or a table top) Here is how to do it. first you order a box of tiles from Manitou arts, you can order 3x3's or 4x4, 6x6, 12x12. They come to you in bisque form (already fired once). a box of 50 6x6 will run about 36.00. Dick blick also carries them but, they are more expensive. Then i ordered my paint from Amaco. I ordered the velvet series. You can buy sets or single bottles of paint. The velvet series is good because the tile only needs to be fired once. The undercoat and the glaze are applied before firing. A tiny good brush is essential size 00 and 000. For designs, you can design your own or look thru a Dover catalog. They have everything. Victorian, arts crafts , Persian, Turkish, Phillip Morris designs. Take your pick. Trace your pattern on with "wax free" paper. The one i used is called Sarel, i got it from dick blick. When it's traced, go over the entire design with a dark color of undercoat. Then fill in with your color of choice. Everything needs 2 coats of paint. Outline again after you've painted. When completely dry, apply a fairly thick coat of glaze. 3 coats. Let dry before each layer. Fire them, a local ceramics shop or art guild will probably help you out. I find it very relaxing and addictive. It's always been hard for me to sit still . Doing this i can sit for hours but, my toes are still wiggling. Plus you will have something really cool when your done!
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