the hybrid chick

This photo transfer project is perfect for a wedding gift and can be personalized to match the newlyweds’ decor.

Let’s get started, shall we?  We’re going to need a tile, first of all.  I would recommend the tumbled marble tiles that can be found at Home Depot or Lowes.  They have a worn, rough appearance and have a great “tooth” for accepting the transfer.  I actually couldn’t find the right tiles, and so I ended up buying a pack of un-tumbled marble tiles.  I think these worked just fine, and are perhaps better suited for the transfer of text.   Just a tip — work with the back side of the tile; it’s a little more roughed-up and will accept the transfer a little better.

Now, let’s create your design.  My tiles were 6×6, so I created that size canvas in Photoshop. I used several fonts for this design.  “F” is Abigail, “The Fowlers” is Passions Conflict, and “Est 2010″ is Bernhard Modern.  One of the best things that you can do here, in my opinion, is to vary your fonts.  Choose atleast two – one for your fancy pants name and the other for the text — Est. or Established, you decide.

I’ve also used some gorgeous borders for the tile.  These are from Mari Koegelenberg’s Remarks: Volume 3.

After you get your design just like you want it, you’ll need to reverse the image before printing.  I like to create a thin line around my canvas (I’ll show you why later).  If you are printing on a laser printer, you’re ready to get craftin’.  If you’re printing on an inkjet printer, you’ll need to get a copy of your printed image first.  An inkjet copy will not work with this project.

So, now for your supplies.  Gather your tile, your printed image (trimmed), Mod Podge Matte, a paintbrush, a brayer,  an oven set to 150 degrees, and a small dish of water.

1.  Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge on your tile and allow it to dry.

2.  Once that’s dry, paint a thin layer of Mod Podge onto your image.  It’ll get all wrinkle-y and such.  That’s fine.

3.  Now, you’re going to put the two together.  Remember that little box around my canvas that I told you about?  Here’s where it comes in handy.  I put my tile face down on top of the image and use the black lines as a guide for keeping everything straight.  There’s really no room for adjustment once the paper is on the tile, so it’s best to get it right the first time.

4.  Next, I flip the tile right side up (so that the paper is face-down on top).  Geez, clear as mud?  You’ll want to use your brayer (or a credit card, or  your fingers) and make sure that you work any bubbles out.  If you used a thin coat of Mod Podge, this should be pretty easy.

5.  And….into the oven!  Although you could let this baby air-dry overnight, I don’t have that kind of time (or patience, ahem.).   Give it about 15-20 minutes in an 150 degree oven.  Pull it out and let it cool.

6.  Once your tile has cooled, it’s time for the fun part.  With dampened fingers, gently rub the tile to remove the paper.  You’ll want to use a gentle touch here and go slowly.   You could also use a spray bottle filled with water and mist as you go along.

Just a word of caution… Do not think to  yourself that you’ll speed things up and just wet the whole thing under the faucet.  It simply doesn’t work.  Ask me how I know.

7.  You may notice some small paper fibers here and there.  They’re not a problem, and you’ll never even know they’re there after the next step.

8.  Seal your tile with another coat of Mod Podge.   I used Matte, but you may prefer Gloss.  Allow to dry.

9.  I wrap these babies up with a nice plate stand.  They are purely decorative and I wouldn’t suggest using them for trivets.

Let me know if you have any questions & I’d love to see your tile transfer projects if you make one of these

Other Articles by ccouch:

• Revamped Photo Paperweight with Hybrid Rub-Ons - December 17th, 2011
• Paper Covered Switch Plate - November 1st, 2011
• The Digi Nails - A Hybrid Manicure - September 15th, 2011
• Paper Mosaic Picture Frame - August 12th, 2011
• Matching Coins Travel Game - July 20th, 2011