When finished, a tileboard picture looks as if the image was printed directly onto tile - but it is actually created quickly, inexpensively, and completely without the use of tile. Beginners and seasoned crafters can make a unique and attractive tileboard picture as a gift or as decor for their own home.
Choosing the Picture
Virtually any image can be appropriate for a craft tileboard picture. Personal photos, sketches, drawings, landscapes, calendar pages, quips and quotes, or any other image printed on a flat paperlike surface will do. Some examples of popular images for tile pictures are religious art, wedding photos, and signs with a short saying or list of "house rules." Just make sure that any faces in the image will fit on one tile.
Buying or Making a Tile Board
A tileboard is a piece of particle board with straight grooves cut along the length and width to resemble a grid. There are wide variations in size and configuration. Most are rectangular in shape and divided into 6 or 9 squares. Others have four grooves a few inches from each side of the tileboard, effectively "framing" the image that is placed inside. A 9-square tileboard and a self-framing tileboard are both pictured at the bottom of this article (click on an images to see it larger.)
Tile boards are available at craft stores, but may not be available in every area. Any person who can't find a tileboard for sale can make one with MDF board and a table saw. Cut the board to the desired dimensions, then simply lower the blade to make the grooves.
To Frame or Not to Frame
Most tileboards come in standard sizes that are easy to frame. Buy an appropriately sized picture frame, discard the glass and the backing, and have it ready to use when making your tile picture.
If the picture is going to remain unframed, it's a good idea to use a decorative router at the edges of the tileboard before making the picture, or use one of the "self-framing" tileboards described above.
Supplies Necessary for Making a Tile Picture
Making a tile picture craft requires relatively inexpensive materials, especially when compared to the quality of the finished product. To make a tile picture you will need:
- lightly sanded tileboard
- picture
- straight edge cutting tool (or scissors and ruler)
- plastic page protector sheets
- glue stick
- cardboard or newspaper
- disposable cups
- disposable straws
- Envirotex pourable gloss (sold at craft stores)
- popsicle or craft sticks
- frame, if desired
Directions for Making a Tile Picture
After procuring your tileboard and image, you're ready to get started. Cover your workspace with newspaper or cardboard and make sure it will be undisturbed by pets or children for the next several days while the tile picture board is drying.
- Paint the tileboard, including inside the grooves and onto each "tile" about 1/2 inch. Choose a color that complements the image, usually the darkest color in the picture. If the picture will remain unframed, be sure to paint the sides too. Allow to dry completely.
- Cut the picture. It helps to first lay plastic page protectors over the tileboard and cut them into the exact right size, then to use them as templates for cutting the actual picture.
- Arrange the picture squares on the tileboard to make sure everything fits.
- Use a glue stick to glue the picture to the tileboard. Make sure to glue the corners down securely.
- Lay the tileboard on top of four upright disposable cups, making sure it is flat and secure.
- Mix the Envirotex according to the package instructions.
- Pour mixture slowly over each "tile." Use a popsicle stick to smooth it out lightly and pop bubbles by blowing lightly on them with a straw. (Note that it is the carbon dioxide in your breath and not the force of your breath that pops them.) If you aren't framing your board then it's especially important to make sure that the sides are also coated with Envirotex.
- Go through the grooves with a popsicle stick once every 10 minutes for the next 40 minutes. If the picture will not be framed, also swipe the stick underneath to prevent drips from appearing on the edges of the finished picture.
- If the picture will be framed, fit the frame over the tileboard after the last go-through with the popsicle sticks and it will harden onto the tileboard.
- Though it will seem dry after about 4 hours, the Envirotex will take a full 72 hours to cure.
Tile board pictures are fun and easy crafts to do. They make wonderful gifts or perfect additions to your own home. Anybody can make one, and once you do it the first time you'll be sure to want to do it again.
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