Country style tiles

Hands-on time: Half a day.
Total time: 24 hours of drying time.
Skill: Moderate.
Cost estimate: Approximately $30 each.

Materials & Tools

• One pine or maple piece of wood: 32" long x 9" wide x 3/4" thick
• Four square white tiles: 6"x 6" (approximately 50 cents each)
• Vinegar
• Sandpaper or a sanding block
• Wood stain (Minwax, wood finish)
• Small 1-inch foam brush
• Antiquing Medium (Folkart by Plaid)
• Clean, soft cloth
• Satin-finish varnish
• Pencil
• Tracing paper
• Carbon paper
• Desired motif or stencils
• Pébéo Porcelain 150 paint for tiles (to heat-set, bake in the oven)
• Assorted craft paint brushes
• No More Nails super-strength adhesive by LePage, or tile adhesive
• For hanging: picture-hanging wire, finishing nails, hook, ruler, hammer

Express yourself with a tile-art montage which will add a little country charm to any kitchen décor.

Wash and wipe the tiles with vinegar to prepare the surface for painting. Trace your designs on the tiles with carbon paper using a stencil or draw them freehand with a pencil directly onto the tiles. Paint the design with heat-set tile paints (several coats can be added). Let dry for 24 hours and bake in a regular home oven according to product directions.

While your tiles are drying, prepare your wood piece by sanding it, then staining it with a foam brush. Let dry. Rub on the antiquing medium and with a clean cloth, and then wipe it off until you have the look you want. Allow to dry, and then lightly sand the side edges and the corners of the wood piece to add that extra vintage appeal. Wipe-off any dust residue and then apply the varnish. It is best to add your picture-hanging wire at the back of the wood piece at this point.

Carefully measure and make a mark where you want to place your tiles on the wood. Spread the adhesive on the bottom part of each tile, one at a time, pressing and setting into place. Wipe along the edges with a warm wet cloth to remove excess adhesive. Once all the tiles are placed, allow them to set for 24 hours before hanging on the wall.

Tips

• The above project can be adapted for children. Transform their painted tiles into trivets.
• Add a little Murphy's oil to clean, maintain and restore your paint brushes.