Learn how to create beautiful art with fired alcohol ink ceramic tiles. Just another fun way to work with this beautiful art medium.
I fell in love with alcohol inks a couple of years ago when I made Alcohol Ink Jewelry Dishes during the holidays.
Since then I've used alcohol inks on trivets, ornaments, tin sliders, marbled paper, and faux pumpkins.
You'd think that was everything imaginable and so would I. But, I recently came across the technique of lighting the alcohol ink on fire and I had to try it.
Supplies:
Ceramic tiles
Alcohol Inks
Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 91%
Pipette or a dropper
Protective Spray Gloss
Deep disposable aluminum tray
Long arm lighter
Safety First: Of course, always practice fire safety. This is not a craft for children. Lighters should be kept away from children's reach. Consider wearing safety glasses. Work in a well-ventilated area, making sure that there is nothing around your workspace that is flammable.
Clean the tile with some of the rubbing alcohol and place it in the aluminum tray.
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Start playing with the alcohol inks, dropping different colors. I like to make lines that look like petals.
Then add in other colors.
Next add some drops of the rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) all around the tile.
Then stand back as you light the tile on fire using a long arm lighter. You might even want to wear safety glasses.
Watch the magic as the alcohol burns. This will be over quickly in less than a minute.
Let the tile cool and then protect it with several coats of poly spray.
Here's a quick video of the magic in process.
You can buy the tiles at the big box stores for under $1, making this a fun and affordable craft to try at home.
The biggest issue is being able to find rubbing alcohol. Something that used to be so readily available is now hard to find. Hopefully, you already have some on hand.
If not, maybe you can bookmark this one for the future.
Deborah Anemaet
What does the fire do for the project? And does it change the design?
Patti Estep
Deborah, yes. The fire moves the ink around and is what makes the design. Watching the video may help you get the idea.
Beth Nelson
Could you do this same technique with the jewelry dishes?
Patti Estep
Beth, I haven't tried it but I think it would work the same.
Carol
I am curious to know if this might work with acrylic ink? What do you think?
Patti Estep
I really don't know Carol. I have noticed some people creating a similar art with rubbing alcohol and sharpies but I assume that's because the sharpie ink has a lot of alcohol in it.
Mari Beth
Hi Patti,
They are pretty! I've made a few alcohol ink tiles in the past, but don't know what to do with them. What do you do with yours? Thanks,
Mari Beth
Patti Estep
Mari Beth, often I give these kinds of things away as gifts. Tiles can obviously be used as coasters as long as you protect them well with enough poly. One I was thinking about is using them as house numbers with a number sticker or paint from a stencil on top of the ink. Another idea would be gluing the tiles in a deep frame and using it as a serving tray. Of course, you could always hang them on the wall in a gallery of sorts too.
Marianne Perry
Patti, I've been using alcohol inks on tiles but if I want to ensure they won't be destroyed from water (coasters) or heat (trivets), will the Krylon protect them I've been using resin to coat them but it's messy and corrosive. Thank you for your great information. Marianne
Patti Estep
Marianne, I have used the Krylon and it works but I have noticed especially on the trivets that high-heat objects made them a little sticky. It may depend on what you are going to use the tiles for. I would suggest several coats to be safe.
Stacy
What is the name of the poly spray?
Patti Estep
Stacy, I use Krylon's clear coat gloss. There's a link in the post.
Carole West
You have such a gift with these inks Patti.
I love the look, it's like they appear 3D and almost list off the tiles. Excellent Craft...
Carole
Patti Estep
Thanks Carole. I'm addicted!
Pam
I'm loving all the alcohol ink projects! I have to try this!
Patti Estep
Thanks Pam. They are so addicting!