Instructions for Vintage Cigar Label Tiles

(Credit to Jonathan Talbot who teaches about this process using polymer medium and heat to fuse paper to other surfaces. For more info go to http://www.talbot1.com )

This technique was seen on HGTV's show, Crafters Coast to Coast in the fall of 2004 and winter of 2005.

1. I chose 4” square tumbled marble tiles for this project. These limestone tiles have an antique and distressed look to the edges and surface. After cleaning the tiles thoroughly with degreasing soap such as dish soap and allowing to dry, stain the tiles with watered-down gold fluid acrylic paint. Wipe off paint while its still wet to give a hint of color or leave to dry if you prefer more staining. Some stones will absorb paint more readily than others will.
2. Using copyright-free clip art, print a page of images on an inkjet printer in mirror image. If your printer or software does not allow you to print in mirror image, then take to a printer and have them reverse the image for you.
3. Cut out the images close to the borders. Paint on an even, light coat of Golden Polymer Medium over the image and the tile. Allow to dry thoroughly and apply a second coat to both surfaces. When dry, lay the image face down on the painted surface of the tile and burnish lightly with your finger.
4. Using an iron set at the highest setting and a piece of release paper found on the back of stickers, lay the paper between the tile and your iron. Lay the iron on the tile for 15-20 seconds until the edges of the image are fused to the tile.
5. Put the tile in a container of room temperature water until you can see the image appear on the top of the tile (about 15 seconds). Rub the paper gently off the tile.
6. Once the paper has been removed from the tile, dry with a paper towel and then use a little bit of cooking oil to remove the remaining film from the paper. Burnish thoroughly with a paper towel to remove the wax.
7. Paint the tile with a layer of water-soluble varnish or polycrylic finish to protect the surface. Cork can be glued to the bottom of the tiles if preferred or glue wall hangers on the back to hang on the wall.