Have you ever wandered your local craft store isles and noticed those great tin ceiling tiles? You've probably appreciated their old-fashioned, well-worn look, but wondered what you could do with them.
Tin ceiling tiles have been in use since the 1800's.
Since they were durably constructed, many tin ceilings have survived over the
centuries and are still available today. Because of their ornate appeal, tin
ceiling tiles are often used in craft projects. Craft stores now sell
reproduction tin ceiling tiles for this purpose. There are several easy crafts
for children that use these tiles. With a few additional supplies, children can
complete the following tin ceiling tile crafts in a day or less.
Embossed
Art Using Tin Ceiling Tiles
Even young children should have no problem making original
artwork using this embossing method. Set a tin ceiling tile face up on a table.
Lay a sheet of standard drawing paper on top of the tile. Use charcoal pencils,
colored pencils, crayons, chalk or pastels on a slight angel and rub until the
tin ceiling tile design begins to show on the paper's surface. Experiment with
different writing tools, papers and varied pressure. Embossed paper art can
used in scrapbooks, as custom stationery or folded to create greeting cards.
Tin
Ceiling Tile Wall Art
Custom wall art can be created by children of almost
any age. Purchase artist's canvas and paint in desired colors with acrylic
paints. Paint tin ceiling tiles with metal paint. Acrylics can be used but will
need to be sealed with an acrylic sealer. Experiment with splatter, sponge and
dabbing paint techniques. If a vintage look is desired, tiles can be lightly
sanded after the paint has completely dried. Using a strong glue, such as
E6000, attach the tin ceiling tile to the artist's canvas.
Tin
Ceiling Tile Christmas Ornaments
Creating a tin ceiling tile Christmas ornament is
easy and required just a few supplies. The ceiling tile can be painted or left
in its original color. Drill a hole at the top of the ceiling tile. Adults can
do this step for young children. Older children can complete this step with
adult supervision. Wrap string, twine, yarn or raffia around the tile a few
times in different directions and tie off. Tuck photos or cut-outs from old
Christmas cards under the string. Jingle bells and other trinkets can be tied
to the wrapped string. Thread a piece of holiday ribbon through the drilled
hole and tie into a bow for hanging on the tree.
Tin
Ceiling Tile Scrapbook
Two tin ceiling tiles are needed to make this
scrapbook. The tiles can be painted or left in their original color. Cut some
writing, sketch or notebook paper the same size as the tin tiles. Set aside.
Take the two tiles and lay one on top of the other. Using a permanent marker,
mark two holes for drilling. Drill through both tiles at the same time to be
sure they line up properly. Adults can do this step for small children. Older
children can drill the holes with adult supervision. Take one tile and place it
on top of your paper pile. Drill into and through the paper pile. Use leather
cording, yarn or ribbon, pull through the drilled holes and tie off securely.
The scrapbook cover can be decorated, using a strong glue, with photos,
buttons, jewelry and other odds and ends. Or the string wrapping method can be
used to hold objects in place.
