This post has such an odd title. I will explain.
I do hope the resin covered beads caught your eye!
For this project I am using two of my favorite ETI products; Resin Spray and Jewelry Resin.
On Facebook I posted these images in the hopes that someone had a great name for them. These are bamboo tile beads. I call them taxicab tiles because I originally noticed that many taxi cab drivers in hot countries sit against them. They are installed on their seat back and normally look like the image below.
I think they help circulate air and keep the driver cooler.
Cut up, you have many many tiles to work with.
They are better than dominos...because they are already pre-drilled!
So, today I will show you how I use them, but of course, the same techniques can be used on dominos or scrabble tiles.
First, you need some interesting imagery to apply to your tile. My table looks like this as I try and see what will work best as an image.
When my paper images are cut, I usually use a Xyron sticker maker to apply adhesive to the back. This is very helpful in the summer with all the humidity. Starting with a dry adhesive means my tiles will be ready for a resin application quicker.
TIP: I sprayed two coats of our Resin Spray to the surface.
This does something very important. It seals my paper imagery and the bamboo red colour.
My designs will not bleed with the application of a wet decoupage medium. Also, on a nice warm day, this dries quickly.
Here are the tiles after allowing the Resin Spray to dry all day.
They are quite nice....but will be even nicer shortly!
Applying resin to a flat surface can be tricky. You do not want an over pour.
Here is how I do it.
I drop a small amount of resin into the middle of my tile.
Then, with my paint brush, I push the resin to cover the entire paper image.
This I let cure 24 hours.
Aren't they fantastic?
I wanted you to see up close.
Sometimes the resin pulls away from the edge.
I will probably apply another layer of resin. I might even do the other side.
Linda Russio showed me how she finishes her tiles. I LOVE THIS!! I have a wire wrapping wizard friend who I think I will give these tiles to next.
Wait...what?! Resin SPRAY? I think I need some of that! Does that work mainly as a sealer? I could see opportunities in that on some of my polymer clay work and wonder how that would be. I love the taxicab tiles as you call them. Very cool! (No pun intended!) Love what you have made. And that reminds me that I have one of those sticker makers in the box (larger but same idea) that I have NEVER used! Thanks for all the great tips and the design ideas. Enjoy the day. Erin
ReplyDeleteNeat ideas. I never knew they were for cars. I got some from a rummage sale or thrift shop or somewhere thinking they were placemats. I saw them for what they really are--a source of tiles with holes predrilled in them. Been meaning to do something with them. This is a great motivator. I appreciate all the helpful tips.
ReplyDeleteVery cool - where do you get the Taxi Cab tiles? I've never seen or heard of them!
ReplyDeleteI bought a place mat at Walmart and cut it a part a long time ago thinking the tiles would make great pendants, but I never did anything with them. Are the images that you use printed off your computer? Great post, Cindi.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great (and inexpensive) idea! And the "taxi tiles" already pre-drilled (unlike dominoes). Your images are gorgeous and just perfect for the tiles. I love these. Also I appreciate the tips for applying resin on a flat surface.
ReplyDeleteMay I ask a question? I goofed and forgot to spray mold release before filling my molds. Is there a way to remove cured resin? The molds are hard plastic, i.e. not very flexible. Boy, do I feel dumb!
ReplyDeleteJust pop them in the freezer for a half hour. They will pop out easily then.
Deleteahhh ... sigh or relief. Thanks so much, Carmi!
ReplyDelete