Make Your Own Scrabble Tile Pendants
STEP TWO: DESIGN
I've been a graphic designer/artist for too long to remember, so I like to create my own artwork. My husband/partner is also an artist/designer, so he creates our artwork, too.
This usually starts with reading books, looking at pictures, and more research. Then, design on the computer.
I use a Canon printer and use matte photo paper to output my designs. They must be to size (17mm x 19mm) at 300 DPI. Any lower resolution and your images will look pixelated.
I let the print sit overnight for the inks to fully set.
STEP THREE: ASSEMBLY
My first step is to coat the dried prints with Mod Podge-Gloss-Lustre. This is an archival, safe, clear material that will seal the image before you adhere it to the tile. I use a brush to apply it, and put a light coating on each image.
Note that the paper will curl a bit after you do this. Don't worry, though. Let this sit for 12 hours and you'll come back to find a nice, flat sheet. And the Mod Podge dries clear.
I used to use a straight edge and X-Acto knife to cut out the images, very carefully, very slowly. (Make sure your blade is changed often to keep the cuts sharp!) Now I use a scissor and to cut out very carefully. Use whichever method you are more comfortable with to produce good results.
Next, I apply a thin coat of Diamond Glaze (by Judikins) to the tile. I've found this to be an excellent glue for this purpose.
Immediately afterwards, I place and position the paper on the tile, pressing down. I flip it over and press it down on a sheet of plastic (ie. a plastic baggie) or wax paper. Smooth off any glue that has seeped out of the sides and place the pendant down to dry for a while (roughly six hours or so).
A note about which side of the tile to use.
It seems to make sense that one would want to cover up the letter side and attach the bail to the smooth side. However, I've tried that and ended up with the slightly visible debossed area of the letter showing through the artwork. Yuk! Now, the bails are always attached to the letter side. (Plus, the little nooks and crannies of the letter give the bail glue more places on which to adhere).
Next: Trimming