Slab Clay Decorative Tile Painting

Air-dry clay

Rolling pin

Guide sticks — lay pencils or chopsticks on either side of the clay to roll an even thickness

Ruler and butter knife for cutting

Carving tools — toothpick, mechanical pencil, or proper clay tools

Acrylic paint and fine brushes

Mod Podge or clear acrylic sealer

Place a lump of air-dry clay between two guide sticks (pencils or chopsticks) and roll flat with a rolling pin. The sticks prevent rolling thinner than a quarter inch.

Use a ruler as a straight edge and cut the slab into tiles with a butter knife. Four-inch squares are a good size. You should get 3 to 6 tiles from one slab.

Smooth all edges with a damp finger. Clean edges give a more professional result.

Carve designs into each tile surface. Try geometric patterns, floral motifs, your initials, a landscape, or an abstract design. Press firmly enough to make clear lines but not so deep that you cut through.

Set tiles on a flat surface to dry for 48 hours. Flip them over after 24 hours to prevent warping.

Once completely dry, paint with acrylics. Start with a base color, let it dry, then add the design colors. Use thin brushes for detail work in the carved lines.

Seal with Mod Podge or clear acrylic spray for a glossy, protected finish.

Even thickness is the key to tiles that dry flat without cracking. The guide sticks trick eliminates the guesswork.

For a traditional ceramic look, paint the whole tile one color, then wipe paint off the raised surface with a damp cloth. The paint stays in the carved grooves, highlighting the design.

Look at real ceramic tiles for inspiration — Moroccan zellige, Portuguese azulejo, or Mexican Talavera tiles all have distinctive patterns.

These tiles make excellent coasters, wall decorations, or trivets. Practical art your child actually uses.