Use colored pencils to create embossed paper with tin ceiling tiles.
Tin ceiling tiles have been in use since the 1800s. Because they were durably constructed, many tin ceilings have survived over the centuries and are still available, often used in craft projects. Craft stores now sell reproduction tin ceiling tiles for this purpose. With a few additional supplies, children can complete ceiling tile crafts in a day or less.
Embossed Art Using Tin Ceiling Tiles
Use colored pencils to create embossed paper with tin ceiling tiles.
Even young children can make 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 held at a slight angle 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. You can use embossed paper art in scrapbooks, as custom stationery or folded to create greeting cards.
Tin Ceiling Tile Wall Art
Gluing painted tin ceiling tiles to canvas creates wall art
Children of any age can create custom wall art. Buy an artist's canvas and paint with acrylic paints. Paint tin ceiling tiles with metal paint. Kids can use acrylics that can be sealed with an acrylic sealer. Experiment with splatter, sponge and dabbing paint techniques. If you want a vintage look, you can lightly sand tiles after the paint has completely dried. Using a strong glue, such as E-6000, attach the tin ceiling tile to the artist's canvas.
Tin Ceiling Tile Christmas Ornaments
Make Christmas tree ornaments from tin ceiling tiles.
Creating a tin ceiling tile Christmas ornament is easy and requires just a few supplies. Paint the ceiling tile or leave it 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 it off. Tuck photos or cut-outs from old Christmas cards under the string. You can tie jingle bells and other trinkets to the wrapped string. Thread a piece of holiday ribbon through the drilled hole and tie it into a bow for hanging.
Tin Ceiling Tile Scrapbook
You can use construction paper as filler for a tin ceiling tile scrapbook
You need two tin ceiling tiles to make this scrapbook. Paint the tiles or leave them in their original color. Measure and cut some construction or notebook paper the same size as the tin tiles. Set it aside. Lay one tile 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 holes line up properly. Adults can do this step for small children. Older children can drill the holes with adult supervision. Place one tile on top of your paper pile. Using the drilled holes in the ceiling tile as a guide, drill into and through the paper pile. Thread leather cording, yarn or ribbon through the drilled holes and tie this off securely to create a book. You can decorate the scrapbook cover, using a strong glue, with photos, buttons, jewelry and other odds and ends. Or use the string wrapping method to hold objects in place.
