Pagan Forest Magazine July/August 2014 | Page 37

5. Take the transfer paper and lay it over the tile, dark-side down. Pressure from above causes this dark coating to rub off and leave light lines on the object you want to paint. Lay your printed design, face up, on top of the transfer paper and tape it to secure it in place.

6. Trace the printed design with a pencil carefully but firmly so that the entire design transfers onto the tile. Lift a corner and peek underneath to ensure the design is fully transferred. When it’s completely transferred, remove the design, transfer paper and the tape.

7. Paint over your guide lines with acrylic paints. Choose colors that stand out against your background color. Work with one color at a time and let each color dry before proceeding. This prevents two different colored wet paints from bleeding or smearing where they meet. Those clean, sharp edges are worth the 20 or 30 minute wait.

8. If you want to add more coats, let the paint dry between coats. When you’re satisfied with your design, take it outside and spray it with a clear acrylic sealer. This will help preserve it.

Other ways you can decorate an altar tile are to stencil it, use wood burning tools, or carve it. Use whatever crafty skills you have to design something meaningful and beautiful to include on your altar.

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