You will need

• unglazed tile (for example, a travertine tile)
• picture or photo
• nail-polish remover with acetone base
• cotton wool
• bone folder (or use a teaspoon)
• tile varnish or sealant
• sponge brush
• scissors

NOTE The tile must be of a natural material and unglazed, which is why travertine tiles work best.

1 Measure the tile and print out your picture or photo on a laser printer so it is slightly larger than the tile. Cut it out.

2 Place the tile in the microwave for one minute on high (the heat will help the ink transfer more easily) then remove it with a cloth. Place the picture, ink side facing downwards, onto the tile. Rub over the back of the picture with a piece of cotton wool that has been dipped into nail-polish remover – make sure that the picture doesn’t move around.

3 Continue to rub the nail-polish remover over the picture until the paper is saturated and sticks to the tile. Use a bone folder or the back of a teaspoon to rub over the wet paper until the ink transfers onto the tile. Apply more nailpolish remover if it evaporates. The paper may tear as you work, but it doesn’t matter, as long as the ink comes off onto the tile.

4 Carefully remove the paper from the tile. If some of the paper sticks, rub it off with your fingertips.

5 Use your sponge brush and seal the tile with a suitable sealant like Alumanation Sovereign Seal.

NOTE Only use nail-polish remover that contains acetone; pure acetone or thinners will not work.

Words and images: Ideas magazine