Welcome to the second tutorial in my ‘How to Do Art When You Can’t Even Draw’ series—Sharpie Pen Ceramic Coasters.
If you’ve checked out the first project, you know there’s a simple drawing technique anyone can use to create beautiful, detailed artwork.
Even if you believe you don’t have an artistic bone in your body, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create your own drawings and designs, using just lines.
Refresh your memory or take a first look at Project 1, ‘How To Do Art When You Can’t Even Draw’
Sharpie Pen Ceramic Coasters
This Sharpie Pen Ceramic Coasters project follows the same concept as the first tutorial.
You can effortlessly create stunning, impactful images using just line.
You can use a template or free-hand your design.
What you will need:
A) Choose a template or create your own design.
B) Ceramic tile – I’m using leftover bathroom tiles donated by a friend. You can also find end-of-line or odd pieces at DIY stores for a low cost.
Many modern ceramic tiles have a glazed finish, which is fine but can be slippery under a wet pen tip if not careful. (High-sheen tiles are not suitable for this project.)
C) If you have sandpaper available, it’s a good idea to lightly rub it over a glazed tile to remove some of the shiny surface. You can always add a bit of glaze at the end to restore some sheen if needed.
D) Sharpie Pens in a variety of colours.
E) Tracing paper – I prefer graphite paper for its easy transfer under light pressure onto any surface. It’s available at art shops, stationery stores, and online for a few pounds/dollars.
F) Scissors and a pen or pencil.
Getting started with your Sharpie Pen Ceramic Coasters
Make sure your tile surface is clean, dry and free from sandpaper dust before you start.
1 – Take your pattern and cut around it so that it lines up to where you want it on your tile.
2 – Take a piece of tracing paper and slide it (face down) between your template and tile.
Top Tip
Sometimes, if I’m tracing a small or complicated pattern I’ll place a small piece of masking or sticky tape across the top edge, covering both the paper and tracing paper. This keeps the pattern firmly in place.
3 – Carefully trace the outlines of your pattern onto your ceramic tile.
4 – Choose a Sharpie pen and lightly draw the outline of your pattern. Use multiple colours if preferred, making sure you don’t go over the lines as best you can!
Sharpie pens are permanent, however the ink does not dry instantly. So be careful, when working your way around your pattern, not to smudge with your leaning hand.
Complete one section at a time before rotating the tile to complete another.
If you do smudge, rubbing a small piece of sandpaper over the area straight away will remove the smudge really well.
Always use your tip upright. Don’t lean on the side of your pen or your lines will be irregular and thicker than desired.
Filling in with lines
5 – Choose a different colour and begin at any outer point of your pattern.
Carefully position the pen tip just inside the outer edge, maintaining a tiny gap without touching it directly.
Take breaks to avoid jittery hands!
Continue following the outer edge until you return to where you started.
6 – Take another colour (if preferred) and start following the opposite borderline. Follow it all around the pattern, checking to see if there are any missing sections.
Now things should really be starting to take shape!
Celtic charm
Once you start adding some more colour, the patterns really transform into amazing shapes of depth and texture!
7 – Add some short slanted lines between the two inner borders.
Stand back and look at your work periodically, adjusting your slant as you go around the curves
If you’re feeling bold why not add some overlying lines in the opposite direction?
There you have it! Sharpie Pen Ceramic Coasters in less than an hour.
All done with simple, free-hand straight and curvy lines!
Some optional extras –
Here are some optional extras to turn your tiles into practical coasters.:
If your coasters are going to sit on a shelf or mantlepiece they’re ready to do just that. They will look really nice underneath a small candle or ornament … or just by themselves.
Felt Feet for Sharpie Pen Ceramic Coasters
If you’re planning to use them as drinks coasters then its a good idea to add some slip resistant base pads. This prevents them from slipping or scratching your surfaces.
You can buy peel-back, sticky felt circles, ideal for this purpose, from most Pound and Dollar stores.
You usually get quite a few in different sizes per pack. Look in the DIY/decorating/home section.
Stick four felt pads in each corner of the base of your tiles.
Spray sealant
Add a light coat of sealant spray to protect them from heat. This also makes them moisture resistant to minor spillage and enables gentle cleaning.
Again, Sharpies are permanent ink but without protection, daily abrasion will start to show over time.
Craft stores and some stationery shops sell a variety of spray sealants that can be used time and time again.
These are the brands that I use on all my art and crafts projects and are widely available. However, any good sealant spray works just fine!
Make sure you spray in a well ventilated area and leave for at least 20 minutes before spraying another coat.
After a couple of coats, leave to dry thoroughly before moving them to their new home.
More free tutorials!
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Now you’ve got some drawing skills under your belt, why not have a go at some crafts? Head over to my “How To Do Crafts When You Can’t Even Sew” free tutorial.
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