I came across this unique idea on a great blog called Make It A Wonderful Life. It was simply too cool not to try out, and the great directions ensured everything worked out well. The end result reminds me of the old tin ceiling tiles which were popular in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, during the Victorian era. While there aren’t so many vintage ones left, there are plenty of modern versions you can view on the internet.
Materials
- cardboard
- pencil
- Aleen’s Tacky Glue
- glue stick
- aluminium foil
- cotton swab
- black shoe polish
- old rag or paper towels
Instructions
1. Select a piece of cardboard to use as your base. I used foam core and mat board because I happened to have scrap pieces lying around, but any cardboard will do. Avoid using corrugated cardboard, as mentioned on the blog where I found this project, because the lines may show through. Although for some designs, this may add an interesting texture. To be explored…
2. Any subject will work for this project eg. animals, faces, words, abstract designs, etc. Have children make a few sketches to explore their ideas, making sure they keep it simple. Details will be added later on. Using a pencil, make the drawing on the cardboard.
3. Glue can now be added on top of the pencil lines. The purpose of the glue is to create raised sections which will show through the foil when added on top. Aleene’s Tacky Glue was recommended because it doesn’t spread out as much a regular white glue. Again, keep any details to a minimum or it will be difficult to work the foil around them. Allow to dry completely.
4. Once the tacky glue has dried, cut a piece of foil a few inches larger than the cardboard, so you have enough to fold towards the back. Take the glue stick and apply it either to the side of the foil you will be covering the drawing with, or directly on top of the drawing. Press the foil on top and fold all four sides to the back. Using your finger, gently press the foil down so it adheres to the cardboard. It’s very important to do this gently so you don’t break through the foil…like I did!
5. Now use a cotton swab to gently press the foil around the glue lines so the shapes become more visible.
6. Once finished, use a dull pencil (too sharp and it will break through the foil) to add any extra details by pressing gently onto the cardboard. A variety of shapes such as lines, swirls and circles will add wonderful texture to the piece.
7. Finally, cover the entire surface with black shoe polish, and wipe off any excess using an old rag or paper towels. It will settle in the grooves and highlight any details you have added. It will also darken the colour of the foil. I added a link in the materials section to show the type I used because it worked very well. The sponge applicator made it easy to apply.
We were truly impressed with the results and look forward to making more. Thank you to makeitawonderfullife for sharing such a great idea.
ArtClubBlog 
Hi! I’m so happy to see you enjoyed our foil art project! (Thank you too, for crediting my blog post!)
You’re welcome Stephanie. Couldn’t have done it without you!
Wow awesome craft… Will try now!
Enjoy!
Awesome: thanks for sharing this on facebook
Thanks Domestic Goddesque!
This is superb! I like it..
Thanks Creative Mind!
I am intrigued and now my brain is working overtime coming up with ways to use this technique! I’ve used hot glue to create texture on glass vases then covered it with decoupaged tissue, so it is similar. Love the contrast and texture on your projects!
Thank you for your comment! I love your idea of using hot glue on glass. Definitely sounds similar because it creates raised areas which are covered with another material. Can’t wait to try this out!
Found you on Get Outta My Head, Show It Off Link Party 10.
So doing this craft. Following your blog.
http://nashvegasgalsgaragesale.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/NashVegasGal
Thanks for visiting Teressa. On my way to visit your blog!
This is such a fun idea, so many possibilities! Thanks for linking up at So Very Creative, I featured this today.
http://soverycreative.blogspot.com/2012/02/foil-drawing.html
Wow, thanks so much for featuring me Heather! You made my day 🙂
That’s so cool! I really want to try this!
You’ll love the results. I think it’s one of those no fail projects that looks good no matter what you do.
this is so cool! I would love you to add this and any other posts you want to show off to my What We Wore and Made party over at http://raegunwear.blogspot.com/search/label/WWWMW
Glad you like it Marissa, and thanks for the invitation!
This turned out so beautiful. My buddies are too young but I want to make one for ME!
Thank you Suzanne. I hope you do end up making one for yourself!
Pinned this! These turned out really beautiful, I can’t wait to try.
That’s so nice of you to pin this, Rachel. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy trying it out yourself.
This is so cool!! And I have all the supplies on hand. Pinned! I’d love for you to share this at my very first link party.
http://adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com/2012/02/terrific-tuesdays-link-party.html
Thanks Rachel. I’m sure what you make will look great, and I look forward to your first link party. Thanks for the invitation!
What a neat idea. This would look cool as ceiling tiles too. Great job!
Thanks Jen. I agree, it is a neat idea and I’m glad I came across it.
I was trying to figure out how to do this as ceiling tiles also , Ive always wanted to do tiles in my kitchen & there just too expensive.Im not sure how u could put this on ceiling. cool idea though thanks.
Perhaps make photocopies of the original drawing? Then can make multiple of same design, with each slightly unique due to the paint shading. Haven’t tried this yet, but I too thinking of ceiling tile, so in theory this might work
Sounds like a good idea. Or just use tracing paper to copy the original drawing and to transfer the image repeatedly.
This is the best idea I have seen in a long time! Maybe because I love art…and feel like I am running out of fun new ideas! Thanks! 🙂
Thanks Sherri. I felt the same way when I saw this idea, and just had to try it out.
Wow! I wanna do this now! (To bad office work doesn’t allow it.)
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Donata! If only we could have little professional development moments at work where we could explore whatever we wanted 🙂
What a neat idea! It is beautiful! Thank you for sharing it at Sharing Saturday! Have a wonderful week!
Thanks Carrie, and for hosting your parties!
ultra fascinating! i feel like doing this NOW!!!!!!! : )
So glad you liked it Andrea!
this is awesome! I’ll have to go look at the original bloggers as well… I want to do this but I think my daughter would enjoy doing this with me as well. Looks great!
Thanks Jennifer! Your daughter will love making this. Mine certainly did.
Featuring you tonight over on my blog. You were one of the top viewed links at last week’s party. Congrats!!! 🙂
Ginger @ gingersnapcrafts.com
http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/02/wow-me-wednesday-38-50-pick-your-plum.html
That’s exciting! Thanks so much Ginger 🙂
Oh now that is beautiful! I’d love it if you would share this with my readers for Fun Stuff Fridays. Would you please link up? http://www.toysinthedryer.com/2012/02/14-days-of-valentines-fun-stuff-fridays_10.html
I’d be happy to. Thanks Lindsi!
This is awesome!!! It was the most viewed link last week at Whatever Goes Wednesday at Somedaycrafts.blogspot.com. I am featuring it today! Grab my “featured” button.
Thanks so much for featuring this Michelle!
Thank you so much for linking up to Mommy Solutions last week! Your post was the #1 most clicked item linked up! Congrats and thank you so much for sharing with me and my blog readers.
Stop over and share something else. This was a great project!
Crystal http://www.crystalandcomp.com/2012/02/the-mommy-club-share-your-resources-and-solutions-31/
Thanks so much Crystal! You’ve got a great blog and I’m happy to be part of your link party.
I forgot to tell you that I also gave you a pin on Pinterest and I”m following you, too!
Cool! On my way to visit your boards…
This is AMAZING!!! It was my favorite link up of last week for sure!! (and I can’t wait to make this ourselves!!) I featured this at TGIF this week – http://livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com/2012/02/tgif-linky-party-17.html – Come stop on by & grab an I was featured button & link up whatever you’ve been working on this week!! Thanks again for linking up & sharing your creativity with all of us!!!
Beth =-)
Thanks so much Beth for featuring this project! I really hope you enjoy making it 🙂
Fabulous idea. Stopping by from Sun Scholars.
Thanks for dropping by!
Wow! Those are super cool.Thank you for sharing!
So glad you dropped by Dionne. Thanks!
Thanks for linking up to Serenity Saturday
Hope to can join us again tomorrow
Natasha
http://www.serenityyou.blogspot.com
What a great idea! I hope you don’t mind my pinning this for future reference. 🙂
I also love the idea and was thrilled to come across it on another blog. Thanks for pinning the project!
Wow is that cool. I would love to feature your project on my “best of” kid’s activities for the week. May I have your permission to use one of the photos? Of course I will credit and link back to your posts!
If you are interested I’d also be happy to add you to a group Pinterest board I organize: http://pinterest.com/zina/growing-creative-kids/
Would you email me and let me know your thoughts? 🙂 Thanks for your consideration.
Thanks so much Zina!Yes, you have my permission to use any photos you like, and thanks for asking.
Wonderful! I am so excited to share tomorrow. I am smitten with the project: http://letslassothemoon.com/2012/02/23/the-weekly-kids-co-op-playdate/
Hey lady! 🙂 I need to update some Pinterest stuff, but would still like you aboard. Would you email me when you have a sec so we can chat? z
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I did not read through all the comments so I apologize if someone already suggested it but if you want to do this without waiting for glue to dry, you can use modeling clay. I’ve done a lesson like this with 6th graders. You model clay into the designs/shapes, lay them on the cardboard, and then cover it with foil. I like the shoe polish; we used ink when we did this. I’ve also had the kids color with permanent marker. Your examples are beautiful.
Thanks so much Joanne! In certain situations, it’s not always practical to wait for the glue to dry, so clay sounds like a wonderful idea. Thanks for your suggestions 🙂
Wonderful art idea. Will make for sure!
Thank you Carmelle!
Cute idea. I am seriously wondering if I can do this with a glue gun on my ceiling & spraying the finished work with spray varnish!? Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks Karla. If you manage to pull that off, it would be amazing! You might be wearing a neck brace by the end of it though.
SoooooOoo PRETTY!!!! Possibilities are endless!!
I sure hope you’ll share this on The DIY Dreamer:
http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com/2012/02/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-5.html
I’d love to Christine. Thanks!
What a cool idea! I love how simple it is but how professional it looks! Thanks for sharing! I’m featuring these on my site today! I hope you’ll stop by to look!
Jen
Thanks so much Jen. I’ll definitely drop by!
AMAZING! Can’t wait to try it with the kids this weekend! 🙂
Should be lots of fun. Good luck!
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Jen, just wanted to let you know I tried to leave a message on your blog, but was unable to. Hopefully you’ll see this one. Just wanted to thank you for featuring me, and that I enjoyed your blog!
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This is really cool! When I saw the pictures I thought they were tin ceiling tiles! Definitely have to try this out soon. I wonder if hot glue would be easier to use than Tacky glue? I have trouble with it drying out in the bottle and then it’s so hard to squeeze.
Thanks Stacy. Hot glue sounds like a great idea. You wouldn’t have to bother waiting overnight for glue to dry. Must try that out!
Hi! I stopped by again! About Stacy’s idea of using hot glue- I’ve done it that way, but the raised line was thicker, which led to kids tearing the foil more frequently. So glue gunners, keep that in mind! 😀
That’s great to know. Thanks so much for the tip Stephanie. We’ll just have to patiently wait for the glue to dry 🙂
I love this idea and have been looking for an idea for a headboard to mount on the wall. I feel this would be a great idea to try.
I cannot find how to sign up for your blog. Please email me and let me know. I love your idea. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Nancy, and I hope everything works out with your headboard. To follow my blog, simply scroll down to the bottom of the page you are viewing, and there should be a follow button on the right hand side. Just click on that and you’ll receive emails whenever there is a new post 🙂
Nancy, I just made it easier to follow my blog. At the top of the side bar, there is a place where you can add your email address to receive notifications when there is a new post. Thanks for signing up!
What’s old is new again! Did this art project 35 yrs ago. Nice to see it get new life.
Thanks Pam. I had no idea it had been around for so long! I guess it’s become one of those classics.
Oh, lovely!
I made simular but I first crumpled (dont know if it is the right word) and then flatered it out whith a rolling pin. And used black acrylicpaint. I think shoepolish make it more beautiful. Must try soon. And I used hotglue for the raised parts. I am too eager to wait for the glue to get dried.
Thanks Marianne. Sounds like crumpling the foil would add a really interesting texture. Great idea.
Thanks to your inspiration I made two pictures this morning.your way. One whith shoepolish and one whith oilpaint. I think they came out rather good.
Marianne
That’s wonderful! Will you be posting them on your blog? I’d love to see them.I’m also curious about how the oil paint turned out.
I’m wondering if typing/ printing a wise saying with the computer and then gluing over it, may make a new twist on this. Also, kids who have a hard time coming up with their own plan could just glue lines on top of a coloring sheet. Soon they would get the courage to draw on their own. (I have had kids cry when asked to draw.)
It’s true that some children feel intimidated by the thought of having to create something. The suggestions you made can at least give them the confidence to try out the technique, which is a lot of fun. Like you said, maybe next time they’ll be adventurous enough to come up with their own design. Thanks for dropping by.
Love fun and cheap ideas to do with kids
I agree. It doesn’t take much to provide creative opportunities.
I love this idea! I think we will try it this week!
Thank you. I hope everything works out well and that you’re pleased with the results 🙂
I loved this idea.I Pinned.
Love from Türkiye.
<:))
Thanks so much for pinning it. I’ve visited your beautiful country and totally fell in love with it! Hope to go back one day 🙂
Thanks artclub. Why not, you are welcome to my contry.
Kiss
<:))
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can’t wait to try this, I bought a 60 yr.old home and have wanted to use tin tiles,but finances prevented me. This should work perfectly,will let you know how it turns out!
I would love to know how it works out. Sounds like a pretty big project, but how amazing if you manage to do it yourself!
Love it. Looking forward to trying it with my kids
Hope the kids have fun doing it 🙂
Love your blog! Will definitely follow you 🙂
Thank you!
As a former art teacher, I found that the shoe polish would sometimes peel up or not adhere very well. We figured out it was from the oils in your skin when you manipulate the foil with your fingers when pressing down and adding textures. To prevent this we simply wiped the entire surface with alcohol when finished with the texturing process and we never had a problem since. Also, when the polish was dry we used 0000 steel wool to buff off the high areas. Your samples look great!
Thanks Jane! These are great tips for anyone who has had difficulty with this.
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Love this. My brother was going to do his bathroom ceiling in tiles like this but to buy them was too much $. I was going to try the hot glue but I’m sure I’ll get dribbles and strings. Could I use puffy paint or string? He wanted to have copper tiles so I’m going to try spray painting instead of shoe polish. Wish me luck
I hope everything turns out well. I’ve only tried this with tacky glue, so I’m not sure how things will turn out with puffy paint or string. My guess is that it would work, but you’re better off testing it out and comparing the results. Good luck!
You could use paint instead of shoepolish…i’ve used acrylic (gold) …paint a little on then rub.
Makes sense that paint would work too. Must have looked amazing with gold!
Can’t wait to do this with my granddaughter!
Hope you enjoy it!
I have to give this a go. Thanks!
This is really classy. I def want to do it. Is it best to use regular foil? I thought about using heavy duty but thought some of the detail may be lost.
Thanks
I used regular foil, and you do need to be careful using the cotton swab. I did tear the foil a couple of times, so you do have to press down gently. Why not experiment with heavy duty foil on a small piece of cardboard with glue, to see if it’s a better option. Good luck!
Thanks. Duh…I love common sense. :0)
Heidi, We always used the heavy duty foil in my art classes at the high school and it worked fine. I think the secret is the wet glue underneath allows the manipulation of the foil to give ever so slightly, however, be careful not to get you glue design to high as it will only “give” so much. The heavier foil seemed to show textures really well. Remember: After you have touched and rubbed the surface and are ready to apply your polish or ink, rub it good with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils from your hand so the polish/ink will adhere good. If a student forgot to do this it peeled up. Goodluck!
Absolutely gorgeous! I was thinking the shoe polish would rub off eventually. Will it? I think this ink made for dyeing medals & foils etc. called alcohol ink by Adirondeck, found in Michaels & Hobby Lobby can be used to create a more permanent color. They come in several different colors. I was thinking of a backslash out of this project. Thanks so much & Pam was right, this has been around for quite a while. I remember doing a project like about 30 yrs ago. Thanks for bringing it back!
So glad you liked it! I love your idea of using a permanent ink. My only concern using this as a backsplash is the need to occasionally clean it, because the foil could eventually tear. That would be a little devastating!
Brenda, you may be right. Not sure, because this was a project for high school students. If you are making it for something in your house and you used the shoe polish, you could try spraying it with a clear sealer to keep it permanent. Be sure it’s oil based and not acrylic. I think a backsplash would look great!
I did these in art class back in my youth and they were super fun. Yours are WAY more awesome than I remember mine to be. 🙂
Thank you! These were the first ones I ever made…well into adulthood! Better late than never.
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I saw how much everyone loved this and want to try it. I didn’t get a chance to read all of the replies so I hope I’m not repeating what’s already been asked. I don’t have shoe polish but I do have alcohol ink, do you think that would work?
I’ve only tried it with shoe polish. All I can suggest is that you make a small sample, and sees how it works. I’d love to know how it turns out. Good luck!
I love this technique. I really want to make one like this, but I’m worried about how durable it is. Did you use some kind of top coat to make it stronger or can you recommend one? I move around a lot and am afraid the paper would get torn.
If anyone has any advise for me Please contact me at contactanastasia@yahoo.com
It is delicate because the foil can tear. Some kind of sealer or varnish will definitely strengthen it, although I haven’t actually tried that. You might just have to pack it very carefully with lots of padding when you’re moving. Good luck!
I’m a teen librarian, and I’ve been searching for projects to do with the teens through Pinterest. I found this project on Pinterest, and I plan to use it at an upcoming teen art day program at The Urbana Free Library in Urbana, IL. I’d love to use one of your images to advertise the event–could I please have your permission to copy the image location, if I have a link back to your blog post? If I can have your written permission, that would be fantastic. Thanks!
I’m so glad to hear you’re using this idea, and hope all goes well. You do have my permission to use images, and thanks for linking back. Thanks also for asking and good luck!
I take it it’s normal for the glue to take a long time to harden? I used Elmer’s Tacky glue. Obviously the thinner lines have turned clear. I’m soooo looking forward to pressing the Foil.
I wanted to make sure the glue was completely dry, especially the thick lines, so I left it overnight. You may want to do the same thing. Good luck!
Can’t wait to try this with my bathroom ceiling. It will go perfect with the restored claw foot tub and antique sink that I have! Any ideas on how to attach the individual “tiles” to the ceiling?
Ooooh your bathroom is sounding lovely! I wouldn’t want to venture a guess about how to attach your tiles, because they will be in a potentially humid environment. You should probably seek advice at a good hardware store, or even research it online. Good luck!
Beautiful! Would there be a way to seal this to make it waterproof/washable? This would be a great inexpensive alternative to the tin look backsplashes!
The foil is delicate, so it would definitely have to be protected with a sealant of some kind. I’m just not sure what would be strong enough. You could ask for advice in hardware stores and craft stores. Then try out what they recommend, just to be sure it works. Good luck!
I just got back from purchasing the materials to do this. Im gonna give it a try now. Wish me luck 🙂
Oh wow! Lots of luck, and I’d love to see how it turns out.
I have everything on hand to try this. Thanks!
Hope it works out well for you!
beautiful, thank you for sharing this with us.
a hug from Denmark
Juanita
Thank you, and for the hug from Denmark. Went to Copenhagen years ago and absolutely loved it!
This is so great! can it be painted?
Anything’s possible, but I’ve only tried shoe polish on the foil. I think acrylic paint would work, but you might need to add a primer underneath first. You can always test things out on a plain piece of foil and see how things go. Good luck!
I am really excited to try this so I got the cardboard, the glue, I drew and left the glue over night to dry but it seemed to fade? The glue will be clear or stay white? And mine was not that raised. Not sure what I did wrong ?
It’s normal for glue to look a little transparent once it dries. Did you use Aleene’s Tacky Glue? It was recommended by the person who originally did this project because it doesn’t spread out as much as regular white glue. You can test what you made by taking a small piece of foil and pressing it on top of the dried glue to see how well the lines show up. If they are not well defined and you did use Aleene’s, you might want to try again on another type of card board.
Thank you !!! I am useing cheap cheap board I am hoping that is the reason .
Dumb question: which side of the foil — shiny or not shiny — is up? And for a backsplash how do you attach it to the wall?
Not a dumb question 🙂 I used the shiny side, but both would work. It depends on whether you prefer a shiny surface or matte. Much of it is dulled down by the shoe polish anyway. In fact, I would recommend making a small sample of each to see what you like best. To create a backsplash, you will need a strong glue, and it would be best to go to a good hardware store where they can advise you on what to use. Hope everything works out well!
Just finished this …love it! thank you so much for this…(used old puffy paints I had on hand and let dry for a few days before adding the foil instead of glue)..I thought my pattern was to detailed and wasn’t coming through the foil well until I used the pencil that really helped….what a fun easy project…Thanks again!
I’m so glad to hear that Emily! Will you be posting pictures anywhere?
This is great! Do I need to be concerned with its durability? Any suggestions on what to use to protect it? Thanks! Can’t wait to try this 🙂
Thanks Tracy. If you’re just making an image to display, it should be quite durable because you won’t be touching it. You could even frame it if you really want to protect it. Good luck!
I had the same question. I was thinking about a layer of mod podge over the top, but that would change the look I think. Maybe asking someone at a craft shop if there is some sort of top coat or sealer to use. I move a lot so I want it to be durable enough to survive being packed and unpacked. Will you post if you find something that works for making it more durable??
I agree with you that Mod Podge may not be the best choice.I think one of these days, when I have more time, I should probably test out a number of finishes and post the info.
I’ve actually done this… and used a spray on adhesive (glue in a can, yay!) It works beautifully, just a thin layer, sprayed gently. I’m sure you could do another couple of layers once the first has dried if you like. I was trying to find ways to seal it as i wrote a quote special to me and my girlfriend in glue, and wanted it to be easily mail-able without making a big mess.
!!!
Sorry for the novel
Novel appreciated! I would have thought the spray adhesive would retain its tackiness. Did you find it eventually went away?
Will this hold up to slight heat? I would love to use this as a cheap backsplash behind my stove. We are renting so i need something thats not permanent.
I haven’t tried that out, so you may want to test out a small one and see how it holds up. The problem might be cleaning it, since it won’t hold up to the kind of scrubbing a backsplash sometimes requires. A sealer of some kind could help.
I love this!!! I was wondering, do you
Think this would work on a canvas?
Thank you Sarah! The pressure you apply to press the foil on is not a lot, so it should be fine on canvas.
Very creative! Beautiful work
Thank you. This has been the most popular project on my blog, and continues to be!
Wow. How cool! We once did foil projects in class once like these, but the methods were so painstakingly hard and tedious. Now, with this method, I can make them more easily…and they’re more beautiful, too.
When I first made this, I had no idea how popular it was in schools. I’m glad this makes things easier for you!
Great idea, wonderful results!
Thank you so much 🙂
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I really want to do this with my 7th & 8th graders. Can I use chip board sheets?
I don’t see why not!
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Wow, that is beautiful! I used to love straightening out foil as a kid, sliding my finger nail over it and making all kinds of shapes. This is really cool, thanks for sharing 🙂
Rohan.
Thank you! You’re right about foil being so inviting to play with. It’s also great to remember the creative things you did as a child.
I was wondering if the shoe polish rubs off easy. I love the look of this and would like to ’tile’ my kitchen like this. But i need to be able to clean it.
The shoe polish will come off if you’re cleaning it, and I’m not sure this is something that will hold up well to repeated cleaning. It would definitely have to be sealed with something. Maybe ask at an art supply of hardware store, and see what they recommend.
That is very cool – and I like the designs you created!
Thanks so much Christy. Glad you dropped by 🙂
I did something like this with a recycled material box at Christmas and I found that recycled aluminum cans and homemade alcohol ink were the best combination for me. I never considered glue or clay underneath. I love this, I was also reminded of those ceilings when I saw it. If I do another tin box this year I will link you.
Thanks for visiting, Kari. I love the idea of applying this technique to other surfaces like a box. Great idea!
Oh. Alcohol ink is a great idea. How do i make homemade alcohol ink?
While I’ve never made my own, you can find recipes on the internet which combine rubbing alcohol and dyes.
I was wondering if there was a way to add color. Is alcohol ink the way to go?
I only made this one, so you’ll have to experiment and see what works best. Good luck!
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I like this and was thinking of using it as a back splash is there a way to seal it?
I would recommend going to an art supply store or even a hardware store, and asking them for suggestions. You can then test it out on a sample piece, and also see how it stands up to cleaning, since it will be a backsplash. Good luck!
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I made these with my Pre-K class for our yearly Art Auction this year and at first I was really skeptical (mostly in my drawing skills) but I ended up having parent’s bidding on them who were not even in my class. We made 5 and I think 2 or 3 were purchased by other people because they were so cool, we made a ton of money to benefit babies in the NICU ;D
That’s amazing! What a wonderful way to involve children in raising money for a great cause. Glad it worked out so well 🙂
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do you have to use liquid/cream based shoe polish specifically for it to stick to the aluminum foil? I tried to use shoe polish in a small round tin that you rub on but it didn’t stick at all. Thank you!
Noreen, I used a creamy formula which worked really well. There is a link to it on the post, under the materials section. I didn’t try any other types of shoe polish. It was just pure luck that I bought this one, and that it worked out well.
Fantastic idea. Thank you for sharing.
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Could I use the glue gun instead of Aleene’s Tacky Glue?
I haven’t tried that, but it seems logical that it would work. Test it out on a small piece of board to see how things work out. Good luck!
I always use gluegun. And don´t have to wait for glue to dry.
I agree that it’s very convenient because it dries quickly, but glue gun strings can be annoying. You’d want to make sure to remove them so they don’t show through the foil.
So, we follow the same steps, but instead of using Aleene’s Tacky Glue we use the gluegun.
That’s right.
Thanks so much for sharing this. I just finished one with a link to our English focus this term at school. The glue I used was Crayola as I couldn’t get hold of Aleene’s Tacky glue. It was OK but your artworks seem to have more definition. How long did it actually take for your glue to dry? I left mine overnight but I wonder if ATGlue dries in hours.
Having read some of the comments, I am keen to try the clay option as it should allow for the lesson to be completed in one session.
Many thanks.
So glad you dropped by Jenny. I left the glue overnight, and only checked it the following morning, so i’m not sure how long it took to dry. Would love to hear how the clay option turns out!
Hi! Loved the final output. I was just wondering whether the shoe polish didn’t mess up. I was thinking of doing this as my notebook cover and the shoe polish might be weird to touch and when I put it inside my bag, it may make a mess, if you get what I mean. 🙂
Thanks Carla. You’d definitely have to seal the shoe polish with something, to ensure it won’t rub off. Not sure if Mod Podge would work, but you could visit an art supply store and see what they would recommend, then test it out before making your notebook cover. Good luck!
So Gorgeous! This is on our list to do 🙂
Fabulous! Hope you enjoy making it 🙂
Thank you for visiting my site from time to time. I love coming over to your site. This year I have joined an Art League. I gave them some suggestion on things I could share with others. They asked me to teach some young people on Saturday. I have decided to show or have them make flower collage bouquet. I think the kids will enjoy creating somethings with this idea. Again it great to be able to see each other works of art. Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too, and thank you for visiting! I like your idea for making collages. It’s always a fun technique to use with kids. Hope all goes well with the teaching. Enjoy!
Just found you via Pinterest. 🙂 When I was in 3rd grade (in the 60s) we did this on a Chinette paper platter. We cut shapes out of egg carton material and glued them down. Rubber cement held the tinfoil down, and then…. the shoe polish. I’ve been looking at Sid Dickens’ panels and remember this…. and here you are! 🙂
I’m enjoying your blog. Thanks for sharing so much!
Thanks so much Christine! Didn’t realize foil drawings had such a great history.
Very Nice Art.
Thank you!
Very cool! Thanks so much for sharing!
nice
I’m looking to do word art on several 30″ x 20″ boards and love this style! Although using a glue stick on that large a surface seems like it would take a while. Would spray mount work just as well when covering the board with foil?
I’m sure it would, and that’s a great idea!
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Beautifull,,, thanks FOR sharing
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Nice idea. I love the old tin ceilings or backsplashes..
This is such an economical way to show kids reposse! I like the idea of using the shoe polish as well, much easier as well. One problem I have is where to dry these. I teach in a Catholic school and my drying rack tilts backwards and will alter the designs. I might see if there is a cardboard mailbox system in storage so that they can be stacked and dried flat. With 30-38 kids to a class this is the best solution. Thank you!
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I have done this using paints and sharpies, but the colors wouldn’t stick. I’m excited to try this with shoe polish! Beautiful picture!
Thank you and good luck!
Thank you for your complete instructions and wonderful idea! I am using this to make a medal for my friend and I used deminsional fabric paint for the lettering. The small tip on the bottle worked well!
Thanks! I will try it and teach my students.
This was awesome tutorial on aluminum artwork. Very nice. Thank you for sharing.
Lovely project. I love pewter art so will definately try this.
Thank you Rhonda. Hope it works well for you!
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