In a past article, we looked at how to make a faux gilded surface, and applied this technique to make a gilded matchbox. In this article, we’ll use the same technique to make a faux tin tile, which can be used as an embellishment on cards, tags, scrapbook pages and other projects.

When making faux tin tiles, use the dull side of the aluminum foil so that it’s not too shiny. You can also distress and age the piece further by applying some black or brown ink on the edges of the design so that it looks oxidized.

You will need:

* Thin chipboard (like a cereal box)
* Aluminum foil
* Gel medium
* Embossing folder
* Embossing or die cutting machine
* White acrylic paint
* Brown or black solvent ink stamp pad
* Rubbing alcohol
* Paper towel
* Foam brush
* Scissors

Cut the chipboard into squares small enough to fit inside the embossing folder. Cut pieces of aluminum foil slightly larger than the chipboard pieces. Adhere the aluminum foil to the chipboard with gel medium so that the dull side shows, and burnish with your fingers or a paper towel. Fold the excess aluminum foil over the edges and adhere. Let the gel medium dry completely, then emboss the chipboard. Paint the aluminum foil with white acrylic paint, making sure to get into the nooks and crannies of the design, then let dry completely. Moisten a piece of paper towel with rubbing alcohol, then wipe off the acrylic paint from parts of the design. To further distress the tile, ink some areas using a black or brown stamp pad to make it look oxidized.

Project: Greeting Card

Cut a piece of cardstock measuring 11 x 4-1/4 inches, and fold in half crosswise to make the card base. Cut two pieces of coordinated patterned paper, one measuring 2-1/2 x 4-1/8 and the other measuring 3-1/2 x 4-1/8. Using double sided adhesive tape, adhere the larger piece on the smaller one, overlapping the pieces so that length of the combined panel measures around 5-3/8 inches. Cut a piece of half-inch wide ribbon measuring 6 inches long, and use double-sided tape to adhere it over the seam where the two pieces of patterned paper overlap. Fold the excess ribbon under and tape in place. Cut a fancy frame from plain cardstock and glue this over the faux tin tile. Use double-sided tape to glue the framed tile in the middle of the ribbon, then adhere the entire panel to the card base. You may further embellish the card if you wish.

Bonus project: Antiqued Matchbox

This project uses a combination of faux gilding (e.g., using the shiny side of the foil), and faux tin tiles (white paint and brown ink) to give an ordinary matchbox a decadent, albeit time-worn look. The gilded/faux tin is cut into panels and glued onto the matchbox, resulting in a sturdier box. The edges of the box are painted white to hide the joints, and may also be inked.