Slate is a by product of volcanic material, forming when clay from eruptions hardens. This makes it very durable for floors that can withstand dropped objects and roofs that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Craft Slate Photo Frames
Use decoupage glue to attach one of your favorite photos to a flat piece of slate. Make sure you wash the slate tile with soap and water beforehand to remove any remaining dust or grit and allow to dry. Apply the glue carefully with a brush, press the photo in place. If you prefer, apply a thin coat of glue to the photo surface if you would like to add a glossy sheen.
Slate Wall Mosaics
If you have leftover slate tile of various sizes from a flooring or counter installation, you can create a unique wall art piece with some paint, decorative appliques, and your creative inspiration. Clean off any dust before sticking on appliques, and allow each paint color planty of time to dry.
Make Your Own House Numbers
Create customized address numbers for the front of your house by mounting metal digits (found in hardware stores) on pieces of slate tile. Be sure to use a good industrial adhesive to hold the numbers in place. Even if your tile pieces are not completely square, they can still be used for this project and give your house numbers more character.
Easy Slate Trivet
Use a larger piece of slate tile to make a trivet that will protect your kitchen counter from hot pans just taken off the stove or out of the oven. Simply take four felt tabs with peel off adhesive backing and attach them to each corner of the underside of your slate tile. The felt will prevent the bottom of the slate from scratching the surface of your counter, especially if it is made of a more delicate material.
Pressed Leaves
Dried and pressed colorful fall leaves mounted on slate tiles make a beautiful and artistic wall hanging. Begin by pressing leaves in between the pages of a large book; it helps to stack one or two other thick hard back books on top. This can take a couple of weeks, but it is worth the wait.
Use a mixture of water and craft glue to attach your leaves to the slate tile. Be sure to only use a thin coat; a little goes a long way when working with dried leaves. Allow this to completely dry, and then apply a coat over the top of each leaf as a protective coating. This can be hung on a small easel or wall area, and these pressed fall leaf pieces also make great gifts. The same project can also be done with dried and pressed flowers. Many of them are more delicate than leaves, so it is a good idea to pick those with thinner petals and small centers.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
