I decided that my kids, at nearly 8 and 6 are old enough to upgrade from crayola to sharpies providing they work on newspaper - permanent pens really are permanent!

We bought a couple of cheap, plain white plates, and this is what they came up with....we'll be hanging these on the wall and buying some more.

They loved the process and really concentrated whilst chatting to eat other about their patterns. 
I think working on ceramic rather paper made it much more 'precious' for them.

Take a look round my website for lots more ideas, here are some good ones!

If you're looking to experiment with colour and pattern, and enjoy hearing excited squeals like 'wow!' and 'ooh!' from your kids, then this magical activity is a must for you!

You'll need cheap white ceramic tiles and a selection of alcohol inks. They are readily available from craft shops, Amazon etc. I bought Tim Holtz ones. They aren't cheap, however once you have invested in 5 or so bottles, they do last a long time.

Simply dribble the inks straight from the bottle onto a clean white tile and see incredible organic patterns form as the colours spread across the surface of the tile and begin to mix with each other - work quickly as they dry fast. You can blow the inks with a straw or just let them do their own thing!

One of the things I enjoy most about this activity is that you never know quite what will happen.

Below are some patterns that were created recently,  working with families in hospital. Time flew and everyone was truly absorbed in the activity.

I'll definitely be trying this at home with my 2 children. They loved marbling so I know this will be a bit hit too.

I have read on blogs that the tiles can be sealed with a varnish such as Liquitex but I haven't tried it yet. I like the idea of sealing the tiles, and glueing felt to the backs to make lovely coaster gifts. I also plan to buy some large cheap white plates to decorate - they'd look great on the kids walls.

I'd love your feedback if you give this idea a go,

Diane