Beautiful home decor doesn’t have to cost a million dollars to impress me. In fact, I like to brag about how little I paid for things instead of how much it was. Money does not impress me guys, and I bet if you follow our “Thrifty Style Team” each month you probably feel the same. This month’s line-up is packed with the cutest ideas, and even a new team member 😲, so be sure to join my Redhead Can Decorate newsletter here so you don’t miss our next round. Until then, I hope you get a kick out of my latest affordable contribution to the Thrifty Style Team which I’m calling a “Rose Petal Heart Ceiling Tile”…
Where did the Ceiling Tile Come From?
It was my mother’s 75th birthday party (she’s now 87 ❤️) and her best friend/cousin “Cousin Sandy” came to visit us. Her and I happen to share a love for thrifty things.. I guess it must be in our blood? So, while I was busy preparing my mom’s birthday celebration, my sister, and mom went with Sandy out to lunch and to the thrift store. When they returned Cousin Sandy had this huge tin ceiling tile 😲. She had actually picked it out just for me…can you believe that!? I was just so excited I could scream. It was so COOL! Here’s what it looked like…
👉🏻TIP: CHECK OUT ALL 13 THRIFTY STYLE TEAM PROJECTS AT THE VERY END OF THIS POST👈🏻
I absolutely loved the tile not only for it’s unique vintage appeal, but for the memories it stirred up from when I was a little girl. You see…my Aunt Madge (Sandy’s mom) owned a bar in Buffalo, NY that had these huge ceiling tiles and I remember looking up at them while I had my chips & pop listening to the juke box. I was absolutely fascinated by them. How in the world did Cousin Sandy know? My guess is that some things you just know because of your history. She knew I noticed those tiles back in the day-just like she did ❤️. I sure hope she sees this post (maybe I will tag her on Facebook!)
How to Decorate with a Tin Ceiling Tile
To be completely honest, even though I loved the tile so much, I really struggled with where to display it. I didn’t want to disturb it’s history, and my style really isn’t unfinished so I kept moving it around until I finally hung it in our laundry room. It was “okay” but definitely not what I envisioned forever. I knew in my heart there was more to come when inspiration would finally strike.
Why a Rose Petal Heart Ceiling Tile?
Here we are, almost 13 years later and inspiration finally truck! I decided it was okay to spray paint the tile (I didn’t do anything to it prior) and then bring out the beautiful framed vintage pattern by just sanding it a little (wear gloves, mask & goggles). After being in the DIY decorating blog land for 10 years now, I finally had the confidence I was lacking before. I knew paint would actually bring it back to life, and accentuate the face and decorative border.
Okay, so now what Julie? I had this beautiful white tin ceiling tile, but was still trying to find a good spot to hang it until a few weeks ago inspiration struck again. ROSE PETALS.
I decided to add faux rose petals in the shape of a heart for a beautiful Valentine’s Day piece. I was flabbergasted when it turned out so cute. The texture is just so beautiful and really speaks volumes to me.
How to Create a Rose Petal Heart Ceiling Tile
- After you have spray painted the tile your color of choice (spray paint/supply sources below), lightly rough up the edges after it’s dry (24 hours) with 100 grit sandpaper (wear gloves, mask & goggles).
- Glue faux fabric rose petals onto the tile in the shape of a heart. I layered them in random ways so they didn’t look like fish scales. I did not measure, or trace a heart first, but I did lay the petals down first to adjust them into the shape of a heart (in random ways to look more real).
- TIP: Glue the outline down of the heart first- and let dry. Then you can relax when gluing the inside of the heart.
- Let glue dry 24 hours and most of the fabric will return to the original color. I actually welcomed the wet color because it made the petals look more realistic.
- After completely dry, spray with a clear finishing spray for extra protection (all product sources below) and let dry for 24 hours in a very well ventilated area.
- Lean your tile wherever you like and enjoy ❤️
*** Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. Read full disclosure policy here.
FAUX ROSE PETALS: DOLLAR STORE (they came in a clear box)
FAUX LIGHT-UP TAPERED CANDLE STICKS (stay tuned for giveaway next week!)
3 More Simple Romantic Ideas for Any Time of Year
Write a sweet message on a chalkboard where your lover, or loved ones will be sure to see it.
Write a private message with your own hand writing (yes I said own handwriting) and secure it in a small bottle or jar with a few keepsakes.
Surprise your spouse with a bubble bath full of your favorite treats on the side. If you don’t have a tub for 2, just set it up for them to relax and unwind ❤️
Wait, there’s more!
Please let my talented thrifty friends know below that you found them here.
Happy Valentine’s Day from your redheaded friend, Julie ❤️❤️❤️
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Our Crafty Mom – Pinecone Fire Starters & Printable Gift Tag
I Should Be Mopping The Floor – 5 Last Minute Free Valentine’s Printables
DIY Beautify – Neutral Winter/Valentines Mantel Deorating Ideas
2 Bees In A Pod – Decorating with Milk Glass Vases
The How To Home – Dresser Makeover with Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Postcards From The Ridge – DIY Glass Cloche Plus Styling Tips
Vinyet Etc. – DIY Baby’s Breath Wreath
Sweet Pea – DIY Pompom Valentine’s Day Pillow
Lora B. Create & Ponder – Elegant Valentine’s Dessert Charcuterie
The Tattered Pew – Quick and Easy No Sew Curtain
Cottage On Bunker Hill – Textured Heart Wall Art
Amy Sadler Designs – How to make Leather Napkin Rings
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Julie, this is such a cute project. I adore the vintage ceiling tile and painting it really brought out the character of it. Your rose petal heart is a great addition to it! Thanks for hosting our group!
Thank you, Angie! Thanks for being part of our amazing team!
So so cute! And what a cousin to share such a treasure with you. I think you and I may be cut from the same cloth, money, meh…
We are for sure, Laurie!
[…] Can Decorate – Rose Petal Heart + 3 More Simple Romantic Ideas Our Crafty Mom – Pinecone Fire Starters & Printable Gift Tag I Should Be Mopping The Floor […]
You found the perfect use for this ceiling tile. I love the Rose petal heart you added to it.
Thank you, Paula!
[…] Redhead Can Decorate – How to Create a Rose Petal Heart Ceiling Tile […]
I love how you redid this beautiful vintage tile, Julie! When I was a little girl my Mom and I would shop in a little town a few miles from our home and they had an ice cream shop that had those tiles on the ceiling. I loved looking at them, too!
Awww! what a sweet memory that is MB!
Julie, I love this idea! Thank you so much for sharing! Happy Valentines 💝
Thank you, Chris!
Love this idea and the story behind it! I just found a reproduction antique metal ceiling tile this week and have plans to paint it!
Oooo that sounds interesting, Cindy!!!
[…] Can Decorate – Rose Petal Heart + 3 More Simple Romantic Ideas Our Crafty Mom – Pinecone Fire Starters & Printable Gift Tag I Should Be Mopping The Floor […]
Those rose petals look so real!!! I also love the tip about outlining the heart shape first! I didn’t think of that!!!!
Thank you, Amy! I hope you have a great first round!
Perfect use of the tile. That brought a memory – do you remember the fabulous old soda shop near the university? The Easter chocolate molds were gorgeous. I wonder if it is gone?
I’m not sure Nancy… I grew up in GI so I use to go to “The Chocolate House”… 💕💕💕
[…] Redhead Can Decorate – Rose Petal Heart + 3 More Simple Romantic Ideas […]
Happy “V” Day Julie:
Love the story and what you did with the tile. I guess you could use and old picture frame with a back as well.
The table where you have it displayed looks inviting, but where are the two glasses of red wine to go with the candles? You inspire me every time!
Cheers, Bette
Yhaaas!!! Spot on, Bette! I completely forgot the wine! Darnit!! 😉
Really, how cute are you and your hubby!! Have a sweet Valentine’s Day you two lovebirds!
Thanks, Jen!!
Julie – we love vintage ceiling tile projects. This Valentine heart is so adorable. Thanks for sharing such a great idea!
Thank you, Vicki & Jenn!!
I love the story behind this tile and I love what you did with it. You are so creative!
So, so clever, Julie! What a gorgeous statement piece for the season. xoxo, kristi
You gave it new life, indeed! Love the new color, too. Ceiling tin is my favorite!
What a beautiful update Julie! This is something I would leave up year round. It’s so pretty. Love being a part of this fabulous group!
What a great project! Such a great idea! Pinned!
Thank you, Lynne!