DIY Pottery Mosaics

Pottery mosaics add a decorative touch to ordinary objects.

As with tile, pottery pieces are used to create stunning mosaics for both indoor and outdoor use. Gardening enthusiasts create mosaic surfaces on containers, outdoor tables and benches. Indoor uses include decorative framing for mirrors and pictures. Pottery and tile are often used in unison for mosaic projects, to create texture and color to the crafter’s work. Crafting a mosaic initially requires penciling a pattern and choosing an item to decorate.

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Pottery
Towel
Washcloth
Hammer
Safety goggles
Grout
Crafting glue
Nippers
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  
  Pounding pottery into small pieces allows for intricate designwork.
  
  Wrap the pottery loosely wrapped in a towel and put safety goggles on, so you can see your progress. Pound the pottery with a hammer. Ideal piece size range is ¾- to ½-inch for mosaic projects. Gather all pieces and place into a container for safe-keeping.
- 2
  
  Pottery pieces are bonded to a surface with glue and grout.
  
  Use nippers to cut and shape the pottery pieces. Based on a penciled pattern of your choice or design, shape pieces by shearing the edges off pottery pieces. Rounding the pieces adds a soft touch to the mosaic. Place each piece over the pattern until you have enough pieces, and fit the pieces as desired.
- 3
  
  Pottery and tile are used together to create colorful mosaics.
  
  Adhere the pieces to an object with glue. A multi-purpose crafting glue works best for adhering pottery pieces to objects, aside from metal. For metal objects, adhere the pottery pieces with a glue specifically for metal. Press each piece firmly into place and allow time for the glue to dry.
- 4
  
  Grout and a small trowel are used to strengthen the bond.
  
  Apply grout to the pottery pieces. Grout is used to strengthen the bond between the pottery pieces and the object. After mixing the grout, seal all gaps between the pieces by applying it within the gaps. Using a warm washcloth, wipe any grout on the top surface immediately after application, to preserve the appearance of the mosaic. Allow time to dry before using your crafted object.