How to Make a Mosaic Box

Mosaic tiles are available in a wide range of colors.

The ancient Greeks refined rudimentary mosaic techniques and elevated the craft into an art form. Fine examples of Greek mosaics can be found in ancient sites such as Pompeii that combine detailed scenes of people and animals with intricate geometric patterns. A mosaic box is an ideal project for beginners keen to explore this ancient craft, as it provides a small surface and a simple shape on which to work.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Marker pens
• Plain wood or cardboard box
• Mosaic tiles
• Glass beads
• Mosaic tile adhesive
• Plastic spatula
• Acrylic craft paint
• Tile nippers
• Safety goggles
• Latex tile grout
• Velvet
• Spray mount

Instructions

1. Look at mosaic books and online mosaic images for inspiration to help plan a design for the top of the box. For beginners, a simple geometric design using square tiles is ideal. Draw a panel on a piece of paper to the same size as the top of your box. Divide the panel into a grid based on the size of your tiles, allowing at least .1 inch for grouting between them. Use colored markers to plan a design on the grid, working in bands of color, alternating colors or using symmetrical patterns.

2. Lay out your tiles over the design to ensure you have enough of each color.

3. Glue the tiles in position on your box using professional mosaic tile adhesive. Apply a little to the underside of each tile with a plastic spatula. Glass beads also look effective when incorporated into your design.

4. Apply latex tile grout to the top of the box, smoothing it between the tiles with your finger. Smooth and neaten the edges of the box top with a damp sponge.

5. Paint the sides of the box with acrylic craft paint. Line the inside with pieces of velvet cut to size and attached with spray mount.

Tips & Warnings

• For a more complicated design that incorporates shaped tiles or curved edges, you will need to cut the tiles with tile nippers.

• Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes when cutting tiles.

• Use a dust mask to cover your mouth and nose when mixing tile grout.

• Work in a well-ventilated area when applying glue.