How to Learn Mosaic Techniques Through Different Projects

When it comes to learning how to mosaic, everyone wants to start with a table—but a table is not a beginner project. Beginners need to start with small projects to learn the basic techniques of choosing, breaking and adhering tiles, grouting and creating a finished edge. Learn your mistakes on some practice projects first, so that future large projects will be successful, beautiful and functional one-of-a kind artwork made by you!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tray
• Tile grout
• Flower pot
• Trivet
• Tile adhesive
• Broken tiles
• Stepping stone

1. Understand that the art of mosaic is always a two-part process. During your first session you will adhere the tiles, and only after they dry overnight will you have another session to grout the project.
2. Mosaic a trivet. You will arrange and adhere broken tiles to a 12-by-12 inch square piece of tile. When grouted and finished it will become a decorative and functional accent for your table to hold hot pots and tea kettles. In this beginner lesson, you will learn the basics of how to break and place the tiles to create a random pattern and how to grout your project to create a smooth, functional surface.
3. Mosaic a tray: This next flat, square project will teach you to lay out tiles to make a simple picture and leave room for a grout border. You will also learn how to grout in corners.
4. Mosaic a flower pot: This three-dimensional project will teach your how to adhere tiles to a rounded surface and how to choose tiles that work best. You can also start to use other materials, such as glass pebbles, sea shells and different types of tile, because a flower pot does not need to have an even surface. You will also learn how to grout uneven surfaces.
5. Mosaic a stepping stone. This project will teach you how to mosaic edges whether they're rounded or straight. This is an important skill to learn in case you want to create a table with a professional, functional edge some day!
6. Move on to large, functional projects like a backsplash, counter top, or square or round table. Use your new skills and remember all the basic rules. Or you can keep going with these practice projects and create an entire stepping stone path for your garden or trivets for holiday presents. The ideas are endless, so get cracking!

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time with each project to refine your technique of placing the tiles. You can't rush a mosaic!
• Evaluate each project after it's finished for ways to make your next project even better.
• Choose tiles and grouts that match your décor so your project will fit in to your home when it's finished.
• Check out mosaic books from your local library to get ideas for projects you can tackle in the future.
• Always handle glass tiles with care to avoid getting cut from the broken pieces.
• Be sure to allow at least 24 hours for the adhesive to dry before grouting. If you don’t, the pieces of glass and tile will not adhere properly.
• Grout in powdered form can be toxic. Be careful not to inhale it.

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