How to Make a Mosaic Glass Photo Frame

Mosaic art is very popular in home decorating. However, its origins date back to the first century. Examples of mosaic art were found in cobbled streets, wall hangings, columns and a variety of other surfaces. Today, mosaic art is generally decorative in nature and includes items such as candle holders, table tops and even photo frames. The craft of creating mosaics is moderately easy, however it does require a bit of patience and an eye for detail.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Grout mix
• Water
• Bowl
• Glass pieces
• Rubber gloves
• Sponge
• Bucket
• Cardboard photo frame
• Tile adhesive
• Grout float

1. Apply tile adhesive to a cardboard craft photo frame.

2. Place glass pieces into the adhesive mixture in the desired pattern. Create about a 1/4-inch gap between the tile pieces. Continue until the entire frame is covered with glass pieces.

3. Allow the tile adhesive to dry at least 8 hours before moving to the next step.

4. Combine the desired color of grout mix and water in a disposable bowl. Add enough water until the mixture is the consistency of a thick cake batter.

5. Apply the grout to the frame. Use fingers or a grout float to squeeze grout into the cracks between the glass pieces.

6. Allow grout to dry for 10 to 15 minutes.

7. Fill a bucket with clean water. Dip a sponge in the water and begin to wipe the excess grout from the frame. Take great care not to remove the grout between the cracks in the glass tiles.

8. Wipe the frame until all excess grout is removed. You might need to refill the water bucket several times to achieve this.

9. Allow the frame to dry thoroughly before placing a photo inside.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have sensitive skin, wear rubber gloves. Grout and tile adhesive are very harsh on skin. Consider laying out your pattern before you adhere it to the adhesive.
• Never dump grout water down the drain. It can harden and cause permanent damage to your plumbing.

Resources

• About mosaic art