How to Make a Mosaic Vase

Creating a piece of mosaic art can be very fulfilling. This is a pretty simple process, but can be time consuming.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vase
• Mosaic Tiles
• Ceramic Adhesive
• Sanded tile grout and grout float
• Plastic ice-cream bucket
• Rubber gloves
• Cellulose sponge
• coarse nylon sponge
• Self-adhesive felt pad, for bottom of vase or pot

1. Place a small bead of your adhesive on the back of the tiles. This can be ceramic adhesive or multipurpose household adhesive. Place the tile onto the vase and press. Once all the tiles have been placed the vase needs to sit for 16 to 24 hours to firmly set.

2. Mix up the sanded grout using the directions on the package. Apply the grout using the grout float. Make sure you force the grout down into the spaces between the tiles. Wear the rubber gloves for this part. Repeat this process until all gaps are filled. Clean off the extra grout from the tiles using a damp cellulose sponge. You should be able to do this after about 20 minutes. You need the grout to be firm but not completed set. With your sponge, go in a circular motion all over the vase.

3. 
   Your creation can be whatever you want.

   Now your tiles are going to look "dirty" from the grout and dust. Us the nylon sponge to clean these after 2-3 hours. Take grout diluted with water and "paint" inside the vase and any other areas that are not covered already. Wipe the tiles with a dry cloth to remove any other dust.

Tips & Warnings

• A course nylon sponge works the best for cleaning the "dirt" from the tiles
• If you have acrylic nails, make sure the adhesive does not get on them. You should wear rubber gloves for this step as well.

[racheltexas]

on 10/30/2009 5*