How to Make a Mosaic Bird Bath

Make your own mosaic bird bath from a shallow bowl and bits of ceramics, glass cabochons and natural stones. Randomly place the colorful bits and pieces to create a decorative mosaic design to fit in your yard or garden. Anyone can make a mosaic bird bath with these simple step-by-step instructions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bowl
• Ceramics, glass, stones
• Hammer, bag, towel
• Thinset and trowel
• Grout and float
• Sponge
• Grout sealer
• Plant stand

1. Select a shallow stainless steel or glass coupe bowl from your local home or discount store. You can also use a bowl from an existing bird bath made from concrete, metal or glass. The ideal depth for water in a bird bath is 3 inches, so select a bowl with an overall depth of no more than 6 inches.

2. Turn your bowl upside down on a work surface covered in wax paper, newspaper or craft paper. Elevate the bowl so that the rim is not touching the ground. This will make it easier for you to place the ceramics up to the edge of the outside rim.

3. Place the ceramic material for your mosaic in a plastic bag, wrap the bag in a towel and strike it gently with a hammer. You can make a mosaic bird bath with broken plates and other ceramics, glass cabochon stones or marbles and small natural stones like river rock.

4. Layout the pieces for the mosaic design face up on the table around your elevated bowl. Spread a layer of quick drying thinset in a small area along the rim of your bird bath bowl. Press the mosaic materials into the thinset. Work your way around the rim of the bowl, making a 1 to 2 inch row. Place the largest pieces first, then add smaller bits to fill in.

5. Continue to create the mosaic in sections; horizontally around the perimeter of the bird bath or vertically to the top. Make your mosaic to the edge of the bottom rim if the bowl is flat or to the center if you are covering the base completely. Adjust the mosaic design to fit the logistics of your bird bath's stand. If you plan to sit your bird bath on a plant stand, do not cover the bottom as it may not sit flat. If you're hanging your bird bath make the mosaic cover the surface of the bird bath. Let the thinset dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Mix the grout and spread it over the mosaic bird bath, pressing it into the crevices with a float or your gloved hands. Wash the grout from the face of the mosaic pieces before it dries with warm water and a sponge. Let the grout dry completely.

7. Apply a coat of grout sealer to protect the grout from moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring glass bird baths inside during the winter or the glass may crack.
• Wear gloves as you work with thinset or grout.

References

• Making Mosaics