How to Mosaic a Clay Pot

The ubiquitous mosaic flower pot. You've seen it in craft magazines, in books, and in the newspaper. Now it's time to try it out for yourself. Loads of fun!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clay pot and saucer
• Clay pot sealer (I like Plaid Clay Pot Sealer)
• Tiles or broken pottery pieces
• Mosaic glue (I use Plaid Make-It Mosaics Adhesive)
• Tile nippers (optional, but nice to have)
• Cup to hold glue
• Sanded grout
• Grout sealer
• Sponge
• A few old rags
• Hammer

1. Spray the clay pot and saucer with sealer. Let dry 24 hours.

2. Put a tile between thick layers of newspaper and hit with the hammer to break it. The pieces should be roughly dime-sized or smaller. Break lots of tiles so you'll have plenty to work with.

3. Put a generous amount of glue on the back of a tile piece and stick it on the pot. Press firmly. You want glue on all surfaces of the back of the tile, and the pot.

4. Add tile until the pot is covered. Maintain a somewhat uniform distance between pieces and don't let pieces touch each other. You must leave room for the grout between tiles. Use tile nippers to reshape or resize tiles if desired. Let the project dry for 24 hours.

5. Using rubber gloves or a small grout float, press the grout into the cracks between the tiles. Wipe excess grout from the tiles (you won't be able to get it all) and let set for about five minutes.

6. When the grout dries to a haze, buff the tiles clean with a fresh, clean cloth.

7. Repeat steps above for the saucer, if you like.

8. For best results long term, protect the grout with a grout sealer. Spray or rub the sealer onto the grout, then wipe excess off of the tiles. Brilliant!

Tips & Warnings

• Clay pot sealer is very stinky stuff so spray it outside or in a ventilated area.
• When wiping off the excess grout, you can use a damp or a dry sponge.
• Small pieces of tile will conform better to the shape of the pot.
• You don't have to mosaic the inside of the saucer.

[todayscrafter]

on 9/27/2009 Glad you like it. Let me know how yours turns out.

[peekiebeach]

on 9/25/2009 Great article, I will try this! 5 stars