Crafts With Broken Ceramics

To create a random-pattern mosaic, fit the ceramic pieces together like a puzzle.

The big blue plate slips out of our hands and breaks; the bright yellow coffee mug cracks after too many go-arounds in the microwave. Don't throw away your broken ceramic dishes and tiles. Wrap the larger pieces in an old towel and hit them gently with a hammer to make smaller pieces. Store all of the broken pieces in a plastic bin with a lid and keep it handy near the kitchen. Then, on a rainy Saturday afternoon, take them out and make a mosaic.

What Is Mosaic?

Mosaic is an art form that uses pieces of a material such as rocks, wood or metal to create a design. Perhaps the most familiar mosaic material is ceramic tile. The ceramic mosaic artist adheres whole or broken tiles to a surface, then fills in the gaps with grout.

What Can Mosaic Be Used On?

Almost anything that can be painted can be mosaicked. More popular mosaicked craft items are picture frames, votives, trays, birdbaths, flower pots and patio tables. Additionally, mosaics can be created on floors, walls, fireplace surrounds or outdoor structures such as benches, low garden walls or outdoor kitchens. The smaller the object, the smaller the tiles or broken ceramic pieces that are used.

Adhesives

White glue is inexpensive, widely available and will work for adhering tiles to flat, porous surfaces such as wood or plaster. For three-dimensional objects, household tile adhesive is a good choice because it has a strong hold; it is also the choice for tiles that aren't completely flat, such as a piece of ceramic coffee mug. Epoxy resin is very strong and works well for adhering ceramic pieces to metal, glass and other nonporous surfaces. It produces dangerous fumes, however, and must be used with caution.

Grouts

Grout is the substance that fills in the gaps between the tiles. Grout can be bought pre-mixed in a tub, or it can be purchased in powder form and mixed with water until it reaches a thick, creamy, batter-like consistency. Any home improvement store will have plenty of grout options to choose from. If your gaps are smaller than 1/8 inch, choose a non-sanded grout. If the gaps are larger than 1/8 inch, choose a sanded grout. If your mosaic will be outdoors, choose a cement-based grout, as it will be more waterproof.

Tools

Few tools are required to mosaic, but there are several that make the job easier. Tile cutters give the artist more control over the shapes and sizes of the tiles. Goggles are a good idea if you will be cutting tiles this way. For grouting large jobs, a rubber float works well to spread the grout onto the tile surface and push grout into wider or deeper joints. A sponge to wipe the excess grout off the tiles as it dries will save time later.

References

• The Joy of Shards: Materials for Making Mosaics

Resources

• Institute of Mosaic Art: Featured Student Artists