DIY Network

Mosaic Bistro Table Broken ceramic plates are arranged to make a table-top. From "From Junky to Funky" episode DFJF-307

Host Samantha Gleisten creates a side table using broken dishes.

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Materials:

table
design
plates
construction adhesive
tile grout
80-grit sandpaper
palm sander
hammer
mixing bucket
two towels

1. Using the palm sander, lightly sand the surface of the table with 80-grit sandpaper. This will help rough up the surface so the adhesive will grip the table better.

2. Draw your design on the tabletop. Trace the design onto a sheet of paper, and then lay the sheet out on your worktable.

3. Lay a towel on the worktable. Place a couple of dishes on it, and then place another towel on top of them.

4. Use a hammer and tile cutter to break the dishes into small workable pieces.

Tip: When breaking the dishes into pieces, break one color at a time so that the colors won't get mixed up. This will make it easier to place them into a pattern.

	Figure A
	Figure B

5. Loosely lay out most of the ceramic pieces on the design tracing without glue in order to help in deciding the permanent placement (figure A).

6. Sand down any sharp tile edges.

7. Once satisfied, lift each piece up one at a time, and then apply a small dab of construction adhesive to the bottom (figure B).

8. Apply the pieces to the tabletop, leaving 1/8 inch between mosaics for grouting. Note: For small pieces, glue can be applied to the tabletop instead of the tile.

9. Mix sanded grout according to the label instructions. Spread the grout over the table evenly—filling the spaces between the tiles.

10. Using a damp sponge, wipe off any excess grout. Wait for a cloudy haze to cover the plates, and then wipe again. Buff the plate pieces with a dry cloth.

Project Cost:

Table: $20
Dishes: $8
Materials: $19

Total: $47