Materials: Broken tiles
Mosaic objects (buttons, jewelry, mementos, badges, photos, hardware, bits of glass, mirror, toys, etc.)
Table with plain surface
Tile adhesive
Silicone glue
Tile cutter
Sponge
Spatula
Grouting in different colors
Mixing bowls
Cloths
Water
Chalk or marking pen
Sandpaper for surface (if needed)
Primer and paint - Make a paper or cardboard template of the surface you want to work on.
- Create a simple drawing on the template with chalk or a marking pen. Once you're happy with your design, repeat the drawing on the actual tabletop with chalk or a marking pen.
- Assemble all your broken tiles, etc., on the template (figure A). Play with the pieces till you're happy with your design. Use the tile cutter to make pieces of tile smaller for those odd places, as needed. Use varying pieces and have fun with all your loving mementos.
- Removing one piece at a time from the template, apply a glob of silicone glue on the back and place on the tabletop in the corresponding position. The amount of glue will vary on some of the pieces that are thinner or smaller. In this way, you can help to make sure that the overall level of the pieces on the tabletop is fairly consistent. On the other hand, this is an individually created art piece and inconsistency can look good.
- Once all the pieces are assembled and glued on the tabletop, allow to dry thoroughly before continuing.
- Mix the grouting color you have chosen in a small bowl, following the instructions on the box.
- Apply the mixed grout, totally covering the entire surface (figure B) -- make sure the grouting goes into every space. Use the spatula to help you do this.
- Before the grouting starts to dry, it's important to remove the excess that's covering the actual pieces so the design can be revealed. Use the sponge to help you do this, adding a little water to the sponge if you need to. It also helps to keep the sponge clean by rinsing it often.
- Once the grouting has dried, fine steel wool will help remove any additional small areas of dried grout on the surface.
- Stand back and marvel at your own unique creativity.
Tips: - Start a "treasure chest" where you can save broken pieces of a favorite cup or plate, broken pieces of jewelry, toys, etc. Keep childhood mementos, buttons from a favorite garment. By getting into the habit of placing all of these in a special box, you will have a wonderful collection ready to create something special, your own creative piece made of loving memories.
- Use pieces and objects that have different reflective surfaces: shiny pieces, bits of mirror as well as matte pieces. This really enhances the overall finished look of the mosaic.
- Use a small amount of liquid adhesive in the water for the grout. This will help with the final hardening, making your piece more durable.
- Use masking tape to seal off any area where you don't want the grouting to go; this will help keep the edges clean.
Products: Most supplies for making mosaics are available at hardware stores.
RESOURCES :
Making Mosaics: Designs, Techniques & Projects
Model: 0806948728
Author: Leslie Dierks
(February, 1998)
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Classic Mosaic: Designs & Projects Inspired by 6,000 Years of Mosaic Art
Model: 1570761590
Author: Elaine M. Goodwin
(February, 2000)
Trafalgar Square Publishing Co.
Website: www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
Mosaics in an Afternoon
Model: 0806958030
Author: Connie Sheerin and Mickey Baskett
(August, 2000)
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
GUESTS :
Harry Segil
8639 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Phone: 310-559-7963
Email: harryart@earthlink.net
Website: www.coolharryfurniture.com
Harry Art Furniture
| 
)
)
)
