How to Make a Mosaic

Mosaics are fun to make and just about anyone can make them. The following presentation was for my art class in college and I had to make a mosaic. I had never made one before but was able to figure it out.

Step 1:

Mosaic assembly materials: working board, tiles (numerous different depending on style chosen), trowel (I used a 3/16 notched), Glue ( floor dept at home improvement store) I used the combo kind that is glue and grout in one, pencil, design, 10 or so plastic shopping bags, and a hammer.

Step 2:

I was going to make a butterfly so I had a picture of the butterfly and I used a pencil to draw it out on the wood. You can trace, draw free hand, or really any other way to make a template for your mosaic.

Step 3:

Put one color tile in at least 3 layered plastic bags, set them on the ground and smash the tiles with your hammer. I use the plastic bags to keep from making a mess and to keep from tiles flying into my eyes. Repeat this for each color tile of your planned mosaic. Be sure to check your tile in the bag as you smash to make sure you get it to the size you need without smashing it into dust! You can always smash again but you can not undo a smash!

Step 4:

Use trowel to put small amount of adhesive over about a 6″ section, you do not want to do it all at the same time or if you are slow like me it may harden up. Also be sure you pay attention to where your pencil lines are so that you do not cover it up with adhesive. For my mosaic, I did the inner pattern first and then filled in the background which seemed to work well. Continue this process until the entire mosaic is covered with tiles! If you make a mistake just pick it up, scrape off the adhesive and try again. The tile adhesive is easy to use, easy to pick up and very forgiving.

Step 5:

Let your mosaic dry and set per adhesive directions. When you are done you can use the same or a different grout to finish in the gaps between tiles. I did not grout mine because I was happy with the look. To grout: You will need a rubber or foam float (hardware store), place grout directly on the tiles an spread all over just like putting peanut butter on a sandwhich. Be sure to fill in all the cracks and do not worry about it getting on top of the tiles. Once this is done, use the float to push excess grout to sides and remove. Then take warm water and a sponge and genlty wipe over the entire area. If you are gently, it will clean the tiles without pulling the grout out of the spaces. After this let the grout dry per directions. You may see a haze on the tile, just clean again with soap and water and it should look fine!