So for Mother’s Day 2019, I thought I would experiment with a craft I have always wanted to do but as of a few weeks ago, had never done: Mosaic.
My initial thought was that it would be a relatively easy activity for 5 and 6 year olds. If I used a design template then I could have the kids customize it by using different colors.
So I went out and bought all the supplies needed including mosaic glue. When I sat down to do a sample, I read that the glue was toxic and should be used in a well ventilated area. So I continued with my research to see if I could find other glue options that kids could use fairly safely. And it turned out that tacky glue worked just as well gluing glass tiles onto a wooden base.
I also wish I had tried coloring grout before I did my first sample. The grout color turned out a lighter shade then what I had envisioned but I still like it.
Supplies: wooden shadow box, glass tiles, grout, tacky glue, acrylic paint (optional), stencil,
This is my design template. I used my Cricut machine to cut out the stencil.
Use the stencil to draw your design onto the shadowbox.
Next, figure out what your tile design is gonna be. For this project I used square, triangle and diamond shaped tiles.
I found it was easier to apply the glue to the shadow box instead of directly on to the tiles.
Once the glue has been applied, place the tiles making sure to leave a little space between the tiles for the grout.
I liked the reds, oranges and yellows for the heart and greens and blues for the M’s.
I finished the design by doing my floral motifs.
To differentiate my background from my design, I decided to use the lighter colored tiles.
All done with the tiling.
As I was doing my mosaic research, I became fascinated with doing colored grout. For some reason I got the color purple stuck in my head. Since I decided to finish this project late a t night, thank gosh I had some leftover paint from a previous project. I liked the 3 colors above and decided to use them.
To mix the grout, I started by following manufacturers directions.
Next, I added the paint. How much paint do you add? I I wasn’t sure what shade to go with initially. So I added a little bit of all the colors, mixed well and added a little more paint until I had the shade that I wanted.
Perfect shade.
I poured the grout into my shadowbox
I spread the grout making sure it got into the nooks and crannies.
I waited about 30 minutes for the grout to set a little. Then I used a wet sponge to remove excess grout over the tiles and sides of the shadowbox. Then I waited 48 hours for the mosaic to dry.
All done. Beautiful gift for Mom.