HOW TO MOSAIC
The Fact is----you need some facts about the art of mosaics.
Always remember the list is endless for what to use in mosaic from, glass, to ceramic, old china, buttons, shells etc, Mosaic is a chance to let your imagination run wild and bring out the creative side we all have in us, remember sensible and safety is the key for mosaic. When your project is for outside use waterproof products for e.g. adhesive and grout and a good sealant. To enhance and protect.
GETTING STARTED
There are four basic requirements to complete your mosaic masterpiece.
1. THE BASE:
Needs to be non-flexible and non-porous for best results.
2. MATERIALS:
Tiles, beads, crystals, ceramic, mirror pieces, pebbles/stones, silver/gold leaf, stained glass, shells, the list is almost endless.
3. ADHESIVE:
A suitable tile adhesive/glue.
4. GROUT:
Several colour choices are available for filling in the gaps and strengthening your work. You will need some tools to cut things to shape when a hammer won't do.
These include:Tile cutters and nippers will get you started with the basic mosaic piece.
YOUR MASTERPIECE
DESIGN
Work out your design first. Draw it on some paper to g ive you an idea of what it will look like - lay it on your base, see what adjustments need to be made etc, or use templates readily available in books or craft shops.
COLOUR & TEXTURE
Think about what colours will look best to bring out the pattern. Lay some loose tiles/pieces on your paper design to help give better ideas. Use different thicknesses of materials to give different dimensions to your work. Just remember to leave a reasonable gap for grouting around thinner pieces so they don't disappear under the grout. Also think about the practical side - if you are making a table top, then you'll want to minimize humps and hollows.
LETS DO IT
Okay, you've chosen your design, materials and colour. You can choose one of two methods to adhere your pieces. Either apply the glue direct to the base and lay your piece on top or glue the back of the piece and stick it to the base.
Less glue will be used by gluing the back of the piece and if you have to leave your work for awhile then you won't have to worry about the glue drying out if it is spread all over the base.
If you are making a larger area in the one colour or set design and are laying the tiles uncut e.g. the table top, then gluing the base will be a better option. This way you can lay your tiles down in sheets. Keep building your design, by laying, shaping, nibbling and cutting until finished. When glue is almost dry, scrape away any excess blobs from the surface and from in between the pieces - this will enhance the grouts ability to get in and stay in. Set aside to dry. The instructions on the adhesives should give you minimum drying times.
Once your glue is dry brush away any loose debris. Apply your grout using a rubber squeegee or similar. Make sure grout is evenly packed into every little crevice. Remove excess grout using a damp sponge - not a wet one. If your sponge is too wet it will start washing out the grout. Rinse the sponge regularly and keep sponging and sponging until all surplus grout is gone, your pieces all stand out nicely and the grout lines are nice and smooth.
Set aside to dry. When your grout is almost dry you can give your masterpiece another little wipe with a damp sponge. When completely dry, polish with a dry cloth to remove any film left on the tiles.
If your masterpiece is going to be outside, you can apply some grout sealant to protect from the elements and extend its life.
Hey presto!!!! These are your basic guidelines. From here you can extend your range of tools, ideas, and projects.
HINTS AND TIPS
Make sure when laying your pieces to keep sharp points away from the edges of your project. Grouting will not protect these sharp points from your hands and a nasty cut will ensue. A good mosaic book giving you guidelines, projects and step-by-step instructions is a worthy investment, or borrow one from your local library. We are always available to answer your questions.
The Fact is----you need some facts about the art of mosaics.
Always remember the list is endless for what to use in mosaic from, glass, to ceramic, old china, buttons, shells etc, Mosaic is a chance to let your imagination run wild and bring out the creative side we all have in us, remember sensible and safety is the key for mosaic. When your project is for outside use waterproof products for e.g. adhesive and grout and a good sealant. To enhance and protect.
GETTING STARTED
There are four basic requirements to complete your mosaic masterpiece.
1. THE BASE:
Needs to be non-flexible and non-porous for best results.
2. MATERIALS:
Tiles, beads, crystals, ceramic, mirror pieces, pebbles/stones, silver/gold leaf, stained glass, shells, the list is almost endless.
3. ADHESIVE:
A suitable tile adhesive/glue.
4. GROUT:
Several colour choices are available for filling in the gaps and strengthening your work. You will need some tools to cut things to shape when a hammer won't do.
These include:Tile cutters and nippers will get you started with the basic mosaic piece.
YOUR MASTERPIECE
DESIGN
Work out your design first. Draw it on some paper to g ive you an idea of what it will look like - lay it on your base, see what adjustments need to be made etc, or use templates readily available in books or craft shops.
COLOUR & TEXTURE
Think about what colours will look best to bring out the pattern. Lay some loose tiles/pieces on your paper design to help give better ideas. Use different thicknesses of materials to give different dimensions to your work. Just remember to leave a reasonable gap for grouting around thinner pieces so they don't disappear under the grout. Also think about the practical side - if you are making a table top, then you'll want to minimize humps and hollows.
LETS DO IT
Okay, you've chosen your design, materials and colour. You can choose one of two methods to adhere your pieces. Either apply the glue direct to the base and lay your piece on top or glue the back of the piece and stick it to the base.
Less glue will be used by gluing the back of the piece and if you have to leave your work for awhile then you won't have to worry about the glue drying out if it is spread all over the base.
If you are making a larger area in the one colour or set design and are laying the tiles uncut e.g. the table top, then gluing the base will be a better option. This way you can lay your tiles down in sheets. Keep building your design, by laying, shaping, nibbling and cutting until finished. When glue is almost dry, scrape away any excess blobs from the surface and from in between the pieces - this will enhance the grouts ability to get in and stay in. Set aside to dry. The instructions on the adhesives should give you minimum drying times.
Once your glue is dry brush away any loose debris. Apply your grout using a rubber squeegee or similar. Make sure grout is evenly packed into every little crevice. Remove excess grout using a damp sponge - not a wet one. If your sponge is too wet it will start washing out the grout. Rinse the sponge regularly and keep sponging and sponging until all surplus grout is gone, your pieces all stand out nicely and the grout lines are nice and smooth.
Set aside to dry. When your grout is almost dry you can give your masterpiece another little wipe with a damp sponge. When completely dry, polish with a dry cloth to remove any film left on the tiles.
If your masterpiece is going to be outside, you can apply some grout sealant to protect from the elements and extend its life.
Hey presto!!!! These are your basic guidelines. From here you can extend your range of tools, ideas, and projects.
HINTS AND TIPS
Make sure when laying your pieces to keep sharp points away from the edges of your project. Grouting will not protect these sharp points from your hands and a nasty cut will ensue. A good mosaic book giving you guidelines, projects and step-by-step instructions is a worthy investment, or borrow one from your local library. We are always available to answer your questions.