I’ve always liked the way things come together to become whole. There’s nothing like putting that last piece of the puzzle down to finally see a complete picture. Bright colors, stained glass, pretty baubles and sparkly things always catch my eye, so naturally I was intrigued by the process of making mosaics. Having had the chance to explore the excavated streets of Pompeii a few years ago, the ancient and intricate mosaics left a lasting impression and I find vibrant Moroccan geometric mosaic patterns particularly mesmerizing. You too can brighten up beige walls with a rich display of color on the cheap. Here’s how:
To make your own mosaic, start with something small and simple, like a MALMA IKEA Mirror (just $2.99) that I use here (or even a little RÖNNBÄRR terracotta flowerpot).
1. You can leave the wood untreated or you can paint it any color that strikes your fancy. It won’t show on the finished product but helps seal the wood and may make it easier to apply mosaic pieces.
2. Gather together materials to add. Blue Moon Glassworks in Austin’s Hyde Park has beautiful panels of stained glass available that are quite fun to smash and break into different size pieces. You can incorporate everything from broken China plates, seashells, buttons, pebbles to found objects to junk jewelry.
3. Get a strong adhesive. Omni Gel dries clear and will permanently attach just about anything. Welbond is also an excellent water based glue for indoor mosaics.
4. Choose a pattern or create your own. Just makes sure you have a plan before you start gluing things down, and be sure to leave gaps between glued items to add grout later. If you are using glass, rubber gloves will help protect your fingertips, and be sure to put on safety glasses before you take a hammer to anything. TIP: For smoother edges, put glass or China pieces into an empty Mason jar and shake it around until the edges are worn down before attempting to apply to any surface.
5. Mix grout and avoid breathing in any dust. It’s a messy job, so you will probably want to do this outside. Darker grout usually looks best, but you can also pick a contrasting color of grout to make your design pop. The grout should have the consistency of cookie dough before it is applied to your mirror’s frame.
6. Use masking tape to protect the mirror’s surface and add grout between the gaps. Let dry overnight, then wipe the grout off your mosaic pieces with a damp sponge for a nice shine. Peel the tape off mirror and see your smiling face as you admire your work of art.
7. Voila! Hang prominently in your house and impress visitors with your DIY skills.
If you’d like to take a mosaic class in Austin, The Art Pad offers a variety of different mosaic courses for all skill levels. The Austin Museum of Art also offers a five-week beginner class through their Art School at their picturesque Laguna Gloria location.
For a more ambitious mirror project, click here for another take on how to make a mirror mosaic.
Very cool tips!
This looks awesome!