Create an Eccentric Mosaic Garden Ornament

Create an Eccentric Mosaic Garden Ornament
Recycle old materials to create an eccentric garden decoration. Your neighbors will thank you for it. People will think you're "artsy."
 
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Step 1Gather Materials

Gather Materials
You'll need to decide what garden "item" you'll be applying a mosaic to. I am using flower pots, a bird bath, and this "thing" that I found in my neighbor's trash. For this instructable I'll focus on the birdbath.

You'll also need to gather a bunch of old crap to apply to your garden item. I am using old tile pieces, marbles, coffee mugs, broken flower pots, mirrors, and other odds and ends. Anything that will withstand the elements should be fine.

There are some tools and materials that you will need:

2 buckets
water
a sponge
steel wool (or a scrubby sponge)
Thin set mortar
Sanded grout
Tile snips (optional, for more fancy designs)
Glass cutting tool (optional, for more fancy designs)
Silicon adhesive (optional, for more fancy designs and for smaller pieces like a flower pot)
Safety glasses
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12 comments
Jul 4, 2011. 8:53 PMspylock says:
Nice job,it looks better than just "artsy".
Oct 14, 2008. 3:01 PMrobbtoberfest says:
I use liquid nails construction adhesive on my mosaics. I'm still having a little trouble with freeze/thaw on the grout; I might need to find something more flexible.
Jul 4, 2011. 8:51 PMspylock says:
You could seal it.
Jul 3, 2011. 9:28 AMbajablue says:
Awesome!!!
Mar 30, 2010. 7:53 PMsuezq says:
Very nicely done 'ible. I've been wanting to do a mosaic table top on an old ornate wrought iron end table but have been afraid to try. Can mosaic stuff be applied to tempered glass or should I swap out the glass table top for a piece of plywood?
Apr 23, 2009. 9:47 AMeblisster says:
I have to say I've never found removing grout haze to be a problem. I usually put dampened newspaper on my mosaic pieces to slow down the drying process. The longer it takes to dry, the stronger the grout will be. Grout dries on top faster than on the bottom (due to air exposure) and what you want is to slow that down a bit so it dries more evenly. I spritz the newspaper every couple hours or so to keep it damp over night. Once you go to bed it will finishing drying on it's own. I usually just use a rag to buff off the haze later. I also add some Weldbond glue to my grout water. Just be careful when using it on mirror as it tends to make a more cloudy haze on the glass which would require more buffing. Other than that, I think this project came out really nicely and I'd be proud to have the birds in my back yard bathing in it!
Mar 30, 2010. 7:50 PMsuezq says:
Thank you for the newspaper tip. I have carpal tunnel and anything that helps me to not have to scrub for a long time is much appreciated!
Mar 30, 2010. 7:45 PMsuezq says:
Had to chuckle at the Ambien. It's probably what I'll need to keep from fiddling with it before it dries :)
Apr 23, 2009. 9:57 AMeblisster says:
If you're in New England, you might be interested in the upcoming Art of Mosaic show to be held at the Somerville Museum in Somerville, MA in September. If you would like to submit a mosaic, please go to www.MosaicsNewEngland.com. Submissions are being accepted through May 31, 2009. The show is open to New England Mosaic Artists only.
Sep 26, 2008. 11:55 AMkelllbelll says:
Great idea! Thanks
Aug 10, 2008. 3:18 AMmooncake says:
That looks cool! I'm gonna give it a go :-)

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Author:The Papier Boy(i got something to say)
This is Kris: Maker of stuff. His specialty: Paper mache and laminated paper. His mission: To keep man a caged animal on the Planet of the Apes