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."

Step 1: 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

Comments

[spylock]

Nice job,it looks better than just "artsy".

[robbtoberfest]

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.

[spylock]

You could seal it.

[The Papier Boy]

I'm not a huge fan of liquid nails. it takes too long to cure, IMO.

[bajablue]

Awesome!!!

[suezq]

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?

[eblisster]

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!

[suezq]

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!

[suezq]

Had to chuckle at the Ambien. It's probably what I'll need to keep from fiddling with it before it dries :)

[eblisster]

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.

[kelllbelll]

Great idea! Thanks

[mooncake]

That looks cool! I'm gonna give it a go :-)