Tiny Mosaic Phone Table

I was in desperate need of a dry place to set down my cell phone in my super tiny bathroom. I looked around for a solution that would fit - even a plant stand would do. But everything was too large or too flimsy. I decided I would have to build something myself (darn : ) and looked around to see what supplies I had. I found that if I put a top on a wooden CD crate, it would be the perfect size. And once I had a base, I could do anything I wanted. And I did.

Note: Mosaics hold up really well to moisture, so they are great for bathrooms and outdoors.

Step 1: The Base

This is the wooden CD crate. I could have used a 6" square piece of scrap lumber for the top, but I had this wooden box frame handy, so it got to be the top. Use whatever you have - it won't show in the end. I show how hey will fit together, but don't join any parts yet. There's a lot to do first.

Note: I wanted my table to be low, but you can stack 2 crates for a taller table. And then you get a shelf, too!

Step 2: Starting the Table Top Mosaic

For the mosaic you need pieces of broken glass, or tiles, or flat marbles - pretty much anything durable and waterproof that you can create a flat surface with. I had an old kiddie mosaic kit that I cannibalized for glass. (I spent almost nothing on this project. ) You'll also need grout and glue.

I sorted out the colors and shapes I wanted for my table and started to see how the edges and corners would fit.

Step 3: Glue

With plain white glue, glue the design into place. I did small sections at a time. If I had glass cutting tools I could have cut pieces to fit, but I had to work out the design like a puzzle. Cover the whole top. Cover the sides if you want. I only did parts of the sides. I was running out of glass, but I liked how it looked anyway.

Allow glue to dry fully.

Step 4: Mix Grout

Add a teaspoon at a time of water to about 1/2 cup of dry grout. Stir well. Adjust the grout and water until the mixture is like gritty toothpaste.

Step 5: Grout

Using a popsicle stick, carefully get the grout between all the bits of glass. It's going to look like a mess. Then take your leftover grout and cover the inside, bottom of the CD crate. This will weight down the base. Mix more grout as needed. Set the crate aside - it's going to take a day or two to dry.

Step 6: The Weighted Bottom

Step 7: Back to the Mosaic

Scrape off as much of the excess grout as possible without "digging down" into the cracks. I used the stick for this. When the grout starts to set (It will thicken and get paler.), use a damp rag to wipe off more of the grout. You can do this a couple of times until your let with just a thin chalkiness of grout on your tiles.

Note: Be careful wiping! Glass edges are sharp.

Then set aside until the grout is fully dry.

Step 8: Clean the Mosaic

Now you can use a rag and water to clean the glass off all the way.

Step 9: The Wood

There are a couple options for finishing the table at this point. If you like the wood look, you can sand, stain and varnish. I decided to paint. My wood just needed a light sanding and then I used craft acrylics for my design. You can paint a solid color or make a pattern.

Step 10: Painting

Check to see where your wood will be attaching and leave those spots bare. I put an X on the surface I'd be gluing so I wouldn't loose track.

Step 11: Glue

Glue the table upside down. Put a thin layer of wood glue wherever your top will touch the base. Clamp if necessary (I didn't need to). Leave overnight before handling.

Note: My table has good balance, but if yours is tippy, you can add more grout or some decorative stones to the bottom to add weight.

Step 12: Varnish or Seal

This is optional. The mosaic top can hold up to just about anything but a hammer. I did put a clear coat on mine.

Note: If you will be using the table in a damp environment or outdoors, you should put a sealer on the wood.

Step 13: Ready to Use!

My little table fits perfectly in the tiny spot I put it in. It also fits great in other parts of my house. I may have to make more : )

Step 14: More Pics