Mosaic is a long tradition and the practical way of expressing this art is through the use of discarded materials. Broken items should be used instead of buying expensive materials in creating a new art piece. Old materials can be a great substitute and cost saving, too. They can be bought for less at garage sales, flea markets and thrift shops. Organizing your stockroom and attic is also a good idea for treasure hunting. It’s keeping something you valued and creating a memorable present for loved ones. This way you also practice recycling by creating new, meaningful and impressive craft from scrap.
Mosaic Materials
The beauty of mosaic is based on material used; the material plays a big part on your decision in creating your design. Aside from broken china, other materials you can use are stained glass in varying pieces, flat glass in different shapes, glass diamonds in different colors, sea glass, sea shells, gems, shaped tiles, mirrors, river rock, pebbles, marbles, charms, trinkets, beads and buttons.
Its size should be big enough to get attention and small enough to give detail.
Areas of bold color use against each other gives strength to the design and shades of one color gives quality and depth.
Creating texture by combining different materials, adds drama. For example, put matte and glazed ceramic tiles together to create tones of color or reconstruct the pattern on broken china to create interest.
Other materials you can use to decorate are stained glass in varying pieces, flat glass in different shapes, glass diamonds in different colors, sea glass, sea shells, gems, shaped tiles, mirrors, river rock, pebbles, marbles, charms, trinkets, buttons and beads.
Easy and simple crafts you can make using mosaic art are pots, candleholders, curtains, light boxes, lamps and even mural on your bedroom wall.
MOSAIC AS A GARDEN ART
Create colorful mosaic pot out of broken china.
Let’s admit, sometimes we broke beautiful and colorful plates by accident. Even a small chip or crack on our plates, we think it’s worthless.
Don’t throw it away or feel sad about it, good news is, you can make use of broken dishes by turning them into a lovely flower pot. It’s best for springtime or simply adds more color to your garden anytime and also, a perfect gift for the green thumb.
MATERIALS YOU NEED:
-Broken dishes
-Clay pot
-Craft glue
-Tile grout
-Hammer
-Spoon
-Wet towel
-Newspaper
HOW TO DO IT:
- When breaking plates into small pieces. Wrap it up with two sheets of newspaper before smashing it with hammer. Between each hit, save the pieces that are about 1 x 1 inch in size. Throw out the small debris and continue to break the big ones.
- Wash and clean the flower pot and let it dry.
- Cover your work surface with newspaper and place all the materials on it.
- Glue the pieces of the plate onto the pot. Try to space them evenly or create a simple pattern that you like as long as you leave space for tile grout.
- Let it dry overnight.
- Mix tile grout according to package instructions.
- Use a spoon to spread the tile grout evenly.
- Wipe off excess grout with a damp towel. Let it dry.
IMPORTANT TIPS TO REMEMBER
- To prepare ceramic tile or dishes for use, place a couple into the large and thick zip lock bag and seal. Hammer, until it is broken into pieces of various sizes. Remove from bag to your work area. Continue this process until all tile is broken up. This way you do not only avoid mess but you also protect yourself from debris. It’s cheaper to use newspaper but it’s not safe.
- Cover your working area with disposable paper to save time from cleaning after you finish your project.
- Before starting to decorate the pot, throw the broken pieces with sharp edges to protect yourself from cuts.
- If the mosaic is for indoors use any of the ceramic and glass materials. If outdoors ensure that the materials are frost resistant. Regular ceramic bathroom and kitchen tiles are NOT frost resistant.
- To give the pot a unique mosaic look at least half of the area on the pot should be covered by pieces from the broken plates. The addition of gems gives the pot a sparkling look.
- If you do not have broken plates, another good source is broken tiles. You can buy this at your local tile store or hardware. They may give it to you for free or at a discounted price.
- The beauty of mosaic is the irregularities of the shapes. This is one instance where pieces that fit perfectly together will be taken away from its uniqueness.
