| Mosaic Patio Tabletop |
From "DIY Kids"
episode DIK-101 |
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Kids love filling an ordinary backyard with incredible outdoor creations. Let the first be a beautiful mosaic tabletop they can create with pieces of broken tile from a tile store or stained-glass pieces from a craft store. We used both in the following project. You can use just about any outdoor table, old or new, and you can enjoy it inside or out. Mosaic expert Sheila Hawley explains how it's done. Materials:
Small table
Pieces of tile or stained glass
Tacky hobby glue
Grout mixture
Hammer
Spatula
Sponge and water
Two old towels
Safety goggles and mask
Optional: clear acrylic paint
- With a parent's permission, choose pieces of tile for your table. If the pieces are larger than 1", fold them in a towel, and use a hammer to gently tap each tile into smaller, more workable pieces.
- Create a design by placing the pieces of tile on the table in a pattern you like (figure A). Be sure all of the pieces are about the same thickness. You can double-stack thin pieces to even them up.
- Glue the tiles to the table with tacky glue. Press down and hold each piece for 3 to 5 seconds. Let the design dry for 24 hours.
- When the design is dry, mix grout according to package directions until it's the consistency of oatmeal. Using your hands or a spatula, spread the grout over and between the tile pieces (figure B).
- Use the spatula to make a smooth edge (figure C).
- Wipe the entire grouted area with a damp sponge. Wait about 15 minutes for a cloudy film to form on the tiles, then wipe it again with a clean, damp sponge.
- After the tabletop dries another 15 minutes, buff it well with a clean, dry towel (figure D).
- Allow the mosaic tabletop to dry for 24 hours before using it.
- To preserve your table for outdoor use, coat the top with clear acrylic spray. Make sure to wear safety goggles and a mask anytime you spray.
RESOURCES :
The Picture Book of Kids Crafts and Activities
Model: 0809229684
Author: Roxanne Henderson
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
NTC Contemporary Publishing Co. (Quilt Digest Press)
Lincolnwood, IL 60646-1975
Phone: 847-679-5500
Fax: 847-679-2494
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