| Mosaic Vase |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-207 |
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Q: Can you walk me through the steps of applying tile to a vase so it looks well done?
A: (Debbie Stapely, Ask DIY Crafts Expert) If you have the right materials, this project is smooth sailing. Here's what you do: Materials:
Glass vase with flat sides
Purchased glass mosaic tiles
Glass cleaner
Mosaic adhesive and brush to apply it
Purchased mosaic tiles
Premixed ceramic-tile grout
Rubber or plastic spatula
Spray bottle
Fingernail brush
- Work with the tiles sold specifically for mosaics. They're already cut smooth and ready to use. If you decide to cut your own glass, that's a whole different project, and you'll need to wear safety glasses to cut the glass or tile.
- Clean the glass with glass cleaner so there's no oil or residue of any kind on the surface. Be sure it's completely dry before you proceed.
- Use the adhesive designed specifically for mosaics -- it will dry clear. That way you can also use the vase as a luminaria if you like. Set the vase on its side and brush a liberal coat of mosaic adhesive on the entire side that's facing up ( figure A).
- Arrange the tiles on the glue. Create any kind of pattern you want -- it doesn't have to be a perfect design. You can turn different tiles on the diagonal, for example, or in a grid pattern. Play around a bit with this step. Continue with the other sides.
- Once all the adhesive is completely dry, use a spatula to apply premixed ceramic-tile grout over the outside surface of the vase, over the tiles and the adhesive. Glob the grout on first, then use the straight edge of the spatula to scrape it into the spaces between tiles (figure B). On the edges of the vase, mold the grout into place with a wet finger.
- Let the grout set overnight.
- Moisten the tile with a spray bottle of plain water. Then use a fingernail brush to buff the tiles clean.
More Questions for Debbie:
Q: What do I need to do to make potpourri from flowers?
A: You need to dry them. There are lots of ways, and you can find supplies at a craft store. For potpourri, you'll also need to add some essential oils.
Q: I ran out of glaze in the middle of a project, so I made my own. What should a finished glaze mixture look like?
A: Tip one: Write down the proportions! Inevitably you will run out of glaze and have to mix some more. But there is no correct proportion. It depends on the look you're going for. Just try to be consistent throughout the project.
Q: Can you give me some different options for displaying seashells?
A: Typically, people use a beautiful glass vase or jar, but here's a different idea. Take the glass out of a shadowbox frame and put some sand in the bottom. Place shells in the sand and set the box on a table. Web site resources for Mosaic Vases: Miniature Mosaics from HGTV.Com Mosaic Vase from AZ Family.Com Mosaic Suncatcher from Ben Franklin Crafts.Com Books: Making Bits and Pieces Mosaics: Creative Projects for Home and Garden
By Marlene Hurley Marshall
ISBN: 1580170153
Storey Publishing (1998)
Schoolhouse Rd.
Pownal, VT 05261
Phone: 802-823-5200
Fax: 802-823-5819
Web site: www.storey.com Stained Glass Mosaics: Projects and Patterns
By George W. Shannon, Pat Torlen and Greta Torlen
ISBN: 1895569540
Sterling Publishing Company (1999)
387 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-532-7160
Fax: 212-213-2495
Customer Service Phone: 800-367-9692
Customer Service Fax: 800-542-7567
E-mail: webmaster@sterlingpub.com
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