Getting started with mosaics

The mosaic technique is simple to master and requires only a few basic tools and materials. By Kirsty Robertson

Mosaics are created by placing small pieces of material, like tiles or broken crockery, together and sticking them in place to create a design. You can create a mosaic on almost any surface and transform it from something plain and uninteresting to a beautiful simple design or a decorative piece of art! Before you start, get everything together that you are likely to use.

 

 

 

 

 

You will need:

 
Basic materials

Mosaic pieces - these are available in a wide variety of materials. You can either buy these pre-cut specifically for mosaic crafts, or you can make your own pieces by breaking up materials into small pieces.

The most commonly used mosaic pieces include:

Tile - available in beautiful colours both glazed (shiny) and unglazed (matt), readily available and relatively inexpensive.

 
Smalti - enamelled venetian glass, the most classic mosaic material.

 
Stone, marble, mirror and coloured glass

Crockery - china, porcelain and earthenware are all suitable.

Objects - beads, buttons, pebbles and shells are all good examples of other materials to use in mosaics.

 

Tip: Look out in sales, second hand shops, antique shops or car boot sales for interesting plates, cups or jugs to break up and use.

 

Tip: You can also buy mosaic craft boxes full of different mosaic pieces and colours - great for experimenting with.

PVA Glue - for gluing each mosaic piece in position prior to grouting.

 

Grout - for filling in between the mosaic tile pieces. Available in different colours, but always choose a contrasting colour. If you use grout to match your tiles then the tiles will not stand out and all the detail of your design will be lost.

 

Tip: Grouts are much darker while they are wet and get lighter as the dry.

 

Tip: If you want to experiment with coloured grout, you can add water based coloured paint to white grout to make different colours.

 

Objects to decorate - try the following items: coaster, clock face, flower pot, lamp base, mirror, picture, picture frame, table top, tray, vase.

 
Tip: Begin with a simple piece, such as a flat picture or a coaster and move on to more advanced pieces later.

 

Basic tools

Tile cutter/nippers - for cutting the materials for use as mosaic pieces.

Spatula - to apply the grout into the gaps between the mosaic pieces and to wipe off any excess grout.

 
Sponge - to wipe the surface of the mosaic clean while grouting and to polish the finished mosaic.

 

Safety glasses - if you are cutting your own pieces, you must always wear safety glasses when breaking up materials, as tiles tend to shatter and small shards could fly up into your face.

 

All the above mentioned materials and tools should be available in your local DIY store, tile shop or craft shop. You can also order all these items online.

 

Five easy steps to follow:

 
1. Choose your base/object to mosaic onto.

 

2. Draw your design outline onto the background. You can get design inspiration from all types of sources such as fabric, wallpaper, wrapping paper and greetings cards.

 

Tip: Start simple! The colour and detail come when you add the mosaic pieces and grouting.

 

3. Decide on your mosaic pieces. Either buy pre-cut mosaic pieces, or cut your own tiles/crockery by using tile cutters or breaking them randomly.

 

Tip: When breaking pieces randomly, first protect the surface you are working on with a thick towel, then place the piece to be broken into a strong bag and hit it with a small hammer. The bag keeps all the dust and shards safely contained.

 

4. Use the PVA glue to stick the mosaic pieces in place.

 

Tip: Use tweezers to help you dip the tiny pieces into glue and stick in place.

 

Tip: If your design allows, lay out the cut mosaic pieces in position first so that you can make any adjustments prior to sticking in place.

 

5. Once the glue has set, grout your mosaic by spreading the grout out with the spatula into all the gaps. Use the sponge to wipe away any excess grout and leave it to dry over night. Once dry, use the sponge or a soft cloth to polish the surface.


Get inspiration from:

Books:

Mosaic Magic: Simple Creative Ideas for Sophisticated Home Style by Angie Weston.

The Complete Book of Mosaics: Techniques & Instructions for over 25 Beautiful Home Accents by Emma Biggs & Tessa Hunkin.

The Mosaic Artist's Sourcebook: Over 300 Traditional & Contemporary Deigns by Teresa Mills.

 

Classes:

You will find mosaic classes running throughout the country. To find your nearest class try the following websites: www.hotcourses.com www.mymosaicworkshop.co.uk, www.craft-search.co.uk www.careersadvice.direct.gov.uk - click on ‘find a course' or call 0800 100 900. These sites list classes and courses in your area. Alternatively, ask at your local fabric shop.

 
Shops:

Local DIY stores, tile shops and craft shops are all good sources of supplies. Visit:

Hobbycraft, tel: 0800 027 2387 

B&Q, tel: 0845 609 6688 

Topps Tiles tel: 0800 023 4703 

Fired Earth tel: 0845 366 0400 

 

Websites:

There are many websites selling mosaic pieces, tiles, grouting and adhesives so it is definitely worth having a search around for the best prices. Try:

www.thecraftkit.com

www.mymosaicworkshop.co.uk

www.mosaics.co.uk

www.bakerross.co.uk - for kids mosaic kits

 

 

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