Mosaics
The
mosaic process is very easy, relaxing, and fun. After a piece is finished there is always a
sense of accomplishment and pride. Please read below for a detailed description of the steps in the mosaic process from start
to finish. It is amazing that something so beautiful can be so simple.
Use your imagination and create a masterpiece! We have a nice selection of shapes, picture frames, tiles, etc. to choose from. Or bring your own surface in and we will help you create your project.
Prices are per project and will differ depending on size, and amount and type of tiles used. Ex. Frame and 6x 6 tile shown range approximately $20.00 10" circle below approximately $30.00.
How to Mosaic
step ONE
The
first step in the mosaic process is to find a rigid surface to mosaic.
We chose a Basic Heart shaped Picture Frame, tile and round sign. Glass, metal, wood, ceramic, and other
rigid surfaces are more ideas.
step TWO
After
you choose your surfaces, it is time to design your piece. Your only
design limitation is your own imagination. You can draw it on paper
first or lay it out on your surface. .
Lay down
your adhesive in sections. Avoid using so much adhesive that it squishes
up between your pieces. This leaves no where for the grout to go.
step THREE
If
you want to cut and nip tiles for your designs, it is very simple.
You can use either a Tile Nipper or Wheeled Glass Nipper. You will simply put your tile in the "mouth" of the tool and squeeze
down. Nipping and cutting allows you to cut pieces to specific sizes
for your designs. For children ,one of our staff can help nip or use , our pre-nipped glass in a wide variety of
colors.
step FOUR
Now
that you have your first section of adhesive down, you will now apply
your ( mosaic pieces). Place each piece on top of your adhesive
as desired. You need to leave a minimum of approximately 1/8" between
each tile to leave room for grout. You can space your pieces out further
if you like. A good rule of thumb is a 1/8" minimum and 1/2" maximum
space between pieces.
step FIVE
Lay
down your next section of adhesive. Work in small areas at a time. This
keeps your adhesive from drying out if you are working slowly. It will
also give you stopping points if you want to take a break. You don't
have to do a project in one sitting.
step SIX
Start
applying the rest of your tiles to your piece. It can make it easier
to grout if you make the pieces near the edge of your surface somewhat
flush to the surface. Work section by section until you piece is
completely covered as illustrated in step six below.
step SEVEN
Here
we show the piece completely covered with tesserae. You can also mosaic
the sides of your Frame, Mirror, or Plaque if you like. You should let
your adhesive set for 24-48 hours before grouting. After it has cured
for this amount of time you are ready to grout your piece.
step TEN
We
suggest that you use Gloves when working with Grout. It is non-toxic,
but it can dry your hands out. You can easily go through 2 or 3 pairs of
Gloves while grouting. Apply the grout with your fingers.
It is sorta like icing a cake with your hands. Press it down in the
spaces between your pieces. Sculpt it on your edges to make a nice
smooth edge. Generously cover your entire piece.
step ELEVEN
Once
you have covered your entire piece and filled all of the spaces, wipe
off as much of the excess as you can with your gloves or hands. After
you do this you are going to let it sit for 20-30 minutes or until the
grout become hazy on the piece.
step TWELVE
Now, take a very slightly
dampened sponge or cloth and begin wiping the haze off. You can then
use a dry cloth or your hands to remove the remaining haze and residual
grout. Try to remove as much grout as possible. If you don't get it off
now, it will be much harder to do so later. Clean each tile if you
desire. Do not use paper towels, they flake off and stick in your grout.
step THIRTEEN
You
are done with your grout. Throw it away. Never wash it down the sink!
If needed, take a cloth or sponge and polish your piece up. If you did
not mosaic the edges of your piece, you can finish it with an acrylic
that matches your grout. The end!
step FOURTEEN
Enjoy your new masterpiece!