Easy Garden Mosaics in 5 Steps

Posted on July 27th, 2011 in Mosaics,Outdoor Mosaics,Tools & Supplies,Tutorials by Gwynne

Would you like to make decorative mosaic items for your garden?

Maybe you are new to Mosaics and uncertain about cutting glass or shaping tile?
Relax, you can make mosaics without nipping tiles or cutting glass.

What you can make:

  • Mosaic paving stones (decorative only, not for walking on)
  • Decorative garden mosaic accents
  • Mosaic labels for plants
  • Mosaic house number signs
  • Mosaic plant pots
  • More …

Keep it Simple!

For your first mosaics use simple shapes and simple materials . Start with outlining a simple shape and then filling it in.

When you select your designs and materials think about your result being colorful, entertaining, playful.Use colors you like; do you prefer bright primary colors, or a soft pastel palette.

Think about adding color to areas of your garden where there are down times in bloom production. What colors do you want to see there? What colors will complement your garden when flowers are in bloom?

Also think about adding little half-hidden touches in borders, under branches, and around corners.

Be practical, too, and make some colorful plant labels for that plant name you can never remember.

When you are more comfortable making mosaics be inventive, try new techniques , learn.
Most of all, have fun!

(Click on the links below for more detailed information.)

 

How To Make Easy Garden Mosaics in Five Steps

  1. Clean and prep the substrate/mosaic base
  2. Plan your design
  3. Glue the tesserae
  4. Grout the piece
  5. Seal the piece

Place your artwork in the garden, and enjoy!

 

Materials

Substrates:
(The material/item to which you attach the mosaic)

  • stone tiles,
  • concrete stepping stones or paving stones,
  • bricks,
  • smooth stones,
  • flagstones,
  • terracotta pots
  • etc.

 

Tesserae:
(The tiles or pieces in the mosaic)

  • pre-cut stained glass (squares, diamonds, shapes, etc.)
  • glass globs,
  • millefiori,
  • pre-cut tiles,
  • shells,
  • polished rocks and gemstones,
  • old jewelry,
  • etc.

Adhesives:
(attaches the tesserae to the substrate)

  • Fast acting heat-activated adhesive,
  • silicone caulk,
  • thinset mortar,
  • etc.

Grout:
(fills in the gaps between the tesserae)

  • sanded grout for exterior use

Sealer:
(protects the grout from stains and damage)

  • grout sealer

This post is part of a series on Mosaics on the Rocks:

Post a comment