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Mosaic ideas For Your Garden That will bring you calm

5/7/2024

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​​We could all use a little more calm in our lives with all the responsibilities adulthood brings. Having relaxing hobbies really helps ease the nonstop nature of life. If you're here at this blog post, you're probably looking for a little inspiration for a new mosaic project. Whether you're experienced with mosaic making or not, these will be as simple as they are beautiful, so you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the process!

BEFORE WE GET INTO THE IDEAS...

If you're new to mosaic making, fret not! Here are a few simple tips to ensure your mosaic withstands the test of time, even in the harshest weather conditions!
  • When selecting a backing for your mosaic, opt for concrete, ceramic, or pressure-treated wood. These choices will safeguard your creation from potential water damage, ensuring its longevity! 
  • Use glass or ceramic tiles only, and if you're making stepping stones, make sure there are no sharp edges! 
  • Etsy is a great place to source beautiful tiles! Just make sure you purchase more than you think you'll need!
  • Use a strong glue for your tiles, like E6000, to ensure they never come off!
  • Pick a non-sanded grout designed to be used outdoors or in places that tend to stay damp, like bathrooms! 
Need a little more guidance? Our Guide To An Absolutely Stunning Mosaic is a comprehensive introduction to tiles, grout, surfaces, and more! It's free and will give you the perfect overview to start this hobby!
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STEPPING STONE INSPIRATION

There is something special about making your own stepping stones, perfect for your space. Concrete or pressure-treated wood should be your backing of choice. Any local hardware store or garden center should have something that will work perfectly.
rainbow mosaic paver
​

SeashellsByMelanie

diy floral mosaic stepping stone
BerryCreatifMosaics

ocean inspired mosaic
​Carla Witkamp

You can go wild and fun like this paver from Etsy. A design like this is actually a lot easier to lay out than you'd think. Just start with one of the circles, get it fully laid out, then fill in more circles around the original, and then fill the extra gaps between circles. Once you've got everything laid out, tweezers will be your best friend for picking up tiles and adhering them down without disturbing the rest of your design! 


If you're feeling more inspired by this floral design, it's also deceptively simple to lay out, just like the last one! Just like you would've done with your circles, lay out the flowers around each other first, then fill in any additional gaps with assorted green tiles!


This beach-inspired spiral stepping stone is GORGEOUS! For this one, you'll want to mark the center of your backing as accurately as possible. I would personally use a ruler for this. Then, arrange your tiles in a spiral, one line at a time, until you've got all of your lines on!

BIRDHOUSE INSPIRATION

Wooden birdhouses are usually made with untreated wood, so before you get started on any of these adorable birdhouses, you'll want to paint the whole thing with exterior paint in the color of your choice to seal the wood and ensure no moisture will get through and break down the grout!
bright blue and yellow mosaic birdhouse
PoodlesDoodlesCo

​

cute red and yellow mosaic birdhouse
​PoodlesDoodlesCo

floral orange and teal birdhouse mosaic
​PoodlesDoodlesCo

Much like those previous stepping stones, to lay out these designs you'll want to start with the more intricate parts and will in the spaces around them once everything is laid out. The most important thing to remember when adhering tiles to something like this is that you'll need to work on one side at a time and let it fully dry down before moving on to the next, otherwise your tiles will likely slide around and mess up all of your hard work!  

Once you've got all of your sides on you'll want to go ahead and do a second coat of exterior paint anywhere you couldn't fit your tiles to make everything nice and finished!

PLANTER INSPIRATION

If you're looking for a challenge, this project is for you! Ceramic or terracotta pots are your best friend for mosaics. We recommend starting with small ones if this is your first time working on a curved surface!
mix matched mosaic planters
Better Homes and Gardens

tiny succulent planter mosaic
NestleAndSoarStudio


mosaic terracotta pot
Mosaics.ByRed

You may be thinking, "What? You think I can mosaic on a curved surface?" Yes, of course we do! It's actually easier than you may think! The only slightly challenging part about making a planter into a mosaic is that you have to work on one small portion at a time and allow the adhesive to be fully set before moving on, just like the birdhouses! You'll just have to work in much smaller sections, so nothing slides around. 


Designing will also be a bit trickier because you won't be able to fully lay out your tiles before adhering them like you would on a flat surface. But if you know the dimensions of your pot, you could lay out a design flat on your table with the exact dimensions to take tiles from while you're adhering them! That way, you won't be going into things completely blind.

NOT READY FOR THE FUN TO END?

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For more inspiration, check out our Relaxing Mosaic Projects Pinterest board, where you'll find tips and tricks, inspiration photos, and links to some of our other mosaic articles! We're also continually adding to all of our boards, so for creative inspiration, updates on our blog posts, product announcements, and more, give us a follow!

NEEDING SOME FUN PROJECTS TO DECORATE THE INSIDE OF YOUR HOME WITH NOW? WE CAN HELP WITH THAT!

With tons of beautiful options to choose from, our mosaic kits are the perfect activity for satisfying your cravings for creativity without breaking the bank or researching all of the supplies you'll need in depth. We can't wait to see what you'll create!​

Cherry Blossom Mosaic Kit

$20.00 - $45.00
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Our Top Tips To Have A Mess-Free Mosaic Party

2/15/2024

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Mosaics are so much fun to make, but they aren't the tidiest DIY project you can work on, especially for kids. That being said, there are many ways to make cleaning up for mosaic projects easy! This post covers three tips for having a mess-free mosaic party so you can focus on all of the fun mosaics have to offer. Let's get into it!

1.

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Aprons aren't just a life-saver for baking or painting; they're great for mosaic making, too! With glue and grout in the mix, things can get really messy, so keeping your clothes clean will be necessary!

Stay tidy in style with a personalized apron for all of your participants! Etsy has loads of cute, customizable options to choose from. You could also take matters into your own hands and get some cloth aprons and fabric pastels from Blick Art Materials to write your guests' names and make some doodles on the aprons just for them! These are so easy to use because you draw out your design then iron the drawings to seal and protect them!

2.

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Grouting a mosaic can get quite messy, so having something to cover your work surface is a must to make clean-up seamless. If you're not too keen on buying something specifically as a table cover, you can easily use things like cardboard or parchment paper.

Suppose you're like me and love adding special touches to your party while staying practical. In that case, this flashy holographic tablecloth from Amazon comes in many colors and is a fun addition to any party! If you're in the market for something a little simpler but just as good, try this waterproof tablecloth that also comes in a variety of colors!

3.

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​When it comes to mosaics, paper towels and napkins can be very helpful for clean-up, but baby wipes are the holy grail for mosaic-specific use! 

Not only do they easily clean grout off of hands and your table surface, but they're also just right for cleaning grout off the mosaic tiles themselves during the grouting process, even when the grout is dry! Any baby wipes will do, but I do like to go with hypoallergenic ones to stay safe if I'm not sure about any skin sensitivities of my guests!

NOW THAT YOU KNOW HOW TO KEEP THINGS TIDY...

Are you ready for more? If you want to be extra prepared for your mosaic party then you'll love Our Guide To An Absolutely Stunning Mosaic. In the guide we cover the supplies you'll need, instructions, and some extra tips to give you all of the confidence you need to succeed!
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DON'T FORGET THE MOST IMPORTANT PART!

You and your guests will be so at ease while using our Mosaic Kits! You'll have everything you need to create something just right for you, from beautiful glass and ceramic tiles to grout, instructions, and much more. You'll be able to kick back and enjoy your creation!

Four Set of 4" Coasters Mosaic Kit

$30.00 - $35.00
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Our Guide To Making A Dreamy Holiday Charcuterie Spread You'll Be Proud You Made

11/10/2023

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​It's that season again, full of festivities and spending time with friends and family! With this season's return, there's a desperate need for charcuterie. If you're fresh out of ideas for a creative spread, look no further; we've got you!

NO MORE BORING BOARDS

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I am IN LOVE with these two beautiful boards on Etsy. I can't imagine how stunning these would be for a party spread; they will surely be conversation starters! You definitely could pick up a board from Amazon or Target, but it's so much more special when it's handmade. Speaking of handmade...

HOW ABOUT A CHARCUTERIE BOARD MADE BY YOU?

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MEET OUR CHARCUTERIE BOARD MOSAIC KIT!

Imagine your friends and family asking where you got your gorgeous board and getting to tell them you made it yourself! This kit has everything you'll need to make a beautiful mosaic charcuterie board from start to finish. When you purchase our kits, you'll receive the following:
  • Grout
  • Tiles (if you have specific colors in mind, shoot us an email before ordering, and we'll work with you to execute your exact vision)
  • Glue
  • Paint to finish the border of your project
  • A Brush
  • Detailed instructions to guide you
​

Mosaic Charcuterie Board Kit

$40.00
Get the Kit

ADORN YOUR BOARD

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From Thanksgiving to New Year, so many gorgeous ideas for charcuterie spreads exist. You don't have to go quite so ornate, especially if you're on a budget, but making a beautiful presentation is so much fun! We have loads of ideas saved to our Pinterest that you'll definitely want to check out! ​
Generally, I love to have a good assortment of cheese, meat, veggies, fruits, crackers, jam, hummus, and nuts. Be mindful of any loved ones with allergies or different dietary needs. If I have a particular layout in mind that might contaminate safe foods for someone, I like to make that person a separate mini charcuterie board with foods they can eat, so there's no risk! 

If you need some great ideas for how to style your ingredients, check out this guide to styling your prosciutto, see how to make a festive charcuterie wreath, and see a lovely, fresh way to display your brie!

WANT ALL OF THE INFO YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE A FLAWLESS MOSAIC CHARCUTERIE BOARD?

​This ultimate guide will take you through everything you need to know to make a stunning mosaic, from which supplies to purchase to how to use them step by step, with little bonus tips along the way! If you're ready to get into it, now's the perfect time, especially if you're looking for unique handmade gifts to give your friends and family this season!
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MOSAIC TILES

10/20/2023

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You've decided to make a mosaic; that's awesome! Now for the fun but challenging part: where do you begin choosing your tiles? There are so many kinds of tiles to choose from, which can make it all too easy to make the wrong choice if you're unsure what to look for! That's why we created this post; we've worked (sometimes through trial and error) to determine what makes them great for each project! 
cheap mosaic tiles
First, let's cover what you probably want to avoid getting and why! ​You might want to avoid plastic tiles, which won't be able to stand up to regular use. Durability is important when creating a functional project, like a trivet or tabletop. We don't want your beautiful mosaic trivet melting when you put a pot on it because your tiles are plastic! You may also want to avoid tiles with designs etched into the top. While these tiles can be gorgeous, it can be hard to get grout out of all the indentions when you finish your project.
where to buy mosaic tiles
Now it's time to cover what tiles you should use! Glass and Ceramic tiles are beautiful and functional, making them our top choice and the types we include in our mosaic kits.  They're great in many ways, but one of my favorite things about them is that they can withstand heat, so they're great for making things like trivets or coasters. You can also use them outside without the sun bleaching them like it would with plastic tiles. There are loads of stunning options for glass and ceramic tiles on Etsy! Glass is particularly great to work with because you can purchase sheets of glass and cut out your own tiles in the exact shapes you need! You can watch this great video from Bonnie Fitzgerald & Kim Wozniak on YouTube to learn everything you need to know about the glass cutting process! 
how to cut your own mosaic tiles
​Now you understand all the tile options at your disposal, but what about the other supplies you'll need for mosaics? Check out Our Guide To An Absolutely Stunning Mosaic to learn everything you need to know about mosaic making from surfaces, grout, tile adhesive, and more!
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​If you're ready to get a feel for mosaic making, check out our mosaic kits for a great project that won't have you stressing about supplies!

Pumpkin Mosaic Kit

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Mosaic Charcuterie Board Kit

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Grout any Mosaic Project to Perfection Every Time!

8/28/2023

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Is there anything more satisfying than adding the finishing touches to a project? This step can be a little bit nerve-racking for beginners to DIY mosaics, but you'll be amazed at how you'll feel when your grout is wiped clean. Check out our video for this process here.

STEP 1: MIX THE GROUT

For all of our mosaic projects, we use unsanded grout for a smooth finish. Typically, we use white, but if you want you want to color your grout for your DIY mosaic projects, check out our free Mosaic Guide!

To get started, you'll need:
  • Your unsanded grout
  • A disposable cup
  • Water
  • Something to mix with. We'll often use the back of the paintbrush we used to add the glue to the backing. You can also use a disposable spoon!
diy mosaic
Put a small amount of your grout powder into your disposable cup. The amount will vary based on the size of your project. For a 6"-12" project, start with about a half cup of grout. Keep in mind that you can always mix more, but you can't reuse grout later that you've already mixed up.

​​Next, add a couple of tablespoons of water at a time. The goal is to have grout the consistency of a thick milkshake. It needs to be thick enough that it won't drip, but thin enough to be smooth and spreadable.

STEP 2: APPLY YOUR GROUT

​Normally, we use our hands to spread the grout over the top of the project and push it into all of the gaps between the tiles. If you're squeamish about getting your hands dirty, you can use a disposable spoon or putty knife for this.
diy mosaic
diy mosaic
When all of your cracks are filled in, use a damp sponge or paper towel to smooth out the grout and wipe the tiles clean. You'll need to rinse and wring out your sponge or switch paper towels several times as you wipe. Getting the tiles clean typically takes awhile, so don't panic if you feel like it isn't going very fast.
diy mosaic

​STEP 3: LET IT DRY

Be sure that you've removed any significant chunks of grout on top of tiles and on the edges of your project. Then, let your project dry overnight. If there's any remaining grout dust on your tiles, you'll be able to wipe it off easily when it's fully dry!

Congratulations! You did it - enjoy your DIY mosaic masterpiece!

Do you want to learn more mosaic techniques or tips like how to color grout? ​Check out Our Guide to an Absolutely Stunning Mosaic!
diy mosaic

Pumpkin Mosaic Kit

$15.00 - $45.00
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Afro Puffs Canvas Painting Kit

$15.00 - $243.00
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Painting for Two - Couple's Cherry Blossom Canvas Painting Kit

$25.00 - $90.00
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Christmas Gnome Canvas Painting Kit

$15.00 - $243.00
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Taylor Swift Canvas Painting Kit

$15.00 - $243.00
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Eras Taylor Swift Canvas Painting Kit

$15.00 - $243.00
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Cross Mosaic Kit

$20.00 - $35.00
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Mosaic Christmas Tree Kit

$15.00 - $40.00
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Mosaic Angel Kit

$14.99 - $29.99
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Leaf Mosaic Kit

$15.00 - $40.00
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12" Oval Trivet Mosaic Kit

$35.00 - $40.00
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6" Circle Trivet Mosaic Kit

$20.00 - $25.00
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our guide to an absolutely stunning mosaic

7/26/2023

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Our Guide to an Absolutely Stunning Mosaic
There are so many factors to consider when starting out with mosaic masterpieces, and when you don't know the lingo, it can be totally overwhelming. What kind of tiles should I get? How do I apply the grout? What other supplies do I need to have prepared? Are we going to make a huge mess? The questions can feel endless.
We want to give you three simple steps to create a fun, stress-free experience and show how simple creating mosaics can be! ​With minimal effort, you'll find yourself growing in confidence in your mosaic abilities. Let's jump in!
Our Guide to an Absolutely Stunning Mosaic

STEP 1: GATHER THE SUPPLIES

This is often the most confusing part of working with mosaics. You don't know exactly what you need, and you don't want to end up with supplies that won't be high quality. We're here to help!

You'll want to select an MDF or wooden backing for your project. This can simply be a wooden shape or an entire tabletop!
Be sure that you're selecting tiles that are either ceramic or glass. Plastic tiles or poor-quality tiles won't hold up to regular use, and you want your project to last. Check out our glass and ceramic tiles that are cut into shapes prior to finishing, which makes the edges smooth, rather than sharp! These are awesome when you're working on a project with kids, or when you don't want to have to stress about cutting yourself on glass shards!

Unsanded grout is the best choice for a nice and smooth grout finish for your project. This is easy to pick up at your local hardware store!

For a detailed explanation of all of the supplies you'll need, be sure to download our free mosaic guide! It includes a printable supply checklist.
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Our Guide to an Absolutely Stunning Mosaic

STEP 2: ARRANGE & GLUE YOUR TILES

Now that you've gathered your supplies, it's time to make your masterpiece! This is the moment when you actually get to start arranging your tiles in the pattern of your choice and adhering them to your backing. Here are some things to keep in mind while you complete this step:
  • Be sure to use a lot of glue. Using too little will result in your tiles popping off while you're grouting, which is so difficult to fix! Don't be afraid to really slather it on.
  • Your tiles should be spaced out pretty evenly, but it's completely fine if they're not perfect! As a general rule, you want the smallest gap between tiles to be about the width of the end of a nail file!
  • Tiles should reach the edges of your backing, but not go over the edge. If you're using sharp tiles, your mosaic will be dangerous to use if your tiles hang off.  
Our Guide to an Absolutely Stunning Mosaic

STEP 3: GROUT & ADD FINISHING TOUCHES

Is there anything more satisfying than adding the finishing touches to a project? This step can be a little bit nerve-racking for beginners, but you'll be amazed at how you'll feel when your grout is wiped clean.

Mix your unsanded grout powder with water until you've reached the consistency of a thick milkshake. Then you'll smooth the grout into the cracks between the tiles and wipe off with a cloth or sponge.

Would you like a more thorough explanation of the grouting process, more tips, and a video tutorial? Our Guide to an Absolutely Stunning Mosaic includes all of those things!
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MOSAIC KITS

Gathering all of the many supplies you'll need to get started with a mosaic hobby can be a challenge. That's why we've created mosaic kits that include everything you'll need. You can place one order and have everything you'll need to create your masterpiece arrive on your doorstep! With lots of projects to choose from, you can create one project after another with ease.

Turtle Mosaic Kit

$15.00 - $40.00
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    hey there!

    The Sketching Pad has been helping people just like you have fun and stress-free painting experiences for over a decade. Whether we're helping people create masterpieces in person in our studio, or we're guiding people who are painting at home through our painting kits and video tutorials, we are passionate about helping people see that everyone can be an artist with the right tools and guidance!

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    This FREE Acrylic Painting Guide includes:
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    You'll learn...
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    You'll learn...
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