Did you know that you can create trivets or plaques through mosaics? Yes, these are homemade mosaics that are very easy to create.
Firstly, you should know the basics of mosaic. It is an art whereby small pieces of any colored material are glued to a base to create a picture, pattern, or an image. Mosaic dates back many centuries ago and until now, it is still being used in upscale homes, buildings, and churches.
Perhaps youre already familiar with mosaics. In this article, you will learn how to create a trivet or a plaque using your own style and design.
Oftentimes, ceramic tiles are used in mosaic. However, other options are available to you. You can use ceramics or even glass dishes. Glass is beautiful but since it easily cracks, it can cause injuries and the fine pieces can no longer be used. Another cost alternative is to use ceramic dishes. You can find old dishes in thrift shops, yard sales, and flea shops. If youre lucky enough, you can find some old ceramic dishes in your stock room.
In order to create a trivet or a plaque that is 7×10 inches, you should have the following materials:
1. Wood where you can cut-out the design; just make sure that you measure the size of the design
2. One sq foot of ceramic dishes or tiles
3. 1 cup of grout
4. Water, white glue, masking tape, Ziploc bag, grout container, hammer, sponge, sandpaper, saw-tooth hanger, and soft rag
If youre going to use ceramic dishes or tiles, place them inside a Ziploc bag. Seal it and hammer the large pieces until they are broken into much smaller sizes. Dont forget to wear your safety goggles and gloves before doing this. Remove the tesserae from the Ziploc bag and place them on the work table or area.
By now, you should already have a drawing or a sketch of the design. Lay out the tessrae on the drawing but dont put glue yet. Leave half an inch between the tile and the border of the drawing. Try to maintain the space between each tile at 1/8 inch. Once the edges have dried, you can now proceed with the decoration of the other sides of the trivet or the plaque. Divide the drawing in sections and place glue on the back side of each tile or tesserae. Dont worry if there are irregularities in the shape of the tiles; this gives beauty and uniqueness to the work.
Always have a handy glove. Mixing the grout can be done better by using your hand. Apply the grout from the center of the mosaic and work your way to the sides. Leave the plaque or the trivet for a day. Wipe off excess grout and dirt using a damp sponge. If there are any grout holes, fill the space with grout once more. For polishing, you can simply use a soft rag.
Homemade mosaics are very easy to make. Choose a simply design as a beginner and as you improve your skills, you can do ore complicated art work. Make a plaque or trivet now and display it at home. It will surely catch the attention of your guests when they enter the room. Youre never too old or too young to start a mosaic project.