How To: Make a mosaic for your home or garden

Mosaics are a cool type of art. You can use mosaics to liven up your home or garden and they are cheap and fun to make. Check out this video for tips and instructions for making mosaics.
You Will Need
• Fiberboard
• Pencil
• Ceramic and glass
• Adhesive glue
• Strips of wood or metal
• Rubber spatula
• Grouting powder
• Water
• Rubber gloves
• A clean, damp cloth
• Copy machine (optional)
• Tracing paper (optional)
• Hammer (optional)
• Goggles (optional)

Step 1: Choose a base
Cut a piece of fiberboard to the desired size and shape of your mosaic base.

Step 2: Design a pattern
Draw a detailed design on the piece of board.
Photocopy a design you like onto tracing paper and trace the pattern onto your base.

Step 3: Choose colorful pieces
Select small bits of colored glass and ceramic to comprise your mosaic design.
Collect broken china and pottery instead of buying supplies. Place large pieces in a paper bag and break them with a hammer. Wear goggles and gloves for safety.

Step 4: Lay out the pieces
Lay out your pieces on top of the board in the desired pattern.

Step 5: Apply adhesive
Apply small dabs of adhesive glue to the backs of the pieces. Leave small gaps around the edge and between the pieces for grout. Let the adhesive dry for 24 hours.
Glue the tiles for the main subject or center design first, as these tiles are the most important.

Step 6: Make a frame
Frame the edges of your mosaic temporarily with strips of wood or flexible metal to aid in the grouting process.

Step 7: Mix grouting powder
Use the spatula to mix the grouting powder with water, creating a consistency like soft butter. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.

Step 8: Apply grout
Push the grout into crevices with the rubber spatula.

Step 9: Wipe clean
Let the grout set for a few minutes and then wipe off the excess with a clean, damp cloth. Let your mosaic dry for 24 hours.