Make a Mosaic Tile Birdbath in 7
Easy Steps
Have you ever had one of those moments where a great idea hit at a
really odd time? I had that happen recently when I cut a tree in our
yard. After taking it down to about three-feet tall, it dawned on me
that this would be a fabulous place for a birdbath. In a short
period of time, I found myself with a delightful yard decoration.
Want to add a decorative birdbath to your home? Here's how I made
mine.
I purchased a plain birdbath top for about $12.00 from my local
hardware store and began the short seven-step process.
1. Using mortar, I attached the birdbath to the top of the tree
stump. (Here's a tip: I found out later it would have been much
easier to work with the birdbath separately by placing it on a table
at the right height.)
2. I created a mosaic design by drawing the pattern on a sheet of
paper first. Once I had a design to work with I then drew it onto
the birdbath using a pencil. Don't worry if it doesn't look perfect.
This outline is just a general guideline to be used for the tile
layout.
3. I then set just a few pieces of tile, measuring between them to
ensure a uniform pattern. This is to be certain the pattern is
correctly balanced and spaced on the surface.
4. I cut a few leaf shapes out of stained glass and chose several
colors from the beautiful Giorbello tile collection offered by
WholesalersUSA.com. I also chose a couple of accent gems in
different shapes and colors.
5. I then adhered all tiles in place and let the adhesive dry
overnight.
6. The following day, I applied the grout giving the birdbath a
finished look.
7. I then added a coat of grout sealer, covering the birdbath twice
including the bottom. Its€™s important to use a grout sealer since
the piece will be outside and will be holding water.
This is a very easy project! Its great for both beginners and
advanced mosaic artists. The nice thing is that it can be completed
in two days (including a day of drying time for the adhesive). And
before you know it, you can have an eye-catching new focal point for
your yard. (View additional pieces of my mosaic art here:
www.MosaicMagic.etsy.com.)
By Lynda Hagenson is a talented mosaic artist and creator of gorgeous one-of-a-kind pieces. The craft supplies used in this project were purchased from Wholesalers USA who provides
unique
glass mosaic tiles and glass gems at wholesale prices. Visit
http://www.wholesalersusa
inc.com to view their huge selection. © 2007, All Rights Reserved
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