How to Make Mosaic Tile Flower Pots

I love this project and have really been happy with the results!

Warning: While it is time consuming, a bit dirty, and hard work, it’s fun and you will learn to create beautiful one-of-a kind pots. I made the pots shown here using this step-by-step process. It takes 3 sessions to complete, so gauge your time accordingly.

First make sure you have all of your materials--many of these items can be purchased online:

• New terra cotta flower pots and saucers

• Weldbond Adhesive (I order online, or you can find it at Ace Hardware); or Mod Podge – both are adhesives that will seal your pots

• Grout (I ordered on line) –it comes in colors, but you can also add paint to the mix to create your own colors
• Multi-purpose ceramic tile adhesive (found at my hardware store)
• Silicone grout sealer – to seal your final product
• Acrylic paint

Fun stuff – You get to choose from an endless supply of free and purchased items! I love using broken dishes (some I find at second hand stores and some are my own); shells; rocks; mosaic tile; sea glass; and found objects. There are many excellent online sources for mosaic tile! My main advice is to have lots of fun and experiment – there is no right or wrong design!

There are many wonderful online companies for beautiful tile! I have been very happy with Mosaic Art Supply - they have great supplies at good prices!

Tools:

• Hammer
• Tile cutters (this may be optional for you)
• Inexpensive paint brushes
• Eye goggles – to use when hammering dishes, etc.
• Paper masks – to use when mixing grout
• Plastic mixing bowls and spoons
• An old wooden spoon or stir stick for mixing grout
• Paper Towels and rags for clean-up
• Plastic gloves – the thin ones that fit you snugly and are disposable - one’s you can work with!
• Newspaper etc. - to protect your working surfaces

Step 1: Getting Started Wear your arty gear!

Create a Space: This is messy work, so be sure to have a large working surface that you have covered with protective, paper, plastic, or cloth (I use lots of newspaper spread out on a folding table in my backyard. On nice days, I love doing this project outside, because I don’t have to worry so much about the mess and I enjoy the atmosphere! This is a perfect project for Spring or early Fall! Of course, you can always use your art studio or work just as easily at your kitchen table.

Prepare your Pots: Warning! Do not skip this step or, over time, water will seep into the grout and loosen your adhered objects. You can use an inexpensive large paint or gesso brush to apply the sealer – I use Weldbond or Mog Podge. Follow the instructions and let the surfaces dry accordingly.

Break out the fun stuff: Now you can start gluing on mosaic tile, broken dishes, shells, sea glass and interesting found objects, creating your designs as you go, or taking time to create something more planned out. Mix it up!

I prefer the former, and just start smashing dishes (remember to put on your goggles, and wrap your pottery in an old towel before smashing it!). I just start applying materials as my mood moves me (what this reveals about me, I’m not sure!). I use an old palette knife or sometimes a plastic knife to put the ceramic tile adhesive on the items I want to glue. Then, I place the pieces directly on the pot’s surface. I continue adding objects I find pleasing, and arranging them as I go – it takes a while for the adhesive to dry, so you have the freedom to move things around for a while. Once your piece is completed and you are satisfied with your arrangement, let the pieces dry for 24-hours before grouting!

Step 2: Grouting It’s daunting but worth it!

Many mosaic tile artists and crafters hate this step, but somebody’s gotta do it! It’s time to grout – the grout can be used as is, or you can add paint color after it’s mixed with water. I ordered my grout from Dick Blick, but there are many other sources online. Follow the directions when mixing your grout very carefully, and be sure to wear your paper mask. The dust from the dry grout is toxic to the system, and you do not want to inhale it. Once it is mixed, you are free to add paint to achieve the color you like.

Once the grout is ready to apply, put on your plastic gloves, and start to spread the gout over the mosaic tile on your the pot, making sure to go into all of the crevices carefully. When the grout has set according to the directions, you can take a clean rag, and wipe off the excess, leaving all of the areas to be filled in. Be sure to uncover any small pieces you have added to your design, and clean your tiles and pottery well. Make sure you work quickly to remove the grout before it hardens. Now, you just have to wait a couple of days for the grout to set before adding your final grout sealer.

Step 3: Spray with silicone grout sealer – it is advised to wait 2-3 weeks for the grout to properly dry before adding the final sealer. Just put your pots on the shelf, and go pick out the flowers!

Final Tip! This is a great project to do with a friend who is equally passionate about mosaic art, and who doesn't mind getting really messy!

To explore the wide world of mosaic making, check out the books from Amazon!