Beginner's Guide to Making Mosaics. Delphine Lescuyer
tiles are often thicker and more difficult to cut, with disappointing results. Always check the thickness, which should be around 1/8" (3–4mm) if you want to be able to cut easily. On the other hand, these thicker tiles may work well in a project that includes recycled wall or floor tiles, especially if these thicker tiles are round or have an unusual shape.
Upcycled Materials
Broken plates, old floor tiles, pieces of mirror, chandelier pendants, pebbles, seashells . . . so many little treasures can be used to compose a mosaic.
Using materials that are upcycled requires preparation and a particular way of working. You need to be aware of the varying thicknesses of the tiles and shards and plan your design around the limited quantity of material you have. In general, it’s often a good idea to use recycled materials for creations that can be a bit uneven on the surface, such as a wall mirror or a garden flowerpot, but not for the surface of a functional table or tray, which needs to be very smooth. You should also avoid precise motifs, unless you are sure you have the necessary quantities of tiles to create them.
You may be lucky enough to be able to find offcuts—trash, essentially—of ceramics and tile in your local area, especially if you have some kind of local tile manufacturer. Ask at these companies if they have a disposal plan for their rejected materials and if you might be able to take them off their hands. The goods you find or receive might be in bad condition, requiring patient cleaning or turning out not to serve your purposes. But by being selective, you can find bits to work with, even some really stunning pieces.
You can also visit antique stores, junk sales, garage and yard sales, secondhand shops, and anywhere else where people are getting rid of old plates and ceramics for cheap. You can find some really good deals and pretty pieces this way. Don’t feel bad about potentially smashing a plate that is otherwise still functional; you’re giving it a new lease on life, albeit a very different one than the purpose for which it was designed. On page, there is a project made from old plates just like this.
Backing (Substrates)
Just about any type of backing (substrate) can be used as a base for your mosaic work, except plastic. It is possible to glue a mosaic to metal, but that’s not for beginners, so it won’t be covered in this book. Apart from that, beginner mosaic artists can decorate just about anywhere in the home!
FOR INDOOR MOSAICS
MDF (1)
(Medium-density fiberboard)
For indoor mosaics, the ideal base is MDF (medium-density fiberboard) in ¼" (5mm) thickness. It is a very dense and fairly inexpensive construction material. MDF is used often in this book. You can find it in a variety of shapes in craft stores or have it cut to your specifications at a home improvement store. If you have a basic electric jigsaw at home, you can cut the board to the shape and size you want.
Plywood
You can also use plywood, especially if you will need to screw sturdy attachments to the back of your project for wall mounting.
FOR OUTDOOR MOSAICS
The substrate is especially important for outdoor mosaics.
Tile backer board (2)
Thanks to this innovative product for mosaic artists and tile setters, you can create outdoor decorations and cut them to the shape you want using a simple utility knife. This tile backer board consists of a sheet of polystyrene covered in fiberglass and cement. It comes in a variety of thicknesses and is used in the construction of shower walls and other bathroom fixtures. It can be used for indoor as well as outdoor mosaic projects. Tile backer board can be glued, screwed into, or have a special hook attached
Mesh (4)
In many cases, a mesh can be used as a temporary base to hold the mosaic together until it is glued to a wall or other substrate. Made of nylon or fiberglass, mesh is sold by the yard (meter) in stores specializing in mosaics. The mesh comes in two sizes, to be chosen according to the size of the tesserae you will use. The larger mesh is recommended for the projects in this book.
Adhesives
White (PVA) glue
This is your basic white liquid glue that turns transparent when it dries. It is found in craft stores and is also sold as wood glue in home improvement stores.
Thinset mortar
Thinset mortar is used for all outdoor mosaic projects. It comes in ready-to-use paste form in a bucket. This adhesive stains and hardens significantly as it dries. Be sure to clean off any excess residue before it dries.
Grout
Use water-repellent tile grout, either sanded or unsanded, in powder form. It comes in several different shades, so it’s up to you to choose the color for your project. You can also tint it (see the explanations for the Dot Mirror on page) or buy colored grout.
Mix the grout in a well-ventilated area that is suitable for dirty work. Never work in full sun or on a hot day.
Tools
An important piece of advice: I recommend that you buy your tools in stores that specialize in mosaics, where you will find quality material that isn’t necessarily expensive. Starting with better-quality tools will help you succeed in your early endeavors and make your initiation to mosaic-making more enjoyable.
Wheeled nipper (1)
The essential tool for the beginner is the wheeled nipper. This tool is very effective and is not very difficult to use. You have to hold it firmly and from time to time unscrew it and rotate the wheels when they appear to be getting dull.
Tile nipper (2)
The tile nipper can be used for thicker tiles. It is placed at the edge of the tile to be cut, while the wheeled nipper is applied at the center.
Montolit® wheeled nipper (3)
If you like to work with thick or hard materials, such as recycled tiles, dishes, or thick glass (or if you find you don’t