#2928. Mosaic Flower Pots

Art, level: Elementary
Posted Fri Sep 12 12:42:35 PDT 2003 by Alison Morris (alison@delphiglass.com).

Delphi Stained Glass, Lansing, U.S.
Materials Required: ¾" Stained Glass Chips -- 4 lb. Variety Mix, Terra Cotta Grout - 10 lb, Small clay flower pots
Activity Time: Two or Three classroom sessions
Concepts Taught: Students will develop their creativity by choosing colors and creating designs

Objectives:
Students will 1) learn the direct method of mosaics;
2) learn shape and dimension in three-dimensional projects; 3) develop their creativity by choosing colors and creating designs.

Grade Levels:
Elementary School, Middle School

Time Required:
Two - Three Sessions

Materials:
Qty. Item Number Description
1 #7973B ¾" Stained Glass Chips -- 4 lb. Variety Mix
1 #201875 Terra Cotta Grout - 10 lb.
#8971U Daisy Stained Glass Pre-Cut (optional)
Project to mosaic: Small clay flower pots (about 4" high and 4½" wide)

Teacher's note: stained glass chips and grout create approximately 24 projects.

Additional tools used: Basic supplies listed on Delphi's Instructions for Mosaic Direct Method.

Directions:
Refer to Delphi's Instructions for Mosaic Direct Method for detailed instructions.
1. If working with a pattern, use carbon paper to trace the pattern onto the pot.
2. Students nip and glue on chips either alone or combined with a pre-cut. Students create their own design or may follow the pattern in the finished projects shown here.
3. Allow glue to set for 24 hours.
4. Mix up grout and apply to pots.
5. Remove excess grout and sponge off any grout on the flower pot rim. Let grout dry.
6. Buff glass pieces clean.

Tips:
1. If students are familiar with stained glass cutting techniques, they can cut specific shapes, or you can use pre-cut designs. Delphi's Pre-Cut Stained Glass Daisy (#8971U), Frog (#425519U) or Dragonfly (#425520U) designs work great on flower pots.
2.

3. This project works great on any sized pot. For larger flower pots, you can combine pre-cuts or cluster the daisies to form floral bunches.

Photography and project ideas are from Mosaic Art Outdoor Décor for Beginners book #5998.
I. Preparation
1. Your object to mosaic should be clean and dry and have a smooth surface.

2. Transfer your design onto the project to mosaic by taping carbon transfer paper and your pattern in place and tracing over the pattern with a pen (see photo 1).
3. Remove the pattern and carbon paper. Hard line the pattern onto the project by tracing over the carbon lines with a marker.

4. NOTE: To mosaic onto a clear object you do not need to transfer your pattern. Tape the pattern behind the object. Follow the pattern and glue pieces directly onto the glass object.

II. Glue Glass

1. Place your project to mosaic horizontally. If you must glue pieces vertically you can hold them in place with tape or use a silicone mosaic adhesive. Remove tape once the glue has set and before grouting. Following the pattern, glue mosaic pieces onto your project. Place a small amount of glue on the backside of the piece and press it firmly onto the object (see photo 2). Place pieces slightly apart and in from the edge of the object to allow for grout.

2. Once the main subject is glued down, nip remaining pieces to fill in the background. Always wear eye protection when nipping. Glue pieces in place (see photo 3). Mosaic Tip: for very small pieces use tweezers to place pieces on object.
3. Allow glue to set for 24 hours.

III. Grout Project
1. Place object on newspaper and put on rubber gloves.
2. Following the directions on the grout package, mix the grout. Grout is available pre-colored, or can be custom colored by adding colorants to white grout. Wear a dust mask when mixing grout.
3. Work grout into spaces between the glass with your hands or a rubber spatula (see photo 4).
4. Remove excess grout with your hands or a damp sponge (see photo 5). Grout should be flush with glass pieces and fill all spaces between the glass.
5. Allow grout to dry. A haze will appear on the mosaic pieces. Remove any excess grout and buff glass clean with a paper towel or a soft cloth (see photo 6).
6. Allow the project to dry for an additional 24 hours. A grout sealant may be applied if desired. Apply as directed but remove all sealant from the mosaic glass pieces with a paper towel before sealant dries.

IV. Direct Method Basic Supplies List
Listed with Delphi item numbers for easy reference
#2039 Wheeled Glass Nippers
#LN275 Waterproof Mosaic Glue
#2092 Grouting Sponge
#5157 Rubber Gloves -- 5 Pack
#5877 Carbon Tracing Paper
#5163 Safety Glasses
#5161P Dust Masks -- 5 Pack

You will also need the following supplies: Pen, Marker, Paper Towel or Soft Cloth, Measuring Cup, Mixing Bowl and Spoon, Newspaper.

Photography and instructions from Mosaic Art Home Decor for Beginners book #5971. For more information and project ideas refer to this book and Delphi's mosaic favorites:

Marvelous Mosaics #9019
Expand your vision of mosaics with an array of diverse techniques and materials. Make beautiful pieces for your home and garden with broken china, glittering glass jewels, shimmering mirrors, smooth stones and other found objects.

Encyclopedia of Mosaic Techniques #6098
This book features a comprehensive guide to the art of making mosaics, packed with creative ideas, theories of design, composition and color. Provides information about the correct technical approach to working with a wide variety of materials, tools, techniques and surfaces. A complete contemporary guide to an ancient art form.