Mosaic Tile Flowerpot Projects

Ceramic Tiles

• Ceramic tiles are available in a variety of colors and sizes at home improvement and flooring stores. Small tiles are available for mosaic projects or you can break larger tiles with a hammer to create fragments. To make, apply a 1/2-inch-thick coat of tile grout over the flowerpot with a putty or plastic knife. Don't grout or mosaic the bottom of the pot to ensure its stability. If you want to put the pot outdoors, make sure that you are using exterior grout. Press the tiles into the grout according to your desired design; simple geometric patterns are good choices for mosaic projects. Apply a thin layer of grout over the tiles and wipe the tile faces smooth with a moist sponge to create a level surface. Allow the pot to dry before cleaning it with a moist sponge to remove grout residue.

Broken China

• Old china purchased from flea markets, garage sales, second-hand stores or found in the trash can be used to make feminine mosaic flowerpots. Place the china into a plastic bag and then into an open cardboard box. This is to ensure that the broken china stays contained within the box if the bag breaks. Hold the bag shut and lightly hammer the china through the bag, breaking it into pieces. In particular, saucers and plates provide flat pieces that lay evenly on flower pots. Glue the china to the flowerpot with ceramic glue in your chosen design, leaving 1/4-inch spaces, or gutters, between each china fragment. Allow the glued china pattern to dry. Tint tile grout with acrylic paint if desired; the grout will be significantly lighter in color than the paint used. Spread the grout over the glued china pattern using a putty knife, pressing the grout into the gutters; use a damp rag to wipe away excess grout. The surface should have no sharp edges and the grout should be even with the china pieces. Allow the pot to dry.

Faux Gems or Marbles

• Craft stores sell faux gems and glass marbles with flat backs for use in projects with flat surfaces such as mosaic flowerpots. Plan your design and choose the gems or marbles (if different) you wish to adhere to the flowerpot. Before you adhere the gems or marbles to the pot, sand the backs of the gems or marbles with fine-grit sandpaper to create texture for better adhesion. Cover the flowerpot with tile grout and press the gems or marbles into the grout to the desired depth and position necessary for your design. Allow the pot to dry overnight or until completely dry.

Shells

• Visit your local craft store for seashells to use in craft projects if you don't have access to a beach. You can use both whole shells or shell fragments. As shells vary widely in color, select a design that complements the natural hues available to you. Cover the pot with tile grout and press the shells or fragments into the grout to the desired depth for your design. If you're using fragments, apply a thin layer of grout over the finished design and wipe away excess grout with a moist rag. Allow the pot to dry.