How to Make a Mosaic Birdbath Out of Terra Cotta Pots

Birds require certain basic needs to choose your backyard as their home. They need a food source and a water source. Bird feeders are used to provide a constant food source for the birds, while a birdbath provides the water source. Birds will use a bath to both drink and clean themselves. Commercial birdbaths are available at your local garden supply store, but these can be expensive. For much less money and a unique design, use Terra cotta flower pots and a Terra cotta saucer to make a mosaic birdbath fit for the birds.

Hammer
2 Terra cotta flower pots
Pillowcase
Terra cotta saucer (16-inch size)
Paper
Thin-set adhesive
Paintbrush
Grout
Rag
Trowel
Tarp
Squirt bottle
Grout sealer

Instructions

- 1
  Use a hammer to break up two Terra cotta flower pots. To make it easier to contain the mess, place them in an old pillow case first.
- 2
  Turn a 16-inch Terra cotta flower pot saucer upside down and place it on a piece of paper. Trace the circle. Turn the saucer right-side-up and trace the bottom of the saucer inside the larger circle. The inner circle will represent the bottom of the saucer, and the outer circle will represent the sides of the circle.
- 3
  Place the broken up pieces of terra cotta from the first step into the two drawn circles from the second step. Arrange the pieces in a pattern you find appealing. Leave a 1/2-inch gap between each piece.
- 4
  Prepare a cup of thin-set adhesive according to package direction. Apply the adhesive to the inside of the saucer using a paintbrush. Place the broken pieces of Terra cotta from the paper circle onto the adhesive. Work in two inch sections, applying more adhesive as you go.
- 5
  Leave the saucer to sit for 48 hours to allow the thin-set to dry.
- 6
  Prepare 2 cups of grout. Clean the surface of the mosaic using a damp rag. Apply the grout to the surface of the mosaic pieces using a trowel, making sure to press it between the pieces as you go. When you are finished, scrape the surface of the mosaic with a trowel to remove excess grout and smooth it.
- 7
  Leave the grout to dry for 15 minutes. Wipe the surface of the grout with a damp rag. Then dry it with a dry cloth.
- 8
  Place a tarp or plastic bag over top of the saucer and leave the grout to finish setting for 48 hours. To keep it from cracking, use a squirt bottle with water and mist the surface three times a day.
- 9
  Seal the grout with a grout sealer applied with a paintbrush. Allow the sealant to dry.
- 10
  Place your finished saucer on top of a birdbath base of your choice.

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