Mosaics Garden Nursery Landscaping Guide
Creating Your Mosaics
By Joel F Morningstar
You don't have to be a craftsperson or mosaic artist to create
beautiful mosaics of your own; all you need is the desire to embrace
your creative and artistic side. Though mosaic art has been around
for thousands of years, the popularity of this art form has ebbed
and flowed.
A small renaissance of mosaic appreciation has surfaced in the
last several years, thus placing art mosaics in art museums and
in local home design showrooms. They enhance any space with elegance
and style unmatched by any other art form, whether it's for a
wall, a mosaic floor or a garden.
Creating Your Mosaic Art
If you are interested in how the process of creating a mosaic
works and are ready to get started creating art mosaics, then
here are a few great tips to save you from learning by trial and
error. The following are a few suggestions every aspiring mosaic
artisan should know.
First, you should always review your options and seal a mosaic
that will be outdoors. The sun, rain, wind and the elements in
general can wreak havoc on both the mosaic tiles and the tile
grout that you use in between them. Seal outdoor tile mosaics
with grout sealer, which you can purchase from your local building
center after the grout has cured for two full days.
Water Based Adhesive
Use adhesive for indoor applications so that your tiles, such
as glass tiles, stay securely fastened to their base. It is water
based, so there will be no bad fumes; yet it is also water-resistant.
It also dries clear, so you won't see any icky residue on your
creations.
When creating your mosaics, be aware that there will probably
be some cutting involved. Always wear protective eye gear, as
well as gloves during the process. Invest in a good quality tile
cutter, as it really makes a difference when you are doing the
delicate work of cutting glass tiles into specific shapes. You
may also want to get tile nippers to make it easier to snap and
break tiles.
Do Not Use Breakable Or Lightweight Material
Remember that mosaic material can be heavy. Try to avoid using
breakable or lightweight material as a base for your design. For
example, if you have an older glass table top that you want to
create a mosaic on, then you would be wise to have a thin piece
of plywood (or other product that is sturdy) cut to match the
shape of your table.
When you have a weak base, you run into two problems. First,
especially in the case of glass, it can be very unsafe. Second,
if the base bends or moves and re-shapes itself, then your grout
will crack and the tiles can break away from the base.
It is a good idea to use a specific mortar for your outdoor patio
or garden mosaics. Thin-set mortar is an adhesive that is concrete-based.
It is essentially sticky concrete.
Thin-Set Mortar For Outdoor Use
It is the best mortar for an outdoor mosaic, as it will withstand
the elements much better than any other grout. With constant battering
from the wind, rain and the sun, sometimes basic adhesives can
break down. Thin-set won't break down because it is created for
outdoor applications.
Mosaics can be a fun and exciting way to channel your creative
energies. Hopefully, the previous suggestions will give you the
confidence you need to strike out on your own and embrace your
artistic side. There are no limitations to what you can create.
Get inspired and let your imagination run free!
About the Author:
Joel F Morningstar has written a number of articles on home improvement, home decor, backyard ideas, gardening
and landscaping including
Air Purifier Dehumidifier,
Handyman Home Services,
Front Yard Landscape,
Fast Growing Trees,
Stone Walkway,
Big Backyard,
Deck Ideas,
Lawn And Garden.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.
Little Known Mosaic Facts....
How have mosaics changed over time?
All art has changed over time and the mosaic
is no exception. It is easy to see the transformation though throughout
the ages. The earliest mosaics were simple shapes and designs.
These later gave way to more historical or religious themes. Many
rulers and church officials would commission large mosaic works
to commemorate a certain event or saint.
As artists became more liberated from the
church, the mosaic theme changed. Artists began creating works
of art that were more modern and less religiously oriented. Even
the material has changed. Early mosaic art works were limited
in color. Today’s materials can come in any color you wish.
|
