STUCK ON YOU

CREATING A MOSAIC IS LIKE PUTTING TOGETHER A PUZZLE YOU DESIGNED YOU’LL LOVE HOW EASY IT IS TO MAKE THESE HANDMADE WORKS OF ART

A mosaic is simply a pattern made up of small pieces of tile, glass or other material, usually finished with grout. And adhesive fibreglass mesh makes creating designs simple. It’s sticky enough to hold tiles in place but not so sticky you can’t rearrange them. Plus, the finished design transfers in one manageable piece.

■ CUT MESH

Use scissors to cut adhesive fibreglass mesh slightly larger than the tabletop.

■ ARRANGE TILES

Set out tiles on mesh, leaving gaps between for grout.

■ SAND SURFACE

Rough up tabletop with sandpaper. Wipe clean.

■ APPLY ADHESIVE

Use a notched spreader to apply an even layer of adhesive to tabletop about half the thickness of a tile.

■ TRANSFER DESIGN

Lay tiled mesh on prepared surface; gently press tiles into adhesive. Let dry for 24 hours. Trim excess mesh.

■ GROUT TILES

Wearing disposable gloves, use your hands to spread grout evenly over surface. Wipe off excess with a damp sponge. Let dry for 24 hours. Polish off haze with a lint-free cloth.

MATCHING GAME

Even if your design is spontaneous like this one, make sure to use tiles of similar thickness.