The Craft Retreat has added Moisaic Tile Art as a walk-in activity you can come in and do! If you've never created a mosaic tile masteripiece, don't be intimidated. The process is easier than you think! Here's what you do....
Step 1
The first thing you do is choose a surface from our wide selection of frames, trivets, votive holders, mirrors, tables and wall decor.
Step 2
After you choose your surfaces, it is time to design your piece. We have lots of idea books to help you come up with a design, or you can create your own pattern! You can draw right on the surface, trace a pattern, or just be random!
Step 3
Now that you know what you're going to create, the fun begins! You have the option of laying your tiles out on your surface first...or just going for it and start gluing your tiles onto your piece. For those tile pieces that need to be altered in size, we have the nippers ready for you to use and will show you how.
Step 4
Once you have finished tiling your surface, it needs to cure for 24-48 hours before you can add your grout. For this reason, we have great little take-home tubs of grout in a variety of colors that include full instructions.
Step 5
Now it's time to grout! It's a little messy...but fun! To prepare the grout you just add water a little at a time to the plastic tub of grout until you get a "cake batter" consistency. Using rubber gloves, scoop some grout out of the container and spread onto the surface, being sure to press it down between the tiles. It's kind of like icing a cake with your fingers!
Once you have covered your entire piece and filled all of the spaces, wipe off as much of the excess grout as you can with your gloves or hands. After you do this you are going to let it sit for 20-30 minutes or until the grout become hazy on the piece. Don't wait too long or you'll never get it off!
Step 6
See! That wasn't hard! Just look what you created! Be sure to throw your excess grout away. Never wash it down the sink! If needed, take a cloth or sponge and polish your individual tile pieces. And if you didn't mosaic the edges of your piece, you can paint the edges with acrylic paint to match your piece.
Final Step!
Now, take a slightly dampened sponge or cloth and begin wiping the haze off. You can then use a dry cloth or your hands to remove the remaining haze and residual grout.
