How to Create a Gorgeous Gem Stone Accent Wall
Several months ago, I created a backsplash in my bathroom using gems from the Dollar Store. After that, a lot of people requested that I continue the mosaic on the rest of the wall. While I didn't want the entire wall covered with the gems, this is what I did.
This is what my bathroom wall looked like before adding the gem stone accent wall.
This is the bathroom after adding the Dollar store gem stones.
In the original project, I just added a gem stone backsplash above the vanity, so the above picture shows where I started the second part of my bathroom accent wall project.
I used 3 bags of gems for the backsplash. For the rest of the DIY accent wall, I purchased 35 bags of gems.
1. Wash the Gems
The gems were really dusty, so I removed them from the bags, placed them in a colander, and washed them with a mild soap and water.
After their washing, I dried them on a towel.
2. Measure the Wall
Using a level (which I bought at the Dollar Store) I made a line slightly above the back splash.
I then measured that line from the floor and marked the wall. I continued that line across the entire wall.
3. Draw a Design
Another comment from the original post was that people wondered why I didn't create some type of design on the wall. This time, I hand-drew seaweed shapes in various sizes.
4. Apply Gems
Using mastic (which is a tile adhesive), I began by filling small sections of the seaweed shapes. Then I began attaching the green gems for the seaweed design.
I purchased two different sizes of green to give the "seaweed" a different look than the rest of the wall.
Once the seaweed was complete, I applied mastic to the rest of the wall, working in small sections.
When I reached the point where I had to join the previous back splash with the new mosaic, I simply butted the mastic up to the previous and added gems.
5. Add Chair Rail
While the mastic was drying, I measured and cut a piece of chair rail molding.
I used the line I had drawn on the wall as a guide. I nailed the molding onto the wall using a Brad nailer.
6. Continue Adding Gems
Once the chair rail was in place, I added more gems to fill in the gaps. Instead of putting the mastic onto the wall, I applied it onto the back of each gem and glued them onto the wall.
7. Apply Grout
Once the mastic was completely dry, I applied the grout and wiped the excess off with a sponge and plain water.
Once the grout dried, the "seaweed" really popped!
Here is the completed affordable bathroom accent wall project.
I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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Project looks very lovely. Anyone planning a similar project and adding a chair rail molding and you dn't have a nail gun Loctite Power Grab Construction Adhesive is a good substitute. I added chair railing in two bathrooms probably eight years ago with Loctite and it has remained in place and looks as it did the da it was affixed. Loct
ite is a great product.
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I really like it! My daughter has been wanting to make over our half bathroom for a year now and I think this is a great way to do a little make over for it.
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just wondering, how would you remove this?
it looks beautiful!!
Awesome project and finished look!!!
I would think the moisture in the bathroom would loosen the gems ?