How to Transform Broken Crockery Into a Beautiful Piece of Yard Art
The first step is to find a laser cut wood template of something you’d like to mosaic. I chose a butterfly.
Also gather up all your broken crockery -china, saucers, cups and plates etc ready to cut.
The crockery choice is what I had available and I begin by thinking about the colours I would like where and similar thickness to work with so it’s relatively the same height all over.
Using safety goggles is a must and round wheeled tile nippers are the easiest to use I find.
I begin by cutting the china into squarish shapes then diagonally in half for triangle shapes is the easiest to do for a beginner. The china pieces are now called tesserae.
I use PVA glue and begin To glue around the edges of the butterfly wings.
I work all the way around sticking pieces of similar colours and well fitting pieces ( it’s like a puzzle) to form the border. It is much easier then to fill in centre with tesserae after you have created the border.
I continue filling in with the tesserae leaving a slight gap between pieces ready for the grout cement later.
Next step is to grout it.
I like to use dark grey or black grout. White has the effect of separating the design and I want it to look cohesive. I use ready mixed in a tub.
I begin to apply with a strong but flexible piece of plastic. I used a piece from a washing powder box and cut to size. An old credit card also does the job well.
Put a dollop of grout in middle and work around to the edges, making sure to fill in all the little gaps.
Once the grout is covering the piece well and edges are all neat , I use the wet wipes or just as good is a damp cloth to wipe off all the excess grout.
This is where the magic happens and it is so exciting seeing your design come to life!
I am so amazed at the beautiful butterfly mosaic with all its texture and individuality! The garden is going to just love it!
Enjoyed the project?
Resources for this project:
See all materialsComments
Join the conversation
-
Sharron Bennett on May 21, 2020
Gorgeous butterfly and you did a good job,
-
Susan Goode on May 21, 2020
Thank you so
much 😀
-
-
-
Paula Papp-Martini on Aug 26, 2021
I am definately going to do this!!!!
-
Susan Goode on Aug 27, 2021
so pleased to hear it has inspired you
-
-
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Will this work on ceramic
Can you tint white grout black with paint or food coloring?
Hi Susan, I was trying to figure out what you used for the body of the butterfly, I am thinking it is grout and you let it dry before grouting the whole mosaic?? This came out beautifully and thank you so much for sharing and taking the time to answer.