Stained glass mosaic patio table

Economom
by Economom
I salvaged an old children's table that was put out in my neighbor's trash for use in our screened-in porch. The legs were wobbly, and a corner had been chewed on, but molding applied around the edges hid that, and my husband reinforced the legs for me.
After painting with an exterior latex, I drew a rough pattern using dinner plates and a cup. Each flower was unique, but had unifying features. I even created a bee using jewelry beads! I grouted it with a charcoal colored grout, then sealed it. It's a fun, yet practical piece. I used glass scraps that I had previously purchased on Ebay, and round glass pieces from the Dollar Store, so I only had to purchase a couple of additional pieces of glass for the project. It is one of the largest mosaic works that I've made, but I estimate my cost was around $30.00--although in terms of labor...priceless!


This is the finished table that I made for my screened-in porch.
The original (salvaged) table with the molding applied. I didn't have to seal the surface prior to creating the mosaic since the top was varnished and then painted.
In addition to reinforcing the legs we added plastic tips to protect the wood from moisture.
My dinner plate template. I use silver Sharpie on white to mark a pattern so it won't show through the glass. It can be easily removed with acetone if needed.
Each flower had a yellow center, with a combination of glass gems, colored and iridescent glass.
I made small circles with multicolored glass in between the larger flowers.
Trying to decide on the background. I usually start a project with a main idea, then work out the details as I go.
Glass color can vary by lot just like paint can. I learned this the hard way. Always mix old and new glass in the "same color" to avoid odd blocks of color, and to avoid having to take up hours of work in order to balance the shades!
This is my bead bee! I raised his head with clear glass so it would show after grouting.
Finished and ready to grout!
The round glass gems did not want to adhere well with only Weldbond glue. Several popped out during grouting. I used Mighty Putty to reset them and it worked really well since you can use it wet or dry.
After finishing. The Weldbond glue will dry clear, but it usually takes a while and there may be a glue shadow. Still, it is my favorite glue to use.
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  • Mary Mary on Sep 30, 2018

    Such a wonderful idea. Do you have to have a special tool for cutting the glass? And is experience necessary for working with glass? This has inspired ke to try working with glass, i find it amazing how each piece is different. Thank you for shating you idea and talent.

  • Tay34177553 Tay34177553 on Oct 02, 2018

    What a great piece. Good job! Well done. Bravo!

    I want one now!

    Great post. Can you halp a gal put..? What is the green sheet? The glass?

    Th kx!

  • Art by Laura.T Art by Laura.T on Nov 05, 2018

    What do you use for cutting the glass?

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  • Brenda Erickson Brenda Erickson on Sep 30, 2018

    This sounds like a great winter project for when we're stuck inside bc of Oregon rains! Looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

  • Priscilla Priscilla on Mar 12, 2019

    Bravo! So beautiful and unique. One of a kind. I see it being a family heirloom

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