Create A Beautiful Mosaic Keepsake Chest

The Inspiration
I enthusiastically found this incredibly rusty, vintage sewing box at an estate sale in Southern California. Its smooth lines, flat surfaces, and authentic patina made it the perfect find for an extraordinary mosaic project. The considerable size of the box was ideal for transforming it into a charming keepsake chest and I knew the finished product would be worthy of admiration!

What You'll Need To Create Your Own Keepsake Chest
An Old Box
Wood or Metal Initial(s)
Broken China Tiles, Glass Tiles, Flat Marbles
Vintage Jewelry
Post Card, Greeting Card, or Photograph
Ornate Frame
Porcelain Roses
Sparkling Rhinestones (Clear or Colored)

Create It
Every mosaic project needs a focal point and this keepsake chest is going to have two. A large initial will grace the front of the box while an ornate frame with a darling greeting card inside will adorn the top. First begin by painting the outside of the box a creamy shade of white allowing hints of rust to peek through. Glue into place your greeting card and frame. Choose tiles that have patterns and colors that enhance the focal elements you have chosen. The greeting card I am using has a lovely mix of pastel blues, pinks, and yellows so I have kept with these coordinating colors using the same blend of pigments in my tiles, porcelain roses, marbles, and rhinestones. Create an arrangement by positioning your tiles and embellishments on your box following its lines and borders. Keep your tiles at least 1/4" apart so there is ample room for grouting. Arrange your tiles to encircle the frame starting with your broken china tiles, then add your flat marbles, clear rhinestones, and finish the edges with your glass tiles. On top of the ornate frame I added a cluster of porcelain roses which I garnished with authentic semi-precious stones. When you are pleased with your tiles presentation glue each piece down one by one. Mix your grout and add your coloring. Apply your grout in sections so that it does not dry too quickly as it will be extremely hard to remove once it gets too hard. You're just moments away from finishing your mosaic chest! Take your time applying the grout, cleaning the tiles carefully, and smooth your grout constantly so it is nice and even. Use a dry paint brush or sponge to get all the fine dust off your tiles. When you have all of your grout applied use a can of compressed air or a blow dryer and whiff away any loose dust. Finally seal your grout and let it dry. Your mosaic treasure is complete, show it off - send me pictures of your completed project, I'll share it here for everyone to ohhhhh and ahhhh at!