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Buy Me On Ebay!

Just listed today on ebay... this ornate mixed media mosaic vintage silverware chest (that's a mouth full) The starting bid is only $89.00! If you are a lover of roses (such as myself) you will adore all the pretty that has been encrusted on this fabulous box. Broken china mosaic tiles, stained glass tiles, a vintage little frame, costume jewelery, and the roses --- 7 beautiful roses adorn the top of the box... oh so very chic!
Want it? GO bid NOW!
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THIS AUCTION ON EBAY!

A Mosaic Cupcake!

I have been making clay roses for my mosaic projects for years, today I got a sweet tooth & decided to bake some oh so yummmmmy cupcakes which I decorated with pearl balls, iridescent crystals, and gum paste roses in several shades of pink! I ate two, have an aching belly now, and am satisfied! I thought I would share this sweet little cupcake with you, and yes it made me drool too!

A Few Of My Mosaic Projects

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!

Transform An Antique Pie Crust Table Into A Mosaic Treasure!

To create this mosaic pie crust table I started with an old worn table. I painted it a bright white and distressed it for a fabulous shabby chic finish. I then applied a beautiful round focal tile in the middle and surrounded it with broken china mosaics full of bright hues of pinks, sages, and creams. I finished the edges with stained glass tiles and added an embellishment complete with a beautiful porcelain bird and several roses.

Getting Started

Supplies You Will Need To Mosaic
Broken China Mosaic Tiles
Embellishments
White Sanded Grout
Food Coloring
Acrylic Craft Paints
Spray Bottle With Water
Paper Towels
Sponge
Bowl With Fresh Water
Rubber Grout Float
Tile Nippers
Hot Glue Gun
Protective Eye Wear
Gloves
Blow Dryer or Compressed Air
Small Paint Brush

Recycling Broken China

To create a lavish mosaic project you need broken china mosaic tiles. There are several different instruments that you can use to transform your chipped china into mosaic tiles. Wheeled cutters and tile nippers are two examples that work well. When nipping your china into tiles it is important that they all have the same thickness so that you can easily grout your finished project. Nipping the underneath ridges will ensure that all your tiles will lay flat. For variety, make your cuts into varies sizes ranging from half an inch to two inches. Chintz plates wrapped in floral patterns and dishes with elegant edges make fabulous mosaic tiles full of elaborate detail.

Special Notes:
1. When nipping china and embellishments make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves.
2. Tile cutting instruments can be found at most hardware stores.
3. Don't want to make your own tiles? No problem! Thankfully you can easily find broken china tiles on Internet sites such as Ebay and Etsy. Your local craft stores might also carry mosaic supplies but their selection might be rather limited.