I have mosaiced about a hundred or more. They all turned out great. I used sanded grout, and it's easier if you mosaic a section at a time, i.e. the roof and the bottom, let them cure and seal them, then the next day, the body. I have done the entire birdhouse at once but it's stressful. Any questions, let me know!

Here is a link that might be useful: birdhouse

Thank you silvamae for your quick response. Your little house is so cute!!! I love it!!! Can I buy the sanded grout at home depot? What did you seal it with? thanks for the hints you gave me so I don't stress out. I read in your member's page that you have a home studio where you do mosaic art. It is so nice to communicate with someone who knows what they are doing, unlike a newbie like me!!!!
I am in the process of trying to find some pretty dishware to break into pieces. I live in a very small rural area and so dishware is hard to find. I have found several plates but need a few more so I can coordinate the colors. This weekend I hope to go to several yard sales, hopefully I will find some more. WHEN, I get it done I will post a pic. Thanks again.

Sorry silvamae, I do have another question. What is the best glue to use to attach the pieces to the birdhouse?

I started out using Weldbond, then switched to MAC glue. I order MAC glue from Maryland Mosaics. Below is a link if you would like to check out my blog. On the right side are some helpful links.

Here is a link that might be useful: silva's blog

Such a sweet birdhouse Silva. Love the color.
Do you put it outside for the birds or is it decorative?
Kathy

That's suuuuuuuuch a beautiful little birdbath, SILVA. Nice job all over.

Silvamae is our BirdHouse Queen!!! Yes you can get sanded grout at Home depot and sealant also, I go(cuz I can in my town) to a specialty tile store and buy outdoor mortar and outdoor grout and sealer. I am finding that even with that, certain tiles/dishes I have used, still crack/chip off with the freezing!!! grrr! All that work and WHY don't I ever bring stuff in for the winter!?!? Ususally I enjoy having "something" out in the yard to still look at after the plants die down, then it gets so cold I just never wanna get out there and haul some of that heavy stuff in the shed

Thanks! My birdhouses all start out as wooden birdhouses from Michaels (craft store). They can't stand up to the outdoors; no matter how much I seal them, they would eventually fall apart. The first thing I do to a birdhouse is knock out the wooden perch and install my own and then mosaic from there, using the perch as the "theme." Here's another little birdhouse (below).

Here is a link that might be useful:

Oh my gosh, that is so cute!! You might as well post more pics silvmae because they must only get better and better. Yes I agree with calamity, you are our EXPERT and QUEEN of mosaic birdhouses. I'm raring to go but got to visit a few more yardsales this weekend so I can get my pieces ready. Gee thanks to all of you who offered help and hints. That is why I love these forums, everyone is so ready to help and get a person going on something good. As my little granddaughter says, tank ou, tank ou, tank ou!!!!

I love this one too. The pepper perch is perfect!

I don't bring things in for the winter either. I'm trying to gather plates that might last out there. They tend to not be the ones I love tho.

Kathy

Those birhouses are so cute....and we'll look at ALL the pics that you care to post!

I pick up lots of plates at thrift stores. I think they would be cheaper than yard sales. Less work too. just make a habit of visiting them every so often to see what comes in. Also on etsy you can buy plates that have already been cut into little pieces. I have bought them and they are pretty.

I have a plate collection too, but I'm concerned about which ones will last out doors. I think Slow told about the tongue test - if it sticks to your tongue on a break, its too porous and will absorb too much moisture. Since its frowned on to break before you buy, I guess we just have to collect a lot!
I am getting a sense of them with experience however.
I'm wondering if Calamity J's plates that bust offthe mosaics in the winter all passed the tongue test. I love plates the best and really want to use them outside.
Kathy

Kathy, I think that any plate would chip and that it all should be put away in the winter from now on, I have more casualties this winter and am fed up with myself! I'm clearing a spot in the shed and start putting it all away! I have used all porceline and it still cracks, just not made to be chopped up and have rain and freeze as it's use.

Since the original post are there any newer products to seal a mosaic wood birdhouse for outdoors?

I want to know about the sealant, not the grout.