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Stained Glass & Mosaics

A newbie's projects_mosaics and glass birdbath

15 years ago

Hi everyone,

I'm new here to this forum (I'm usually lurking on the cottage gardening forum) Well, after reading posts about glass totems and mosaics, and with the encouragement of one of your members, I decided to post a couple of pictures. The coffee table below is an IKEA table that my daughter didn't want anymore. i made the skirt around it and used broken dishes, tiles and beach glass for the top. (Not a good idea for a surface for placing glasses!) lol..... so now I have to use a tray...oh well...live and learn.

Here's the glass totem I did - I was so inspired by the beautiful things I saw on this forum, I ran right out to goodwill on Saturday and for $4.50 this is the finished product. It fell apart 4 times, but I think I have it together now! hehe

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Comments (7)

daisyme
15 years ago
Oh, I love your table, and especially the sun! The colors are charming. Have you considered putting a piece of glass over the whole thing so you have a flat surface for yur glasses?
lavendrfem
Original Author
15 years ago
I never thought of that - but that's an idea! thanks!
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Yup, lori. I had asked her what adhesive she wanted us to buy for our terra cotta bird bath, as it was on her list of supplies, but no specification as to what "adhesive" (since there are so many options out there.) She responded back saying, that we going to be using Elmers glue on the saucers. She stated she uses Elmers on wood and metal. She explained that the reason we could do this with the saucer is because we would be covering the glass with waterproof grout and then we're going to be sealing the surface. She also stated that in making most outdoor mosaics, you should use mortar or you could use E6000, but she said it was more expensive and it's really stinky. She is a very good mosaic artist, so, hoping she has some great tricks up her sleeve! I feel really fortunate that we even had classes in our area, so guess I will be an attentive student, and learn everything I can. She may have some tricks up her sleeve I am not aware of. :-) Patty S.
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The push and squish method would be one way to do it; I would like to try that myself some day. But, no, I was referring to actually using the admix-mortar as grout. For a weatherproof, outdoor installation, first you mix up some mortar and use the cake-decorating baggie to apply it as an adhesive. Then after everything is dry and ready for grouting, you mix up another batch of the mortar (same consistency as grout) and apply it just as you would grout, spread and wipe off. This is where it's a little more difficult than using normal grout. The mortar is sticky and not as easy to clean off the tess, and it dries quickly so it needs to be mixed in small batches and applied and wiped off quickly. The reason for using it instead of grout is that it is much stronger and more weather-proof. I learned this from slowmedown who used to post here. She and several others, shrty411 and crackpotannie, I believe, all used mortar/admix for outdoor mosaics (as their glue) and slowmedown used it exclusively as grout, as I recall. Other adhesives may be fine for outside use on Vertical Surfaces since rainwater sluices off and rain or ice doesn't stand on a vertical surface, but for stepping stones, birdbaths, and the like, anywhere water is likely to pool and stand, the mortar/admix probably works best.
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texaswild
15 years ago
I feel your excitement. You did a fabulous job on that table. Wish I had a larger picture. Great totem too. What kind of adhesive did you use on it for it to have fallen apart? IF it happens again, may I suggest GE II - silicon for windows and doors. My totem has been standing for over four yrs. outside, and that's what I used. I got the idea off Garden Junk. Notice from your spices that you also love to cook. Welcome to our mosaicing world, LAVENDR.
lavendrfem
Original Author
15 years ago
Hi Slow,
Well I did have GE Silicone II but it dried up (I guess it was in the basement a little too long!)...so I used a siliconized acrylic that's used on windows and doors...I hope it stays! It's taken a long time to dry, but the white has finally turned clear. i'll let you know how it turns out. I do n eed to get some more II though - I think I see more glass totems in my future. :)
cathyscache
15 years ago
Lavender yur table is beautiful..Was it yur 1st mosaic? If so u did a great job!!! And I love your totem...I too have been scouring and am waiting for good weather to do mine and set them out....I;m kind of a newbie here too...You'll love it though everyone is so nice and helpful...WELCOME!!! Keep up the good work..Your gonna be hooked now and won't be able to stop!! Look forward to seeing your next projects..Cathy
lavendrfem
Original Author
15 years ago
It was my first big project...I did a small picture frame for a friend first. I just love mosaics and stained glass and this is such a great group. My next project is going to be a birdbath.

Last night I put my glass totem in the flower bed - it looks nice. :) I can't wait until the flowers start blooming.

have a great weekend everyone -
Estelle
susiewantsroses
15 years ago
Love your creations!!! I am gettin' ready, to get ready, to learn to mosaic, with the help of everyone here. They are pushing er....encouraging me to "get er done".

I have a bunch of experience using GE Silicone II. I've used it for everything except brushing my teeth.lol If the glue is old (expiration date on container) it will not dry properly and will stay milky. Glad your old tube of silicone was not used. : ) Susie

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