Creating a decorative tile mosaic project to complement your décor is not only fun, but and easy! Choose tiles that complement your design. You can often find wonderful colorful tiles or ceramics at garage sales and flea markets. If you are starting with large tiles, you’ll need to smash them into smaller pieces. Flying ceramic shards are dangerous, so be sure to use eye protection. For added safety, wrap the tiles you are breaking in several layers of fabric or toweling and then a thick plastic bag.

Mosaic Tile Accent Mirror

To begin a mosaic project, you’ll need

• Tiles
• Grout
• Tile nippers
• Hammer or mallet
• Sponges

DESIGN

What’s great about mosaic projects is that you can be completely free and creative with your design. Choose colors, graphic, pattern or picture of an object that you like.

As you look for tiles for this project, take your inspiration from the vibrant colors and patterns you find.

You can find tiles in many places, depending on the type of design you want to create. Look at the bathroom tile in your local home improvement mega-store. Ask if there are any broken tiles the store is willing to give away.

Floor tile can also be used, but may be thicker, creating a heavier or bulkier mirror.

Look at thrift shops, flea markets and garage sales for interesting ceramic plates, mugs or figurines that catch your eye. Augment any colorful ceramic you find with solid color tiles for an interesting and personalized design.

Another option is to paint tiles yourself at a local pottery shop.

Once you’ve chosen you tiles, create a design for the piece. Since you’ll be covering the surface with tile and grout, any marks you make will be covered.

Make an outline with pencil to remember where to place you tile fragments.

Next Page > Preparing the Tile and The Mosaic Process