How to Make Mosaic Tile Flower Pots
Step by Step ProcessFirst make sure you have all of your materials
New terra cotta flower pots and saucers
Weldbond Adhesive - or Mod Podge – both are adhesives that will seal your pots
(you can find this at a hardware store)
Grout – it comes in colors, but you can also add paint to the mix to create your own colors
Multi-purpose ceramic tile adhesive (found at my hardware store)
Silicone grout sealer – to seal your final product
Acrylic paint
Fun stuff – You get to choose from an endless supply of free and purchased items! I love using broken dishes ; shells; rocks; mosaic tile; sea glass; and found objects. There are many excellent online sources for mosaic tile! My main advice is to have lots of fun and experiment – there is no right or wrong design!
Tools:Hammer
Tile cutters (this may be optional for you)
Inexpensive paint brushes
Eye goggles – to use when hammering dishes, etc.
Paper masks – to use when mixing grout
Plastic mixing bowls and spoons
An old wooden spoon or stir stick for mixing grout
Paper Towels and rags for clean-up
Plastic gloves – the thin ones that fit you snugly and are disposable - one’s you can work with!
Newspaper etc. - to protect your working surfaces
Create a Space:This is messy work, so be sure to have a large working surface that you have covered with protective, paper, plastic, or cloth (I use lots of newspaper spread out on a folding table in my backyard.
Step one Prepare your Pots:
Warning! Do not skip this step or, over time, water will seep into the grout and loosen your adhered objects. You can use an inexpensive large paint or gesso brush to apply the sealer – I use Weldbond or Mog Podge. Follow the instructions and let the surfaces dry accordingly.
Break out the fun stuff: Now you can start gluing on mosaic tile, broken dishes, shells, sea glass and interesting found objects, creating your designs as you go, or taking time to create something more planned out. Mix it up!
I prefer the former, and just start smashing dishes (remember to put on your goggles, and wrap your pottery in an old towel before smashing it!). Use an old palette knife or sometimes a plastic knife to put the ceramic tile adhesive on the items you want to glue. Then, place the pieces directly on the pot’s surface. Continue adding objects, and arranging them as you go – it takes a while for the adhesive to dry, so you have the freedom to move things around for a while. Once your piece is completed and you are satisfied with your arrangement, let the pieces dry for 24-hours before grouting!
Step 2: Grouting
The grout can be used as is, or you can add paint color after it’s mixed with water. Follow the directions when mixing your grout very carefully, and be sure to wear your paper mask. The dust from the dry grout is toxic to the system, and you do not want to inhale it. Once it is mixed, you are free to add paint to achieve the color you like.
Once the grout is ready to apply, put on your plastic gloves, and start to spread the gout over the mosaic tile on your the pot, making sure to go into all of the crevices carefully. When the grout has set according to the directions, you can take a clean rag, and wipe off the excess, leaving all of the areas to be filled in. Be sure to uncover any small pieces you have added to your design, and clean your tiles and pottery well. Make sure you work quickly to remove the grout before it hardens. Now, you just have to wait a couple of days for the grout to set before adding your final grout sealer.
Step 3: Spray with silicone grout sealer
It is advised to wait 2-3 weeks for the grout to properly dry before adding the final sealer.
Fri Feb 15, 2013 11:45 pm by 
