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You can buy mosaic planters for lots of money—often approaching $100 each—but why not make your own? All you need is a terra-cotta pot, some essential tools and a little creativity.
Step 1: Make the Design Template
Step 2: Seal the Pot
Step 3: Cut the Tiles
Step 4: Lay out the Mosaic
Step 5: Apply the Tiles
Step 6: Create the Border
Step 7: Create the Back and Rim
Step 8: Apply the Grout
Create a rough paper template by rolling the pot along a piece of parchment paper and marking the top and base with a pencil line.
Mix one part PVA adhesive to one part water and apply with a paintbrush to seal the pot.
Use tile nippers to cut the glass mosaic tiles into random shapes to be placed into the design.
Sketch the design on the marked parchment paper. Using the template as a guide, arrange the glass mosaic tiles onto the paper before transferring onto the pot. Don't worry about following the templates exactly—half the fun of making mosaics is incorporating a variety of shapes.
Mix up the cement-based adhesive and apply to the back of each glass tile using a butter knife. Turn the pot upside down to apply the tiles, working outward from the central design.
Apply glass tiles to make the border around the design, starting at the top.
Using white ceramic tiles, work from either side of the main design until tiles meet at the back of the pot. Cut final tiles to fill the resulting wedge shape. Apply more adhesive around the rim to make the two-tone pattern using large glass tiles. Leave to dry overnight.
Mix up the grout and apply by hand (be sure to wear your rubber gloves), pressing between tiles to completely fill the gaps. Wipe away excess with a damp sponge, taking care not spread it over already rinsed areas. When grout is dry, buff the surface with a lint-free cloth.