Dimensional Dog Mosaic

Step 11

11. Do not allow glue to squeeze up between the pieces in a height that exceeds the height of the tile pieces; such a glue tower will be visible after grouting. Put the edge pieces exactly on the edge of the base.

Step 12

12. Cover the non-horizontal surfaces including the eyes and nose with tile pieces using glue. Place one edge flatly against the work surface. Cut the tile so that the other (top) edge runs exactly against the top edge of the surface base. You will later connect the sides to the surface with a line of grout.

Steps 13-14

13. Mix grout and water in a plastic tub with a stir stick according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The mixture should have the wetness and consistency of peanut butter or cookie dough. Use sanded grout when spaces between the tile pieces exceed 1/8".

14. Wearing gloves, apply grout to the dog mosaic piece. Apply grout directly with the fingers, pushing the grout fully into each open space. When smoothing the surfaces, be aware of sharp edges and their hazards.

Steps 15-18

15. Allow the grout to dry partially approximately 10-15 minutes and start cleaning and the buffing the dog mosaic piece with paper towels.

16. Allow the grout to dry more fully at least 24 hours.

17. Scrub the dimensional dog mosaic with a toothbrush dipped in muriatic acid, wiping the mosaic piece dry with a cloth towel.

18. Using the screwdriver, wood screws and wire cutter, apply strap hangers and picture wire. Purchase picture wire that is appropriate for the weight of this heavy piece.

Robin Kingma works in corporate finance for a major insurance company and lives in Columbus in a house with a big yard and her three dogs. A self-described "numbers and jock girl" (she used to be very active in rowing); she was surprised to discover she had the desire and talent for mosaics! It all started when she needed dog-safe planters for her yard. She decided sewer pipes would do the trick, but she wanted to add a little color, so she covered them with tiles. Before long, more intricate mosaics became her hobby of choice, and pretty soon the dogs made their way into the mosaics themselves.