Mosaic Steppingstones

As a trombonist and a mosaic artist, Gila Rayberg knew she had found home after visiting New Orleans.

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In this segment, Gila Rayberg makes a wonderful steppingstone for the garden.

Materials and Tools:

plastic palette knife
tile nippers
toothed trowel
ceramic and/or glass tiles
concrete steppingstone
2 small mixing containers (1 with airtight lid)
water
Thinset
grout
grout sealer
cleaning rags
face mask
latex gloves
water spray bottle
dental pick or similar

Steps:

1. Draw pattern on the steppingstone.

2. Prepare tiles by breaking or nipping with tile nippers.

3. Mix Thinset in small container with airtight lid. Use palette knife to spread Thinset on tiles while placing them. Lay them in the outline of your pattern and then fill in the design in rows, or place them in a freeform design.

4. Clean out any Thinset that is sticking up between tiles with dental pick. Let set for 24 hours.

5. Mix grout and let sit for 10 minutes. Remix and adjust water if needed.

6. Spread grout over entire piece making sure to press into every grout line and around edges of stepping stone. Wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge. Let dry until a light haze forms on tiles. Wipe clean with dry rags.

7. Allow to cure for three days and then seal with grout sealer.

For cleanup: Do not put grout or Thinset down the drain. Scrape containers as much as possible into the trash. Rinse containers, trowel and palette knife with water.

Website: www.gilamosaics.com