"Mosaic Monolith" Wildflower Sign

Step 3

Steps:

1. Cut and shape the wildflower using offset tile nippers and ceramic tile. Quarter a 2" x 2"off white tile and shape each square meticulously into a flower petal.

2. Shape several off white tile petals.

3. The corolla is shaped in the same manner from a 1" x 1" deep yellow tile.

Steps 4-6

4. Cut and shape the background tiles with the offset nippers. Quarter a 1" x 1" ceramic tile and remove the beveled edge from each 3/8-inch piece, shaping it into a tidy square.

5. Cut a square from fiberglass mesh using scissors. Cover a scrap piece of wood with wax paper to use as a work surface. Tape the wax paper onto the wood. This will prevent glue from leaking through the mesh and sticking to the surface.

6. Tape the mesh to the wax paper on the scrap wood. Mark the center and a border around the mesh (image).

Step 7

7. Starting at the center, glue the tile pieces for the flower first, then glue the background tiles around the flower using PVA glue. Each individual piece is "buttered" with glue, and then put into place on the mesh. Let the glue dry.

Step 8

8. Prepare the substrate by tracing a template the approximate size of the mosaic on the stone in pencil.

Step 10

9. Wearing safety glasses and a respirator, use a grinder to score the prescribed space to the right depth and chisels to remove the small chunks within.

10. Upon completion, a recessed well the depth of the tile is ready to assemble the mosaic.

Step 11

11. Install the mesh-mounted mosaic to the stone with Thinset mortar. Mix the mortar with water and apply it to the space for the mosaic. Press the mosaic into the mortar to assure a good bond. Allow ample time for the mortar to cure, which will vary depending on how thick the mortar is mixed with 12-24 hours being optimal.

Steps 12-13

12. Mix sanded grout with water to the consistency of pudding. Mask off the stone around the edges of the opening. Apply the grout to the mosaic with a float filling all spaces between the tiles. Let the grout stand for approximately 15 minutes, then clean the monolith wildflower sign with a wet sponge. Remove the grout haze with a terry cloth towel. Pull off the masking tape.

13. Let the grout cure for a minimum of 48 hours, and then seal the mosaic wildflower sign with a high quality, contractor-grade sealant applied with a foam brush.

Self taught mosaic artist James Turner grew up in Missoula, Montana. After graduating from college he started a career as a professional fly fishing guide. During his stint as a guide James met a man who was creating mosaics of trout. James was intrigued. The man eventually taught him the art and since then he has expanded his knowledge of the craft all on his own.

Website: www.jamesturnermosaics.com