Author Tracy Graivier Bell and host Kathi Cardinalli transform an ordinary light-fixture shade into a mosaic conversation piece
(see photo at right).
Materials:
ceiling-light cover
two bowls of different sizes, both smaller than the light cover
pencil
mosaic, glass or tile nippers
stained glass
safety goggles
work gloves
flat-sided glass marbles or beads
clear silicone, household glue or other clear quick-drying adhesive
masking tape
rubber gloves
sanded grout
stir stick
dry cloth
Steps:
- Trace the two bowls onto the light cover with a pencil, creating two concentric circles. These will serve as the borders for the rings of colored glass.
- Use nippers to clip stained glass into small, irregular pieces (figure A). Always wear safety goggles and work gloves when breaking glass.
- Glue flat-sided marbles onto the outer edge of the light cover (figure B). You might want to use masking tape to hold them in place as they dry.
- Starting with the ring closest to the outer edge, apply adhesive one small section at a time (it dries quickly, so you shouldn't try to cover too much area at once) and glue glass pieces onto the light cover. Once you've covered the first ring, repeat the process on the inner rings (figure C). Allow to dry for 24 hours before removing masking tape.
- Put on rubber gloves, then prepare and carefully apply grout with your hands (figure D). Fill the spaces between the fragments. As the grout begins to set, wipe the excess from the fragments and allow the grout to dry for about 20 minutes. Wipe off remaining chalky residue with a clean, dry rag.
Resources Crazy Mosaic
by Tracy Graivier Bell (ISBN: 1571456554)
Laurel Glen Publishing, October 2000
Order this
title.
Laurel Glen Publishing
5880 Oberlin Dr.
San Diego, CA 92121
Toll Free Phone: 800-284-3580
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