I promised my reader, Cyndy, I would give a brief instruction on mosaic tiling.  I must apologize that I can’t pictorially document the process since I don’t have a project before me.  The process is extremely simple, so I don’t think it is necessary.  The difficulty has nothing to do with the execution, and everything to do with the design.

The trick to making a finished piece look good is in the placement of the tiles.  All the grout lines should be the same width, so choosing pieces that fit is the challenging part.  It’s just like working a puzzle. It is necessary to select each piece in relation to the one next to it and place every piece the same distance apart.  Purchasing tile nippers makes this a little easier, because you can cut a small, precisely-sized piece if you need.

Choosing the tile is the most important part of the process.  Making sure all the tiles you select are the same thickness makes the grouting job easier and the end result is much better.   If you use a variety of color and pattern, consider the proportions carefully.  Stepping back and viewing the design every few feet is essential to maintaining even distribution of color, pattern and size. 

Now for the process:  Place a thick towel or blanket on a hard surfaced floor.  (Outside on pavement is safest.)  Wrap a few tiles in the cloth.  Give the package a whap with a hammer.  Continue until you have a nice selection of differently sized shards.  (Just hitting the tiles is dangerous.  Plus it causes the finish of the tile to chip.) 

Using a notched trowel, place an even, thin coat of mastic on the surface to be tiled.  I like to do a few feet at a time, so I can stop when I need.  Applying the mastic over the entire surface is a bad idea because you run the risk of having it dry before you can finish placing your tile. 

Lay each piece carefully by wiggling them gently into the mastic.  If mastic oozes between each piece you have used too much.  Scrape it out neatly, otherwise you will see some messy residue after you have grouted.  Once mastic has dried it is much harder, if not impossible, to remove, so neatness is vital. 

After at least 24 hours, the tile can be grouted.  Follow the mixing instructions on the grout package.  If the grout is too dry or too wet, it will be difficult to work into the spaces.  Use a float to push the grout and be sure every line is completely filled.  WARNING:  The tiles edges are ridiculously sharp.  Expect to cut yourself, even when wearing gloves and being cautious.    

Once every space is filled with grout, you can wash away the excess. Step back and admire your work.

*The edges on mosaics can be sharp.  I helped a friend mosaic her Kitchen table and after we had to have a piece of glass cut to put on top so her little girls wouldn’t cut themselves.