DIY: Bead Mosaic

Mosaics have been around for thousands of years, depicting everyday items to live in ancient lands. Today, it can be a relaxing hobby and artistic medium. Cutting or breaking of glass tiles or plates as well as the adhesive and grout can be dangerous for younger people who would like to get involved in making their own mosaic pieces. There is a solution, beads and this article will help the young (or the young at heart) get started in making their own mosaics using just a few simple items that can be found readily at any craft store or even larger mega-marts (such as Wal-Mart).

Items to get started:

1. Beads - seed beads work best (the higher the number, the smaller the bead which means greater detail), but pony beads work well for children, but any bead that has at least one flat side;
2. White glue such as Tacky Glue;
3. Toothpicks (rounded works best);
4. Preformed wood or fiberboard shape [even regular heavy poster board will work];
5. Tracing paper;
6. Pencil;
7. Colored tissue paper [optional]; and
8. Small paint brush [optional].

To create your mosaic:

1. On your wooden or fiberboard shape, lightly design your picture with pencil or trace picture onto shape.

2. This is an optional step: With colored tissue paper, tear apart small pieces and place on design where the colored bead is to be placed. Using small paint brush, glue piece down. Allow all tissue paper to dry completely.

3. Working in small sections at a time, spread glue onto shape either using brush or finger to create an even coat. With beads place onto glue with the hole facing up. Working from the smallest part of design and working out towards edges, gives greater control. Allow section to dry about ten to twenty minutes. Continue working in sections until entire piece is completed.

4. Allow to fully dry overnight. The next day, gently brush entire piece with white glue making sure that the glue gets into holes of beads. Again, allow to fully dry overnight.

5. The mosaic is ready for display or give as a gift. There are small shaped rectangles (4x6) that can quickly be done in a few hours and placed into a 5x7 frame for display.

Now one can create masterpieces that rival the works of those in ancient lands. The mosaic will have a pebbly feel. To get the look of grout between the beads: before starting to place your beads, paint the piece with either grey or black acrylic paint and allow to dry overnight. Then continue on placing beads as instructed above. If you wish to have the appearance of grout, then the second step is not necessary.