One Step Mosaic-Linda Bowers

WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVERS

A One-step Mosaic Technique (for using leftover clay projects)

Linda Bowers -
Pattonville High School 2497 Creve Coeur MillRoad
Maryland Heights, MO
63043 314.213.8051 X 8314 or 8304 email: lbowers@-psdr3.org

Materials
1. 1 Gallon pre-mixed "ceramic adhesive & grout" (I used "Premix Ceramic
Tile Adhesive and Grout"from a Home Depot at about $18.00 per gal or
$34.00 per 5 gal).
2. 3/4" thick pieces of wood (I get leftover scraps from the shop class),
you could also use a tray, ceramic plate, flower pot or any other surface.
3. Objects to use for Mosaic: Broken Ceramic pieces, Ceramic Stamps, Rocks
Beads, buttons or any small objects
4. Newspaper
5. Sponge
6. Spatula
7. Thin pointed tool, i.e. knife
8. Disposable Gloves - concrete patch contains some lye.
9. Hammer
10. Picture Hangers
11. Paper grocery Bags
12. Goggles for eye protection
13. Paper for planning
14. 12 oz. acrylic paint to mix into 1 gallon of concrete patch if you do not like
the color the "ceramic adhesive & grout" comes in.

Instructions:
1. Hammer picture-framing system to back of wood, then spread double or triple layer of newspaper on work area.
2. Collect/select your special items for the mosaic decoration. Break pieces as necessary. (teacher should do this) Put objects inside a double paper grocery bag and whack them with a hammer while you wear your goggles for eye protection.
3. Select your wood (or other surface.
4. Trace around wood on a piece of paper
5. Arrange all your items for the mosaic on the paper. Preplanning helps you figure out problems ahead of time. (You will not be able to re-arrange objects once you press pieces into concrete patch)
6. If you want to color concrete patch mix acrylic paint with the concrete patch. Use approximately 120z acrylic paint to 1 gallon of concrete patch.
7. Spread out newspapers on your work area (if you haven't already done so).
8. Spread the concrete patch on wood (or other surface. Apply patch about 3/8" to 1/2 " thick. Spread even layer over surface. You can also spread on sides for a more finished look.
9. Wear disposable gloves, take each of your pre-planned mosaic pieces and press them gently into the concrete patch. As you press each piece in, the area around it will puff up.
10. Use a knife or long needle to push small pieces into the cement.
Sometimes the pieces look particularly good pushed deeply into the cement.
11. Use a mixture of large, medium and small pieces.
12. Layer work by putting some cement patch on the back of a piece and placing it on top of an already attached piece.
13. Sponge off the edges that you want clean while the concrete patch is still wet. Once the concrete patch dries, you cannot get it off.
14. If you have thick cement and a large piece of wood it can take several days to dry.

TIPS:
? Use old projects that have been around for a while so no one will come back to claim them.
? Break the old projects yourself. Don't let students do it because it can be hazardous. (Actually its kind of fun breaking the really awful projects).
? Sorting colors into separate containers will make it easier for students to select pieces.
? The mosaics can be made more personal by asking students to bring in some of their own objects to use.
? Students can specifically make initials or other objects to be used in their mosaic.

CAUTION:
Broken pieces may have sharp edges. Warn students to handle with care.
Broken pieces work better with older students. (Have some bandages on hand)

National Standard:
Students create artworks that use organizational principles and functions to solve specific visual art problems.
State Standard:
#1 In the Fine Arts students in Missouri Public schools will acquire a solid foundation which includes knowledge of process and techniques for the production, exhibition or performance of one or more of the visual or performed arts.
Goal #2:
Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to perform or produce works in the fine and practical arts.
This project was taken from: "Expression", July/August 2002, "Personal Symbolism: An Interview with Lana Wilson" by Harriet Gamble, pg. 36-43.(Expressions is a new "Fine
Crafts" oriented magazine. A one year subscription is $19.95 www.expressionartmagazine.com