Mosaic art has always been at the top of that “want to do” list, but grout is messy and broken glass or china can be difficult to work with at times – and then there’s drying time! This faux look is done with paint, paper and Mod-Podge and dimensional glaze on a wood base and almost looks like the real thing without the weight!
Let’s get started
For this project, the following collection of papers was used: Seamless Floral Pattern
aren’t they beautiful? These are similar florals to the fine china used only on special occasions by our grandmothers in days gone by.
Mosaic background ( image is in the public domain)
You’ll also need:
- electronic cutting machine and software (Skycut C24 and SCAL 5 Pro were used)
- printer
- 12 x 12 photo paper
- Tweezers
- Gray paint
- 2 1-inch disposable foam brush
- MDF laser cut Heart shape
- Matte Mod-Podge
- Mod-Podge Dimensional Glaze
- Round nose pliers
- 9-12 inches jewellery chain (Hobby Lobby)
- 2 mini screw eyes
- 2 jump rings
- Charms (optional)
Select your favorite floral paper from the seamless floral pattern file. Print a full-size image on the printer using photo paper and a glossy print setting. If you can’t print 12 x 12, print, print on a sheet of 8.5 x 11.
Let dry overnight to make sure the inks are fully set before cutting.
Paint
Using the gray paint and a foam brush, apply 1 light coat of paint on the front and sides of the heart. Sand lightly if needed to make sure the surface of the top of the heart is very smooth. Any bumps in the surface will appear in your paper when it dries. Make sure that you clean off any grit from the sanding as well.
Apply a second coat of paint if desired, let dry and sand again for a smooth surface. Set aside.
Cut
Open the SCAL software. Import the mosaic background SVG. If you need to resize the SVG, now is the time to do it. If you’ve printed on an 8.5 x 11 paper, you will need to resize. You will not if you’ve printed to the 12 x 12 size. Place the printed image on the mat. Load the mat into the cutting machine.
Send the cut to the machine making sure you have the correct settings for your paper. Once the mosaic pieces have been cut, you can begin to place the cut pieces on your heart. You can leave the cut image on the mat for the time being and just pick up one piece at a time to place on the wooden heart.
Apply
Start near the middle of the heart and worked your way out and then up and to the bottom, covering the surface of the heart. Adhere each piece of the mosaic to the heart using the matte Mod Podge. You can also brush a light coat over the top and edges of each piece to make sure it sticks. Some pieces will not fit perfectly and hang over the edge. You may also need to trim a few pieces to fit and fill in any big holes between the pieces. It is okay to leave some “grout” showing. Trim hanging edges after the Mod Podge has dried.
Once the Mod Podge has dried thoroughly, your project will have a slight sheen, but will not be super shiny.
Glazing
The next step is to apply some Dimensional glaze to each individual piece of the mosaic; stay within the edges so there will be a gradual declining edge around each mosaic piece. Usually, 2 or three small drops will fill the larger of the mosaic pieces. Smaller pieces will only require a very small drop – you can fill using the tip of the applicator and pulling the liquid across the surface of the piece. Let dry for at least one hour or more – the glaze should be clear and not cloudy on the surface of the paper.
Once dry, the paper will have some dimension and sheen like it was broken china. You can fill any holes or spots with another drop or two of the glaze, if needed, and let dry again before moving on to the next step.
Finishing
Screw a screw eye into each side of the heart at the very top.
Add a jump ring to each end of the chain and secure an end into each of the screw eyes. Close the jump rings tightly. If desired, add a charm, a bead dangle or two to finish before securing the jump ring to the screw eye. Your piece is now ready to display.
One 12 x 12 sheet will do 2 6in high hearts with a few pieces left over that could be used to decorate the sides of the wood.
TIP: Don’t discard the empty mesh as it can also be used as a decoration piece on a box lid or card front with a darker background.
For additional inspiration, visit Jan’s page here or her blog.