Colorful Mosaic Vase

Materials Needed
Pastel paper Scissors Vase (glass or plastic) Mod Podge Small stones or sand Newspaper

Instructions
1. I used a "Trop50" which is short for Tropicana for those don't buy orange juice regularly, I love the shape. 2. Weigh down the plastic container with small stones or sand. Make sure the stones are small enough to go into the spout. 3. Cut out several sheets of pastel paper. Cut them in little pieces in different shapes for the mosaic. Lay out the cut pieces in front of you. 4. Put newspaper down to protect the surface you are working over. 5. Work on one side at a time so the Mod Podge won't dry too soon. Try to cover as much as you can with the paper so it looks like mosaic. Go over it with Mod Podge. 6. Continue to the next side with the same way, brushing on the Mod Podge and the paper. Go over again with the Mod Podge. 7. When all sides are done and finished with Mod Podge, let the vase dry for a few hours. 8. Get some colorful silk flowers to put inside of the vase.

Tips and Tricks This would be a lovely Mother's Day gift and she would be thrilled to know that it was created
from you.

Egg Shell Mosaic

Here's How: 1. Save all the shells you peel off your Easter eggs! 2. Break the colored egg shells into small enough pieces so that they are fairly flat. 3. Draw a design on a dark piece of posterboard. 4. Working in small sections, use a cotton swab or an old paint brush to liberally spread glue onto your design. 5. Stick the egg shell pieces, colored side up, onto the glue. 6. Continue with step 4 and 5 until your design is completely filled in with egg shells. 7. Set your mosaic aside to dry completely. Tips: 1. You can also use lighter colored posterboard, but the dark paper really sets off the colors of the egg shells! 2. If you like, you do not have to draw a design. What You Need:

Colored Egg Shells Posterboard Glue

Fingerprint Mini-Mosaic

Materials Needed:

Old Scrabble Tiles Ink Pad White Primer or Paint

Instructions: Step 1: Set aside the tiles you're going to need to spell out the words 'Hand Print'. Step 2: Take 11 tiles (any letters will do) and prime the non-letter side so they are completely white. Add a second coat if necessary, and allow the paint to dry completely. Step 3: Using the ink pad (be sure to use non-toxic ink) one finger at a time, cover your fingertip in ink and press your fingertip on the white side of your tile to create a black-on-white fingerprint. Be sure to use one finger per tile. However, in the finished example, Laura used two tiles for her right thumb. Also, she recommends practicing on a scrap piece of paper first, because getting just the right amount of ink can be a bit tricky. Step 4: Arrange your tiles like the example in the photo. Step 5: From here, you can do a whole bunch of things you can transform this into a refrigerator magnet, create a tiled-mosaic, or transform this into wall-art that can be framed and hung great for kids' rooms! (Laura teaches each of these techniques in detail in her tutorials, as well as how to use recycled papers instead of paint.)

Mosaic Leaf Bracelet Craft

Materials Needed:

Wide Masking Tape Leaves

Instructions: Find colorful leaves and tear them up into pieces. Use a piece of masking tape to form a bracelet that will fit over the hand. You want the tape to be sticky side out. Now simply place pieces of the torn up leaves onto the sticky side of the masking tape in any design you like!

Decoupage Puzzle Pot Craft

Materials Needed:

Empty Container or Pot Puzzle Pieces Paint (Optional) Craft Glue or Decoupage Medium Paint Brush

Instructions: You may want to cover your work surface with newspaper, wax, paper, or an old vinyl tablecloth or shower curtain.

Use any empty, clean container you want. I used one of the almond cans from this Make-It-Over craft challenge! Start out by painting the container whatever color you like. Once the paint is dry, use glue or decoupage medium to cover the entire outside of the pot with puzzle pieces. Finish your pot off with a coating or two of decoupage medium.

Mosaic Box

What you will need from us: 1 - 1-pound bag of Turquoise 1 - 24-tile bag of Turquoise 1 - 24-tile bag of Dew 1 - 24-tile bag of Jade 1 - 8 oz. jar of Premixed White Grout 1 - 4 oz. bottle of Adhesive 1 - Applicator Set lear plastic box with lid (3.5" x 3.5" x 6.5") Mosaic Tile Nipper paper towels water container

GLUING

Begin by cutting out white paper and taping the pieces to the outside of the plastic box and lid. Sketch the design along the sides and top of the box. Our designer, Elizabeth of Tesselation, chose a climbing rose motif. Gently remove the pieces of paper from the outside of the box and tape them inside the box, with the design facing outward. This will be your guide to gluing the tile to the outside of the box. Put on a pair of latex gloves, and gather together the Dew and Jade tiles. Carefully nip the Dew tiles into the precise little shapes that will match the flowers in your drawing. Nip the Jade tiles so that they will fit the narrow lines of the climbing stems. Dab a little glue on each of the pieces and carefully place on box, using your drawing as a guide. See illustrations for detail While the adhesive is still wet, tiles can be shifted with a craft stick until you are satisfied with the positioning. The adhesive will begin to dry within 5 to 7 minutes. Do not attempt to reposition the tile after the adhesive begins to set. Once the flowers and stems are covered with your nipped pieces of tile, allow the adhesive to set up for at least 30 minutes. Next, begin filling in the background with the Turquoise tile. Some of these can be left whole, while others should be nipped carefully to fit beside the flower design. See illustrations for details. The adhesive dries clear and can be peeled off, so don't worry if you get a little on the visible side of the tiles. Make sure to keep your hands clean and free of adhesive while applying tiles. Wash hands as needed. Allow the tiles to dry for at least 12 hours - we recommend overnight.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

GROUTING

1 2

Fill a container with water and have handy plenty of paper towels. Run strips of masking tape along the inner sides of the pot to keep off the grout. Using the red plastic Grout Spreader Tool, scoop out grout and spread it over the tiles and into the 'crevices' between the tiles. Mosaic Maestro Tip: Be gentle - you don't want to loosen tiles. If a tile should become loose, apply more adhesive to the tile and reapply to the base. Continue grouting around the repaired tile, making sure not to dislodge it again.

Work the grout into the crevices until it becomes smooth and level with the tile surface. The best way to do this is by spreading the grout in one direction and then spreading it in the opposite direction. Don't allow grout to build up in the crevices along the sides of the tray. When you have finished applying grout, wait about 15 minutes for it to harden slightly.

Dampen the yellow Grout Sponge with cool water and squeeze it. The sponge should be damp, but not

soaking wet. Gently wipe the dampened sponge across the tile surface, removing excess grout from all surfaces. Wash out the sponge periodically while cleaning the tiles, as it really soaks up the grout.

Allow to dry overnight. Gently loosen any remaining excess grout from tile with a wooden craft stick. Gently polish tiles with a paper towel or cloth. For extra shiny tiles, polish with a small amount of vegetable or olive oil.

Rectangle Mosaic Box

What you will need from us:

1 - Keepsake Box Kit 1 - Basic Nipper

The following instructions are a step-by-step guide to creating your own mosaic masterpiece. These instructions correspond to those in the Mosaic Keepsake Box Kit, but can be applied to any of your mosaic projects.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 2 3 4 5 6

Decide on your project's color and design theme. You can create colorful patterns and images by nipping mosaic tile into halves, quarters or irregular shapes using one of our specialized tile cutting tools, breaking the tiles in the enclosed plastic bag with a hammer or using the tiles whole and uncut. Using one of our glue spreading tools, apply a layer of Mosaic Adhesive onto both the project surface and the textured side of each tile. Work within a small area at a time for best results. Place tiles onto your project with the smooth side up, textured side down. Aim for a 1/8" or less "crevice" between tiles. Allow adhesive to set of 5-6 hours before proceeding. Using our grout applicator tool, spread Mosaic Grout onto the tiles. Work grout into the crevices until the grout is smooth and level with the tile surface. Wipe off excess grout with a damp Grout Sponge. When the grout has thoroughly dried, polish the tile surface with a damp paper towel until the tiles are shiny and free of grout residue. Congratulations! You're ready to use and admire your new mosaic masterpiece.

Fall Platter Project

2 - 24-tile bags of Clover tile 2 - 24-tile bags of Hot Molten tile 3 - 24-tile bags of Moss Green tile 1 - 24-tile bags of Jade tile 1 - 24-tile bags of White Weave tile 1 - 1-pound bag of Sanded Pumice Grout 1 - 4 oz. bottle of Adhesive 1 - Applicator Set A Platter (size: 12.75" x 9" [32.3cm x 23.4cm]) Mosaic Tile Nipper Grout Mixing Bowl Tweezers Paper towels

INSTRUCTIONS:

Make a sketch of a leaf, either on paper or directly on your platter with a magic marker. You will be placing one leaf in each corner of the inside of the platter and one in the center. You can use our design, or try one of your own.

Draw a grid pattern with a ruler across the whole platter, measuring each line to be a little further than 3/4 of an inch apart. See illustration.

Put on a pair of latex gloves, and gather together the Jade and White Weave tiles. Carefully nip them into the precise little shapes that will match your leaf sketch. Remember, the more precisely the tile pieces match the shape of the drawing, the nicer looking your mosaic will be. See illustrations for details. With a craft stick, dab a little glue on each corner of the back of the tile, then dab a little on the platter where you want the piece to go. Place the tile smooth-side-up onto the platter. Continue in this way until all five leaves are done. Line Clover, Hot Molten and Moss Green tiles in a random, attractive pattern along the sides of the tray, spacing each tile an even distance from one another. Dab a little glue on each of the four corners of each tile, and carefully place tile on tray. Fill in the all of the platter between the leaves that you can with this pattern. Mosaic Maestro Tip: Take time to study the metallic patterns on the tiles, and place them in the direction that seems to 'flow' in the best way. And remember: an even, narrow interstitial space is the most pleasing to the eye! While the adhesive is still wet, tiles can be shifted with a craft stick until you are satisfied with the positioning. The adhesive will begin to dry within 5 to 7 minutes. Do not attempt to reposition the tile after the adhesive begins to set. The adhesive dries clear and can be peeled off, so don't worry if you get a little on the visible side of the tile. Make sure to keep your hands clean and free of adhesive while applying tile. Wash hands as needed. Cover as much of the platter as possible with the rows of randomly placed Clover, Hot Molten and Moss Green tiles. You will find that as you get close to any of the leaves, small spaces will have to be left. These will be filled in last. Once the platter is covered with the rows of whole tile, you can start cutting tiles to fit into the background area by the leaves. These are a little harder to cut and place, because the spaces will be quite small. Try to cut the tile as precisely as possible to fit the area between leaf and whole tile. Tweezers can be used to help place the tile. Allow the tiles to dry for at least 12 hours - we recommend overnight.

5 6

Grouting

1 2

Fill a container with water and have handy plenty of paper towels. Pour out 1/2 Cup of grout into a container and carefully add water 1 Tablespoon at a time while stirring, until the grout has a thick, creamy consistency. This will be about a 7:1 ratio. Using the red plastic Grout Spreader Tool, scoop out grout and spread it over the tiles and into the 'crevices' between the tiles. Mosaic Maestro Tip: Be gentle - you don't want to loosen tiles. If a tile should become loose, apply more adhesive to the tile and reapply to the base. Continue grouting around the repaired tile, making sure not to dislodge it again. Work the grout into the crevices until it becomes smooth and level with the tile surface. The best way to do this is by spreading the grout in one direction and then spreading it in the perpendicular direction. Be sure to smooth the grout evenly along the edges of the platter. When you have finished applying grout, wait about 15 minutes for it to harden slightly. Dampen the yellow Grout Sponge with cool water and squeeze it. The sponge should be damp, but not soaking wet. Gently wipe the dampened sponge across the tile surface, removing excess grout from all surfaces. Wash out the sponge periodically while cleaning the tiles, as it really soaks up the grout. Allow to dry overnight. Gently loosen any remaining excess grout from tile with a wooden craft stick. Gently polish tiles with a paper towel or cloth. For extra shiny tiles, polish with a small amount of vegetable or olive oil.

4 5

Beach Mosaic Art

This tropical scene sparkles with brightly colored Venetian tile. The beach mosaic is a great family vacation project and makes lovely decorative wall art for your vacation home or create a vacation-feel right in your very own home.

Materials:

1 package each 3/4 Jennifers Mosaic Tile Mixes: Fire, Grassy Green, Denim Newspaper Wheeled Mosaic Glass Nippers or Tile Nippers 1 package 3/4 Jennifers Mosaic Tiles: White Sponge 12 x 12 chipboard or acrylic surface Mosaic Adhesive Optional: Sealant, grout, colorant, bowl, spoon, latex gloves, spatula, soft cloth Mosaic Pattern.

Instructions: 1. Prepare surface to be mosaiced by cleaning it and removing any oil. Wood surfaces can be slightly sanded. To create the mosaic panel use 12 square chipboard available at hardware and home suppliers.

2.

Lay newspaper over the working area. If grouting, also have a disposable bowl, rubber gloves, spatula and sponge.

3. 4. 5.

Modify design to fit the surface. Pattern can be reduced or enlarged to fit any flat surface. Transfer design to work surface using carbon paper. Work in sections, begin with the main subject, nip tile to fit pattern guidlines. Use the photo of the finished project for color and tile shape reference. Featured project was not grouted. If you wish to grout your project, leave 1/8 spacing between tiles. Cut tiles over a wide, empty, shallow box or bowl to collect tile shards.

6.

Once you have nipped the tile to fit a particular section, apply adhesive to the textured side of the tile and apply, adhesive side down, onto the surface. If making a project for outdoors be sure to use waterproof adhesive. Repeat nipping and gluing application until design is complete. Let project dry for 24 hours.

7.

No grouting is needed to achieve the look of the featured panel. However, if you evenly space tile 1/8 apart when gluing, this should leave enough room for grout.

8. To apply grout, mix according to package directions, consistency should be equal to oatmeal.
9. Grout can not be saved so mix as needed. Be creative - experiment with colored grouts or color your own grout with Jennifers Mosaics Colorants. Spread grout over project with a spatula or by hand wearing latex gloves. Make sure that every space is filled. Remove excess grout with a moist sponge.

10. Wipe off the grout haze with a cloth, buff and shine tiles. Allow grout to dry. A sealer may be used
to keep grout clean and protected. If the piece is to be used outdoors a transparent sealer is recommended to protect it from humidity. 11. If making a panel, finish piece with your favorite frame, hang and enjoy the compliments.

Bug or Lizard Pin

Gild a bug or lizard shape and decorate with beads and wires. These bugs can become unique pins or decorative tiles.

Materials:

Willeez Lizards & Bugs Duo Embellishing Adhesive WireWorks Texture Sponges Gildenglitz Perfect fx Embossing Tile Handy Clip Pearl Ex Beads Pin Back

Directions:

1. Apply Duo Embellishing Adhesive to a Willee using a soft brush. Let dry. (The adhesive will become clear and tacky.) 2. Use Gildenglitz to gild the Willee. Use a Texture Sponge to burnish and smooth. (A variation is to dust dry Pearl Ex onto selected areas of the Willee, and then add the Gildenglitz.) 3. Wrap WireWorks and add beads around the Willee. A Handy Clip makes the perfect tool to add curles and loops to the Wire. (If desired, attach the pin back with the Wire). 4. Use hot glue to attach the Willee to a Perfect fx Embossing Tile. 5. Use hot glue to attach the pin back to the back of the Embossing Tile.

Ceramic Tile Place Mat

Requirements
White Ceramic Tiles Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Paint Sponge or Kitchen Roll Paint Brushes Masking Tape or Double Sided Tape White Spirit (available from all good DIY Stores) Christmas Templates

Method
First give the Ceramic Tile a thorough clean with White Spirit or other alcohol based cleaner. Wipe dry with Kitchen Roll Place the tile on a felt square, and mark around the edges. Cut a felt square to the size of the tile and set aside. Chose a suitable template, or templates for your design, i.e. one large or several small templates. Stars, Christmas Tree etc work best. Roll a small piece of masking tape and apply to centre of template. Or use double sided tape. Stick the template to the tile. Pour a small quantity of Porcelaine 150 paint onto a lid. Dip a small piece of sponge or Kitchen roll into the paint. A small quantity works best. Gently dab the sponge onto the tile. ensuring that you do not get paint beneath the templates.

Leave to dry, then remove Templates. Remove any stick mark left by the template with a little white spirit. Gently sponge or paint (with a brush) the design area of the tile in a contrasting colour, and allow to air dry for 24 hours before baking. If colours have been applied thickly extend this time. Place your creation in a cold Domestic Oven and set the temperature at 150-160 Deg C. Bake for 35 minutes from the time that the oven temperature stabilizes at the desired level. Turn the oven off and allow your creations to cool naturally in the oven overnight. Do not open the oven during this time.

Collage Ceramic Tile

Materials and Tools: 6" square tile with matte finish * Golden soft gel gloss Spectra colored tissue paper brown StazOn ink for rubber stamps black tulle brass colored buttons for embellishment Any type tile can be used; however find a kind that has a matte finish rather than a glossy finish. This will eliminate the need to sand the surface of the tile to ensure proper adhesion of the collage paste. Steps: 1. Wash the tile with soap that removes grease such as dish soap and rinse thoroughly. Allow to dry completely. 2. Use different layers of tissue paper to achieve a translucent effect. The best way to get a translucent effect is to allow each layer to dry fully between applications of paste. This will allow more of the underlying layers to show through the top applications. Use of heating guns may cause the layers to dry more opaquely, which may be an effect you would prefer. Tearing the tissue pieces allows the paste to more effectively blend the edges of the layers. Use a finger if you want to smooth the layer of wrinkles and ensure a more transparent effect after it dries.

3. You can use any type of thick, white crafting glue, including gel mediums or decoupage paste. Using thin layers applied evenly worked best for the effect that I wanted in this collage. 4. Measure a 6-inch-square piece of cheesecloth and beige-colored tissue paper. Stamp the tissue paper with a large hieroglyphic stamp. Cover the cleaned tile with an even layer of paste. Lay the cheesecloth over the paste and smooth to remove wrinkles. Place an even layer of paste over the surface of the cheesecloth and over the edges. If there are threads from the cloth overlap the edges. Immediately lay the tissue paper layer over the pasted cheesecloth. Smooth with a finger and apply a thin, even layer of paste. Allow to dry. 5. Place an even layer of paste over the surface and lay a 6-inch-square piece of orange tissue paper over the previous layer. Allow to dry. 6. Stamp an Egyptian art collage stamp twice on yellow tissue paper. Stamp an Egyptian cat on orange tissue paper. Tear the stamped tissue paper into pieces that have pleasing designs on them. Place an even layer of paste over the previous layer and lay the tissue paper pieces on the tile. Paste the entire layer and lay a 6-inch square piece of yellow tissue paper over the top. Smooth with your hand and lay another layer of paste on top of the yellow sheet. Paste the Egyptian cat on top of this layer. Allow to dry. 7. Take a piece of the stamped yellow tissue paper and lay over the Egyptian cat. Paste over the image and allow to partially dry. Using your thumb or finger, start to gently rub the yellow tissue paper away from the cat image giving more detail to the cat image. Cover the tile with another layer of paste and cover with a 6-inch square of orange tissue paper. Allow to dry. 8. Paste copyright-free clip art images to the bottom of the tile. Apply paste over the images to make sure all edges have been glued. When dry, apply gold leaf adhesive and allow to dry until it is tacky. Place pieces of gold leaf around the areas where there is glue and use a brush to press the foil into the glue and to brush away the excess. Take a sponge sander or piece of fine-grit sandpaper to burnish the foil. This gives a crackled and antique finish to the foil. 9. Take a piece of black netting and round flat round buttons or Asian coins with a square cutout in the center and thread the netting through the hole at each end of the netting. Knot each end. Attach with epoxy or other adhesive for metal and glue the embellishment to diagonal corners. 10. Rub gold metallic compound to finish to the edges of the tile.

11. Use epoxy to glue a wall hanger to the back, or display in a table easel.

Colored Tile Thank You Card

What you'll need:

Small bathroom tiles (about 3/4" x 3/4") Ceramic paint (optional) Ceramic paint pen Design cardstock White cardstock Double-sided padded tape Glue gun Glue stick Pencil Ruler Paper scissors

How to make it:

Step 1: Card Cut-Out 1. Cut out a 10"x 8" rectangle with design cardstock. 2. Fold card in half so that it is a long rectangle.

3. Cut a 2"x 9" rectangle with white cardstock. Step 2: Painting Tile 1. Paint tile using ceramic paint in a variety of colors and let dry. If your tiles already have a pattern you like, you can skip this step. 2. Paint a different pattern on top of 4 tiles and let dry. 3. Write Thank You: on tiles using thin black ceramic tile paint pen. Put one letter of the phrase on each of the tiles. 4. Let dry completely. Step 3: Putting Thank You Card Together 1. Place double-sided padded tape on back of white rectangular cardstock. 2. Place white rectangle shape on front center of card. 3. Glue tiles on white cardstock using glue gun.

Garden Stone Mosaic

Materials:

STYROFOAM Brand Foam:

Ball, 6"

Latex ceramic tile adhesive Mosaic stone pieces: 1 c. gray; 3/4 c. green; 1/2 c. black; 1/2 c. orange Acrylic exterior satin varnish Sanded tile grout Fine-line black permanent marker Large rubber band Ruler Palette knife Small disposable bowl Flexible rubber spatula Bucket of water Household sponge

Clean, soft rag Rubber gloves Optional: Burnt umber or black acrylic paint Optional: Tile nipper

Instructions: 1. Use marker to draw pattern onto foam ball. To begin, wrap rubber band around center of ball, dividing it in half; measure for accuracy. Draw line around ball along rubber band. Remove rubber band. Measure and mark line every 2-1/2" around ball. 2. Measure and mark ball 1-1/2" and 2-1/2" above and below center line. Draw four more circles around ball at these marks, parallel to center line. 3. Beginning and ending at marks on center line, draw 3"-tall, 5"-wide curved diamond shapes on two opposite sides of ball as shown. 4. Draw a second set of curved lines outside first set, about one stone-width wide, between upper and lower circles drawn on ball. 5. Use palette knife to spread 1/8"-thick layer of tile adhesive onto small area of ball, along marker line. Note: Rest ball in small bowl while working to prevent rolling. 6. Firmly press one row of green stones into adhesive between curving lines, placing stones close together. Note: Most stones will be used whole, but can be cut to fit as needed using old scissors or tile nippers; follow all safety precautions given with product. 7. Firmly press one row of gray stones into adhesive above and below each green line; refer to photo for placement. 8. Firmly press three or four orange stones into circular design at center of each diamond. Press row of gray stones into adhesive around orange stones. Fill in area between gray stones with black stones. Repeat on opposite side of ball. 9. Add eight more orange groupings equally spaced around ball as shown. Add row of gray stones, then green stones, around each grouping. Fill any remaining spaces as desired. Let ball dry overnight. 10. Put on rubber gloves. If desired, tint grout with small amount of acrylic paint; mix well. Following manufacturer's instructions, use spatula to apply grout to stones, working grout into all gaps. As you work, remove excess grout from stones with a damp sponge. Note: If using sanded grout, rinse tools in bucket, not sink; discard water outdoors.

11. When ball is completely grouted, wipe away excess once more using damp sponge. Let ball dry slightly. Repeat sponging until stones are clean. 12. When dry, rub ball with clean rag to remove grout residue and restore shine. 13. If using outdoors, follow manufacturer's instructions to apply one or more coats of sealer to ball.

Holiday Photo Ornaments

Materials:

FIMO Soft Polymer Clay Christmas Ornament:

o o o o o o o

Silver (#81) Metallic Red (#202) Tropical Green (#53)

Chanukah Ornament:
Metallic Gold (#112) Brilliant Blue (#33) White (#0)

Kwanza Ornament:
Black (#9)

o o
Steps: 1.

Indian Red (#24) Emerald (#56)

AMACO Pasta Machine AMACO PolyBlade AMACO Needle Tool Teardrop Leaf Cutters (from Kemper Tool) K46: 1 3/4", 1 3/8", and 1" 1 3/4" Circle Cookie Cutter (from Ateco) X-Acto Type Craft Knife Small, Round Coffee Straw 8" x 8" (or larger) Ceramic Tile Wax Paper Oven Optional: Ball Tip Stylus FIMO Gloss Lacquer

Condition each color (starting from lightest to darkest) by rolling through the largest setting of the pasta machine a few times. Make sheets of all three colors by rolling through the third largest setting of the machine.

2. Cut out six teardrop shapes using the largest Kemper Tool Leaf Cutter. To make your own cutting
templates, draw teardrops and circle shapes onto a piece of waxed paper or deli wrap and cut out with scissors. Use these templates to place over the clay and cut around with your craft knife. Tip: Its helpful to place the flattened clay on a deli sheet or waxed paper when cutting out the shapes. This makes it easy to lift the shape from the paper backing after cutting without stretching and distorting the clay. 3. Repeat Step 2 to create six medium and six small teardrops from the remaining two colors. If desired, texture can be added to one or more petals. Tips for Adding Texture: Create a crepe paper effect by dragging the needle tool vertically along the clay across the entire surface width. Make tiny indentations over the surface of the clay using a ball tip stylus. Its easiest to get a clean, overall appearance by texturing the clay sheets before cutting out the teardrop shapes. 4. Once all 18 teardrops have been cut, stack them from largest to smallest, leaving approximately 1/4" of clay exposed from under the edges of the clay placed on top. 5. Roll up the outer edges of the largest teardrop inwards and lightly press together to form a fluted end. 6. Position the six layered teardrops into a circle on your ceramic tile. The largest teardrop edges should touch, but not overlap. Once these are evenly spaced, cut out the center using the circle cookie cutter or paper template and remove the excess clay.

7.

Roll a 1/8" diameter snake of clay using the same color as the outer teardrop. Gently press the snake against the inside edge of the frame opening. Trim away excess clay. Decorate and secure the snake by pressing vertical or angled lines every eighth of an inch, using the needle tool.

8. Roll six 3/8" diameter balls of clay using the same color as the smallest teardrop. Press a ball over
the outer tip of each teardrop, slightly flattening with your finger. Make a hole with a small coffee straw in one of the circle ends. Bake the ornament on the ceramic tile for 30 minutes at 265F (130C). When cool, gently slide the PolyBlade underneath to remove it from tile. Tape a picture on the back and add a ribbon. Variations Add FIMO Gloss Lacquer to one or more petals after baking. Instead of making a hang hole, glue a magnet to the back after baking to display on the fridge or attach to a holiday card to create a gift within a greeting!

Mosaic Madness

Materials:

Steps:

FIMO Soft Polymer Clay Pacific Blue, White, Sahara, Tropical Green, Mandarin Orange, Sunflower Amaco Pasta Machine Amaco PolyBlade Ceramic tile Scissors Pencil Wooden Tray Wooden Tag Clay Pot Tacky Glue Credit Card Rubbing Alcohol Scrubbing Sponge

1.

Condition all clay before use, starting with the lightest colors first. Knead by hand or roll through the pasta machine until smooth and pliable.

2.

Bake the tag and wooden tray in oven at 265F (130C) for approximately 30 minutes. This will help to dry out the wood, allowing the tiles to adhere better. The tray shown is 8" x 8".

3.

Prepare marbled polymer clay tiles from colored sheets of clay. Combine White and Sahara, Pacific Blue and White, Tropical Green and White, leaving light and dark streaks in the clay. Flatten clay through medium setting on pasta machine. Flatten Mandarin Orange and Sunflower separately using pasta machine. Using a ruler, cut 1/2", 1/4" and 1/8" squares from clay sheets with PolyBlade. Bake all pieces at 265F (130C).

4. Draw pattern onto surface. Apply tacky glue to tile and set in place just like a jigsaw puzzle. TIP:
For the tough round areas (for example on the dragonfly wing) glue the tile over the pencil lines. Wait a few minutes for glue to set and then trim off excess using a craft knife. Grout

5. Choose your grout color, then roll into thin logs and use fingers to press into grooves. Use a credit
card to help press clay into cracks too. Scrape off excess clay with credit card. Use rubbing alcohol and a clean scrubbing sponge to remove clay from surface. Bake at 265F (130C) for 20 minutes. Seal with acrylic sealer to brighten colors. Clay Pot

6. Base coat with burnt umber acrylic paint if desired. Apply tiles as above in certain areas giving a
more weathered appearance. Tag 7. Follow instructions for tray. Draw design, apply tiles and grout as above and bake.