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Create Your Own Memory Mirror

September 08, 2020

Create Your Own Memory Mirror

DYI Mosaic Tiles allows you the complete freedom to personalise your mosaics. This project takes this idea to the next level by adding photos to your mosaic to create a personalised Memory Mirror.

Memory Mirrors are beautiful keepsakes, celebrate the birth of a child, a wedding, your children or remember someone special through creating this mosaic.  

BUY THE MEMORY MIRROR STARTER KIT >>

Project Instructions

What Types of Paper Can You Use?

  • Colour photocopies

  • Black & white photocopies

  • Tissue paper

  • Wrapping paper

  • My favourite is scrapbooking paper as the paper is a beautiful quality with endless themes and designs

  • We use scrapbooking paper pads as they contain a large variety of stunning designs, which are all colour coordinated, with a variety of different finishes and specialty papers

The great thing about scrapbooking paper is that you can get words, quotes and pictures to add a different dimension to your project.

If you are using photocopies or printing designs from the internet, for example, make sure you use a good quality paper like Reflex paper as you will get a better result. There is an endless source of designs on the internet, but just remember if you are making to resell, you need to adhere to the rules surrounding copy write.

Stay away from gloss paper as it doesn’t work well, the paper needs to be porous.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DYI MOSAIC TILES >>

 

Applying The Paper

  • Use a soft brush so that there are no lines or minimal lines in the adhesive.
  • We use Mod Lodge Matte adhesive as it spreads well and dries clear.
  • Use your brush to apply the adhesive directly to the back of the tiles, making sure that you cover the entire tile, including the edges.
  • Once you’ve done this, apply the paper to the tile and turn it over. Work the excess glue from under the tile. You could use a small ruler or squeegee to do this, by gently rubbing it over the tile.
  • Leave it to dry completely, then using a pair of sharp scissors cut the excess paper from around the tile.

 

Cutting The Tiles

We have several different sized tiles in the clear tile range so that you will be able to keep tile cutting to a minimum if you wish.
 
Cutting the tiles isn’t difficult though. You will need a pair of two wheeled glass cutters to cut the glass and a box cutter or craft knife to cut the paper.
 
Steps
  1. Using a permanent marker or pencil mark the front of the tile with the line you wish to cut. For instance, I measure the tile up and then mark it with the permanent marker.
  2. For some of you, this will be your first introduction to mosaics and cutting tiles. To get further information on cutting tiles you can visit our tutorials: How To Use Wheeled Glass Cutters, How To Cut Glass Tiles
  3. For those of you that have cut glass tiles before, cut the tile as you normally would but be careful to keep the paper backing intact. On some more fiddly cuts, I pre-cut the tile to size and them apply the paper.
  4. If the paper doesn’t break completely use a box cutter or craft knife to cut the paper or bend the tiles upwards so, the paper doesn’t tear.
  5. When cutting larger tiles cut in half first and then into smaller pieces.
  6. If you end up with some pieces of paper overhanging the edge, don’t worry as this will be covered by grout.

 

Laying The Tiles

  • To adhere your tiles you will need to use a clear drying craft adhesive, a thicker one is better as it will not be as runny and will keep the tiles drier.
  • A thin coat is all you need as they aren’t heavy and they have a paper backing.
  • Apply a thin coat directly to the base, work in small sections so, the glue doesn’t dry out. Once they are laid down, don’t change the placement as you could wreck the tiles with the backing coming off.
  • Keep the tiles close together to minimise the amount of grout you will need.
  • If mixing the design with normal tiles you can apply extra adhesive to the back of them.
  • When planning your design, use the same shapes throughout the design, for instance, a rectangle or square and keep them in a straight line. This will reduce the amount of cutting and filling of spaces you will need to do.

 

Grouting Time

  • Cover any embellishments or decorative items with masking tape or blue tac to prevent them from getting damaged by the grout.
  • Mix your powdered grout with water to create a thick paste. This is to reduce the amount of water, these tiles are paper backed, and water is not their friend. If you use too much water, it will creep under the tiles creating watermarks. Mix the grout to a smooth paste, with no lumps. Keep some of your grout aside just in case you need to thicken the grout later.
  • Spread the grout all over the top of the tiles and sides, making sure to work it into the gaps. Be careful not to cut your fingers on any sharp edges.
  • Once you have applied the grout you will need to wipe it off straight away, we recommend using wet ones for this as they contain just the right amount of moisture. If you use a sponge, you will have too much moisture.
  • Once you have wiped away the excess grout, allow it to dry for 20 minutes and use a soft cloth and wipe the mosaic clear.