How To Make A Three-Dimensional Mosaic

Would you like to make mosaics using china but need help figuring out where to start? Incorporating three-dimensional pieces into a mosaic is very popular as it takes the mosaic to the next level. In this article, Shelley Lycett guides you through the process step by step, from cutting the teapot and cup to grouting the piece. Shelley outlines what materials and supplies you'll need and the techniques she uses to make these fantastic mosaics.

Thank you, Shelley, for sharing your amazing mosaics with us.

MATERIALS & SUPPLIES

I use 18mm plywood sheets from Bunnings – then cut them to size and give them a prime coat of paint to help seal them. Note that this does not waterproof them. However, you can hang them under cover (I’ve had one outside for over three years now – still in great condition!)

Most of my teapots and cups are from op shops, but sometimes if I love something, I will purchase it for a special project. Also ‘Made by Miranda’ offers already cut-in-half products at excellent prices and great customer service.

china purchased from an op shop for making 3d mosaics

I have a Dremel (as pictured) and do my cutting – it is safe, but always wear safety goggles and recommend a mask as it can get dusty! I recommend starting with the handle on the cups and the teapots – once you’ve made it through there, it is safe to say that the rest will go smoothly. Use a marker to help guide you so you get an even cut.

Once your board is ready – draw a rough sketch of where you want your flowers to fall from and what they are falling into. Remember to put the teapot half you are using on the correct side of the board; just like you are pouring it, you will notice it is positioned wrong if you put it on the wrong side!! (I’ve been caught). Trace around your cups and teapot and then put them in a safe place – you won’t need them until after grouting (or just to check for placement of other tiles)

My trusty chopstick – sharpened and for putting the tile adhesive onto tiles (I think I might need a new one soon).
My kiwi fruit spoon – for scooping minimal tile adhesive – to minimise wastage - as it sets quickly.
A scalpel – for scraping excess grout.

I work all the mosaic and leave the spaces free where I have outlined the teapot and cups; however, I do fill inside them, even though no one will see this (this is where you can use up broken bits). Once the project is completed and grouted, the cups and teapot should still fit neatly into the spaces that were left. Depending on the size of the gaps, before grouting, you can fill this with blue tac, so you don’t grout it all (and remove once grouting is done) or just grout as usual. You may need to scrape a little of the grout to fit the cups and teapot neatly. You will need some strong glue – usually, I use gorilla glue from Bunnings and glue the pieces into place.

Except for the flower centres – all tiles were purchased from the MOSAIC STORE … a little more information about them to help you on your way to success! Petals are Ceramic Teardrops and Ceramic Petals – you will notice a slight difference in their shape. The 2cm Venetian Glass Tiles are the square ones – which I use the wrong way as I think they give more texture to the piece – but it's entirely up to you how you choose to use them! The Irregular Crystal Glass Tiles are also very handy with their triangle-ready cut pieces. I only have a very old cutter, so the less I have to cut, the better; that's why I love these pre-cut tiles! Now the millefiori in this instance came from Bunnings - but THE MOSAIC STORE also have a great range.