MAKE YOUR OWN MOSAIC GARDEN TABLE
On May 10th, 2011 by Laura Timmons.
Design and create a unique table by revamping an old one, the final result looks so impressive but it is actually a very simple process.
You can create any design you like but a very simple pattern can look impressive; coordinate your colours so the final result isn’t too
chaotic. Coloured grout is available premixed or you can add a dye or acrylic paint to plain grout. The hardwearing materials are ideal for
the garden but it can be used to decorate a bathroom or kitchen table.
You will need…
2.5cm plywood – you will need a square piece large enough to cover your
original table top
String
Drawing pin
Pencil
Jigsaw
Wood primer and Paint brush
Sponge
Broken China and/or mosaic tiles
Tile nippers
Tile adhesive
Flexible knife
Tile grout and additional grout colour
To draw a circle on the plywood, tie the drawing pin to one end of the string, push the pin into the centre of the plywood, pull the length of
string to a middle of edge of your plywood cut the string and tie the pencil to the end. Use the pencil to draw a circle around your table,
cut the circle using the jigsaw. Draw your design onto the plywood. You can adjust the length of the string to draw concentric circles.
Prime the plywood all over.
Use the tile nippers to snip the china to fit your design. Position the nippers in place and squeeze the handles together – mosaic tiles
have grooves in the back so the break is controlled. When using broken or unwanted china firstly wrap the object up in a heavy cloth and break with a hammer – its not a controllable break but it will give you smaller pieces to cut with the nippers. Using a hammer also gives you irregular shapes, which can add interest to the surface. Arrange your design on the tabletop.
Spread tile adhesive on the back of the china pieces, fix into position. Cover the whole table in your design. Grout adds extra strength and a smooth finish. Work the grout into all the gaps, clean off any excess; when wet though, most grouts can be
scrubbed off when dry and then polished off.
CRAFT:MAKE A BUTTON LAMPSHADE
On March 19th, 2011 by Laura Timmons.
Create an individual lampshade using spare buttons. If you have a lampbase that you love but haven’t found a shade to suit it then this project is a great solution. When lit the lampshade will cast button shaped patterns around the room and using semi transparent coloured buttons will create a really colourful light. Use an eclectic mix of shapes and sized buttons and select colours that complement each other or use mother of pearl buttons to create a beautiful vintage feel. This can also be created with beads, glass ones will look especially impressive when the lamp is lit! You can also use this idea to decorate a larger freestanding lamp.
To make this lampshade, you will need…
-Table lamp
-Old metal frame lampshade
-Collection of buttons various sizes
-Wire and cutters
-Remove the fabric cover from your lampshade.
-Sort the buttons into groups by size, the buttons will graduate from small to large as they move down the lampshade but you can create any formation.
-Cut a long length of wire, wrap several times around the bottom edge of the frame make sure the wire is secure.
-Thread some of the larger buttons onto the wire, gradually using the smaller buttons until you have reached the top edge of the lampshade frame. -Pull the wire taught and wrap around the top edge.
-Thread the smaller buttons onto the wire, increasing the size of buttons until you have reached the bottom edge,
-wrap the wire to secure. Repeat this process until you have covered the whole lamp.
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