Remaking the Mosaic Table…

Published March 8, 2013 | By Broken Plate Mosaic Belt Buckles

Ten years ago my trusty partner and I made an outdoor mosaic table. We were living in Perth at the time and bought all of the wall tiles from various tile stores around Perth. The table was designed using the Sacred Geometry symbol called ‘The Flower of Life”. We picked colours which reminded us of the colours of Perth..

We moved back to Melbourne with our marine ply and our tiles and had a wrought iron base made to fit the ply. The table took a year to make and was enjoyed for many an event. Unfortunately the dog ate the cover for the table (don’t ask) so it was open to the elements. This would not have been a major problem.. the marine ply board had been waterproofed but timber swells and shrinks and the grout cracked .. and I should’ve regrouted but I didn’t. Why not? Well, I love mosaicing but I have to say grouting is not my favourite task! Call me crazy but breaking my back and rubbing my fingers raw are not my favourite part about mosaics.. so I just didn’t get around to it. I wasn’t really worried I thought the marine ply would hold out. Unfortunately it didn’t..

And that is why this Summer’s task has been to remake the mosaic table…

A new piece of marine ply was purchased and waterproofed with Bote Coat (an extremely toxic boat waterproofing agent). Two coats were applied. Next we transfered the ‘flower of life’ pattern onto the table and measured up where the border tiles should go.

Hours and hours and hours and hours were spent cutting the grout off all of the old pieces of tile. I cannot tell you how many episodes of ‘Breaking Bad’ I watched as I snicked grout from tiles!!

This is an example of one of the buckets waiting to be snickered. My fingers were covered in bandages from the blisters. Oh it was fun and I kept wondered why I hadn’t just regrouted in the first place!!

Finally the new table was ready for the fun part – gluing…

Slowly, slowly the pattern began to take shape..

First the Border..

Then the leaves..

And so it grew…

And Grew…

It was Hot too.. Under the plastic roofing it was over 36C some days..

But I was on a mission…

There was a week’s break down at the beach and then it was back into it..

And so it came down to the final piece..

And then it was done..

Well, it’s glued at least. And now for the dreaded grouting..

I’ve made a start… But it’s been too hot! Grout needs to be between 5C and 35C and it’s been 27C at 9am!! The weather isn’t looking like cooling down anytime soon and it’s supposed to be Autumn..