This clever idea comes from one of our readers, Kim Taylor Parkins from Johannesburg.
We show you how to mosaic a tissue box but you can use the tiles for any project. It’s much cheaper to make your own tiles than it is to buy them. Plus you can mix your own colours!
You will need
• wooden box (ours is 13 x 13 x 13 cm)
• rubber car mat
• wood glue
• plaster of Paris
• acrylic paint in
• the colour(s) of your choice
• measuring jug, cups and spoons
• plastic spoon and knife
• glass containers
• rubber spatula
• craft knife
• tile adhesive
• paint brush
1 Measure the quantities accurately. Mix 15ml wood glue with 55ml water until smooth. Mix in 15ml acrylic paint, until the colour is even. Sprinkle 80ml plaster over the mixture and wait until it sinks to the bottom before stirring, to prevent the mixture forming clumps.
2 Stir together well, until the mixture has the consistency of yoghurt. If necessary, add a bit more water or plaster until the consistency is correct.
3 Empty the plaster mixture onto the rubber mat and use the rubber scraper to ensure all the holes are evenly filled. Give the mat a few gentle taps to remove any air bubbles.
4 Leave for between 24 and 36 hours, or longer, until thoroughly hard. Turn out the tiles and neaten the edges using a sharp craft knife blade.
5 Measure the sides of your wooden box and arrange the tiles in the pattern you have decided on, according to these measurements.
6 Apply tile adhesive to the section where you will begin. Stick on the tiles and complete the rest of the tissue box in this way. Cut the tiles for the oval opening at the top by first scoring the cutting line with your craft knife and then carefully cutting.
7 Leave to dry for 24 hours then use the acrylic paint to paint over any wooden areas that are still showing.
8 When everything is dry, spray on the lacquer. This will make the colours look brighter and will serve as a protective coating.
Think this is a great idea!! Will definitely give it a try a.s.a.p
Wow!! Very impressed!!
This is the best, most original craft idea I’ve ever seen.
This is incredibly creative. Will give it a try soon!
This is a great idea, I want to try it soon!