Looking for a fun and easy DIY project? Check out this Mosaic birdbath you can make easily that will look great in your yard!
Check out this awesome project that the boys made their Granddad for Father’s Day this year – a {beautiful} kid-created mosaic birdbath! We saw the idea in a magazine a couple of months ago and knew that it would make a perfect gift for him. I am so pleased with the way it came out!
Mosaic Birdbath Tutorial
This birdbath project is simple and inexpensive, though there are some messy parts that will require adult assistance. You will need:
- a terracotta pot and large saucer,
- spray paint (if desired),
- tiles/glass gems (we found ours in bags at Dollar Tree),
- strong glue such as Marine Goop! or E-6000,
- white grout
- sponges.
After painting our pot and saucer with a couple of coats of spray paint, we used our strong adhesive to glue the glass mosaic pieces to the inside of the saucer. I put a puddle of Goop! and a chopstick on a paper plate and supervised while my boys took turns creating their mosaic design (make sure you open the windows and get adequate ventilation!).
The boys started with a random assortment of glass shapes in the center, and then we rimmed the saucer with small square tiles to clean up the edges of their design. (See how I didn’t peel off the price sticker on the saucer there? Don’t follow my example here – in the end we could still faintly see parts of the sticker through the clear glass gems – oops!)
Then the boys filled in the rest of the space with assorted glass gems. Sawyer said that the curved “petal” looking ring of glass is “sunflower petals to remind Granddad that he should plant some sunflowers in his garden.” It was fun seeing his little mind create unique patterns and designs without any parental intervention!
Yay, time for grout! Despite the “Are you crazy!? Grouting with preschoolers? In the kitchen?” setup, we actually didn’t encounter any difficulties or messes in this step – AMAZING! I mixed dry grout with water in a recycled container, and the boys spread it on with plastic spoons. (Note: The pre-mixed grout at our local store was not recommended for standing water applications, so be sure to read the labels unless you want to go back to the hardware store again. Ask me how I know.)
The boys applied the grout and made sure that it filled in all of the cracks between the tiles and gems. When the entire saucer was sufficiently covered they took turns wiping off the excess, and when it was almost done I finished it up for them. The boys applied the grout and made sure that it filled in all of the cracks between the tiles and gems. When the entire saucer was sufficiently covered they took turns wiping off the excess, and when it was almost done I finished it up for them.
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Heidi Kundin has captivated the hearts of millions with her colorful and inspiring approach to crafting, celebrations, and family fun. With over 15 years of experience, Heidi’s website has become a must-visit destination for those seeking quick and easy creative ideas and last-minute solutions. Her warm personality shines through her posts, inviting readers to join her on a creative journey that’s fun, rewarding, and achievable.
April says
Is it safe for birds to drink out of this?
Colleen Newton says
Could you use sea shells?
AVA JOHNSON says
What an awesome job! I love how it turned out. I want to do one, now.
Carole Kimes says
I’ve been wanting a birdbath. After viewing your wonderful project I think I might just make my own using a terra cotta pot and saucer I already have. Thank you for sharin,
Joy says
What brand of grout. When clicking on the grout word it takes me to Amazon but shows the glue🤪
Thank you
Heidi says
We used Polyblend sanded grout. Here is a link: https://amzn.to/3fx5VJC Thanks! 🙂
Estella says
Can you use plastic coaster instead of terracotta.?
Heidi says
I wouldn’t recommend using plastic because the glue doesn’t hold as well underwater like it does with terracotta. The tiles might become loose and fall out over time. Thanks! 🙂
Linda says
Love love love..so beautiful…..
Such a great job!!! I know granpa loved it too
Sandi Walvoord says
Where did you find the curved glass pieces for your birdbath? Thanks Sandi
Heidi says
I got them from the Dollar Tree, but they only carry the fun shaped pieces on occasion. 🙂
Carmen says
Just a beautiful job,your kids are awesome