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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Building It On Pennies says
So Cute! I am thinking this might be one of our summer projects!
Jeanne
http://www.buildingitonpennies.com
Mel the Crafty Scientist says
So fun (and so nice of you to let the kids craft and do it their way and let their little minds run wild)! Before the photo/site fully loaded, I saw parts of the bird bath and thought you’d filled it with or drawn worms on it because of the curvy glass pieces… obviously not, but maybe the birds will think so and you’ll have LOTS of good bird traffic! : )
Tiffany says
Beautiful, fun, love it!!! I think the kiddos and I have a new project!! 🙂
Christina says
so cute! you’ve inspired me to try mosiac tile with the kids.
Paper Scissors Paint says
Great activity for the kiddos! I have to add this to my list.
Mandy @ Sugar Bee Crafts says
Thanks for linking up to TAke-A-Look Tuesday over at Sugar Bee Crafts – – I featured you today!! Mandy, http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com
Alexa says
This turned out super cool!!!
D+B says
Your blog is so cute!! I will definitely be following you!! 🙂 and will be watching your blog to learn some new things!! I would love it if would check out my blog and follow me back also!!
-Brooke
For-The-Luv-Of.blogspot.com
Kelly @livingcraftilyeverafter says
This is adorable! I featured it on my blog today, come on by and check it out!
http://livingcraftilyeverafter.blogspot.com/2011/06/five-fabulous-finds-14.html
Kelly
p.s.phyllis sews says
What a great job and fun project. You did a great job of organizing the tasks so they had fun with this gift! Awesome!
Carolyn says
Great project. It turned out fantastic. I would love for you to share this project at my linky party.
http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/2011/06/inspiration-board-link-party_21.html
Thanks for the creative inspiration.
Carolyn | homework
Anonymous says
I once made a stepping stone with similar supplies. What really caught my eye here is your two boys. They are adorable and it’s great that you let them do most of the design. Grammy Pat
dennisonohio says
I LOVE it!! They did an amazing job!! I will have to add this to my list.
Daily Craft says
Great project! I just wanted to let you know that we featured this project on our Facebook page with over 15,000 fans. We’d love it if you’d use our Featured Blogger button, available at: http://www.dailycraft.com/thank-you-for-crafting/. Our audience loved the project and we look forward to sharing more from you. Please let us know if you have any questions or projects you’d love us to feature! Thanks!
Amy @ Heritage Homemaker says
Oh my goodness! This is so neat and kid friendly to make!!
Anonymous says
Made this a summer project for my 41/2 year old grandson and I ….. Now every time I look out my back window I have a lovely reminder of our visit together!!
Jennifer says
This turned out great! I was looking at the original directions in Family Fun, and they applied a coat of grout sealer at the end. I was wondering if you did this and just didn’t mention it in your tutorial or if you decided you didn’t need to do it – and why? Maybe the grout you chose doesn’t need to be sealed, just cured? Just want to be sure we do this right so it holds up for many seasons of bird visitors.
AAH says
This retired kindergarten teacher showed your pin to her granddaughter. Now we have plans to make one together this spring when we visit her.
Heidi says
That’s great! I hope you have lots of fun creating your birdbath together! 🙂
Jane says
Hi – I love this little bird bath. What a great idea! Where did you get the squiggly pieces – they are great!
Heidi says
Hi Jane! If I remember correctly, I think that the squiggly pieces came from Michael’s. 🙂
Jane says
Hey – thanks for getting back to me! I’ll check!
Shanna E Stewart says
Hello, I realize this post was several years ago but if you still read the comments would you be able to tell me if I need a certain type of paint to be safe for the birds water or if it’s just regular paint?