HOW TO MAKE MOSAIC BOXES | 3 Designs of Stained Glass + Mixed Media

Mosaic boxes are the ultimate, functional home decor item. They look great just sitting on a table, plus, they keep special treasures safe. In today’s video I’ll share how to make three mosaic boxes from start to finish. Two involve stained glass, and one is a mixed media piece. We’ll talk about design, substrate selection + prep, cutting mosaic tesserae and tiling, how to tile on mosaic mesh and install on a substrate, plus grouting and finishing off. As always, LOTS of tips and tricks throughout.
SKIM THE VIDEO:
00:00​ - INTRO
01:02 - BOX LOVE
02:10 - LET’S TALK SUBSTRATES
04:32 - BOX #1 - SUNBURST
12:59 - BOX #2 - BOOKSHELF
16:30 - BOX #3 - MIXED MEDIA STAR
20:25 - GROUTING THE SMALL STUFF
26:09 - QOTD
26:37 - BLOOPERS
VIDEOS TO WATCH NEXT:
→ HOW TO PREP WOOD FOR MOSAIC - • HOW TO PREPARE WOOD FO...
→ HOW TO USE MOSAIC MESH - • HOW TO MOSAIC ON MESH ...
→ HOW TO USE A SANDING STONE - • MOSAIC HOW TO: SAND + ...
→ PLAYLIST FOR GROUT & THINSET (MIXING, COLORING, TINTING) - • Mosaic Adhesives + Grout
→ HOW TO CUT STAINED GLASS - • HOW TO CUT STAINED GLA...
→ HOW TO USE WHEELED GLASS NIPPERS - • WHEELED GLASS NIPPERS ...
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ALL ITEMS USED IN THIS VIDEO:
SUBSTRATES
→ SQUARE BOX - amzn.to/3MxBkL7
→ SQUARE BOX (set of 2) - amzn.to/3kd05Qg
→ SQUARE BOX (set of 4) - amzn.to/3kd0cva
→ RECTANGLE BOX (long) - amzn.to/3Mjc6zU
→ RECTANGLE BOX (set of 2) - amzn.to/3LcyV85
→ RECTANGLE BOX (set of 4) - amzn.to/3xOgkLO
→ HALLOWEEN (Coffin) - amzn.to/3KhaTrb
→ HEART SHAPE - amzn.to/3k5ErgX
→ HEXAGON - amzn.to/3vbEY7r
→ ROUND BOX - amzn.to/3kbx7Ax
→ ROUND BOX (set of 3) - amzn.to/3vMJY1A
TOOLS
→ SANDING BLOCK FOR WOOD - amzn.to/3EGkc2M
→ STAINED GLASS CUTTING GRID - amzn.to/3K6sDFH
→ NON-SKID RULER - amzn.to/3ELwBCO
GLASS CUTTERS
→ THOMAS GRIP* - amzn.to/3OCIqzx
→ PISTOL GRIP* - amzn.to/3EGMv14
→ PENCIL GRIP* - amzn.to/3MqsKNT
→ *GLASS CUTTER OIL (You need this for glass cutters) - amzn.to/3Lbxnvd
→ RUNNING PLIERS - amzn.to/3Lh4RIK
→ WHEELED GLASS NIPPERS - amzn.to/3EFWQdT
→ ELECTRIC GLASS GRINDER - amzn.to/3NorQCq
→ SANDING STONE FOR TESSERAE - amzn.to/3K6Bb0h
MOSAIC TESSERAE
→ STAINED GLASS - amzn.to/3KhdP7b
→ VITREOUS GLASS (mix) - amzn.to/3v7kVXH
→ VITREOUS GLASS (single color) - amzn.to/3LfzLkr
→ GLASS RODS - amzn.to/3vEEzcz
→ GLASS TILE - amzn.to/3xKqgpI
→ CERAMIC SHAPES (including yellow round from Star box) - amzn.to/38jr9dX
→ CERAMIC SHAPES - amzn.to/3EKJfle
ACCESSORIES
→ MOSAIC MESH - amzn.to/3LfOGev
→ WAX PAPER - amzn.to/3KcZc4M
→ PLASTIC WRAP - amzn.to/3karylY
→ PERMANENT MARKER (for design transfer on mesh) - amzn.to/3EFtnRf
→ PERMANENT MARKER (for marking tesserae) - amzn.to/3kqeIQJ
→ PAINTER’S TAPE - amzn.to/3Le11Qx
→ WOOD TOOTHPICKS (pointed) - amzn.to/3LfQ40H
→ SHOE POLISH - amzn.to/3vIUGWL
→ ACRYLIC PAINT - amzn.to/3EMhYyX
→ MARKER FOR SIGNING YOUR ARTWORK - amzn.to/3Oz9bFi
→ SEALER FOR ARTWORK - amzn.to/3EGBAVk
→ DUST MASK - amzn.to/3tLgSQj
→ PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR - amzn.to/3ILcl4s
ADHESIVES + GROUT
→ GROUT - amzn.to/3xQzWPn
→ TILE ADHESIVE/MASTIC - amzn.to/3EK854R
→ WELDBOND - amzn.to/3vdAcqc
MORE OF JULIE’S FAVORITE MOSAIC TOOLS
→ TILE NIPPERS - amzn.to/3GSfgZZ
→ METAL TOOLS & PICKS - amzn.to/3Lgp9Ce
→ TWEEZERS - amzn.to/3soGH7D
→ PALETTE KNIFE - amzn.to/3lBJs1z
→ WORKSHOP BRUSH - amzn.to/3Ggg5LU
JULIE’S STUDIO BACKGROUND - MATERIALS ORGANIZATION:
→ PLASTIC BINS (small) - amzn.to/3DhY3Hh
→ PLASTIC BINS (large) - amzn.to/3mp0yBA
→ HEAVY DUTY PLASTIC BINS - amzn.to/3gqhrIe
→ LABEL MAKER - amzn.to/3D7Gfyj
→ ZIPPER ‘FREEZER’ BAGS - amzn.to/2XEheKK
→ INTERLOCKING CONTAINERS (SMALL) - amzn.to/30TcL90
→ INTERLOCKING CONTAINERS (LARGE) - amzn.to/32z4303

[@summerholmes4725]

I bought three boxes to mosaic and haven’t touched them since. This video has inspired me to get one out and get it done.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Summer! YES!! Do it! Just start with one and see where it takes you. Warning: they're a little addicting! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@rupashukla5916]

As said by others it's very inspiring and my favourite is the bookcase and I have JUST THE BOARD for it which in fact is a house name/number plate which I plan to make a bookcase like you !!!😍😍😍 Julie you are awesome and so meticulous in explaining 🙏🙏🙏

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Rupa, my friend! How are you? Thank you for your kind words. Great to hear you enjoyed the video and are going to create your own version of the bookcase design. LOVE IT!! If you post to Instagram please tag me (@julieweilbacher), I'd LOVE to see it! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🙌

[@rupashukla5916]

Julie, it's so encouraging that you would actually want to see me work. I hv just recently started mosaicing after watching you, Peter Twinning, Caroline Jariwala, Julie Mazzoni... the list could go on and am not very confident yet. But yes, I will surely post and share soon. Thank You Julie 😘😘😘🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ashleysovilla2037]

Your channel is wonderful! I’m so excited to tile something!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Ashley! Awww thanks so much!😊 It's great to hear you're enjoying my channel! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@annettepayne822]

I want to like this twice.😂

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Annette! Awww, thank you!! That means a lot. It's great to hear you like how the boxes turned out. They were fun to make! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🙌

[@natalieh5805]

Hi Julie! Really enjoy your videos! Thanks for doing them! I’d love to see a video on a house number piece for outdoors, please? Thank you!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Natalie! Thanks for your kind words. GREAT to hear you're enjoying my videos.😊 I'll add your request for a house number plaque to the list. Thanks for the suggestion!! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🙌

[@Gloriverse]

First! Such a well-made video and the cutest projects!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Gloriverse! Thanks so much for your kind words. Great to hear you enjoyed it! Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!🔥

[@metzejr]

Awesome video. I’m going to get busy. Thank you!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Edward! It's great to hear you enjoyed the video. Have fun with it! Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!🔥

[@prernaneelavar9358]

This is awesome thanks

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Prerna! Thank you! Great to hear you enjoyed it. They're so fun + quick to make. What a gift!! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@marymiller-crews1307]

Thanks!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Mary! Awwww, thank you for the 'super thanks!'😊 I appreciate it. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@bayblue9307]

Your the best!!! 💕 🌸

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Bay Blue! You're too kind!😊 Thanks for your continued support. I greatly appreciate it! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@donnadiesburg7451]

Awesome

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Donna! Great to hear you enjoyed the projects! Mosaic boxes are so much fun to make. Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!🙌

[@j.c.7555]

Hey Julie…so happy to see you and a new video…you were missed. Love the boxes…great ideas. I never thought of using mesh which I still need to buy. Any major advantage as opposed to direct application to box? Was going to try a box but needed to finish up some other small projects. Trying to get my mojo back. Thanks..hope to see you more with great tips and ideas.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi JC! Thanks for your kind words. There's no major advantage to using mesh on a box. Some folks like to work directly on their work table, (flat) and mesh allows them to do that. Otherwise, yes, direct application is the way to go! You'll want to tune in to today's video. You get 2 shout outs! 😮 Keep watching! Thanks for your continued support and encouraging words!🔥

[@charitolopez5927]

Hola Julie!! Me encantan tus videos pero soy de habla hispana y no sé inglés. Posibilidad de que tus videos tengan subtítulos en español? Igual te sigo mirando, 💪💪💪💪🥰

[@timeenuf4200]

Very inspiring! Easy, beautiful and unique gifts from the heart. Love all of them. Thank you for the coaching and the inspiration. Question: where do you sign items like these?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Time Enuf! Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it!! Great to hear you enjoyed the video.😊 I signed my name on the bottom on the piece. Another 'hidden spot' would be on the inside of the lid. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🙌

[@judihart9658]

Go Girl!💖👍☕😎

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Judi! Awwww, thanks so much! I'm goin'!! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@arlenebain5678]

Ohhh loved the boxes! Really enjoyed the video, love how well you explain everything! I really want to try this. 🤗 Does the waffle board help as far as helping cut the glass straight? I need something that would help me cut straight so I can make strips and then cut into squares the same size. I’m terrible at it! Thanks for all of the useful info. Want to try that adhesive, too. 😁♥️

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Arlene! The waffle grid allows you to line-up your non-skid ruler and cut a straight line of stained glass. Perfect for cutting strips of glass! I also like to nip over it because it catches all of the glass shards. It's so handy! Keep creating my friend and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@arlenebain5678]

@@JulieWeilbacher thanks so much!!

[@arlenebain5678]

@@gautreau123 thank you!

[@karenjoncour6151]

Great ideas Julie! My favourite was the book one. Just wondering… if I have a box that is already painted, could I glue directly on to that?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Karen! Great to hear you enjoyed the video. The bookshelf design seems to be the fave!😊 You can use a box that's already painted but make sure you give it some 'tooth' in case the paint -- at some point -- starts to pull away from the substrate. Check out this video which explains how to prep the surface: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2OTaquCbaaKisU. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here my friend!🔥

[@laurabridson1795]

This video was such an inspiration! I have a couple of boxes to do. One daughter wants hers painted black. Would I paint the box before or after?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Laura! Great to hear you enjoyed the video! You can paint before or after. If I know what color I want to paint the box (before I start tiling), then I'll usually paint beforehand. Otherwise, afterwords works just fine too. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@GroovyWorx]

I want to make a design on mesh to attach to a stepping stone. Could I use the acrylic adhesive if it is going to be outside?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi GroovyWorx! Yes, you can use whatever adhesive you'd like with mesh for outdoors because it's just anchoring your tesserae to the mesh. Think of it as a 'temporary' or not-final adhesive. When it's dry you'll spread thinset-mortar or cement-based adhesive onto the surface of your stepping stone, and then place your mesh mosaic on top. Lightly press it down so the adhesive comes up through the mesh and makes contact with your tesserae. This step will fully adhere your mesh mosaic to the substrate. Then you'll follow up with grout and sealant. This video shows you how I added mesh to a stepping stone >> kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIqoYomqYqt5faM. And this video shows how to seal your grout >> kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3vUi4hrqsiAlc0. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@annettepayne822]

You are tops. Unfortunately in Australia we don’t have stained glass like you guys do. Boo hoo.

[@mariaphilomena1422]

Where do you buy the mesh? Love all 3 boxes Julie!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Maria! Great to hear you like all 3 boxes. 😍 They were fun to make! In the description below the video is a supplies list for all 3 boxes. You'll see the mesh listed under 'accessories.' It's such handy stuff for your mosaic projects. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🙌

[@kathysteffler4505]

When you seal your boxes at the very beginning, are you using the Liquitex? It does not look colored... thanks. You are a good teacher!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Kathy! Thank you for your kind words.😊 I don’t use Liquidtex for sealing wood. This video shows how I do it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2OTaquCbaaKisU. Keep creating and I’m glad you’re here!🔥