DIY Mosaic Birdbath Tutorial with Kim Wozniak, Part 1

Master the Art of Crafting a DIY Mosaic Birdbath: Step-by-Step Tutorial with Kim Wozniak
Join "Make it Mosaics" for an in-depth, step-by-step instructional journey led by Kim Wozniak in this captivating DIY Mosaic Birdbath Tutorial, Part 1. Prepare to be amazed by the wealth of information awaiting you!
In this tutorial, witness the transformation of a pre-made birdbath form from a garden center into a stunning masterpiece featuring a beautiful, graphic design crafted using glass "Sweetie" tiles, requiring minimal to no nipping. This first part, accompanied by its sequel, encompasses the entire birdbath creation process from inception to completion.
Delve into the realm of exterior mosaics, exploring the nuances of thin-set mortar adhesive, discovering optimal forms for mosaic projects, identifying materials best suited for outdoor use, mastering cutting techniques, efficient cleanup methods, and an abundance of cost-effective tips. Unleash your creativity and embark on your own journey to fashion a beautiful mosaic birdbath using your preferred mosaic materials!
Part 2, which covers grouting and finishing options is a separate video.
"Sweetie" tiles cut best with. LePonitt wheel tool - click this link for the best deal: studio.youtube...
Tools and Materials List: Mosaic materials of your choice, birdbath form, appropriate nipper to cut your tiles, exterior rated thin-set mortar, grout.
The glass tiles used in this video are “Sweeties” available from witsendmosaic.com
Favorite Thin-set mortar ( you can purchase from tile distributors, or online) LATICRETE 254 Platinum Thin-Set Mortar- amzn.to/3B48ZY5
For mixing thin-set mortar directions and tips all of these videos on the channel give directions:
Using Thin-set Mortar as Adhesive for Mosaic Art-works
Thin-set Pastry Bag Trick, mosaic short-cut tip!
DIY Easy Mosaic Ceramic Flower Pot, part 1
Introduction to Mosaic Crafts with Kids: Suncatchers & Ornaments Video
To grout mosaics watch these videos:
How to Grout a Mosaic Video
Grouting Broken Dish Mosaic
DIY Mosaic Photo and Mirror Frame Art Project for Children, fun and easy video.
DIY Mosaic Garden Stepping Stone Paver Part 2 Video
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For signed copies of books by Bonnie Fitzgerald: 300+ Mosaic Tips, Techniques, Templates and Trade Secrets and Bonnie Fitzgerald's Guide to Mosaic Techniques visit maverickmosaic...
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#DIYMosaicBirdbath #MosaicArtTutorial #ExteriorMosaics #CreativeCrafting #MosaicDesignTips

[@Cjv123]

Your tips, insights, examples, and presentations are wonderful ❤ Thank you for posting these videos, and for the great books!

[@annettepayne822]

I want to like this twice!

[@MakeitMosaics]

Thank you for being a fan!

[@mrshappywanderer]

Thank you for instructions! I’m going to do mosaic on old bird baths in our yard. Instead of purchased tiles I will be using “broken glass” from many items I purchased in antique a f thrift shops!

[@GailM11]

That's beautiful. You have great techniques. Very neat and clean.

[@MakeitMosaics]

Thank you! And thank you for being a fan.

[@stephanieeaton449]

This is so gorgeous and inspiring! Thank you for this video

[@MakeitMosaics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wennoel]

Beautiful piece! Thanks for the video.

[@BirdBath1]

wennoel, look at bird bath

[@sundaysunshine2925]

Love your design on this bird bath . Great video .

[@MakeitMosaics]

Thanks for being a fan!!

[@maccamovie]

Love your tips Kim !

[@MakeitMosaics]

and my side kick Bonnie!

[@julierimer4544]

You did a beautiful job! I admire your patience and love your "technical terms." Thank you for this video.

[@MakeitMosaics]

Thanks for being a fan, just launched another help video about buying glass on-line.

[@conniemicheli4137]

Beautiful work

[@BirdBath1]

Connie Micheli, look at bird bath

[@MakeitMosaics]

Thank you so much 😀

[@lynann368]

Beautiful! 💙

[@MakeitMosaics]

Thanks for watching and thanks for being a fan!

[@paulagreco1472]

Great video. Thank you.

[@MakeitMosaics]

Glad you liked it!

[@staciagoodman7411]

Thank goodness for your video! I have a commission for a fancy baptismal font for a church, and I've been a bit panicked about the process. You've given me confidence.

[@MakeitMosaics]

Happy to help, thanks for being fan.

[@lauraalbright8224]

Great, cheerful piece!

[@BirdBath1]

Laura Albright, look at bird bath

[@MakeitMosaics]

Many thanks!

[@heatheroliverfitness2249]

So beautiful! And this video is exactly what i was looking for!! Cant wait to try this

[@MakeitMosaics]

I'm so glad!

[@joychip5994]

That is beautiful I have a couple of your books you have done such wonderful designs , could you use the mesh to do the birdbath or is it better to just stick on to the object ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@MakeitMosaics]

That is a great question! In theory yes you could do the mesh method, but.... 1. I have "heard" from tile setters that they really prefer to not have anything in between the tile and the base surface when water is involved. Les chance of any kind of technical failure. The very best adhesion will be between the base surface and the tile 2. if your basin is curved then you would have to allow for that when working on the mesh, much like a dart in a dress. PS Thank you for being a fan. Keep creating!

[@joychip5994]

@@MakeitMosaics thank you I haven’t done much but there is a biggish circle in the garden the people used to have a water feature. It’s a concrete base with low bricks around , we get a lot of rain but I thought it might brighten my small garden up. Even if it didn’t hold much water , thank you so much for replying I have only done a few stepping stones so the direct method will be great 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[@shellygordon4038]

I have created my bird bath design on a template, in glass tiles and marked the bowl with the guidelines. Mine is concrete and not a super smooth surface. Do I need to be concerned about that? Also, can I do the placement of tiles with thinset in multiple sessions if I cover it in plastic as you recommended? Thanks so much for your help.

[@kimwozniak5663]

Sounds like your doing everything right! The roughness of the concrete will aid in bonding. I mist the concrete once in a while, working to prevent it from wicking the moisture out of the thinset too quickly, and cover it with plastic after each session. Sometimes, I add a damp (not wet) towel under the plastic to keep the moisture level up. Absolutely you can work in multiple sessions. Although the video may make it seem like I sped through in a couple hours, I actually worked in multiple sessions. I am not that speedy!

[@shellygordon4038]

@@kimwozniak5663 Thanks! I will try all those things. Wish me luck!

[@kimwozniak5663]

@@shellygordon4038 No luck needed. It will be great!

[@sandrabyrne3473]

Love this video. I am wondering about the purpose of wrapping the birdbath in plastic to cure slowly?

[@MakeitMosaics]

Grout and thinset are cement based products. They are strongest when cured slowly. Less likely of cracking over time.

[@bkim7000]

Can I use a terracotta saucer? Thank you, beautiful video❤️

[@MakeitMosaics]

Yes! Follow process demonstrates in this video, terracotta needs to be soaked in water before you begin. Thanks for being a fan. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3XKeIuNl7R6fpo

[@kimmarie5442]

Did you do anything to prep the porcelain before setting your tiles?

[@MakeitMosaics]

Nothing done to prepare porcelain other than remove some dirt.

[@paulagreco1472]

What size tiles are these? I love your technique. Can’t wait to give it a try. Also, what tool did you use to cut the tiles in to triangles?

[@kimwozniak5663]

The nipper are called Leponitts and are available here: witsendmosaic.com/mosaic-tools-supplies/mosaic-nippers-cutters/leponitt-g30c-wheeled-nippers-new.html

[@paulagreco1472]

What size tiles do you use? Where do you purchase them? Love your technique.

[@kimwozniak5663]

Thanks for the note! The tile used in this video are called Sweeties. They are 1/2" (12mm) square and available at www.WitsEndMosaic.com

[@KarenFerrantelli]

Great video. Is there any concern above the material (thin set or grout) harming bird or holding up to water?

[@1Kitykat]

I was hoping they would touch on that too. Unfortunately, this is toxic for birds.

[@MakeitMosaics]

I do not believe concrete is toxic to birds (or humans for that matter) once cured. I am sorry I did not get back to you sooner. Somehow your question fell between the cracks. Thank you for being a fan!

[@paulagreco1472]

Do you seal your outdoor products and if so, what do you use?

[@kimwozniak5663]

I personally do not seal my projects. I prefer to use high-quality polymer fortified grout and find that sealers cause more long-term issues with staining. Personally, I find removing any possible staining on unsealed grout more manageable than cleaning sealed grout because the stain particles get embedded in the sealer. In the case of the birdbath, I do not want to risk chemicals leaching into the water. I do recommend that you follow the grout manufacturer's instructions and your own best judgment.

[@pattypierce8189]

I need to understand about thinset.Where do U buy it ?

[@MakeitMosaics]

This entire playlist is dedicated to understanding thinset as adhesive, you can purchase from tile distributors and most hardware stores. kzbin.info/aero/PLz2kuKCUhTHbm9PInpxHTif4_PiFDEMzZ

[@cherileerogers1650]

Thank you for this info. I started doing mosaics with dinnerware. I switched to stained glass. It’s been years since I’ve done any mosaic. 😕 I have boxes of dishes that I’ve decided to use on cement pavers. How long until the thin set begins to set in your bag?

[@kimwozniak5663]

Like anything Thinset has a shelf life. How long that shelf life is, is very dependant on how carefully it was stored. I have purchased new bags that we already junk when I got home and opened the bag because they were not stored correctly. Basically, the best check is to feel it. tIt should be very powdery with no little clumps. If there are any little hard stuck-together bits in the bag that you can break apart with your fingers the entire bag is no longer usable and will most likely fail. If you purchase a bag. store it in a 5 gal bucket or several smaller containers that have very tight snap-type lids and keep it out of any area that has a high moisture content such as a damp basement. On another note see our video regarding ceramic materials to learn how to check if your dinnerware can be used outdoors. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ66Y6p5r7J4rbc

[@cherileerogers1650]

@@kimwozniak5663 I’m sorry that my question wasn’t very clear. You used hydrated thin set in a baggie. I was wondering how long until it starts to set. Thank you for responding anyway!

[@kimwozniak5663]

@@cherileerogers1650 No worries. I usually get 2 - 3 hours out of it. if it starts to feel like it is getting a little stiff knead the bag it will prolong your work time. as a side note make sure you are not purchasing Rapid setting thinset. (I made that mistake once) You won't have any time at all with that type. It is really intended for installers that are doing large areas in a hurry.

[@cherileerogers1650]

@@kimwozniak5663 great! Thank you so much for responding! Very helpful.

[@trainingday-ai]

Where do you get the thin set for an outdoor project like this? Will it be at an arts & crafts store or will I need to go to a big box home improvement store?

[@MakeitMosaics]

Big Box like Home Depot or Lowes, tile shops. There are several videos on the channel about mixing, using, what to look for, clean up, etc. Thanks for being a fan.

[@conniemicheli4137]

Who do you buy the tiles from please?

[@MakeitMosaics]

The sample here are called "Sweeties", available here witsendmosaic.com/mosaic-art-craft-glass-tile/sweetie-recycled-glass-tile.html

[@mariaaparecidaoliveira6659]

Em portugues

[@BirdBath1]

Maria Aparecida Oliveira, look at bird bath. I am from Jamaica 🇯🇲