Making a mosaic vase is a creative process that allows you to customize your creation to your liking. Size, color and style are all options to consider as you begin creating your vase. In addition to ceramic tiles, a mosaic vase can be decorated with glass marbles, jewelery findings and items found in nature, such as seashells. By starting with a plain vase as a blank canvas, the patterns and color options for creating a mosaic vase are nearly limitless.
When making a mosaic vase, it is best to start with an appropriately-sized base, typically a plain vase, that the mosaic tiles can be applied to. Tiles can be cut in nearly any configuration, so the vase can be round and oval, flat and square, or a combination of the two. When covering rounded surfaces, with mosaic pieces need to cut into smaller shapes so jagged edges do not protrude from the vase's surface. The mosaic vase base can be made of any surface that glue will adhere to, including ceramic, wood or pottery.
It is best to paint the inside, bottom and top edge of the vase a desired color before applying the mosaic tiles. These areas typically show through even after the tiles and grout have been applied. Ceramic tiles, jewelery and other findings can be used in the mosaic design. Tiles should be cut with a tile cutter or tile nipper to the appropriate size, if needed.
Lay out your mosaic pattern on a flat work surface exactly as it will be applied to the vase. One piece at a time, glue the pieces onto the vase, taking care to leave a small amount of space between each tile for the grout. It is often easiest to glue one area of a vase at a time and let it dry thoroughly before proceeding to another section. After all the mosaic pieces are applied, allow the glue to dry completely before applying the grout.
Grout sand is typically mixed with water to create a thick paste. It should be applied liberally to the vase, taking care to push it into the empty crevices between the mosaic tiles and findings. Once the vase is covered, a wet sponge should be used to clean the excess grout off of the top of the tiles. It is best to frequently rinse the sponge and remove a small amount of grout at a time in order to not disturb the grout between the tiles.
Once the top of the tiles and vase edges are free of grout, the mosaic vase should be allowed to dry for several days. A clear grout sealer can be applied with a paint brush, if desired. The sealer will help protect the grout from stains, dirt and dust. The sealer should be allowed to dry per the manufacturer's directions before the vase is put to use.