Modelling & Mosaics

Get ready to create your next modelling or mosaic masterpiece with these marvelous ideas!

Mosaic Tool Shed Sign

Create a colourful Mosaic Tool Shed Sign for someone special who loves all things building! The perfect gift for Father’s Day!

Please note: You will also need water, protective gloves and some paper towel to complete this activity.

  • Step 1Plan a design for your sign. Think about the colours, the tool shapes and the words you would like to include. You might like to sketch your plans onto scrap paper or arrange the tiles on the project base. We have chosen to use black tiles for the words, silver paint for the tools and have drawn geometric lines on the board to separate the different colours we will use in the background.
  • Step 2Paint the tool shapes using your choice of colour/s. Allow to dry.
  • Step 3You can use tile cutters to cut smaller or narrow pieces to create a different thickness to the words you include. Adult supervision is recommended when using tile cutters. Arrange the tiles onto the board to make your chosen words.
  • Step 4Place your painted tool shapes onto the board around the words. Once you are happy with the position, glue the wooden tool shapes and tile pieces to the board using tacky glue. Allow to dry.
  • Step 5Fill in the background with tiles according to your plan. We have chosen to use red, blue, green, yellow and orange tiles. Place the coloured tiles onto the board, cutting smaller pieces where needed to fill in any gaps. Ensure you leave a small space between each tile so that grout has something to attach to. Glue all the tiles in place and allow to dry completely.
  • Step 6Mix water with grout to create a toothpaste-like consistency. Using a squeegee and wearing gloves, fill in the gaps between the glued pieces, scraping across in different directions. Don’t forget to scrape the grout along the edge of the board to create a nice finish!
  • Step 7Use the squeegee to scrape any excess grout off the tiles and tool pieces. Use a damp sponge to smooth the surface and allow the grout to set for at least 24 hours.
  • Step 8Once the grout has set, run a damp sponge across the mosaic surface to remove any grout residue. Wipe the surface dry with paper towel.
  • Step 9Attach Clever Dots to the back of the sign for hanging. We have used eight dots along the top to ensure the weight can be held.
  • Step 10Your Mosaic Tool Shed Sign is now ready to gift or display!