Versatile, easy to do, and ideal for even the smallest of spaces, container gardening has never been more popular. Planted up, an eclectic assortment of decorative garden pots looks stunning grouped together on the patio, or dotted between the foliage in a border. And with an array of gorgeous plants to choose from, collecting pots can become addictive.
For expensive artisan style without breaking the bank, transform plain terracotta pots into striking, one-of-a-kind mosaic planters. These handmade mosaic flower pots will turn an everyday plot into a unique and beautiful garden.
Materials Required for Handmade Mosaic Flower Pots
- Terracotta pot
- Mosaic tiles or old crockery
- Tile nippers
- Hammer
- PVA glue (waterproof)
- Brush
- Grout (for exterior use)
- Spreader
- Cloth
Mosaic art supplies are available from art and craft stores, and specialist mosaic tile suppliers.
Mosaic Materials and Tools
As well as exquisite glass mosaic tiles, available in a rainbow of colours and iridescent lustre finishes, mosaic crafts can involve a whole range of different materials. Broken vases, ceramic tiles and chipped crockery can all be recycled to make mosaic pots. For a pretty, vintage look, search for old-fashioned plates and china tea-sets at car boot sales and in charity shops. Pebbles, shells, beach glass, buttons, beads and glass nuggets are also suitable for outdoor mosaics.
Mosaic tools include tile nippers to cut and shape glass tiles into smaller pieces. Wearing safety goggles to protect eyes from any stray shards, position the nippers on the tile and squeeze the handles together to snap it. To break crockery, wrap the items in old towel and hit with a hammer.
Making a Handmade Mosaic Flower Pot
Seal the porous surface of terracotta pots with a coat of diluted waterproof PVA glue. Next, adhere the mosaic tiles or broken crockery to the pot with thick, undiluted PVA, leaving a slight gap between the pieces.
Instead of an overall, random pattern, try drawing motifs on the surface to create a decorative design, and fill each area with the required colour of mosaic material.
Grouting the Surface of a Mosaic Garden Pot
When the glue is dry and the mosaic pieces are fixed in place, apply grout with a spreader, making sure that the product is suitable for outdoor use. Push the grout into all the gaps between the tiles or shards.
To finish, wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any excess from the surface of the mosaic. It is important to clean all traces of grout from the tiles at this stage, as it is much more difficult and time-consuming to remove it once it has dried. When the grout sets, polish the mosaic pot with a dry cloth.
More Craft Ideas for Homes and Gardens
For more ideas, read about other crafts to make for beautiful homes and gardens, or learn how to glass paint a hanging tea-light lantern.
Kathleen Good - I'm a writer, designer, and part-time lecturer in Art & Design based in Glasgow, Scotland. As a writer, I'm currently working on my ...
Join the Conversation