Create a mosaic monogram out of dollar store items! This is a unique, personal gift that would be a perfect idea for Father’s Day!
When it comes to gifts, it seems like everyone loves monograms. So I rummaged through my “things that I buy when I see them at a good price that I have no idea what I’m gonna do with” bin to try to put together an idea. And I ran across some wonderful blue glass pieces that I had found at the dollar store. And an idea was born. I decided to create a mosaic monogram!
For this project I used:
8 bags of decorative glass pieces (from the dollar store)
Tile grout
Hot glue
1 Cardboard box
Acrylic paint
and a ton of patience
Now I do not buy those pre-cut wooden letters from the craft store. Why? Well, first of all, I’m a cheapskate. Second, I like to work big. So I create my own 3D letters using an old cardboard box. For this project, be sure to select a cardboard box that is very sturdy. The mosaic tiles will get heavy.
For this project, I am creating a “K”. I used a ruler to draw out my K on the side of the cardboard box. Mine ended up being 13″ tall and about 10″ wide. Cut your letter out with a craft knife and then use that letter as a template to cut out another letter. Then cut out 2″ strips of cardboard for the sides.
Using hot glue, glue the sides to one of the letters, and then glue the other letter on top. Since this project is going to be covered in mosaic glass, the letter does not have to be perfect. It will all be covered.
Now, pull out your patience because you will need it in order to glue the million or so glass pieces onto your letter. I started out with 4 bags of glass pieces and it became clear early on that it would not be enough. So I spent a few days combing the local dollar stores and lucked out finding four more bags.
I opted to paint the whole letter a deep blue to bring out the color of the blue glass. I used hot glue and just glued the glass on leaving spaces between for the grout. I covered the entire letter including the back and sides. And I have to tell you that it got pretty heavy. The finished piece weighs 5 pounds.
I did consider only covering the front, but because of the lightweight cardboard that the letter was made of, it made the front heavy and the letter wanted to topple. I also wanted the effect of a total ceramic letter. So I covered every bit of available cardboard with the exception of the bottom.
Once the letter is covered, it is time to grout. Follow the instructions on the grout mix. Mine was to simply add water. Easy enough.
I then used my fingers to push the grout into all the spaces, rubbing it over the entire letter.
Let it set for about 15 minutes and then use a damp sponge to wipe off the grout from the glass tiles. You will have to wipe it repeatedly, using a bucket of water to rinse your sponge out between wiping. Once the tiles are relatively clean, allow the whole thing to dry overnight.
After the grout is totally dry, use a soft cloth to buff the tiles to remove any last film of grout and shine them up.
Also as a finishing touch, I added felt to the bottom of the letter.
The finished piece looks great as an accent in a bathroom, as a bookend, or maybe an accent on top of your kitchen cabinets. I have to say, that working with tile and grout was a new experience for me. But patience is my middle name. (Or should be).
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If you enjoyed this tutorial, you might want to check out my Quilled Paisley Monogram Tutorial. It uses the same basic steps for assembly of the letter and then it is quilled within an inch of its life…
Also, my Quilled Monogram is a great quilling project and makes a wonderful gift. Check it out!
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