Chris Madden, host of HGTV's Interiors by Design, visits the studio of mosaic and landscape artist Robert Bellamy to learn how he makes functional outdoor furniture from found objects and broken pieces of tile, glass and ceramics. Inspired by the Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi's use of broken-tile materials to decorate building faC'ades, Robert uses broken crockery and tile to fashion mosaic patterns on tabletops, bowls, urns and birdbaths. In his work as a landscaper he uses broken flagstone and tile in patios, fireplaces and water fountains. Mosaic Urn Broken pieces of two ceramic urns are combined to form a mosaic-covered urn. Materials:
Broken crockery
Terra-cotta vessel
Thin-set tile adhesive
Small trowel or knife
Grout
- Mix thin-set adhesive with water to form a paste. The paste should be somewhat dry so that the crockery pieces don't slip off the vessel.
- Apply a layer of adhesive about 1/8" thick to the back of a piece of broken crockery, and hold it in place on the vessel until it sticks.
- Cover the vessel with mosaic pieces, taking care to keep adjoining pieces at the same height.
- Allow the adhesive to dry for 24 hours.
- Grout the entire piece. This brings all the elements together to make a cohesive whole.
RESOURCES :
Robert Bellamy, mosaic artist and landscaper
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