Easy Little Mosaic Doorstop – Beginner’s Project
I love doing mosaics. It’s like building a puzzle but you get to decide what pieces you want to use and how you want to use them. And since Valentine’s Day is around the corner, I thought I’d share a tutorial on how to make this little heart mosaic doorstop. It’s a perfect beginner project and it doesn’t cost a lot either.
But before I get to the tutorial, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!
Okay, let’s get back to mosaicing that little doorstop shall we 😉
What you need for the mosaic doorstop
- One large pebble from your garden
- Mosaic Tiles
- Extra strong, tacky glue
- Masking tape
- Clean rags or sponge
- Grout. I love using black grout in all my projects.
Optional
- Little bird ornaments
- Mosaic nippers
Start by doing a mock-up of what you’d like your doorstop to look like. Since this little one will be a Valentine’s day pressie for my Mom I drew a heart and then added the little birds. Basic shapes are always easier when you make your first mosaic. Don’t make the shape too small otherwise you’ll just end up frustrated and there’ll be glue all over the place.
Cut the mosaic tiles into pieces using the cutters or buy some pre-cut tiles. You’ll find them at most craft shops. I love using these shattered mirrored glass tiles.
They’re super easy to break apart and you don’t need tile cutters. I’ve added a link at the bottom of the post if you want to use the same ones. Glue your tiles inside the heart working from the outside in, just like a puzzle. Play around with the tile pieces until you find one that fits nicely.
Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect fit, we’ll fix it when we add the grout. The glue needs to be completely dry before grouting.
How to Mix Grout
The grout used for a mosaic is exactly the same as good old fashioned tile cement. So if you’ve ever tiled a bathroom, patio or even a kitchen backsplash, you’re can grout a mosaic 😉 The way you mix and apply the grout is the same. Before mixing, mask off the area around the finished shape. Most rocks are a little porous and the grout will stain it and make your finished doorstop look messy.
If at all possible grout outside. It’s a messy business and the dust is super fine. Mix the grout according to instructions. I prefer mine a little more runny and usually use a ratio of 1 part grout to 1.5 parts water. The grout should be the consistency of yogurt. It makes it easier to get into all the gaps between the tiles.
If there's a gap in your life, fill it with love
For this heart, I used 2 tablespoons of grout and 3 tablespoons of water. To minimize the grout dust going all over the place, put the grout in a bowl first and then slowly add the water. Mix thoroughly until there are no lumps.
Use a plastic spoon and pour the grout over your shape making sure it goes into all the little gaps between the tiles. You can also use the spoon to push the grout in between the tiles.
Let it stand for a few minutes and then wipe off the excess with a slightly damp rag or sponge. Don’t use paper towels. The tiles have sharp edges and you’ll end up with little paper bits all over the place. Ask me how I know 😀
The rag will get most of the extra grout off, but your tiles will look a bit hazy. We’ll fix that in a minute. First, double-check that there are no “grout gaps” between the mosaic bits. If you still see gaps, just spoon some more grout on and repeat. Once all the gaps have been filled, give it a few more wipes with a clean part of the rag until the tiles are shiny and free of grout or haze. When the grout is completely dry, about an hour, remove the masking tape and buff the tiles with a dry, lint-free cloth to finish off.
Extra Tips For Mosaicing a Rock
- Use extra strong, tacky glue. Rocks are oddly shaped and tacky glue will stick to most surfaces, even bumpy ones. If you use runny glue, you’ll spend half the time chasing the tiles around the rock as they slip and slide all over the place.
- Try and find a rock that’s reasonably flat and big enough to work on.
- Chose a simple shape for your first mosaic. It makes it easier to figure out where to put the tiles and you won’t stress so much about cutting the tiles perfectly.
- Wear goggles if you’re going to cut the tiles. Those tile chips have a tendency to fly all over the place.
- Black is my grout color of choice. It provides a stunning contrast to most colors. It’s like the little black dress of the mosaic world 😉 Unless you’re using black tile, then you might want to use another color.
- Never pour leftover grout down the drain. Grout is concrete, and that’s really bad for your plumbing. It will clog the pipes. Let it harden and then dispose of it like normal waste.
- If you don’t have any mosaic tiles, try breaking up some old plates. Put the plates in a plastic bag, cover with a thick towel and simply hammer away. Not too much, you don’t want too many teeny bits, they won’t stick and they’re very sharp.
If you like the idea don’t forget to pin it for later.
Keen to try making a mixed media mosaic? Then you’ll love this tutorial that shows you how to combine different art forms and take your mosaic to the next level.
Oh and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with more amazing craft ideas to share with you 😉
Until next time, hope you have a beautiful, creative week and thank you for popping in for a visit.
P.S. You can also make a doorstop by recycling those old, rusty garden tools
I just came across this and can’t believe I hadn’t seen it before. It’s just gorgeous as usual. I love the heart.
Thanks, Lea. This was one of those spur-of-the-moment, quick and easy projects that stood the test of time. In all the years since I made it, the heart pebble has been keeping our patio door in check and the wind at bay.
This is so pretty, what a lovely idea. You have great mosaic tips too so thanks for them.
How well would this stand up to being outside? Is a sheltered place best? Would I need to coat it with something else or is it better to just bring it inside for the winter?
Thanks so much, Julie. The little doorstop has been outside for years and still looks great, but we stay in South Africa so don’t have to worry about snow and things like that ? I would use a grout sealer to protect the mosaic door stop in extreme weather though. You can brush it on afterward and wipe it off of the tiles.
How pretty Michelle! Working with mosaic tile is something I’ve been wanting to try. Except on a bowling ball instead of something flat. Love how your heart turned out and the little birds. Super cute!
You’ve got to give it a go Linda. I think you’ll really enjoy it ?
Great Blog.
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Thank you so much and I just had a look at your gorgeous shop too. OMW, how I wish I stayed closer. Such amazingly beautiful things
Oh my gosh, I’m in LOVE with this, Michelle! I adore the mosaic heart and the birds are the perfect adorable touch. Everytime I think you’ve outdone yourself, you do it again. Love, love, love.
? Thank you so much Amy
I love how this glistens Michelle. What a beautiful gift idea. I haven’t worked with grout much so this tutorial is helpful. Pinning.
So happy you liked the tut, Leanna. I actually really enjoy grouting. Most people hate it because it’s a little messy, but the joy of seeing the mosaic come to life once the grout has been cleaned off is so satisfying
Love this, what a great idea doing a mosaic on a big pebble.
Thanks so much, Claire ?
Michelle,
Thanks so much for stopping by!! I have always wanted to try mosaics but could not find the time to do so. maybe next year when I retire I will be able to try my hand at this!!
Hugs,
Deb
Hey Debbie ? I’m sure you’ll love making mosaics once you get started. A small one like this can be done in an hour and it’s so satisfying when you rub that last bit of grout off and see how beautiful the pattern looks afterwards.
That’s a gorgeous door stop, Michelle! I’m sure your Mom will love it. It’s the perfect Valentine’s gift.
? Thanks so much Julia ?
Oh, how I love this! I love working with mosaics too and can’t wait to make one!
Me too ?
So cute!!! I love the mirrored mosaic heart. I could make something similar on one of my epoxy resin canvases! Thank you for the idea Michelle 🙂
I think one of these on your epoxy works of art would look amazing Christina. Oh please do it. I would love to see what you come up with. I can just picture the mirrored pieces in between the different resin flows
Such a cute gift for your mom Michelle, it turned out amazing as all your DIY’s do! Ideas are spinning in my head, love it!!
Thanks so much Katrin ?
I think (hope) that I can handle this project. That’s what I need – more beginner’s tutorials. Just need to wait for this snow to melt, ha! Hope you’re enjoying your summer, my friend!
Hello my friend ? the summer’s been good and we had lots of rain these last few weeks which is always so welcome. I’m sure you’ll be able to do this one. Grab those grandbabies of yours, it’s a wonderful project to do with them. They may need some help with mixing the grout. Or even better let them tear up strips of paper to make a paper mosaic. They’ll really enjoy it
They’d love it! It’ll keep them occupied for a while, which is always a plus, lol.
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I think hearts are appropriate all year round. I love this as a doorstop or even a piece of garden art. Your Mom is sure to love it and be thrilled to receive it as a gift.
I so agree with you Debra, we should be sharing love the whole year through ?
This is such a thoughtful gift for your mum Michelle. I know she will love it because it comes from the heart and is very practical too. I had never thought about the color of the grout before but now looking at it I see what a huge difference the dark color makes. It really makes all the mosaic pieces stand out even more.
The black grout always makes me think of a stained glass window. It seems to outline the broken bits so much more than any other color grout. It kinda showcases the fact that the cracked, jagged pieces are worth celebrating too.
I bet your Mom will be thrilled with her adorable mosaic doorstop! Love how the mirrored tiles reflect all the colors and textures around it. The birds are such an adorable touch. Love this idea, Michelle!
Aren’t those mirrored tiles just so pretty and they come in the most beautiful colours too. I love using them
Looks lovely! Cath
? Thank you Cath
Again a beautiful and meaningful DIY, Michelle, your mom will love it for sure. I should do something similar because on summer our doors slap all the time because of draught.
Thanks for the tutorial, I’ve never tried mosaic so now I will have a guide when I do. Pinning it to remember
Oh you’ll love it Pili and you’ll be able to find the most amazingly beautiful tiles in Spain too. I’ve been dying to get my hands on some hand painted Talavera, they’re just gorgeous but a little bit pricey to ship to South Africa.
Soooooo pretty!!!
Thank you Louise 😉
Love this! I’d like to give something like this a try. Thanks so much for the tutorial. Pinning 🙂
Please share pics Laurie when your done 🙂 Just a word of warning, mosaics can become addictive, Lol!!
OMG , so cute. I love the heart and birds theme, but there’s so many ways you could take this, too. Great tutorial, pinned
Thanks for the pin Amy xxx