Can’t stop collecting cast-off china at your local thrift store? With more people than ever hunting for deals at local charity shops, flea markets, estate sales and donation centres, it’s getting harder than ever. Find those truly valuable vintage dinnerware pieces. However, it’s easy to pick up dozens of random single plates for just a few dollars. That’s TikTok user Kayleigh McGlynn, aka kayleighmcglynn.authorMade for an absolutely stunning DIY birdbath. Combining secondhand plates, sparkly rock chips, floral vase gems and polymer clay shapes, she covered a simple terracotta birdbath with a gorgeous mosaic design for her small but whimsical backyard. His followers also liked it. “Ok this is magical,” wrote one, while another said: “So unfortunately this was the last thing I needed to see bc now I need to make one.”
Mosaic is an ancient artform that includes Cutting and fixing broken tiles and other elements on various surfaces before grouting them in place. McGlynn admits to spending days on her mosaic birdbath, so this project may be better suited for committed crafters than first-time DIYers. However, the end results are totally worth the effort.
You can accommodate everyone Types of chinaware In this project, but brightly colored versions with flowers or other motifs will really make your birdbath pop. You will also need a pair of tile nippers to cut them. Mosaic can be applied to almost any material, and a basic terracotta, stoneware or concrete birdbath will work equally well. To recreate McGlynn’s birdbath, you’ll also need to get some irregularly shaped stones, polymer clay, mosaic grout, and a strong adhesive that can withstand the elements.
How to build and customize your mosaic birdbath
After spending weeks — or even months — collecting enough secondhand plates for this project, the first step is to carefully cut them into small, irregular shapes. Wear a pair of protective glasses before using tile nippers to carefully cut the tiles in half. Then, work your way around delicate flowers or other details, doing your best to hold the pieces together along the rim of the plate. You will use this to line the rim of your birdbath so the finished product is smooth around the edges.
Once you’ve nailed your last plate, make your polymer clay shapes. McGlynn used sparkly clay to create letter shapes that read “Wash Your Wings,” but you can create any words or designs you like. Begin your mosaic by setting up your letters first, using a small dot of adhesive to stick your letters in place.
@kayleighmcglynn.author I’m on a mission to turn our little garden into a whimsical wonderland, one crafty project at a time. But this one took forever and I’m losing motivation 😅 #FairyGarden #mosaic #birdbath #DiGarden #fyp
Continue the same process with your plate tiles, glass gems, rock chips, or other materials you want to incorporate into your unique mosaic design until the birdbath is completely covered. There is no right or wrong way to arrange the elements, however: let your instincts and the shape of your birdbath guide your choices. The next step is to completely cover the design in mosaic grout, pushing it into every crevice. After that, use a slightly damp rag or sponge to remove the excess. Finally, let your new mosaic birdbath cure completely before filling it with water for your feathered friends!
