You can make ANYTHING more amazing with someone else’s junk! Our town has an annual “spring cleaning.” It only lasts a few weeks and everyone is allowed to take out large items (except fridges and the like) along with the regular trash.

This is my personal treasure hunt! I scour the streets looking for trash that I can recycle into beautiful handmade items that I can add to my decor, adorn the garden/patio, or give as gifts. I have decided to let you in on one of the projects I have made based on these findings.

Maybe, just maybe, it will help you see someone else’s crap (or even your own?) differently. So you too may be wondering… “What can I do with this?” mosaic birdbath

You need:
*large pot and matching saucer (I used a chipped one I found)
* ceramic tiles, cut into small pieces or pieces of ceramic plates (broken inside an old pillowcase)
* grout float
* E-6000 or other strong waterproof glue
* tile grout
* Tile adhesive
* rubber gloves
* sponge
* bucket for grout (I used a large ice cream bucket)
* grout sealer
* towel or soft cloth

Apply a small amount of adhesive to the wrong side of the ceramic tile or plate. Press into the sides of the pot and then repeat on the indented side of the saucer until completely covered and to your liking. Allow to dry and set for 16 – 24 hours.

When firmly set, prepare the tile grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wearing rubber gloves and a tile trowel, draw the grout at an angle across the tiles, forcing the grout into the spaces between the tiles or ceramic pieces. Repeat, making sure that the grout is applied in ALL spaces and voids. Allow to dry and set, approximately 20 minutes.

Then, using the dampened (but not wet) sponge, clean any excess grout from the tiles or ceramic pieces. Let sit an additional 2-3 hours, then repeat until all tiles or ceramic pieces are clean. Place the pot upside down. Put a generous amount of E-6000 over the entire bottom. Place the section of the saucer that does not have tiles on top. Press firmly into the glue.

Let dry 24 hours. Lightly buff with a dry towel or soft cloth. Apply grout sealer according to manufacturer’s instructions. Let dry 24 hours. Fill the saucer with water and let the birds enjoy their new bath.

Tip: I found a small ceramic bird and glued it to the edge of the plate before using the sealer. A neighbor made 3 of different sizes and grouped them together in her backyard. It was adorable and the birds really liked the idea!

Have fun with it! Use your imagination! See you next time.