Main Supplies
Other items you may need will vary depending on your project and the tesserae you choose. The easiest way to make a mosaic craft is to purchase tesserae. Most craft stores sell a large selection of objects in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors that can be used as-is. If you want to use items you have lying around your house as tesserae, you may need a few tools:
Tile Cutter: It is used for cutting down larger ceramic tiles.Glass Cutter: This is used to cut down large pieces of glass.Nippers: This tool is used for cleanly breaking small pieces off a tile or sometimes glass tesserae.Hammer: A hammer can be used to break up pottery, china, CDs, and other items you can use in mosaics. The object to be hit with the hammer should be wrapped in an old towel or pillowcase so pieces do not fly around.
Basic Supplies
Work Gloves: Use these to protect your hands while breaking apart tesserae and also when working with grout.Safety Glasses: Used to protect your eyes while breaking apart tesserae.Latex Gloves: The use of these is optional; they can be used when handling grout. Read the label of the specific grout you purchase regarding any safety measures you should take.Dust mask: This should be worn to protect yourself when working with the grout in powdered form.Wax Paper and Newspaper: Use these items to cover your work surface as this can be a very messy craft.Stir Stick: A paint stir stick works great for mixing grout.Bucket: I use an old ice cream bucket for mixing the grout in.Rubber Spatula: Use this tool, or something similar, to spread the grout onto your mosaic. For a small project, you can even use a craft stick.Clean Rags and/or Sponges: To wipe grout off of the tile surface after applying.
