Just a Few Tips and Tricks for China Mosaics & Mixed Media Art

I thought I would share a few tips and ideas that I have discovered while practicing the art of broken china mosaics.  Some of these could probably be applied to other art forms, etc.

1.) I have found when I am applying porcelain flowers that have been broken or cut from other items, it is always best to wash them with a mild detergent and a soft fingernail brush to remove the years of grime, dirt, dust, smoke, etc from them BEFORE applying them to your piece.  I have been working on a teapot lamp with lots of intricate flowers, beads, pearls, buttons... which brings me to my second tip.

2.) A good way to keep your piece with intricate nooks and crannies clean is a soft clean paint brush or brushes.  Simply dust those places with a paint brush.  I use multiple brushes in different sizes, firmness, etc.  They work really well.

3.) When I grout my pieces, I add a small amount of Jennifer's MosaicStone Cement to my dry grout mix and then use a wire wisk to thoroughly mix it in before adding water.  It firms up my grout, as well as giving it staying power on untiled edges. Be careful if doing a large piece as it also shortens the open time you have to work with the grout before it gets too firm to work with.

4.) One of my most indispensable tools are my painters pallet knives.  They are very flexible and thin enough to use for virtually everything.   They also work well in finishing your edges and giving them a nice clean look.

5.) For the most part, I mix equal parts of unsanded and sanded grout together for a smoother look.  Especially when working with smaller or tighter projects.

6.) I buy the thinnest, least expensive, disposable sponge brushes I can find buy the dozens and use them for everything from spreading a thin coat of WeldBond to applying sealer, etc.  Depending on what you are using them for, often they are reusable. 

Well, that's all I can think of right now.  I am sure I forgot a few, but I will add then later, as I remember them.

Feel free to add any tips or tricks you have.  I look forward to hearing them and thanks for sharing and letting me share.