Tiled Topiary Eggs and Tree

This project creates an elegant decoration for the kitchen or bathroom with mosaic tiled pastel colors. Or use this concept for a totally unique Easter decoration that's unlike anything the neighbors will have.

Materials:

• STYROFOAM Brand Products:
  • Cone, 12"
  • Eggs, three 4" long
• Sheets of 3/8" tile squares: two light glue; one blue; one pale peach; one peach; one mauve; one light green; one green; one dark green
• Rubber gloves
• Grout, white
• Rubber spatula
• Tile nippers
• Old cloth
• Lint-free cloth
• Acrylic floor wax
• Low temperature glue gun and glue sticks or white, thick craft glue
   

Instructions:

1. Using tile nippers, cut small number of each color tile in half lengthwise and diagonally; these will be the filler pieces. Determine design and colors for eggs and cone; models shown include vertical and horizontal stripes, swirls and crosses. Glue tiles to foam shapes, using generous amount of glue. Firmly press tiles in place, leaving 1/4" space between them. Let dry.
    
2. Following manufacturer's instructions, mix the grout. Wear rubber gloves while working with grout. Use spatula to work grout into gaps between tile pieces; wherever possible, fill gaps with small tile pieces. As you work, remove excess grout from tiles with a damp cloth. Be sure all cracks and gaps are firmly filled with grout.
    
3. Let dry for 30 minutes and then use lint-free cloth to rub all excess grout from tiles. Let dry for 24 hours. Coat with floor wax to seal the surface.
    

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For more project ideas, please see styrofoamstyle.com.