Garden Stone Mosaic

By: Kathleen George for Styrofoam Brand Foam

Create this beautiful DIY piece of art. This garden stone mosaic is made with ceramic tile and mosaic stone pieces. It's great to throw in a shady corner of your yard.

Materials:

STYROFOAM™ Brand Foam:
- Ball, 6"
Latex ceramic tile adhesive
Mosaic stone pieces: 1 c. gray; 3/4 c. green; 1/2 c. black; 1/2 c. orange
Acrylic exterior satin varnish
Sanded tile grout
Fine-line black permanent marker
Large rubber band
Ruler
Palette knife
Small disposable bowl
Flexible rubber spatula
Bucket of water
Household sponge
Clean, soft rag
Rubber gloves
Optional: Burnt umber or black acrylic paint
Optional: Tile nipper

Instructions:

Use marker to draw pattern onto foam ball. To begin, wrap rubber band around center of ball, dividing it in half; measure for accuracy. Draw line around ball along rubber band. Remove rubber band. Measure and mark line every 2-1/2" around ball.
Measure and mark ball 1-1/2" and 2-1/2" above and below center line. Draw four more circles around ball at these marks, parallel to center line.
Beginning and ending at marks on center line, draw 3"-tall, 5"-wide curved diamond shapes on two opposite sides of ball as shown.
Draw a second set of curved lines outside first set, about one stone-width wide, between upper and lower circles drawn on ball.
Use palette knife to spread 1/8"-thick layer of tile adhesive onto small area of ball, along marker line. Note: Rest ball in small bowl while working to prevent rolling.
Firmly press one row of green stones into adhesive between curving lines, placing stones close together. Note: Most stones will be used whole, but can be cut to fit as needed using old scissors or tile nippers; follow all safety precautions given with product.
Firmly press one row of gray stones into adhesive above and below each green line; refer to photo for placement.
Firmly press three or four orange stones into circular design at center of each diamond. Press row of gray stones into adhesive around orange stones. Fill in area between gray stones with black stones. Repeat on opposite side of ball.
Add eight more orange groupings equally spaced around ball as shown. Add row of gray stones, then green stones, around each grouping. Fill any remaining spaces as desired. Let ball dry overnight.
Put on rubber gloves. If desired, tint grout with small amount of acrylic paint; mix well. Following manufacturer's instructions, use spatula to apply grout to stones, working grout into all gaps. As you work, remove excess grout from stones with a damp sponge. Note: If using sanded grout, rinse tools in bucket, not sink; discard water outdoors.
When ball is completely grouted, wipe away excess once more using damp sponge. Let ball dry slightly. Repeat sponging until stones are clean.
When dry, rub ball with clean rag to remove grout residue and restore shine.
If using outdoors, follow manufacturer's instructions to apply one or more coats of sealer to ball.