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Throughout the season A World of Gardens by Roz will be offering a variety of FREE workshops and seminars. They are designed with you in mind! All will provide helpful hints, how-to's, and GREAT ideas. If you have something that you would like to see offered in our workshops, please email or contact us and we will do our best to help with your suggestion.

Mosaic Tiled Birdbath

First Step You Will Need:

	Birdbath top of cement or bisque--no plastic
	Ceramic Tile adhesive and a plastic knife to spread
	Ceramic tiles or old dishes--broken into small pieces (cover with a rag and hit carefully with a hammer)
	Rags and hammer to break tiles--using eye protection is important

Sketch out a design if you'd like. You can find books on mosaic tile projects at the library if you need inspiration. Plan for the colors you want. Purchase the tiles and break them. You can use a tile cutter if you want a more formal look, but it's not necessary. Once you're ready with design and tiles, start putting it together. Use the tile adhesive like butter and spread it on the back of the tile and place where desired in the birdbath. I started in the center of the birdbath and worked my way out. Leave a little space between the tiles, so you have room for grouting. My design was a large blue flower with burgundy and yellow little pieces in the center. I also have a border around the outermost edge. Be careful not to leave excess adhesive around your tiles, as you want the grout to stick. Once you have finished your design, let it sit and dry as per directions on the adhesive can. Mine sat for a couple weeks as I was pressed for time and didn't get it finished right away.

Step Two: You will need:

	Grout mix (pick a color that coordinates with your birdbath and the tile)
	Water for mixing
	Spatula for mixing and spreading
	Newspaper to put underneath to make cleanup easier
	Grout sealer

Once tile adhesive is dry, you can grout. Slowly mix in water little by little until the grout is the consistency of pudding--not too runny! Start by dropping some in the center of the birdbath and press between tiles. Make certain all the cracks between tiles are filled with grout. Add more and work your way around. You can work in the grout with your fingers or with a spatula. Once this is done, let it set for a while (30-60 min?). Then return and smooth over grout, removing excess. After another hour so so, buff grout off tiles. You will want to do this before it gets too set (believe me! I waited too long and had to remove the stuff with a green plastic scrubber and an old table knife!). Let grout dry several days. Once it is very dry, you can seal the grout. Apply as directed on the bottle. Let dry as directed. Then you are ready to share your art with the neighborhood birds! I know the birds here seem appreciative of their new birdbath. Be certain to keep it clean and full. In cold areas, you will have to store your birdbath inside for the winter. Don't forget! Have fun!