DIY Kit Tutorials
Your Mosaic Adventure Starts Here!
How to Create Your Mosaic Masterpiece
✨ Pick Your Perfect Surface
Choose your substrate (that’s the fancy word for your surface!) ~ this is your blank canvas where the magic happens.
✨ Dream Up Your Design
Grab a pencil and sketch out a design, trace a pattern or throw caution to the wind and go totally abstract ~ this is your creation!
✨ Place Your Tesserae
Start laying out your tiles (aka tesserae) like little puzzle pieces until it feels just right. Play with color combos, flip them around and see what sparks joy!
✨ Glue It Down
One tile at a time, glue those beauties to your surface ~ smooth side up or bumpy side down (depending on the tile). Leave a little breathing room (about 1/8″–1/4″) between each one for grout to work its magic later.
✨ Let It Set
Patience, grasshopper! Let your masterpiece dry for a solid 24 hours before moving on to grouting.
💡 Mizz Tip: Some tiles may have a little adhesive left on the back from their past life ~ that just gives them extra grab when you glue them down. And remember ~ tile edges can be sharp, so take care of those creative fingers!
How to Grout Like a Pro
✨ Prep Your Piece
If you want those edges squeaky clean, tape around the sides of your masterpiece. Cover your work surface with a plastic table cover or craft paper ~ grouting can get a little messy (but in the best way!).
✨ Mix Your Magic
Pour your baggie of grout into a disposable container. Slowly add water while stirring with your wooden craft stick until it looks and feels like peanut butter ~ thick, smooth and spreadable. (If it gets too runny, let it sit a few minutes and it’ll thicken right up!)
✨ Spread the Love
Using your stick, spread the grout mixture over your piece, smooshing it into all the little gaps between your tiles. Don’t be shy ~ this is where the magic happens!
✨ Wipe + Wait
Once every gap is filled, gently wipe off the excess grout with a paper towel. Let your piece dry for about 10–15 minutes, then come back and buff the tiles with a fresh, dry paper towel until they sparkle.
✨ Admire Your Work
Step back and say “WOW!” You’ve just made a real mosaic masterpiece!
💡 Helpful Hints from The Mizz
🧤 Gloves are your friend ~ they’ll keep those creative hands clean.
🚫 Never rinse grout down the sink (your pipes will thank you) ~ toss all leftover grout and supplies in the trash.
⚠️ Small parts are a choking hazard, so keep away from tiny helpers and furry friends
Additional Sparkle: Grouting Tips & Tricks
⏳ Wait for It
Make sure your tiles are fully set ~ glue dried for at least 24 hours.
🕒 Set Aside Time
Grouting takes about 30 minutes ~ once you start, finish it in one go.
🧤 Gear Up
Gloves are highly recommended (and a dust mask if you like).
📰 Protect Your Space
Cover your table with newspaper, paper bags or a tablecloth.
🥣 Prep the Grout
Pour the dry grout into your mixing container, leaving a little aside just in case.
✨ Mix the Magic
Slowly add water a tablespoon at a time while stirring until it’s the consistency of peanut butter. Too runny? Add more dry grout or let it sit until thickened.
🪄 Fill the Gaps
Work the grout into all the spaces between your tiles with a gloved hand or wooden stick. Sharp edges can still bite ~ careful! Your goal is to fill the spaces, not pile it on thick.
🧽 Wipe Away Excess
Smooth off extra grout using your hands, with a dry paper towel. Grout should sit level with your tiles, filling all the gaps.
💎 Buff to Shine
Once a haze forms on the tiles, buff with a dry paper towel or soft cloth. Repeat as needed ~ the fine sand in the grout will polish your tiles to a sparkling finish!
⏳ Let It Cure
Allow your piece to dry for an additional 24 hours. Optional: apply grout sealant, making sure to remove any sealant from glass tiles before it dries.
🎉 Admire Your Art!
Your mosaic is complete, shiny and full of your unique personality!