Create A Stunning Mosaic Birdbath That Doubles As Whimsical Garden Art With This Fun DIY

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Concrete baths provide a space for birds to wash their wings, play, and hydrate. Especially in the winter, well-maintained birdbaths offer access to fresh water when other sources are frozen. If you enjoy crafts and own a birdbath, you have an excellent opportunity to practice ceramic art, a form that has existed for thousands of years. With super glue, grout, and ceramic tiles, you can turn your birdbath into a work of art. 

Start by gathering your ceramics. Since you need to break them, this is a good way to repurpose chipped or broken plates, or leftover tiles from an old project. You can also hunt your local thrift stores for ceramic items. You'll need a tool to cut tile, such as the Goldblatt glass tile nippers. Since the broken ceramic edges can be sharp, be sure to wear gloves while working. You'll also need a ceramic super glue like this LMQ Lash ceramic glue and outdoor grout that works with mosaics. If you want to sculpt add-ons like letters or other designs, pick up some polymer clay, too.

If you don't have a birdbath, try thrifting one. Or, you can repurpose a terracotta pot and tray to make a homemade birdbath that your winged friends will love since your tiles should easily attach to this material. And if covering the entire birdbath in tile feels too time consuming, you can use tile for part of the design and paint for the rest. Just make sure any paint or sealant used is non-toxic.

Time for the exciting part: creating your mosaic design with the ceramic pieces, baked polymer clay, and any other crafting supplies you've chosen. Put on your work gloves, then start nipping your ceramic plates into small tiles. You can also use other objects like colored pieces of glass, stones, or coins in your design. If you plan to use clay, cut out your desired shapes with an X-Acto knife. You can spell out a phrase of your choice, or create more intricate decorations like a bird flying across the sky. Bake the clay according to the packaging's instructions, allowing a bit more baking time for thicker pieces.

Next, paint the underside of each mosaic piece with your ceramic super glue, making sure the tiles are clean and dry first so the glue can effectively adhere. Attach the tile chips and other pieces to your birdbath and let them cure for however long the glue's packaging suggests. Once the glue has cured, it's time to grout. Unsanded grout may be your best option since its lack of sand means it won't scratch your tiles. Mix according to product instructions, then apply it to the birdbath's surface with a trowel. You don't want the grout to dry on top of the tiles, so make sure to wipe it off with a damp rag or sponge.This is one of many DIY water features that will add a splash of magic to any yard. For instance, you can turn thrift store vases into a beautiful yard feature for birds.