One of the oldest and most beautiful forms of artwork is mosaics. Mosaics are made from mosaic tiles, glued together to form a picture or particular design. Mosaic tables are one of the most popular uses of mosaic art; the top of the table is covered with a lovely mosaic design and then placed upon a table, which can have either a wooden or wrought iron base. A mosaic table adds a beautiful touch of color to any room.
Artisans have been designing mosaic table tops for eons, but anyone with some crafting ability can make a mosaic table of their own. A mold, sometimes just a stone stepping stone is used as the base. A piece of adhesive is cut to fit the mold, and then the design that is desired for the table is drawn on the other side of the adhesive paper. This will be used to form the template for the pieces of mosaic (cut glass or stone) to be placed to form the design. The mold is covered with petroleum jelly and the adhesive paper is placed on it, sticky side up. Next, the precut glass pieces are are arranged on the pre-drawn layout of the design. A tool is used to push the tiles down into place onto the adhesive. Now, a cement is made, consisting of water, special cement and whatever color is desired for the spaces between the tiles. The concrete is poured into the mold, so that it seeps into the pre-arranged design but does not completely cover it. The mold is then gently tapped down to remove air bubbles from the cement. It should be left to dry for at least an hour.
Once the concrete is try, the mold should be turned upside down and then the adhesive is peeled off. To keep the design clean and clear looking, any excess cement should be removed with a dampened sponge, and a small scraper. The mosaic for the table top is ready, and just has to be properly attached to the table you are using.
It is important to remember that you are working upside down to make the design. This is called the "indirect" method. The importance of this is that if your design includes words, numbers or a scene that should be viewed a certain way, it will be backwards when the mold is turned over. This has to be taken into account when the design is made in the first place.