Kwanzaa Trivet
Design your own trivet to give as a gift on one of the nights of Kwanzaa. This gift is a functional work of art!
Present Pointers
If you choose square mosaic pieces for a project, you might want to break them for effect. Place several of the same color pieces in a zipper bag. Lay the bag on a flat, hard surface such as cement. Sort the tiles out in a single layer in the bag. Hit each piece with a hammer, using a quick light blow. The tiles should split into two to four pieces. Repeat the process until all the tiles are broken.
Time frame: Two to three hours plus two days to dry
Level: Moderately difficult
What you need:
- One pound bag or box of white grout (can be found in craft stores)
- Disposable plastic bowl or cup
- Water
- Mosaic trivet mold
- Popsicle stick or old spatula
- Bag of red, green, and black tiles
- Sponge
- Soft cloth
- Can of mosaic sealer isolant
- Paintbrush
- Place about 1⁄2 cup of grout in the bowl or cup. Mix with water according to the directions on the package of grout (usually about three parts grout to one part water). Stir the mixture well until it is a thick, smooth consistency.
- Fill the mold with grout almost to the top of the mold. Use a Popsicle stick or spatula to smooth over the top.
- Lay the tiles on top of the grout in the pattern you desire or use the pattern shown. Apply a small amount of grout on top of the design and push it into the crevices.
- Once the grout has set, approximately 10 to 15 minutes, wipe off the excess grout with a damp sponge. Continue this process until all grout is removed from the top of the tiles. Allow this to dry overnight.
- Carefully apply pressure to the back of the mold to remove the trivet. Polish the tiles with a soft cloth, and apply a coat of mosaic sealer isolant. Allow this to dry overnight.
Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Great Gifts © 2001 by Marilee LeBon. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
To order this book visit the Idiot's Guide web site or call 1-800-253-6476.
