Make an abstract mosaic

Make a fun and colourful 3D mosaic without the need for cut glass or grout!

Finished abstract mosaic

 

You will need:

  • Thick cardboard
  • Scissors
  • Dry beans, seeds or pasta
  • PVA glue
  • A paintbrush
  • Paint

 

1. Start by cutting the cardboard into whatever shape you would like your finished mosaic to be. We drew around a bowl to make ours a small circle.

Cardboard circle and dried beans

 

2. Next, take a look in your cupboards to find a selection of dried beans, seeds or pasta shapes which can be used to create a design. We opted for dried kidney beans and popcorn kernels.

Design sketched onto cardboard circle

 

3. Have a think about what you would like your mosaic to look like and sketch out a rough design on the cardboard.

Sticking down one section of beans

 

4. Use a brush to put PVA glue onto one section of your design before sticking down the beans you’ve chosen to create it.

Painting the beans

 

5. After a few minutes, as the glue starts to dry, you can add paint to the beans to further create your mosaic.

6. It’s easiest to work on small separate sections and allow them to dry before filling in the gaps. Continue working until your entire cardboard base is covered with mosaic pieces, all of which have been painted.

7.Leave your mosaic to dry.

8. If you’d like to give your mosaic a shiny finish add a layer of PVA glue over the entire thing but make sure you only do this once the paint is completely dry. We’d suggest leaving it overnight before adding the PVA glue.