Olive and Cherry Table

Geneva Vanderzeil

Instructor

In This Lesson

In this project, you’ll be creating a playful mosaic table featuring a design of green stuffed olives. The process focuses on building up a central motif with carefully arranged tiles and then filling in the background for contrast. The same technique can also be used to create other fruit-inspired designs, like cherries, making it a versatile project that teaches you how to adapt a single method to different themes.

Tools & Materials.

Coffee table with an inset or flat surface (timber or suitable base)
Pre shaped petal tiles in multiple colours
Hammer (for breaking tiles)
Old towel or cloth (to cover tiles while smashing)
Wheeled tile cutter (optional – for shaping or smaller cuts)
Waterproof tile adhesive
Glue spreader or small spatula
Waterproof grout
Grout float (for spreading grout)
Sponge and clean water (for wiping tiles)
Tile sealant (for sealing and protecting the finished surface)
Soft cloth (for final polish and clean)

You Need

Tools & Materials

IKEA Gladom side table
White, green and red tiles for the olive design or burgandy and white for the cherry design
Mosaic Glass cutter
PVA Glue
Grout powder
Squeegee and sponge

Instructions

Start by sketching your design of green stuffed olives or cherries on paper to check the size. Once you’re happy with it, transfer the design onto the tray using a permanent marker.

Using mosaic glass cutters, cut the larger tiles into smaller square pieces in a variety of shapes and sizes. Fragments of the tiles can be sharp so make sure you wear some eye protection!

Place the tile pieces onto the template you’ve drawn on the tray. Cut some of the tiles into smaller sections or specific shapes as needed so they fit neatly together.

Once the design is complete, secure the tiles with glue. For the main motif, lift each piece and apply glue underneath before placing it back down. For the background, spread PVA glue directly onto the tray and press the tiles into place.

Once the background is fully covered with white tiles, allow the glue to dry completely before moving on.

Pour the grout powder into a bowl and add small amounts of water whilst mixing until it became the consistency of toothpaste. (Make sure to follow the safety instructions when making the grout!). Once the mixture is ready, apply grout to the piece, using a squeegee to put the grout on the tiles and smooth it out, ensuring all of the gaps are filled.

Wait for the grout to dry slightly then use a damp sponge to wipe away the excess grout from the top of the tiles. You may have to do this a few times! Allow the grout to completely dry for 1 hour then use a slightly dampened cloth to polish the surface. Be careful as the the edges of the tiles can be a bit sharp.

Spectrum White Gloss Tiles