Flower Jewellery Box

Get ready to dive into the magical world of our Flower Jewellery Box Mosaic Project. We'll show you how to turn a plain jewellery box into a stunning work of art using our handmade glass cabochon as the centerpiece. Follow along as we share step-by-step instructions, tips, and inspiration to help you create your own masterpiece. Let's unleash our creativity and make something extraordinary together!

Project Instructions

Materials list:

Square MDF Box - 16x16x8cm
Mosaic Tiles
- 1 x Patterned Round Glass Cabochons No. 6 - 50x12mm
- 1 x Iridised Red 8mm Glass Tiles
- Cherry Blossom Glass Tiles
- Glass Dots - Flower Centres
- Ball Chain
- Iridised Pale Teal Glass Snippets
Adhesive - PVA Adhesive & White Silicone
Black grout
Two Wheeled Glass Cutter
Paint brush for spreading the adhesive
Painting or masking tape
Tools - Tweezers, water & containers, rags for grouting.

Step 1 - Adhere Your Feature Tile

Find the centre of your box my drawing two diagonal lines
Apply a generous amount of white silicone to the back of the feature tile. Carefully position it in place, and clean up any excess adhesive that seeps out from the sides

Step 2 - Lay Your Tiles

Apply the PVA adhesive on top of the box.
Wrap the ball chain around the feature tile, making sure it sticks with the adhesive.
Stick the Cherry Blossom tiles next to create the flowers.
Place the 8mm broader tiles, using tweezers for better control.
Fill in the gaps with the glass snippets, cutting some tiles as needed for a uniform look. For tile cutting tips, check out our blog post titled "Tools & Tips For Tile Cutting."
After tiling, let the adhesive cure for 24 hours before moving on to grouting.
Confirm the tiles' firm attachment by running your hand over them. If any tiles are loose, remove and reattach them securely.

Step 2 - Grouting time

Before starting the grouting process, ensure that the base surface is clean and free from any loose particles or debris. Also, check that there is no dried adhesive on the tile surface.
Using painters or masking tape, protect the box from being stained by the grout.
Take precautions to avoid getting grout on the unprotected wooden base. To help with this, keep the box during grouting. Place it on a piece of paper and rotate the paper as needed. Remember to replace the paper regularly.
Grab a clean mixing bowl and pour a small amount of water into it. Gradually add the grout while continuously stirring until you achieve a smooth and lump-free mixture. The consistency should resemble that of oatmeal. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes, then stir it again before applying it onto the tiles.
It is recommended to wear gloves when working with grout. You can apply the grout using your hands. Apply it in a diagonal motion, ensuring that it fills the entire depth of the joints. Use your gloved hands or a sponge to remove any excess grout. Keep a container of water nearby to rinse the sponge as you work.
After applying the grout, let it sit for 20-30 minutes or until it becomes hazy. Then, take a slightly damp sponge or cloth and wipe off the haze from the tiles. Use a dry cloth to buff and shine the tiles. It's crucial to remove as much grout as possible from the tile surface at this stage, as it will be harder to remove later. Avoid using paper towels, as they may flake off and stick to the grout.
After grouting, allow the mosaic piece to dry completely for 24 hours. If you notice any imperfections in the grout, you can easily address them. Prepare a small batch of grout and apply a small amount to the affected area, covering the imperfections. Additionally, you can buff and shine the surface once again to achieve a flawless finish.

We've used black grout to make the colour pop. If you haven't grouted before, click here to get step by step instructions.

Handy Tips

Safety first – use protective eyewear when nipping glass
Never dispose of grout down the drain
Mix grout in a disposable container for an easy clean-up
We suggest that you use gloves when working with grout. While it is non-toxic, it can dry out your hands. You will go through a few pairs whilst grouting.

Step 3 - Paint the sides of the box that are not covered with mosaic tiles using a white paint (we've used Pearl White).