Recycle old CDs into reflective mosaic designs.
Create or decorate a mosaic birdbath while recycling broken or old CDs and DVDs. You can cover an existing birdbath in a reflective mosaic, or you can make one from scratch using garden supplies. Make the mosaic using a combination of other materials such as broken ceramics and flat-backed marbles. Create a random mosaic design on the birdbath with a little imagination and the right type of adhesives. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Select a terra cotta planter equal to the desired size of the base of the birdbath. Select a terra cotta saucer at least one size larger than the planter as the water container for the birdbath. The planter can stand upright or upside down as the birdbath base.
2. Paint the outside of planter and every part of the saucer with acrylic primer. Let the primer dry.
3. Paint the primed surfaces with your choice of acrylic paint. Most of the planter and the outside rim of the saucer will be covered with the CD mosaic. The mosaic will not cover the inside of the saucer; paint it to coordinate with your garden d cor and with the other materials in the mosaic design. Allow the paint to dry completely. Cover the inside of the saucer with another coat of paint as needed.
4. Center the saucer on top of the planter. Trace the outline of the planter rim on the bottom of the saucer with a marker.
5. Cut CDs and DVDs into small pieces with scissors. The shapes can be anything you like, but keep the individual piece sizes less than 1 inch square.
6. Attach the small CD and DVD bits to the outside of the planter with waterproof construction adhesive. Place the pieces label-side down so that the shiny reflective side is exposed. Grouting is not necessary for this mosaic design; place the pieces as close together as possible. Let the adhesive dry.
7. Flip the saucer upside down. Attach CD and DVD bits to the bottom of the saucer and to the outside rim. Do not attach the mosaic bits inside the outline you marked. The mosaic design will stop at the rim of the planter, and the saucer will sit evenly atop the planter. Allow the adhesive to dry.
8. Glue flat-backed rhinestones and/or flat-backed glass marbles on top of the CD bits to cover the crevices. There is no need to cover all of the crevices; use the colored glass and rhinestones as a decorative accent in your mosaic. Let the adhesive dry.
9. Glue the saucer to the center of the planter. Place the birdbath in the place you have selected for it and fill the saucer with water to finish the project.
Tags: mosaic design, saucer with, adhesive Glue, bottom saucer, cover crevices
