It saddens me to see you not using or recommending wearing a mask when mixing thin set. There’s silica in there which causes permanent damage to your lungs if inhaled. 😢
Love your videos, however, using a dish to mix in would be much better for the environment, i.e. not throwing away all that plastic. I mean how hard can it be to wash out a bowl, eh? Just something to consider.
Whenever I mosaic a ball I set it on a bowl (container) of some sorts where it won't roll & I can turn it when I'm gluing or grouting. . Love your videos!!! Thanks!
The Thinset is POWDERED and has adhesive along with grout, and YOU DON'T HAVE A MASK ON???? Safety first! You don't want to get silicosis. Go through the basics first, then MASK up (so you don't try to talk with a mask on).
Thanks for the tutorial, but it’s very irresponsible of you not to wear a mask when taking the powder out of the bag and mixing it up and you’re not wearing gloves....
cutting mirror.....safety goggles woman! you can't imagine what a microscopic glass shard feel like in the eye. otherwise, your process and work is amazing
These videos about gazing balls are informative and I will be using these techniques. But I have to say that it was frustrating to watch the presentation because you were somewhat disorganized, stumbled over your words at times, and even forgot the name of a tool in the first video. I wish it was a more polished presentation because there was some good information being shared....
I am telling Starbucks!! haha, did I get a laugh out of that!! Thanks for you video Karen, its the next best thing to taking a class with you!! Keep up the great work!!!
Karen, Hello. I appreciate you video on how to mosaic concrete covered foam ball. I really need to find the video on how to cover the ball in cement. I have looked everywhere and cant find it. Can you please send me instructions? Thank you
Sorry for the delay in answering you! I prefer to use thinset rather than Acrylpro since it is very goopy and has an undesirable odor. I used Acrylpro first though before I started using thinset and it does work fine.
If you do not seal the back of mirror BEFOR using the thinset, I have found that in awhile, the silvering on the mirror will turn BLACK!! Did you know that? What I did (unfortuneatly after finding out the hard way) was to seal it with some kind of epoxy, you'd have to find out what product to use, but please do it befor you lose a project you worked hard on!!!
Hi Louella, I have used all types of mirror for many years now for interior and exterior projects applied with thinset and that has never happened to me or any of my students! Maybe it has something to do with the mirror you used or climate factors?
Hi Kelly. Thanks for weighing in on this issue. Yes. I agree that using eyewear is important when working with certain glass cutting technigues and I use them regularly and recommend them to my students especially when using wheeled nippers and ringsaws.
do u have any tips for grouting smoothly in between the glass discs or pieces of different depths/heights? Like marbles interspersed with stained glass and glass discs? I always get a lumpy not even or smooth texture there and obsessed with all kinds of tools to make a more refined edge? fingers leave a dip or recession and so do most tools, qtips, etc.
Thanks for showing how to use thin set, I am going to make a memory jug and didn't want to waste my precious trinkets and heirlooms on a botched attempt. Great video!
Taking stir sticks a few at a time from Starbucks for the purpose of mixing your thinset is stealing. Shame on you for being so proud of yourself. Why should Starbucks pay for your craft supplies?
Hi and Thanks for the good videos. I come from Finland and I have difficulties to understand what thinset is. Is it same material what you place into between the (gaps) mosacis? I mean to ”seal” the seams in the end. It is here called ”tile grout”. If it is how long does it take to harden?
Hi Karen, I love your Thinset idea for uneven thinknesses of pottery. Now that I will use the thinset soon I need to know what you grout it with Is it Polyblend? Any thing I should know about it? I am using base balls of different sizes should I seal them before I use thinset on tham?
Thanks for contacting me. My students are doing an amazing job. Instead of the styrofoam we used kids balls and did 3 coats of the fiberglass mess and cement. Will send you some pics when they get done. Thanks again for staying in touch.
I have learned alot,and I can get on to another project and for that i'm truly greatful. Coming from me Kaye,and my oh so lo vable Pooch,The Unsinkable,Molly Brown🐕
Thank you for the Great advice, especially on how to use the glass cutting tools! On another gazing ball tutorial they placed their cement ball onto a large roll of tape to keep it from rolling. Just thought I’d share. Thanks again!
Jane--Thanks for your question. What is the styrofoam that you're using? Sometimes that could be the issue. Also, you do have to overlap the mesh and pull it very taut. It doesn't always lay completely flat on the surface automatically. That's ok though. You do need it for the cement to stick to the styrofoam!
Hi Karen, thank you for this video, helpful to a beginner like me. I am wondering what you used to cover the polystyrene. In the video you mentioned grouting, but if the ball is going outside in the garden it will need sealing. What do you seal with? I really like how your pink crockery ball is looking and would love to see how it finished!
Karen, what is the purpose of the fiberglass mesh? I purchased some, and although it says it is self-adhesive, it doesn't want to stick to the styrofoam. I bought FiFlexMesh self-adhesive drywall joint tape, 2", but it just isn't working, so I'm wondering why it is needed. Or can you tell me how you get it to stick? Thanks!
Thank you for your video, it is exactly what I was looking for especially about the thinset mortor consistency before applying. Question: (1) is the Styrofoam painted grey or is that something else? (2) How long should you leave the mosaic pieces dry before applying the grout? Thanks.
Can you give a hint as to where one can buy the type of glass breakers you use? I have been searching, and can can't seem to find them. Thank You so much for any info!!! (~_~)
You would use 2" fiberglass mesh that is sticky on the back and attach it to the styrofoam. It is available at Home Depot or Home Improvement places. I will do a tutorial soon on this process also!
Hi Eva, I do put a grout sealer on it. They are available at Home Depot and they all are about the same. The grout I use is by Polyblend and it is also available at Home Depot. Hope that helps!
But my question is what do you put on the styrofoam? Thin set or cement? The ball is covered in something before you start adhering the pieces to it. What process do you use. I will be teaching 18 seniors mosaic and I think they would love this as a first project.
Ok, so I cover the styrofoam with 2in fiberglass mesh, the coat it with cement. Let that dry then start with applying the tile or glass pieces. Have your tried using Acrylpro as an adhesive?
Hi Karen, thank you for sharing. Do you also have a video where you show how to make the ball? With the styrofoam and fiberglass? Would really like to see how to do it. Thank you very much!
You're welcome Buddy! I am planning on making a video on that soon. I have taught that in various locations including my studio and everyone really enjoys it. Thanks for your request!
