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A Fun Mosaic Project

This week I am joining my fellow Thrifty Chick bloggers for another fun re-use project challenge!  This month we will be re-using items using mosaic techniques!
You might think mosaics are tile or glass, but they can be made with other materials, as well!  I recently found this large wood tray at the thrift store.

A fun mosaic tray project using vintage playing cards from Itsy Bits And Pieces Blog.



Fun mosaic projects


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The tray is very large with nice looking wood, but had a commercial logo right in the center.  I started my re-use project by painting the tray white. 
I want to use the tray this summer for serving out on our deck.

A fun mosaic tray project using vintage playing cards from Itsy Bits And Pieces Blog.
  
I sketched out the SIMPLEST design of a beach scene on paper.
Told you it was simple...just a guide for what I wanted to make.

A fun mosaic tray project using vintage playing cards from Itsy Bits And Pieces Blog.

My mosaic material is very unexpected...vintage playing cards!
I have a lot of decks of cards from my vintage selling days.  There are some great designs and patterns on card backs. They work well for mosaics as they are heavier than paper, and appear raised on the tray, like tile.

A fun mosaic tray project using vintage playing cards from Itsy Bits And Pieces Blog.

I picked different color tones and patterns for each area and cut lots 
of small pieces. I started with a paper cutter, but it was actually easier 
using scissors.  This pattern looks like sand...

A fun mosaic tray project using vintage playing cards from Itsy Bits And Pieces Blog.

I also cut card pieces for water, sky, sun, and the umbrella.
Exterior Outdoor Modge Podge was used to attach the pieces to the tray.  I used a foam brush to paint small sections of the tray at a time with the medium and pressed down the pieces.  It was fun...sort of like putting together a jigsaw puzzle! And you can always trim pieces to make them fit a difficult space.  This isn't a quick project...I worked slowly over several days...but it is a relaxing craft.

A fun mosaic tray project using vintage playing cards from Itsy Bits And Pieces Blog.

A fun mosaic tray project using vintage playing cards from Itsy Bits And Pieces Blog.

A fun mosaic tray project using vintage playing cards from Itsy Bits And Pieces Blog.

A fun mosaic tray project using vintage playing cards from Itsy Bits And Pieces Blog.

See the little seagulls piece?  I hid a couple of those in the scene...

A fun mosaic tray project using vintage playing cards from Itsy Bits And Pieces Blog.

When I was finished attaching the pieces, I gave it a few coats of 
the Modge Podge as a sealer and let it cure several days before using it.  
The outdoor medium gives the mosaic water and sun protection.
I love how it turned out!  Much prettier than I expected, 
and I had such fun making it! I hope you'll try it!

A fun mosaic tray project using vintage playing cards from Itsy Bits And Pieces Blog.


A fun mosaic tray project using vintage playing cards from Itsy Bits And Pieces Blog.

A fun mosaic tray project using vintage playing cards from Itsy Bits And Pieces Blog.

Be sure to visit the other Thrifty Chicks posts, too!  Check out these "before" photos and click on their links to see the fun "after" projects!


Color Me Thrifty-Quick And Easy Faux Mosaic Art


Lora B Create And Ponder- Easy Faux Flower Mosaic Art








Little Vintage Cottage- DIY Rock Mosaic Stepping Stone


Fun Mosaic Projects From the Thrifty Chicks


Until next time...


19 comments

  1. What a great idea! Looks lovely and summery!

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  2. Very clever!! You made this into a wonderful piece for summer use.

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  3. I didn't know what you were going to do with that wooden tray. How very clever. I will put this on my must try list.

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    1. Thank you, Debra! I hope you try it...is was fun and creative to do!

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  4. Oh! How fun! I never would have thought to use playing cards! I love your new mosaic tray!

    Tania

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  5. This is totally cool, Linda! I never would have thought about cutting up playing cards, and had no idea there was an outdoor Modge Podge; good to know! I think any type of mosaic project is time consuming, but relaxing. I love the variety on the hop today!

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  6. I was so curious to see what would become of the decks of cards. Linda, this is crazy genius! Your tray is so much fun and such a cute summer design. I love it!!

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  7. Wow! I love how this turned out Linda. Using playing cards for your mosaic was an inspired idea. :)

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  8. I've collected a few decks of vintage cards, love the images and they are a cheap thrill from the thrift store! I'm in the market for some small patio tables, this is great inspiration, thanks!

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    1. Thank you, Susanne! Vintage cards have such fun artwork...my favorites are dog cards...but the jokers are fun, too!

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  9. Now aren't you a smart one ? yes LOL
    it turned out great

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  10. You get more and more creative with each project Linda! I love this. I can't imagine how long this must have taken but gosh every minute was worth it because this is fabulous. Hugs, CoCo

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  11. Linda I think this is one of the best and creative things I have seen you do. How perfect for your Lake house too. Have a great weekend. Happy Mother's Day.
    xoxo
    Kris

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  12. How fun! I've never thought of using card backs for anything. You're right, they do have a fantastic structure and do appear tile-like. Great makeover!

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  13. What a great idea! Turned out very nicely!

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  14. Thank you, Kathy! It was fun to try something new!

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