Embellished Plant Pot

This low cost project will show how to take an existing plain clay pot and embellish it for a new look with left over tiles.

The embellishment will take the form of iridescent mosaic square tiles that are fitted to the rim of the pot.

The rim in this case is above the soil line and not subject to high levels of continuous moisture and minerals from the soil which may affect long term adhesion. Although, exposure to normal environmental conditions will eventually have an impact. How long depends on the harshness of the environment and the materials used.

Square tiles were chosen in this case as they would fit around the diameter and in a number of rows without the need to cut any of the tiles greatly simplifiying the process.

All materials were available to hand without additional purchases although this may not be the case for the reader.

The materials should be available at most DIY/Hardware stores although they may not necessarily match those used by the author.

Blue Iridescent Glazed Mosiac Square Tiles

Clay Terracotta Pot

Waterproof Adhesive

Masking Tape

Scissors

Tape Measure

Gloves

Scraper

Abrasive Sponge

Items can be obtained from most DIY/Hardware stores subject to availability although differences may exist.

Know your tools and follow the recommended operational procedures and be sure to wear the appropriate PPE.

Determine the diameter and/or circumference of the chosen pot either by measurement with a tape or details already on the pot.

Use this measurement to identify the total length of tiles required to fit the circumference of the pot.

Optionally simply wrap the length of tiles around the circumference of the pot and add or subtract tiles to identify the tile length required to fit the circumference. Hold in place with masking tape.

In this particular case the pot diameter (D) was 31cm.

Therefore, circumference is PI*D = 97.39 cm.

The mosiac tiles to be used are on a sheet of 12 x 12 tiles measuring 31 cm x 31 cm for a total of 144 tile

Each tile plus the gap between tiles is ~2.58 cm square (31cm /12 tiles)

Tiles to fit around the circumference = 97.39/2.58 = integer[37.69], no cutting of tiles was employed and used 37.

The height of the rim is 8.7cm, meaning 3.38 rows [integer(8.7/2.58)], no cutting of tiles required and used 3 rows.

Therefore, 3 rows of 37 tiles are required.

With a pair of scissors cut 3 x (12 x 3) tile strips. Plus 1 x (3 x 3) tile strip.

Flip the tiles over such that the back is uppermost and apply the adhesive to the tiles, sufficient to allow the tiles to adhere to the pot. Applying the adhesive along the rows or columns or both.

Apply the section of tiles to the rim of the pot, align and press the tiles on the pot using masking tape to hold the tiles in place whilst setting.

Any excess that bleeds out between the tiles may require removal if it thicker than the tile thickness. Either by smoothing in the gap with a scraper or gloved finger and wiping away the excess.

Any adhesive less than the tile thickness or with gaps can be filled in once all the tiles are in place.

Try to remove at much adhesive as possibe from the tile surface before it dries as it's easier to cleanly remove a thin film rather than a thick layer this being aided by the use of glazed tiles.

Once all the required tiles are fitted allow the adhesive to set.

Identify any gaps and fill in with the same adhesive.

Apply, the adhesive around the top edge of the rim to repel moisture from directly seeping behind the back of the tiles.

Remove the surface film from the tiles with an abrasive sponge, rinse with water and allow to dry.

That's it job done.