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How to Make a Bead Mosaic

In October 2011, 408 students from Rudolph Matas Elementary School in Metairie, Louisiana organized a Mardi Gras bead drive that yielded 2,200 lbs. of beads. For the next seven months, students worked with Mosaic bead artist Stephan Wanger to construct 12 bead mosaics, measuring 4-by-4 feet each. The mosaics were created for an international exhibit celebrating Louisiana cuisine and culture. Whether your mosaic bead project is a large group effort or an individual endeavor, the process is essentially the same.

Things You'll Need

  • Wooden or plastic support for mosaic
  • Beads
  • Craft glue
  • Gesso
  • Colored pens or pencils
  • Tweezers
  • Soft cotton cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a support or base for your bead mosaic. Wooden boxes and art canvas boards provide suitable surfaces for mosaics. Prime the surface with one to two coats of gesso.

    • 2

      Draw or sketch a pattern directly onto the primed support. You can also create the design as you go for an abstract effect.

    • 3

      Apply craft glue to a small area on the surface. Place individual beads onto the glued surface using tweezers. If you have large areas of solid color, you can apply several beads at the same time. Continue working in small sections until the mosaic is complete.

    • 4

      Dry the mosaic for at least 12 hours. Gently run your fingers over the mosaic to check for loose beads. Reglue beads that become displaced. Lightly polish finished mosaic with a soft cotton cloth.

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