Mosaics for Kids: An Easy First Project
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Mosaics are one of the best crafts for kids. There is no kiln, no special tools and no wrong answer. Kids get to sort colors, plan a picture and fit pieces together like a puzzle, and the finished piece is sturdy enough to hang on a wall or set on a shelf. Here is how to set up a first mosaic project at home.
What you need
- A wood shape or base to tile
- Mosaic tiles in a few colors
- Tile glue
- Grout, plus a cup for mixing and a craft stick
- A damp sponge and old towels
Our mosaic kits come with the wood shapes, tiles, glue and grout, so you can open the box and start.
Pick a shape they will love
Kids stay excited when the shape is something they care about. A few favorites:
- T Rex Mosaic Kit for dinosaur fans
- Mermaid Mosaic Kit and Seahorse Mosaic Kit for ocean lovers
- Puppy Mosaic Kit and Horse Mosaic Kit for animal lovers
- Rainbow Mosaic Kit and Ice Cream Mosaic Kit for something bright and simple
Step 1: Plan the design
Have kids lay the tiles out on the shape before gluing anything. Sorting tiles by color into cups or a muffin tin makes this much easier. Lightly sketching the main areas with a pencil helps younger kids stay on track.
Step 2: Glue the tiles
Put a small dab of glue on the back of each tile and press it down. Leave a small gap between tiles, about the width of a pencil line, for the grout. Work one section at a time so the glue does not dry before the tiles go down. Let everything dry overnight.
Step 3: Grout
This is the messy, fun part, and the part where an adult should help.
- Mix the grout with water until it is like thick frosting.
- Spread it over the tiles with gloved hands or a craft stick, pushing it into all the gaps.
- Wait 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe the tops of the tiles with a damp sponge. Rinse the sponge often.
- Once it dries to a haze, buff the tiles with a dry towel until they shine.
Our full guide on how to grout and seal a mosaic has more tips.
Safety tips for kids
- Have an adult handle the grout mixing and wear gloves when spreading grout, since it can dry out skin.
- Mosaic tiles can have sharp edges, so younger kids should be supervised.
- Work in an area that is easy to clean, and do not pour leftover grout down the sink.
Make it a group activity
Most of our kits come with four shapes, which makes them perfect for siblings, playdates, classrooms or a birthday party table. Everyone makes their own, and you can see how differently each one turns out.
Ready to start?
Browse all of our mosaic kits, or shop mosaic tiles and mosaic surfaces to design your own. New to mosaics? Start with mosaic tiles 101.