Fun, Creative Mosaic Garden Art!

How to Make a Broken China Mosaic Garden Shovel

By Joy St. Germain

Express yourself in a fun and creative way by adding a colorful mosaic shovel to your garden. Every garden needs some interesting garden art — the more unique the better. My idea of garden art is anything that I can put in my garden that makes me smile.

This was one of my favorite garden projects. It's an easy project that you can do even if you're new to mosaics. Best of all the majority of the materials came from thrift stores and garage sales.

I was looking for something colorful and unique to add to my garden when I came upon the idea of creating a broken china garden shovel. I also just happened to have this rusty old shovel (from an estate sale) sitting around gathering more rust. It was fun giving the rusty old shovel a makeover. Now it's not only garden art but a great conversation piece.

Tools & Supplies Used

• Old shovel (if rusty: sandpaper & spray paint)
• Gorilla glue
• Tile nippers (optional, but very handy!)
• Colorful old souvenir plates, paper bag & towel (alternative: glass mosaic tiles)
• Tile grout, old spatula or putty knife
• Painter's tape
• Sponge
• Sealer (Minwax waterproof sealer or spray waterproof sealer)

Project Instructions

Step 1

Start with an old shovel. Don't worry about the rust.

Step 2

Sand off any loose rust or sharp edges.

Step 3

Tape off the shovel handle and spray paint with your favorite color.

Step 4

I used a variety of old china for this project. Colorful souvenir travel plates work great. Mosaic tiles work too.

Step 5

Put the plates in a paper bag and cover with a towel before smashing.

Step 6

China plates have a thick ridge on the back so you won't always get a flat piece.

Continue to mosaic shovel project page 2 »

About the Author | More by Joy St. Germain
Joy St. Germain started The Wildwood Cottage out of her love for art, stenciling and crafts. She's a hands on "Do It Yourselfer" that enjoys creating new and unique crafts. When she's not working on a craft you'll find her in one of her many gardens. Visit her Web site at www.wildwoodcottage.com.

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