Materials:

1. Glass Votive
2. 8 oz. of Grout
3. Clear Silicone Caulk
4. Glass Mosaic Tiles
5. Nippers
6. Water
7. Rubber Gloves
8. Plastic Bowl
9. Spatula

The materials list above is a generic list of items needed for the project.
You can choose any color of tile or grout. For this project I chose to use
8 oz. of Snow White Grout, DAP Clear Silicone Caulk, and Iris Family
iridescent finish tiles.

Step 1:

Remove tiles from mesh backing. This is different depending on the type of
tiles you are using. In general tiles mounted on paper have their faces glued
to the paper with water soluble paste. A quick soak in hot water will remove
the paper and clean up the tiles. Tiles mounted on mesh usually have their faces
exposed. This project required the tiles to be removed from the mesh backing
The easiest way to remove the backing is to soak the tiles in rubbing alcohol for
a couple of hours. The glue will break down and the mesh will come off.

Step 2:

Using Clear Drying Silicone Caulk glue the tiles to the votive. Make sure to leave
small space between each tile for the grout. A small dab of caulk will hold the
tiles to the glass. You can glue the tiles in any pattern or direction. Let your
imagination guide you. You can use the nippers to break the glass tiles into
different shapes. I chose to use a simple alternating color pattern for this
project.

I would suggest turning the votive upside down, and working from the bottom up.
This makes the votive easier to hold as you glue the tiles. Another tip is to glue
a circle around the glass, and attach the tiles to the glue. This cuts down on the
gluing time.

Step 3:

After, you have covered the votive with your design allow it to dry for 24 hours.
I allowed this votive to dry until the caulk was totally clear, which took slightly
longer.

Step 4:

It's time to apply the grout. You will need your dried votive, desired color of grout,
rubber gloves, spatula, and plastic bowl or pan.

Before, proceeding make sure to put your rubber gloves on. Grout is very basic,
and can be harmful to your skin. Next, add a small amount of grout into the plastic
bowl. I would suggest adding between 2 and 3 oz.

Then, slowly add a small bit of water while stirring the grout with spatula.
You don't want to add too much water. You are looking for the grout to have a consistency
that results in stiff peaks when you raise lift the grout of slight with the spatula.

Step 5:

Apply the grout to the votive. Be sure to push the grout into all the cracks. Allow it to
dry for 20 -25 minutes. Then, lightly wash off the votive. Gently clean off the glass tiles,
but be careful not to remove any of the grout from the cracks. Now, carefully dry off the votive
by patting it with a towel. Then, allow the votive to sit for 24 hours. Once it is completely dry
scrub the votive carefully to remove any excess particle of grout from the glass tiles.
Step 6:

Your votive is now complete. Place a small candle inside the votive, and enjoy the atmosphere
you new votive creates.

Please, see our auctions for votive kits, or our supplier, mosaictilearts.com, for a large selection
of materials. Feel free to email me with any questions.