Tiny Mosaic Phone Table

I was in desperate need of a dry place to set down my cell phone in my super tiny bathroom. I looked around for a solution that would fit - even a plant stand would do. But everything was too large or too flimsy. I decided I would have to build something myself (darn : ) and looked around to see what supplies I had. I found that if I put a top on a wooden CD crate, it would be the perfect size. And once I had a base, I could do anything I wanted. And I did.

Note: Mosaics hold up really well to moisture, so they are great for bathrooms and outdoors.

This is the wooden CD crate. I could have used a 6" square piece of scrap lumber for the top, but I had this wooden box frame handy, so it got to be the top. Use whatever you have - it won't show in the end. I show how hey will fit together, but don't join any parts yet. There's a lot to do first.

Note: I wanted my table to be low, but you can stack 2 crates for a taller table. And then you get a shelf, too!

For the mosaic you need pieces of broken glass, or tiles, or flat marbles - pretty much anything durable and waterproof that you can create a flat surface with. I had an old kiddie mosaic kit that I cannibalized for glass. (I spent almost nothing on this project. ) You'll also need grout and glue.

I sorted out the colors and shapes I wanted for my table and started to see how the edges and corners would fit.

With plain white glue, glue the design into place. I did small sections at a time. If I had glass cutting tools I could have cut pieces to fit, but I had to work out the design like a puzzle. Cover the whole top. Cover the sides if you want. I only did parts of the sides. I was running out of glass, but I liked how it looked anyway.

Allow glue to dry fully.

Add a teaspoon at a time of water to about 1/2 cup of dry grout. Stir well. Adjust the grout and water until the mixture is like gritty toothpaste.

Using a popsicle stick, carefully get the grout between all the bits of glass. It's going to look like a mess. Then take your leftover grout and cover the inside, bottom of the CD crate. This will weight down the base. Mix more grout as needed. Set the crate aside - it's going to take a day or two to dry.

Scrape off as much of the excess grout as possible without "digging down" into the cracks. I used the stick for this. When the grout starts to set (It will thicken and get paler.), use a damp rag to wipe off more of the grout. You can do this a couple of times until your let with just a thin chalkiness of grout on your tiles.

Note: Be careful wiping! Glass edges are sharp.

Then set aside until the grout is fully dry.

Now you can use a rag and water to clean the glass off all the way.

There are a couple options for finishing the table at this point. If you like the wood look, you can sand, stain and varnish. I decided to paint. My wood just needed a light sanding and then I used craft acrylics for my design. You can paint a solid color or make a pattern.

Check to see where your wood will be attaching and leave those spots bare. I put an X on the surface I'd be gluing so I wouldn't loose track.

Glue the table upside down. Put a thin layer of wood glue wherever your top will touch the base. Clamp if necessary (I didn't need to). Leave overnight before handling.

Note: My table has good balance, but if yours is tippy, you can add more grout or some decorative stones to the bottom to add weight.

This is optional. The mosaic top can hold up to just about anything but a hammer. I did put a clear coat on mine.

Note: If you will be using the table in a damp environment or outdoors, you should put a sealer on the wood.

My little table fits perfectly in the tiny spot I put it in. It also fits great in other parts of my house. I may have to make more : )