The Square Life

She has seen you beat the original Mario Brothers without losing more than two lives. You sat with her and watched the entire season of Trading Spaces on TLC.

The two of you have hidden your talents behind dollar movies, slurpee runs, and many other uninteresting date nights for way too long. Now it’s time you share with each other your inner, more creative-selves through a mosaic masterpiece.

Mosaics are made by pressing small pieces of glass, stone, pottery or other objects into wet cement or plaster, which hardens to become permanent works of art.

You may ask, “Why mosaics?” “Why not watercolors, scrap booking, or toll painting?” Well gentlemen, this is the only craft that allows you to break things with a big hammer and reassemble them into a kaleidoscope of color and fun. I admit I was a bit skeptical at first about trying any craft for a date, but when I offered to spend time with the girl of my dreams doing mosaics, she was like, “Oh my gosh, I would love that!” – And she did. Kick things off with Dinner at Bajio’s Restaurant. This will get you in the mosaic mood. Take note of the counter-tops, and walls that are covered in mosaic designs of broken glass and pottery.

Get the following

Materials:
• Mosaic tiles (available at craft stores), colored beads, buttons, marbles, or stones. If you want to live on the wild side you can break colorful ceramic plates and cups (avoid glass because it shatters and hurts you).
• Plaster of Paris powder or pre-made mosaic putty – powder is messier but that is part of the fun.
• Something to tile: picture frame, pot holder, bowl, mirror, incense holder, candle holder, flower pot, a portion of your apartment wall (with permission) or even just a slab of plaster.

Follow these Instructions:
• Make your own piece or work together. Either way layout your designs before you begin to plaster. The plaster will dry rather quickly and you will need to have it thought out beforehand.
• Follow the instructions on the back of the box of plaster to be sure you get the right consistency. Let it dry for a bit, and spread a thick layer around your piece. When the plaster feels a bit more like soft clay begin placing your design.
• Make sure that there is enough grout between the spaces to enhance the durability of your piece.
• After it has dried for a while use a damp cloth to wipe off excess putty. Be gentle.

Keep in Mind:
• There is something about art that lets feelings begin to surface. Therefore, this is the perfect time to talk and really get to know the person you are with. Be sure to compliment them on their mosaic making skills.
• Broken Glass and Ceramics can cut you, and cuts can make you bleed, and bleeding can make you die. So, Clean up.
• Anyone can make mosaics so dig in, get creative and have fun.