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Pebble mosaic pots are a charming, rustic addition to any outdoor patio and they are fun and easy to make. Once you master the technique - which shouldn't take long - enjoy discovering other things you can dress up in this fun fashion.
The trick to making these containers look their best is to choose stones that blend together well (or contrast each other) before beginning to adhere them to the pot, and to select a grout in a color that complements the stones. Work in small sections so as not to feel rushed when placing pebbles and select pebbles that have a relatively smooth rounded finish to make it easier to wipe away excess grout from the pot.
When working with the adhesive caulk, move quickly: it sets fast. Start with a small patch or practice first on a test surface. Use a premixed tile adhesive and grout to create an additional bond with the stones. While premixed grout is preferable, if mixing grout, check the package directions for set up time and try to keep the mixture damp while working in order to increase the set time.
Materials (amounts will vary depending on size of pot):
Terracotta flowerpot
Pebbles
Tube of clear outdoor-grade vinyl adhesive caulk
Premixed tile adhesive grout, outdoor grade if possible
Tools:
Spreading tool for grout
Sponge
Clean rags
Bucket of water
Latex gloves
Directions:
1. Rinse pebbles and flowerpot to remove dirt and dust from surface. Allow to dry.
2. Working in small sections, apply clear outdoor vinyl adhesive caulk onto pot moving tube tip back and forth to create an even layer. Thickness of layer of caulk will depend on size of stones - it should be just thick enough to hold the stones in place but not so thick that stones slide off the pot. Press stones into adhesive caulk one at a time, continuing to add new sections until the entire exterior of pot is covered.
3. Carefully apply adhesive to upper lip of pot and inside of rim and apply pebbles to first inch of interior of pot as well. Set pot aside to dry.
4. Grout when adhesive caulk is completely dry. Caulk will be fully set in 12 to 48 hours, depending on climate and thickness of layer of caulk. Put latex gloves on and have bucket of water handy. Using hands and fingers, spread grout onto pot. Press grout firmly into crevices between stones.
5. When pot is covered, rinse off grout from gloves. Wet sponge and ring it out. Gently wipe away excess grout. Remove grout smudged on stones by soaking sponge with water and squeezing it over the pot. The gentle flow of water will remove grout from surface of stones but won't disturb grout between stones.
6. Let grouted pot set up 48 to 72 hours before planting.