I can't help with the fimo questions because I don't use it in my work.

If you're using MDF be sure to seal it well - all sides and edges. Even though it's interior, it will absorb moisture from humidity changes and over time will swell.

Welcome aboard and have fun.

Used baked polymer clay (either FIMO or Sculpey, don't remember) on outside year-round stepping stones. Just treated them the same as the other tiles, glued, grouted and sealed (only once). After four years, the only problem is the red has started to fade to pink. Kept the shape and detail fine..and that's with being stepped on!

just seal it with the clay brand's (sculpy, fimo...) sealer or polycrylic or future floor wax. you can use painters tape to cover it during grouting. There would be no reason for it to break down in the grout over time as the grout is dry right after application. Alot of us incorporate mixed items into our mosaics, if it's something that maybe difficult to clean up, you can mask it with white glue during grouting. I've done that several times with jewelry.

Nothing is safe in my mosaics. I mix EVERYTHING, but haven't put the clay tiles into the mixed up stuff yet. I've made plaques w/just the clay tiles. Have hundreds of ideas on those, but hooked on traditional mosaics. WELCOME and ask away.

Welcome Annie---Since I consider myself still a newbie I don't really have any advice, but there are so many wise people on here I'm sure you'll find an answer to whatever you ask. I always learn something I didn't even know that would be useful...like, covering jewelry with white glue during grouting! Thanks, nicethyme!
Have fun with your first project, looking forward to seeing pics.

Thanks all for your reassurances :) Looks like this could be a go-er after all!

Will definately post pix (erm, as long as they don't look like a 5 year old put them together!)

Hi Annie

Just about anything with a solid form can be used in some way in a mosaic. I have many years experience and have never had anything "deteriorate" without an external cause. Exposure to weather is your worst enemy in mosaics. The sun will fade colored clays, painted tiles (not kiln fired), photoÂs under glass etc. Moisture will lift paint, improperly laid tiles, swell wood, cause hard water stains etc. Another external cause is using an improper adhesive with the item being adhered. Silicone is a great adhesive but will dissolve certain surfaces.

With your indoor project on mdf board, your Femo is quite safe. Spray a shiny sealant on the Femo prior to gluing and it should wipe right off after grouting. Just use care and not be extremely aggressive when grouting.

Happy tiling!

Cher

Here is a link that might be useful: Moosaics

WOW Pretty things Moosaics!!! Welcome :^)

Sorry Annie_online. I have not worked with the clay yet. NOTE YET!! Might be going to soon. Please keep us updated and Welcome. :^)

Chris

wow CHER!!!! I have admired you're work for a long time, so cool to see you here. Alot of us have drooled over your site!

VERY BEAUTIFUL things. Welcome.

Wow those are some beautiful mosaics.. I love the 3D teapot tray.. thats truly inspired! My favourite though is the black and white mirror with the tiny Jazz style button.. simple, but so effective :)

I have much to learn!