Phew! This is interesting. Never have done an indirect method before, but I'm thinking that if your contact paper is a very strong adhesive, you can put it down over your BEAUTIFUL mosaic, lift it and place it into the thinset in your little niche. Then you can tape off the smalti and carefully grout the stones around it. The thinset stays moist for enough time for you to put this in place, and this project can be done within an hr or two IMO.

This looks really cool! Love that you bordered the piece with mosaic tile that will blend with your bricks and that you used rocks in your piece. You are going to be so proud to have guests over when you get that up!

I'm afraid I'm not experienced enough to give advice.

slowmedown,

So am I correct in thinking I should set the borders into place first and have them grouted before trying to transfer the smalti?

Thanks Jenel!

Good idea, but you could place the whole thing in, tape off the smalti and then grout the stones. If your contact paper is really a good adhesive, the whole thing should move right into place. Your idea w/work also - border first, then the center focal. Wonderful ideas on over your appliance. I just love arched niches.

slowmedown, I am loving what you are saying about moving the whole thing at once with the contact paper. I sure hope it works as advertised. This is the part that makes me nervous! I like your method of transferring best, so tomorrow I will attempt it.