Triumphant Tile Table

I loved the reflective mosaic tables at Pier 1 last fall, and even though their prices dipped, I felt like I still couldn't afford to spend $30 on an accent table. So I made my own version, nothing at all like the Pier 1 version, and put it together for about $90. Total bargain. It will go on our patio.

End table from thrift store: $10
Backless frame from Hobby Lobby: $16
Black grout: $6
Decorative glitter tiles: $12
12 handpainted tiles (including studio time): $50
Total: $94

First assemble materials. Introducing Baxter. He was my ever-present helper on the endeavor. I found this table two years ago and it was just hiding in a corner. After browsing all of my tile options, I decided I wanted something eclectic so my husband and I had a date night at the local pottery paint shop, and paired the handpainted tiles with two packs of glitter tiles from Hobby Lobby. Subdued tiles were available at Lowe's and Home Depot.

I found a backless picture frame (which I could have gotten at a yard sale) to frame the tile and grout and glued and nailed it to the top of the table. I also glued the tiles on the table top with Aleene's Tacky glue. When it dried, the glue seemed to have done its job.

Grouting was a HUGE mess. I thankfully had the good sense to do it outside, otherwise I would have voided the security deposit on our apartment. I used powdered black grout mixed with water to give the table an edgy look, and spread it on with rubber gloves as the bottle suggested. Worked great. In the end, I threw away a wooden cooking spoon, a plastic mixing bowl, a pair of gloves and several towels used in the cleaning process. So if we add the cost of all that to the total, we're looking at over a hundred dollars for an end table. What a bargain.

And the finished product, complete with citronella candle (coincidentally from Pier 1, my original source of inspiration):