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• Ikea Lack side table $29, IKEA, NSW (02) 8002 0400; VIC (03) 8416 5000; QLD (07) 3340 2000 or www.ikea.com.au
  Bisazza Vetricolour glass tiles Black #20 20.77 $23 per sheet approx
  Bisazza Le Gemme glass tiles Brown tone #20 20.97 $24 per sheet approx
  ASAFLEX 2 PART TILE Adhesive - 4ltr drum with 8kg powder $35.00 per unit (set)

All available from ACADEMY TILES, Ph (02) 9436 3566 or www.academytiles.com.au

• Dulux Preplock spray 325g can $17.00
  Jo Sonja's Artist Acrylics' in Charcoal Background Colour 250ml $12.99
  Fibreglass mesh1mtr length $6.60
  Weldbond adhesive 50ml $3.98
  Rubber squeegee 230 mm- $4.31
  Davco Colourgrout in Mid Grey 2kg $8.33
  Large sponge Turtle back $5.75
  Plastic cling wrap or plastic dropsheet 2.6x3.6mtr $1.50
  220grit sandpaper - 115mmx5mtr $9.76
  Masking tape 48mmx50mtr $6.73
  MDF off cuts a little larger than design for backing board, BUNNINGS warehouse, (03) 8831 9777 or www.bunnings.com.au
  RIOT art and Craft Hornsby Ph 9482 5100
  Cardboard - "pasteboard" 640 x 1 $2.99

Here's how

NOTE: This table is a simple mosaic make using whole tiles in a "key" pattern.

STEP 1 Assemble the Ikea table and sand lightly with 220grit sandpaper, then wipe over with a lint free cloth to remove any dust. In a well-ventilated area spray the whole table with preplock and allow to dry. When dry give 2 coats of the Charcoal Background Colour, leaving the top unpainted.

STEP 2 Transfer the design on to the sheet of cardboard and with masking tape, tape along the edge to secure to it to the piece of backing board. Cover the whole board with plastic and tape down also. Cut a piece of mesh to fit over the whole design and tape down on top of the plastic. This allows you to see the pattern through the mesh but prevents the tiles sticking to the cardboard.

STEP 3 By adding a small dab of Weldbond to the back of each tile begin applying the black border tiles one at a time. Continue with the black tiles filling one section of the design at a time, ensuring even spacing between each tile. You can achieve this by using a wooden skewer to separate and move tiles around. When you have completed the black areas of the design repeat the process with the brown tone tiles. Leave to dry for approx 24hrs.

STEP 4 When the tiles are completely dry apply masking tape to the top edges of the table to prevent tile adhesive sticking to them. Mix the tile adhesive as per instructions and apply evenly to the tabletop using a notched trowel.

STEP 5 Using a Stanley knife or blade cut the mesh close against the tiles all the way around pattern. Slide the cardboard and plastic out from under the tiles leaving them on the board. With the help of a second pair of hands hold the board and position over the top of table, lining up the edges. Slowly slip the tile pattern off the board onto the top of the table, pressing the pattern into the tile adhesive as you go. Once all the tiles are on, place the board on top of the laid design and press down firmly to "seat" the tiles in place. Remove board and allow to dry for approx 24hrs.

STEP 6 Mix the tile grout as per instructions and in big blobs apply on top of tiles and using a rubber squeegee to press and smooth the grout into the spaces. Remove excess grout with the squeegee and a slightly damp sponge. Polish the top of the tiles with a clean rag and allow to dry completely.