July's Birthstone is the Ruby

Rubies are considered one of the four precious stones. The other ones being the sapphire, diamond, and emerald.  It is also one of the hardest stones. Their value is determined by the color with the red or 'pigeon blood - red' being the most valuable.

Very few stones have been found in the United States in areas like Montana, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Most rubies come from Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Afghanistan.

One of the largest ruby gemstones in the world is at the Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. It is 23.1 carats.

These beautiful 'ruby' supplies are available from Team ESST

 Mountain Shadow Design

 Boho Boutique

JemmDee

 For more supplies for your creations check out the Team ESST blog here

Team ESST blogspot

Great Selection of TeamESST Supplies

Blogger/Blogspot:

This picture slideshow created with Smilebox

From Start to Finish

Here's a little pictorial of an Easter Egg Mosaic

After I sealed my form, I drew my design

All the materials I'll be using...I may be missing a brush to apply the glue to the tiles. 

And yes! My goggles.

 After the mosaics have been glued. Looks pretty already!

Ready for grouting! I have my gloves

  It's been grouted. Now I wait to wipe the excess grout.

 The final product!

Painting Porcelain Tiles

This is a great way to recycle broken dishes. Just paint them and turn them into works of art. 
I use this method to make filler mosaic tiles for my projects. In other words no specific design.

The paint is permanent and food and dishwasher safe. -Always follow manufacturer's directions-

Tools and Materials

Assortment of Porcelain pieces

Porcelain paints and markers

Soft Bristle Brushes

One thing to consider is the color shade of the pieces. 

Darker shades of porcelain may have a different result.

Here are some different shapes, sizes, and colors.

After one coat of paint

Note: Allow 24 hours between coats of paint.

 After adding details and some 'bling'.
-Wait another 24 hours before baking-

Bake in a 300ºF (150ºC) oven for 35 minutes.

Now you have a unique tile for your mosaic project. 

Team ESST Semi Annual Sale

Runs from Friday February 26, 2010 through Sunday February 28, 2010
This event will include members of the ESST.

Looking for mosaic tiles?
Check out JemmDee for some great tiles on sale!

For more information check out our
team esst blog