Unpack & Lay Out Your Kit
Lay out the pieces on paper next to your board so everything is within reach
Open your kit and lay the stained glass turtle pieces out on a sheet of paper in roughly the turtle shape. Keep the numbered labels on the pieces for now — you’ll remove each label only when you’re ready to glue that piece down. Place the paper next to your board so you can easily pick up each piece as you go. No cutting required — every piece is hand-cut and numbered to match the diagram.
Your kit laid out: labeled glass pieces in turtle shape on the numbered paper template
Paper template (top) next to the board — pick each piece up and place it directly across
Placing pieces one at a time — the numbered diagram makes it easy to know exactly where each piece goes
All pieces laid out on the board — ready to glue
Prepare Your Surface
Tape the frame and orient your board
Before applying any glue, use painter's tape to protect the wood frame of your table. This makes cleanup much easier and gives you a clean edge when the grout is applied. Place your board on a stable work surface. The turtle outline on the board shows you exactly where each piece goes.
The board with the turtle outline — your placement guide
Apply blue painter's tape along all edges of the black wood frame to protect it
Glue the Background Tiles
Work in sections of 2–3 rows, rolling tiles onto the adhesive
Before gluing, do a dry run: lay all 4 background tile sheets on the board to check the spacing. The tiles should sit close to the ball chain border without being too tight in the middle — adjust position until the spacing feels right. Then glue one section at a time: apply Gorilla Contact Adhesive in parallel lines across a strip, then gently roll the tile sheet down from one edge. You have about 10–12 minutes to move tiles around and fine-tune the placement — the glue gets increasingly tacky as time passes before it fully hardens, so work with confidence but don't rush. Because the pieces are hand-cut, you'll need to wiggle and adjust tiles as you go to get the spacing just right — that's completely normal. Repeat for all 4 background sections.
Do a dry run before gluing! Lay all 4 sheets on the board first to make sure the spacing looks right. The kits are designed so tiles sit close to the ball chain border.
Apply Gorilla Contact Adhesive in parallel lines — work in strips of 2–3 rows at a time
Roll the tile sheet down onto the glue from one edge — don't press flat all at once
Watch: applying glue and rolling tiles into place
Watch: working section by section across the board
Glue the Turtle Pieces
Place each numbered accent piece using the diagram as your guide
Now it's time to place the hand-cut turtle glass pieces. Apply Gorilla Contact Adhesive in a bead along the outline edge of each piece and a line through the center — this gives you a solid bond and, just as importantly, seals the underside so black grout can't seep beneath the piece and darken it. Press each piece firmly into position using the numbered diagram as your guide. Work from the center of the turtle outward. The pieces are hand-cut so there will be some variance in the gaps between them — that's completely normal and part of the handcrafted character. The grout will fill all of those gaps beautifully. You can still adjust piece positions after placing them, so take your time getting the layout right.
Make sure every piece is firmly bonded before grouting. The hand-cut variance in gaps is part of the handcrafted character — the grout will unify everything.
Watch: applying Gorilla Contact Adhesive to the turtle section
Watch: gluing along the outline and center of each turtle piece
Watch: turtle taking shape with pieces placed
All pieces placed and ready for grouting
Before You Continue
Wait 24 Hours
Let the adhesive fully cure
The Gorilla Contact Adhesive needs at least 24 hours to cure before grouting. Grouting too soon can shift or lift your tiles. Full bond strength is reached in 24–72 hours.
Grout the Mosaic
Polyblend Plus Unsanded Grout is included — mix in small batches
Once all tiles are firmly set and the glue has cured for at least 24 hours (Gorilla Contact Adhesive reaches full bond strength in 24 hours), it's time to grout. The photos below show what your mosaic looks like BEFORE grouting — you'll notice gaps between the hand-cut pieces. That's completely normal and expected. The grout fills all of those gaps and brings the whole design together. Your kit includes Polyblend Plus Unsanded Grout — there is more than you need, but we recommend mixing it in smaller batches. The official ratio is approximately 2.9 fl oz (86 mL) of water per 1 lb (454 g) of dry grout, which works out to roughly 1 part water to 5 parts grout by weight. Add the water slowly and mix until you reach a smooth peanut butter consistency — not too runny, not too stiff. Work it into every gap thoroughly, then wipe away the excess with a damp cloth.
Keep the painter's tape on the frame until after grouting is complete. The photos here show the pre-grout stage — your finished piece will look much more polished once grouted.
Step 1: Mix the grout to a smooth peanut butter consistency — no lumps, not too runny
Step 2: Spread the grout across the entire surface using a spatula, working it into every gap
Step 3: The surface will look fully covered — that’s perfect. Every gap should be filled
Step 4: After wiping clean — the grout settles between the pieces and the glass colors pop
Enjoy Your Masterpiece
Remove the tape and share your handcrafted mosaic with the world
Once the grout has fully cured, carefully remove the painter's tape from the frame. Clean any remaining grout haze from the tile surface with a dry cloth. Your mosaic table is complete! Each kit is hand-cut and made with care — no two are exactly alike. The slight variance in gaps is part of what makes your piece unique.
Your finished mosaic table — ready to enjoy in your home
Optional Step
Seal Your Grout for Extra Protection
Once your grout has fully cured (allow at least 72 hours after grouting), you can apply a grout sealer to protect the surface from staining and moisture. This is especially recommended if your table will be used outdoors or in a high-traffic area. A penetrating sealer like Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold works beautifully on mosaic grout — it's water-based, leaves a natural finish, and lasts for years.
Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold on AmazonAfter You're Done
Caring for Your Mosaic Table
Your mosaic table is built to last. With a little care it will stay beautiful for years.
Everyday Cleaning
Wipe the surface with a soft damp cloth or sponge. Mild dish soap and warm water is all you need for most spills. The stained glass tiles are non-porous and very easy to clean — just avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the glass surface.
What to Avoid
Do not use bleach, harsh chemical cleaners, or acidic cleaners (like vinegar) on the grout — they can break down the grout over time and cause discoloration. Avoid soaking the table in standing water, especially around the wood frame edges.
Keep It Indoors
This table is built on a solid wood frame and should not be left outside or in damp environments. Wood will warp, crack, and deteriorate when exposed to rain, moisture, or prolonged humidity. Keep your mosaic table indoors to protect both the wood frame and the grout. If you'd like to display it in a covered patio or screened porch, make sure it stays dry and is brought inside during wet weather.
Keeping the Glass Brilliant
The stained glass will naturally catch and play with light — that's part of what makes it special. To keep it looking its best, a quick wipe with a glass cleaner (like Windex) on just the tile surface brings out the colors beautifully. Avoid getting glass cleaner into the grout lines.
If a Tile Ever Chips or Loosens
Stained glass is durable but not indestructible. If a piece ever chips or comes loose, simply re-glue it with Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive, let it cure for 24 hours, then touch up the surrounding grout with a small amount of Polyblend Plus Unsanded Grout mixed to a thick paste. Wipe clean and you're done.
Products Used in This Kit
Everything you need is included in your kit. These links are provided for reference or if you'd like to reorder any supplies.
Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive
The adhesive included in your kit for bonding tiles and glass to the board.
Polyblend Plus Unsanded Grout
The grout included in your kit — polymer-fortified, easy to mix, and vibrant color.
ScotchBlue Original Painter's Tape (2090)
Used to protect the wood frame during grouting. Removes cleanly without residue.
Ball Chain — from our friends at ballchain.com
The decorative ball chain border that outlines the turtle and frames the design.
Stained Glass — The Vinery in Whitewater
Some of our glass comes from The Vinery — a family-run stained glass studio with an extraordinary selection of unique textures and colors. One of our trusted suppliers.
Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold (Optional)
A penetrating grout sealer for extra protection after curing. Not included in kit.
From Our Tribe to Your Tribe
Thank you for being part of this.
Flying Squirrels is a family-owned business out of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Every kit is made with intention, and every customer who chooses one of our kits is helping us keep this dream alive. We are deeply grateful.
Our work and kits are available in person at The Hive in Lake Geneva — stop by and see us.
Handcrafted Mosaic Art Kits
Creativity connects us. Each kit is made with care by the Flying Squirrels team.