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A natural touch



Have you ever kicked off your shoes and waded across a cool, stony creek bed? Just thinking about it brings back some of my most treasured childhood memories. Even now, I can still feel the smooth, water-worn rocks massaging my soles. It’s memories like these, and my inherent love for nature, that have inspired me to incorporate elements of the outdoors into my home.

 

 

For example, I recently added natural beauty and a touch of nostalgia to my home-spa space by creating a river-rock bath mat. With a few common materials and tools, I was able to craft my own for a fraction of the cost to buy one.

 

You will need:

Cement fibre board (cut to size)
Tile adhesive
Tile grout
Grout sealer
Notched trowel
Grout float
Sharp craft knife
Steel rule
Sponge
Bucket of water
Pebbles - you can buy sheets of pebbles at your local Builders Warehouse.

 

 

Here's how:

 

1. Measure and mark the cement fibre board to the desired size. Use a craft knife to score and break the board at the marks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Wipe the cement fibre board clean with a damp sponge. Using a trowel, spread an even layer of tile adhesive along the top surface.

Don't spread too thin - approximately 5 to 6mm thick - as you want the rocks or pebbles to be anchored to the board.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Gently press the rocks into the mortar.

DIY Tip

For an eye-pleasing look, start with straight lines along the edges; then fill in the centre with any pattern.

Let the adhesive set completely.

 

 

 

4. Use a grout float and your fingers (wear gloves) to spread grout between the rocks.

Before the grout dries, wipe the rocks clean with a damp tile sponge.

Let the grout set completely.

 

 

 

5. With a dry cloth, wipe off any leftover haze on the rocks. Apply a couple of coats of grout sealer to the grouted areas. To protect your bathroom floor, attach a few felt furniture pads to the underside of the mat.

 

[jenny stanley]