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You will need:
Assorted mosaic tiles
Grout
Tile adhesive (pre-mixed)
Applicator
Platter (320mm x 230mm)
Mosaic Tile Nipper
Grout Mixing Bowl
Tweezers
Sponge
Paper towels
Disposable gloves
Here's how:
1. Make a sketch of a leaf, either on paper or directly on your platter with a magic marker. You will be placing one leaf in each corner of the inside of the platter and one in the centre.
Draw a grid pattern with a ruler across the whole platter.
2. Gather together the 2 shades of tiles. Carefully nip them into the precise little shapes that will match your leaf sketch. Remember, the more precisely the tile pieces match the shape of the drawing, the nicer looking your mosaic will be. See illustrations for details.
 3. With a craft stick, dab a little adhesive on each corner of the back of the tile, then dab a little on the platter where you want the piece to go. Place the tile smooth-side-up onto the platter. Continue in this way until all five leaves are done.
4. Line 3 different shades of tiles in a random, attractive pattern along the sides of the tray, spacing each tile an even distance from one another. Dab a little adhesive on each of the four corners of each tile, and carefully place tile on tray. Fill in the all of the platter between the leaves that you can with this pattern.
5. While still wet, tiles can be moved until you are satisfied with the design. Do not attempt to reposition the tile after the adhesive begins to set.
6. Cover as much of the platter as possible with the rows of randomly placed tiles. You will find that as you get close to any of the leaves, small spaces will have to be left. These will be filled in last.
7. Once the platter is covered with the rows of whole tile, you can start cutting tiles to fit into the background area by the leaves. These are a little harder to cut and place, because the spaces will be quite small. Try to cut the tile as precisely as possible to fit the area between leaf and whole tile. Tweezers can be used to help place the tile.
Allow the tiles to dry overnight.
8. Mix the grout into a thick, creamy consistency. Use applicator to scoop out grout and spread it over the tiles and into the 'crevices' between the tiles. Be gentle - you don't want to loosen tiles. If a tile should become loose, apply more adhesive to the tile and reapply to the base. Continue grouting around the repaired tile, making sure not to dislodge it again.
9. Work the grout into the crevices until it becomes smooth and level with the tile surface. The best way to do this is by spreading the grout in one direction and then spreading it in the perpendicular direction. Be sure to smooth the grout evenly along the edges of the platter. When you have finished applying grout, wait about 15 minutes for it to harden slightly.
10. Dampen the sponge with water and squeeze it. The sponge should be damp, but not soaking wet. Gently wipe the dampened sponge across the tile surface, removing excess grout from all surfaces. Wash out the sponge periodically while cleaning the tiles, as it really soaks up the grout.
11. Allow to dry overnight. Gently loosen any remaining excess grout from tile with a wooden craft stick. Gently polish tiles with a paper towel or cloth. For extra shiny tiles, polish with a small amount of vegetable or olive oil.
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