Create Mosaic Magic in Your Garden

To break plates, tile or pottery into mosaic-size pieces, wrap the materials in a towel or cloth. Wearing goggles to protect your eyes, pound with a hammer. Stop occasionally to check the size of the smashed pieces -- you don't want them too small. Pieces 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter are easiest to work with.

For more control over the result—and to preserve any important decorations on your tile or china—use nippers to cut and shape pieces.