Before You Begin

• Set up your work area first. Lay down paper towels or another protective covering to catch spills and mess.
• Lay out everything in the kit so it's all within reach before you begin.
• Work in a clean, well-ventilated area with access to fresh water.
• Adult supervision is required when working with the plaster powder.
• Do not eat or drink while using the plaster.
• Avoid breathing in the plaster dust and keep it away from your eyes, face, and body.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after crafting.
• If you have allergies, ask a doctor for advice before using plaster products.
• Do not pour unused plaster powder or mixed plaster down the drain. Let leftover plaster harden in a disposable container, then throw it away.
• Before decorating, remove the backing panel, photo mat, and clear plastic front from the wooden frame. Set them aside somewhere safe. 

Step 1: Prepare the Frame

• Turn the frame over.
• Use the edge of a spoon to carefully lift the small metal retaining tabs on the back.
• Remove the backing panel.
• Remove the photo mat.
• Remove the clear plastic front.
• Set all three pieces aside so they stay clean while you decorate the wooden frame. 

Step 2: Add the Glue

• Use the plastic spreader to apply a thin layer of glue to a small section of the wooden frame.
• Work on an area no larger than about 1.5 inches or 4 cm square at a time.
• Working in small sections helps prevent the glue from drying before you add the mosaic stones. 

Step 3: Add the Mosaic Stones

• Gently place the mosaic stones onto the glued section.
• Arrange the stones however you like.
• Leave approximately 3 to 4 mm, or about 1/8 inch, between each stone.
• Do not place the stones all the way to the outer edge of the glue. Leave a little room so it is easier to apply glue to the next section.
• Repeat the gluing and stone-placement process until the entire frame is decorated.
• If the glue dries while you are working, add another thin layer and continue. 

Step 4: Let the Glue Dry

• Leave the decorated frame in a safe place.
• Let the glue and mosaic stones dry for at least 1 hour.
• Wipe the plastic spreader clean with a paper towel.
• Keep the spreader nearby because you will use it again for the plaster. 

Step 5: Mix the Plaster

• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Use a clean disposable plastic container or clean used glass jar for mixing.
• Carefully cut open the entire 70 g bag of plaster powder.
• Pour the plaster powder into the container without breathing in the dust.
• Slowly add 15 ml, about 0.51 oz, of water.
• Add the water about 1 teaspoon at a time.
• Mix thoroughly with the plastic spreader after each addition.
• Continue mixing until the plaster is smooth but not runny.
• If the mixture becomes too watery, wait briefly for it to thicken.
• Work promptly because the plaster begins setting once mixed with water. You have about 5 minutes to reach the correct consistency.

Step 6: Apply the Plaster

• Use the plastic spreader to apply a thin layer of plaster over the mosaic stones.
• Start in the middle of the frame and spread the plaster toward the edges.
• Work the plaster into the spaces between the stones.
• Start with a thin layer and add more only where needed.
• Slightly dampen the included sponge if needed.
• Use the sponge to help spread and smooth the plaster between the mosaic pieces.

Step 7: Clean Away Excess Plaster

• Wait at least 5 minutes for the plaster to begin setting.
• Lightly dampen the sponge with water.
• Gently wipe excess plaster from the tops of the mosaic stones and around the sides of the frame.
• Continue wiping until you achieve the look you want.
• The stones do not need to look perfectly shiny yet. Just remove any large or heavy amounts of plaster from their surfaces.

Step 8: Let the Frame Dry

• Leave the mosaic frame somewhere safe and undisturbed.
• Let the plaster grout dry for at least 1 hour, or until it is completely dry.
• Do not continue until the plaster has fully hardened.

Step 9: Polish the Mosaic Stones

• Once the plaster is completely dry, use a dry sponge, cloth, or paper towel.
• Gently wipe the tops of the mosaic stones.
• Polish them until the stones look clean and shiny. 

Step 10: Add Your Photo

• Peel the protective film from the clear plastic front.
• Choose your photo size.
• For a 4 x 6 inch photo, use the included photo mat.
• For a 5 x 7 inch photo, remove the mat.
• Place the clear plastic front back into the frame.
• Add the mat if you are using one.
• Place your photo inside.
• Put the backing panel back into position.
• Fold the metal retaining tabs back down to hold everything securely in place.
• Your mosaic photo frame is now ready to display. 

Changing the Photo

• Turn the frame over.
• Carefully lift the metal retaining tabs using the edge of a spoon or pliers.
• Remove the backing panel.
• Replace the photo.
• Add or remove the mat depending on whether you are using a 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 photo.
• Replace the backing panel.
• Fold the retaining tabs back down to secure everything.