In my downstairs bathroom shower, I created an agate wall accent with two horizontal strips of tumbled agate between rows of slate tile. Working on a flat surface, I used a wooden frame (3 inches by 30 inches) to set the tumbled agates into the shape I wanted.  First, a fiberglass mesh was placed under the frame and then the agates were arranged by size and shape to fit nicely together until I got the design I wanted.  Secondly, the agates were lifted, one at a time, and glued back down with 5 min. epoxy to the mesh underneath.  After the glue had cured completely, the frame was removed. I repeated this process for each strip.

The agates on the fiberglass mesh were then attached to the wall with tile adhesive. I used extra thin-set on the mesh so the entire strip would stay in place as the adhesive dried.   Any extra adhesive was wiped off the agates after the agate strips were firmly attached.  I let the thin-set dry for 2 days to make sure it was totally dry. 

Next, grout was forced between all the agates.  I used my hands with rubber gloves to force the grout into all the gaps between the agates.  I let everything set for an hour before wiping off the extra grout. 

Here is a picture of the (almost) finished project. The tumbled agate strips are beautiful and impressive. I get many compliments on them.

The reason I kept the tumbled agate high up on the wall was to minimize the need to clean all the grout between the agates in the years ahead.  Less water hits higher on the wall.

Agate accents could also be used on walkways and shower floors, for backsplashes and even for counter-tops.   Patterns for design are endless and up to your imagination.

I have fiberglass mesh and beautiful tumbled agates of all sizes for sale.  Call Mike (253-760-9165) for details. 

Ever wonder what a light fixture made out of tumbled agate would look like?  How about a fixture 12 feet tall and 15 inches in diameter!   The agates and glass are imbedded in acrylic resin.   They are suspended 30 feet up in the air at a Casino in Connecticut.  This order kept me pretty busy tumbling agates.  The architectural firm needed over 1200 pounds of small tumbled agates.  These agates are laid out in Indian Motif patterns.

Here’s a use for tumble agates that I would never have thought of!  These Southwestern Pottery vases were burnished (rubbed until shiny) by using one of my Polished Montana Moss Agates.  The hard and smooth surface of the agate gives the pottery a glossy smooth finish.  My customer uses my Montana Moss Agates for his students to create these types of pottery.  He uses agates 3 inches x 2 inches x 1 inch for the burnishing process.

Here are some ideas and photos from David Beckius.  You can see more of his work on his Mosaic web site.  http://polishedagatemosaics.com 

Tumbled Agates below are used as a “picture” within a tile frame. This one is displayed in a stand on the counter.

So as you can see, there are many wonderful ideas you can dream up. If you have pictures of your tumbled agate creations, send them to me so I can include them in this list of ideas!  Please include a description of how you created them.

Thanks and happy creating,  

Mike Wendt

(253-720-9165)