How to Create a Plus-Plus Mosaic Wall Art

Quick answer

To create Plus-Plus mosaic wall art, plan a design on a grid, sort your pieces by color, then press them together flat side up on a baseplate or interlocked edge-to-edge. Use a frame or adhesive-backed board to hang it. Start with a small 10x10 grid and one or two colors to learn the technique before scaling up.

Plus-Plus pieces are not just for 3D building. Their flat sides and consistent shape make them ideal for pixel-style mosaics that you can hang on a wall. The process is part puzzle, part craft, and it works with any piece count you already own.

This guide walks through the full process: choosing a design, gathering colors, assembling the mosaic so it stays together, and mounting it for display. You will also find tips on which Plus-Plus products give you the best color variety for wall art.

Plan your mosaic design

Start by deciding the size and subject. A 10x10 grid (100 pieces) is a good beginner size. Sketch your design on graph paper or use a pixel art app. Remember that each Plus-Plus piece covers one square on the grid, so plan for simple shapes and bold contrasts rather than fine details.

Choose a color palette of three to five colors. Too many colors can make the mosaic look busy and make sorting harder. If you are new to Plus-Plus pixel art, pick a design with a clear background color and one main subject.

• Common mistake: designing something too detailed for the grid size. Simplify shapes.
• Checkpoint: count how many pieces of each color you need before you start building.

Gather and sort your Plus-Plus pieces

Pull out all the pieces you need and sort them by color into small bowls or piles. This step saves time during assembly and helps you spot shortages early. If you are short on a color, you can substitute a similar shade or adjust your design.

For larger mosaics, work in sections. Build one 10x10 block at a time, then connect the blocks. This keeps the project manageable and reduces the chance of knocking pieces loose.

• Common mistake: mixing colors while sorting. Use separate containers for each color.
• Checkpoint: lay out all pieces on your work surface before you start pressing them together.

Assemble the mosaic flat side up

Plus-Plus pieces connect by pressing the nubs of one piece into the holes of another. For a mosaic, you want the flat side facing up so the surface is smooth. Start at one corner and work in rows, pressing each piece firmly onto the previous one. You can build directly on a baseplate if you have one, or on a flat surface like a cutting board.

If you are building without a baseplate, interlock the pieces edge-to-edge. The friction between pieces holds them together, but the mosaic will be flexible until mounted. Handle it carefully as you build.

• Common mistake: pressing too hard and bending the pieces. Use steady, firm pressure.
• Checkpoint: after every few rows, check that the mosaic lies flat and the colors are in the right places.

Secure and mount your wall art

Once the mosaic is complete, you need to keep it from falling apart. The easiest method is to glue the back of the mosaic to a sturdy backing board using a strong craft adhesive. Apply glue to the backing, not the pieces, and press the mosaic down evenly. Let it dry completely before moving it.

For a temporary display, you can place the mosaic on a shelf or lean it against a wall. If you want to hang it, attach a picture hanger to the backing board. A shadow box frame also works well and protects the mosaic from dust.

• Common mistake: using too much glue, which can seep between pieces. Use a thin, even layer.
• Checkpoint: test the bond by gently lifting one corner after the glue dries.

Choose the right Plus-Plus pieces for color variety

The colors you have on hand will shape your design. Bulk bags of single colors are great for filling large areas, while tubes often include a mix of colors for details. If you are planning a mosaic with a specific palette, buying individual color bags gives you control.

For example, the 150 pc Bag - Pearl and 150 pc Bag - Silver add metallic accents that catch light and make a mosaic pop. The Tube - 100pc - Earth Dragons includes rich earthy tones that work well for nature-themed mosaics. And the Tube - Princess offers three skin tone options, which is useful for portrait-style pixel art.

• Common mistake: assuming all tubes have the same colors. Check the product description for the color mix.
• Checkpoint: before you buy, compare your design's color needs with what you already own.

Step-by-step mosaic tutorial

1. Sketch your design on a grid: Use graph paper or a pixel art app to map out your mosaic. Assign one square per Plus-Plus piece. Keep shapes simple and colors distinct. Checkpoint: count the squares for each color to know how many pieces you need.
2. Sort your pieces by color: Gather all needed pieces and separate them into bowls or piles. This prevents mid-build scrambling and helps you spot missing colors. Common mistake: mixing colors. Use separate containers.
3. Build the mosaic flat side up: Start at one corner and press pieces together row by row. Work on a flat surface or baseplate. Keep the flat side facing up for a smooth finish. Checkpoint: after every few rows, ensure the mosaic lies flat and colors match your plan.
4. Secure the mosaic to a backing: Apply a thin layer of craft adhesive to a sturdy backing board, then press the mosaic onto it. Let it dry completely before handling. Common mistake: too much glue. Use a thin, even layer to avoid seepage.
5. Mount and display your wall art: Attach a picture hanger to the backing or place the mosaic in a shadow box frame. Hang it away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading. Checkpoint: gently test the bond before hanging.

Plus-Plus products for mosaic wall art

• 150 pc Bag - Pearl: Plus-Plus is now available in convenient bulk bags of 150 pieces, making it easier than ever to expand your collection. A 150-piece bag of one color lets you fill large mosaic areas without running out, and the pearl finish adds a subtle sheen.
• Tube - 100pc - Earth Dragons: Inspired by forests, mountains, and the natural world, this building set features rich earthy colors that bring two powerful dragons to life. The earthy tones are ideal for nature-themed mosaics, and the tube format is a low-commitment way to try mosaic art.
• Tube - Princess: With three different skin tone options included, you can customize your princess and create a fairytale that's uniquely your own. Multiple skin tones make this tube useful for portrait mosaics or any design that needs realistic skin colors.
• Tube - Color Cars - Candy: The 200 piece Candy Color Car tube is a great way to get started with Plus-Plus. Kids will learn to create in 2D or 3D, encouraging open-ended, creative play. The 200-piece count and bright candy colors give you enough pieces for a small mosaic and encourage 2D pixel art.

Plus-Plus mosaic wall art is a satisfying way to turn a bin of pieces into a personalized decoration. Start small, sort your colors, and mount your finished piece securely. With a little planning, you can create pixel art that looks great on any wall.