If you want a bean craft that looks gallery-worthy, this geometric mosaic is the project to try.

Using a wooden tray or frame as your base, you’ll carefully arrange beans into repeated hexagon and diamond shapes.

Each section becomes a miniature pattern, and when combined, the full artwork is striking and durable.

It’s the kind of project that can be customized with any color scheme, stick to earth tones for a rustic look or mix bright beans for a more playful vibe.

Materials Needed

• Wooden tray or shadow box frame (12” × 12” or larger)
• Cardboard insert cut to fit tray base (1 piece)
• White beans - approx. 100 pieces
• Red kidney beans - approx. 80 pieces
• Green mung beans - approx. 120 pieces
• Black beans - approx. 80 pieces
• Yellow corn kernels - approx. 100 pieces
• Lentils (orange or brown) - 60-80 pieces
• Strong craft glue or hot glue gun
• Clear sealant or Mod Podge
• Ruler and pencil

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Place your cardboard insert inside the wooden tray. Then lightly draw hexagons and diamonds with a ruler and pencil to guide your design.

Step 2: Start at the center of one hexagon.

Next, apply glue in small sections, arranging lentils in the middle, then surround them with black beans, creating a layered ring.

Step 3: Continue outward with different beans such as green mung beans, white beans, and corn kernels, repeating patterns for symmetry.

Step 4: Alternate shapes (hexagons and diamonds) across the entire board, filling each with a consistent bean pattern.

You should work slowly to keep edges neat.

Step 5: Once complete, let the mosaic dry overnight. Then seal the surface with a thin layer of Mod Podge or spray-on clear sealant to protect and add shine.

Step 6: Frame your piece or hang it directly, it’s ready to become a focal point in your home.

Notes:

For easier alignment, you can use painter’s tape as temporary borders when filling sections with beans. This keeps edges crisp and avoids glue overflow.