Step 1: Begin by creating a template for your mosaic onto a piece of cardstock or heavy-weight paper of any shape. In the video, we are making a gingerbread person. 

Step 2: Use scissors to cut out the drawn shape. 

Step 3: Prepare a flat surface for clay by covering it with a sheet of parchment paper.

Step 4: Gather a handful of air dry clay. Compress the clay between your hands and then flatten it into a disc.

Step 5: Use a rolling pin to roll the disc into a half-inch thick slab. 

Step 6: Check the size of the slab against the template. Add more clay to the slab if it is too small.

Step 7: Place the cardstock template onto the slab when the slab is the correct size. Use a plastic knife to cut the slab by tracing the template. Save the excess clay for another project.

Step 8: Remove the template from the clay and smooth the edges with your fingers. 

Step 9: Gather a handful of glass or plastic gems. 

Step 10: Press the gems firmly into the clay. Ensure the gems stick into the clay, but not so hard that they go through it. 

Step 11: Once the gems are in place, allow the clay to dry. This may take a few days.

Step 12: When the clay is fully dry, it is ready to paint. Use acrylic paints to paint the clay. Use a damped paper towel to remove any unwanted paint on the gems.