The key to building a brick shrine is understanding bricklaying.
Shrines are intended as a place of worship for a specific deity or for remembrance. They can be formal and informal. Formal shrines are found within places of worship, while informal ones may appear in a specific place after a tragedy. However formed, they are a place of reverence. Many faiths create shrines within the household that are used as a place of worship.
Instructions
Design the Shrine
1. Measure the area where you plan to build the shrine in order to get accurate measurements for your design. If the ground needs to be leveled do that first so that your heighth measurement for bricks is accurate.
2. Draw out a design for your shrine to scale on grid paper.
3. Determine how many bricks you need based on the square footage of your design. Calculate the amount of mortar and sand needed, as well.
Lay the Foundation
4. Mark off the area for your shrine with pegs and string. This is where you'll lay the foundation for your shrine.
5. Remove any sod from the area and dig out the foundation. The depth of the foundation will depend on several different factors, including; the climate where you live, how deep the ground freezes, and the soil type. Check with a local contractor or building inspector in your area for details.
6. Mix your ready-mix cement and pour it into the hole for your foundation. Smooth it out with the trowel and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Lay the Bricks
7. Lay the bricks by placing one at each end of a row, with a string between them. This helps you to lay them in a straight line as you work.
8. Mix the lime and mortar, according to instructions. Scoop mortar on the trowel and spread it on the foundation. Place a brick on top, then spread mortar on the end of the next brick and place it next to the first brick.
9. Remove any excess mortar from the side of the bricks. After you've laid several bricks, check them with your level. If they're not level, give them a tap with the end of your trowel until they are corrected.
10. Offset the bricks as you begin placing a second row on top of the first. All bricks are offset to prevent one long mortar joint which could break.
11. Remove any excess mortar with your trowel and allow the bricks and mortar to set. You can now decorate your shrine with deities, memorabilia, or other items.
