Description
This workshop is held in person at the Smithsonian Ripley Center, Washington, DC. One day class: February 27, 2027, 10:15 am – 5:15 pm.
Sign-ups are through the Smithsonian; click Purchase to be linked. SIGN UPS BEGIN December 2026. Smithsonian classes fill quickly; we urge you to join the Smithsonian Resident Associates Program for priority sign-up notifications.
Priority notice is given to members of Smithsonian Associates. Consider joining – membership pays for itself in discounts; click here to learn about membership.
Create a tiny mosaic with big personality! Transform a small hinged tin into a one-of-a-kind keepsake using colorful smalti, stained glass, millefiori, filati, and tiny pebbles. Learn clever techniques for cutting and placing mosaic pieces on a miniature scale while exploring creative design ideas. Whether your style is whimsical, abstract, or inspired by nature, your pocket-sized artwork will be uniquely yours.
An $85 separate supply fee includes two prepared tins (2.3″ × 3.5″) and all mosaic materials. Students are welcome to bring a few favorite mosaic pieces to personalize their designs. Demonstrations include preparing the tins with self-leveling concrete and tinted thin-set
This workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced mosaic artists alike.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have completed two separate pieces of art. You will be provided with TWO tins already prepared for mosaic, and you are welcome to bring up to six tins of your own. An early task will be filling empty tins with self-leveling concrete – and students can bring up to four empty tins for future use. Tins must be clean and oil free – great and fun options: sardine tins and breath mint cans. Tins should be at least 3/4″ deep.
The development of this workshop is inspired by a workshop taught by artist Joanna Kessel in Edinburgh, Scotland, designed exclusively for Maverick Mosaics. With her permission, we are offering a modified version with our own unique inspirations and twists. To learn about Joanna Kessel visit her website
At the Contemporary Mosaics Artist (MA2) conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico 2026 a community building iniatiave was launched and over 150 “Calling Cards” were created by members, Click here to read my blog about it!
