Beginner Mosaics: Ancient Motifs, Modern Materials

This online course is the Spring 2025 Smithsonian Studio Arts Streaming Services offering. The class is interactive online. These classes fill very quickly; we urge you to become a member of the Smithsonian Resident Associates Program for priority sign-up notification.  Sign-ups for this workshop will begin in February 2024. Smithsonian Associates members receive priority notice. Consider joining—membership pays for itself in discounts. Click here to learn about membership.

This course will use the modern material of unglazed porcelain with designs inspired by historical imagery of ancient mosaics.

KITS AND TOOLS

We will exclusively use unglazed porcelain as our mosaic material. Unglazed porcelain is the perfect choice for mimicking the appearance of traditional mosaics. It offers a natural look and an earthy feel that is unmatched. The high-density clay body is easy to cut with inexpensive tile nippers. Additionally, this material is versatile, as each tile is the same color inside and out (this is known as full-body clay) and is available in a rich, earthy palette. Please see the vendors listed below.

New students must purchase one of the four Make it Mosaics art kits for this course. A 10% discount is available for students to buy their kit and tools. Images below, discount code given at time of sign up.

Returning students are welcome to bring their own designs and materials. If you are uncertain about the materials and colors you’ll need, the instructor recommends sending your design to her two weeks in advance. She will be happy to assist you with the calculations.  In addition to the kit, you will need a LePonitt or SeaBelle wheel tool.  You can easily purchase this at the time of your kit purchase, at a local stained glass store, or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yzVOyU

To order your kits, https://makeitmosaics.com/mosaic-art-craft-kits.html The kit price is $75.

The supply list available on the Smithsonian website outlines all tools and supplies you will need.

The workshop goal is for students to master the direct technique of mosaic fabrication. The kits were explicitly designed as a place to comfortably “jump into mosaics” without concerns about ordering materials, what adhesives to use, design challenges, and countless other considerations. Every class is a lecture, demonstration, work along, and conversation.

Images in the gallery are the Make it Mosaics kits, followed by other unglazed porcelain mosaic artworks by Bonnie, and some patterns available from Bonnie.