Mosaic Basics, from the ground up!

This online interactive workshop has been designed for the beginner and intermediate student.  Over the 3 meetings you will gain a solid knowledge base to create whatever you can imagine in mosaic. This course is designed for anyone seeking an overview of materials, tools and fabrication approaches. It is the most comprehensive interactive learning opportunity available that covers everything you need to know to create technically sound and aesthetically pleasing mosaic art work.

We build from the ground up. First substrates, and how we custom cut what we need. Adhesives are up next, learn what is the best adhesive for any given project. Beginning with an overview of the most popular mosaic tesserae choices used in contemporary mosaics we play and experiment while looking at the most commonly used cutting tools. We practice proper tool use and help you decide what are the best tools to have in your arsenal. Instructor demonstrates extensively what tool does what job!

We discuss exterior vs interior work and various fabrication methodologies. Grouting, sealants and finishing tricks also covered. This workshop was first taught in person at Contemporary Mosaics Artists 2 Conference in 2024. Instructor realized it is an important addition to her collection of online offerings. The workshop is suited for anyone who wants to master and expand their knowledge of materials and hand tools.

Our final meeting students will create studio studies and experiment with materials new to them.   All classes are part lecture, demonstration and work along.

Students are welcome to provide their own materials or purchase an instructor provided kit, contents detailed below. Kits are $50 plus shipping and will be assembled and shipped one week prior to start date of class. Sorry late sign ups will need to provide their own materials.

Kits include:  1/4 pound of mixed smalti (Italian and Mexican), selection of stained glass, millefiori, stone, porcelains, ceramic, enough thin set mortar to complete 4 small studies, colorant for your thinset, and substrates measuring 4″ x 4″.

If you do not purchase kit please know we will be working with all of the above materials and it will be to your benefit to have small samples of all on hand.

ALL Students must provide: simple mosaic hand tools including wheel nipper, tile nipper, whatever tools you generally use including small spatulas, modest amount of WeldBond, safety glasses, couple pairs of disposable gloves and apron.

A detailed “how to set up your space” note will go to students one week prior.