Mosaics for Beginners

This online course is the Summer 2024 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 BEGIN LATE APRIL/EARLY MAY.

Are you curious about making mosaics? This is the perfect opportunity to “jump in”. This course will provide an introduction, and build a solid foundation, based on the traditions and techniques that make this art form so intriguing. Course is weekly lecture, demonstration and work-a-long. Students select from 8 unique patterns designed by the instructor with a choice to work either in glass tiles or unglazed porcelain. This course is being offered specifically for beginners and projects are with our time frame in mind. Students should expect to work on their own for a few hours each week.

KITS AND TOOLS

Make it Mosaic kits were designed by instructor Bonnie Fitzgerald. For this course, students are REQUIRED to purchase one of the kits. A 10% discount is being extended to students for the purchase of your kit and tool. Here is the link to view and purchase kits:  CLICK HERE  DISCOUNT CODE: JUMPIN.  Kit cost range is $69 to $75.

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

In addition to the kit you will need a LePonitt wheel tool.  You can easily purchase this at the time of your kit purchase, at a local stained glass store, or on Amazon: CLICK HERE TO AMAZON.

PLEASE PURCHASE LEPONITT WHEEL TOOL, SEA BELL WHEEL TOOL or QEP EXTREME. THESE ARE YOUR VERY BEST INVESTMENTS!  Tools make our work easier and more enjoyable. Always buy the best tool you can afford.

SIGN-UPS ARE THROUGH THE SMITHSONIAN. Click PURCHASE to your right and you will be linked to their sign up page.

Tuition: Members $160, Non-Members $185

What people say bout Make it Mosaic kits being used for Smithsonian Studio Arts Online Art Classes 

“The class was excellent. I loved having a kit to work with. I loved that Bonnie talked to us each week about our progress (and showed us each other’s work). I loved learning more about the art.”

“Yes and then some. I thought that using a kit might be akin to “paint by numbers”. But I was very wrong. The kit gave us structure to learn techniques before doing “our own thing.” It was a great class. I would definitely take another class with this teacher.”

“I really loved it. So much great information. Bonnie was very responsive to questions. I feel like I have a good basic understanding of mosaics now and am very eager to learn more and make more pieces. The class was very well run. I liked that we were free to improvise as we saw fit so our pieces were all original. I’m very happy I took the course.”

“The instructor was a professional and still open to helping beginners plus give facts on mosaics and I really enjoyed seeing her work and others she showed. I will really have a respect for persons who do mosaics from now on.”