This online class is for students with experience cutting glass/ceramics or creating mosaics using hand tools. Student will supply their own tools and materials. Class will be a combination of lecture/discussion and hands-on workshop. Instructor will provide guidance to student in the creation of student’s project of choice. Topics covered will be use of texture and color, movement and design, construction methods and grouting. Opportunity during class for interaction with both instructor and other students. Student will need a computer or smartphone with video capabilities.

Tools and Materials – to be supplied by student

• Materials for mosaic tessarae – examples- glass, tile, stone, china, shell, non-corrosive metal

• Non-flexible material to be as substrate (base) – examples – framed glass, ceramic, cement paver, flower pot, foam core board (kerdi, feather core or wediboard), concrete board

• Tools capable of cutting and shaping chosen mosaic materials – examples – glass cutter, wheeled nippers, compound tile nippers, running pliers.

• Eye protection for use when cutting glass, tile or ceramic

• Recommended but not required– craft tweezers, dental tools, grozier pliers, glass file

• Suggested Consumables – glue, silicon or thinset, sponges, rags (old t shirt works great) sharpie, painters tape, sanded grout, cutting oil for glass cutter, latex or nitrile gloves

• Misc – container for mixing grout and sturdy spoon or spatula. Suggested – measuring cups and spoons and single edge razor blades, pallet knife.

 Instructor may provide specific recommendations for alternate items depending upon student-selected project.

MATERIALS SUPPLIERS

Local Stain Glass/Tool Retailers – these retailers carry glass by the sheet and tools.  Please call first to confirm hours during Covid-19 restrictions.

Macie Art Glass, 721 Main Street, Lumberton NJ 609 784-8600

https://www.macieglass.com

Stained Glass Menagerie, 195 Hudson Ave, West Deptford, NJ 856 686-9808

http://www.thestainedglassmenagerie.com

Warner Glass, 603 8th Street, Whitehall PA 18052 800 523-4242

warnerartglass.com

David Albert Stained Glass, 531 Byberry Road, Philadelphia 215 673-1418

http://www.davidalbertstainedglass.com/store/

Online Retailers (prices vary on items and shipping fees so consider all costs when ordering)

http://anythinginstainedglass.com/

http://shop.mosaicsbymaria.com/main.sc

https://www.witsendmosaic.com/

https://mosaicartsupply.com/

https://www.amazon.com/

www.dimosaico.com

www.marylandmosiacs.com

www.kismetmosaics.com

http://www.tinypiecesmosaics.com

http://tinytilemosaics.com

https://smalti.com

https://litovimosaicstone.com

Sanded grout and thinset (if desired) can be obtained from your local hardware store or home improvement store.

Any rigid material that does not expand or contract may be used as a base for mosaic (substrate). Material must be impervious to moisture for exterior use.

Thinset and clear silicone (low odor such as GE Silicone II or Red Devil Low Odor) are suitable for exterior use to adhere your mosaic to your base

Exterior glues can be used for interior mosaics as well as PVA glue such as Welbond or Elmer’s Glue All (not Elmer’s School Glue). 

The best glue to use for glass adhered to a glass bases is MAC glue but it can be difficult to find.  Clear silicone can also be used. 

Syllabus

Student will become familiar with the different methods of construction of mosaics and the guidelines associated with the placement of materials within a mosaic. Emphasis will be placed on the proper selection of materials for various applications, use of color and texture and the importance of grout to emphasis, fragment or unify a design.

Week 1 - Orientation to online platform, course overview, skill assessment & individual project guidance

Week 2 – Methods of Mosaic Construction

Week 3 - Andamento – Contemporary & Traditional

Week 4 - Designing the Mosaic – substrate, materials & planning

Week 5 – Color Theory & Application to Mosaics

Week 6 - Use of Texture in Mosaics

Week 7 - Grouting Color Selection

Week 8 - Student Work Critique