method

Our Method

Design your mosaic using our modified traditional method, a flexible and creative technique that allows you to work at a relaxed pace and rearrange pieces as much as desired. It is a simple yet highly satisfying way to make a mosaic, allowing for creativity and spontaneity. While the design process is flexible and almost painterly, the final product is solid, functional and permanent.

The method involves two temporary stages before adhering the mosaic to a permanent base. The basic steps are:

  • The first temporary stage is designing on clear sticky paper. This sticky paper holds the tiles enough so that they don’t move every time you bump the mosaic and allows you to store your mosaic easily, but not enough to make changing your mind difficult.
  • The second temporary stage involves “face fronting” the designed mosaic, using a much stronger sticky paper, known as tile tape. This allows the mosaic to be lifted off of the design paper easily and safely moved until it is set into the cement or other adhesive
  • The next step is to permanently adhere your mosaic to whatever base you are using. We generally use cement for this, but other adhesives can be used, depending on the desired effect
  • The final stage, grouting your project, pulls everything together.

Making Mosaics in our Studio

We offer a full spectrum of choices. Come in anytime and begin a mosaic project from our extensive mosaic menu. We guide you through the design phase, all the “glory work” as we say, and then simply leave your project for us to do the messy parts (cementing and grouting) or you can learn the whole process by becoming a member. As a member you have full use of the studio space to create your own mosaics with an endless array of possibilities.

All the fun, none of the fuss

  • Start a project anytime. No experience needed.
  • Choose what you want to mosaic from our mosaic menu
  • We guide you through the design process, teaching you how work with the tiles, and then we set you loose in our beautiful studio space to choose from hundreds of styles and types of glass tiles.
  • Take as long as you need to create your mosaic. When you are done, leave it with us to cement and grout for you.
  • Come back in 1-2 weeks to pick up your beautiful completed mosaic

Become a member and learn the craft as you go

  • If you are interested in making more than one or two mosaics, then becoming a member is a great idea. You save money and join a community of mosaic enthusiasts
  • Design your mosaic but this time you will learn each step of the process as you complete your own project.
  • Once you have learned our method, you may become a member and work on your own projects in our studio space, with access to all our glass and grouting and cementing stations.

Custom Projects / Parties

  • If you have a custom project in mind such as a specific gift or occasion, home installation like a backsplash,fireplace surround, retaining wall.., or any other special project, you can meet with us for a consultation and we can help you design and create your project.
  • We also offer several different ways to host Mosaic Parties – either in our beautiful studio or in your home or office.  Please ask for details.

Options for Kids

  • In general, our studio is geared to adults.  Children over 12 are welcome with adult supervision.
  • We also offer Kid-Friendly Hours (1st & 3rd Sundays 10-12) when we welcome younger children with adult supervision.  We set up a separate table for the adults to do the nipping of the glass and we set out lots of  kid-friendly glass.
  • We also have many Take Home Kits where you can work with your young child at home, bringing back the designed mosaic for us to cement and grout
  • We have many options for birthday parties too.  Please contact us for any questions

Making mosaics at home

We can also help you design and create beautiful mosaics at home.  We sell all the necessary supplies, and we can teach you everything you need to know to make mosaics at home.  We also have many kits and packages available so that you can make mosaics at work for team building projects, for auctions for schools or other organizations, and for parties at home.