Mosaic Articles index

Basic tutorials

A series of tutorials on the basics of mosaic construction (extracted from the DIY kit instructions)

Subjects covered include, glueing, grouting, tile cutting, materials and more.

St Peter Chanel Mural

A one page photo-article about the making & installing of this project.

This mural measured 3.6m x 3.4m and was being installed over 3 metres above the ground.

Making a mosaic table

A series of tutorials following construction of a mosaic table - from putting together the table to laying the mosaic flat.

A must read if you plan to make outdoor tables or want some ideas on how to keep your mosaic flat without using an indirect method.

Creating mosaic lettering

There's lots of different ways to create mosaic lettering, and in this tutorial, we'll show you how we go about it.

The Creative Process of a mosaic artist

Adapted from a speech given to the Australian Mosaic Association Symposium in May 2005, this is a 37 page article on the creative process from my perspective.

I'll talk about the 5 steps of the process, where I get my inspiration and provide many practical examples of inspiration for my completed works. Lots of photos.

Something for everyone I trust!

Using Power tools for Mosaic

Power tools are a fantastic addition to any mosaic studio, and can mean a quantum leap in the work you can create.

I've explained 4 of the tools I use in my studio, go through a lot of the do's and don't's and there's 11 tutorials with photographic representations of the specific techniques I use.

A must if you're considering adding power tools to your studio, or would ike some ideas on how to use them.

Tile Cutting Tips - cutting flowers by hand

Detailed photographic tutorial on creation of the flowers shown on the left.

Designed to be an extension of our Mosaic kit instructions outlining how I use tile nippers to create shapes from tiles.

An interesting read no matter what your level of expertise.

The indirect method

There are many, many techniques for laying mosaics indirect, but using ceramic tesserae limits which ones you can use due to the different thicknesses, and as the colour is only on the face of the tile.

Here I provide two tutorials - one for a smaller in-studio installation, and the other for a larger off-site installation.

A tour of my studio

I've often wondered how other artists set up their studio, and whether I could find ways to improve my own set up from their experience.

In this article I provide a photographic tour of mine & hope I can provide some tips to make it easier for you to work on your mosaics.

Drawing from a photo or sketch on the computer

OK, so the computer's not for everyone, but if you use a computer it's worth at least considering using it for your drawing or design work.

This tutorial outlines the process I use for drawing from a photo or sketch to produce a mosaic-ready design.

Drawing Geometric Designs on the computer

Your computer can be used much like a kaleidoscope to produce beautiful designs or patterns in a fraction of the time it would take you by hand.

This tutorial looks into the process I use for creating such designs.

Choosing grout colour

If you're experienced in creating mosaic works, then you're already familiar with the dilemma choosing grout colours can be.

I've gone into detail abut how I make my grout colour choices, how I create my own colours, and the important considerations before, during & after laying your work.

Lots of photos illustrating different colour choices on the same work.