Mosaic workshops in Maleny with Brett Campbell

The mosaic workshops

I doesn’t matter if you’ve delved into mosaics or not  – both beginners and experienced mosaicers are welcome. If you’d like to learn a new technique, you can create a mosaic actually using the technique. If you’re a beginner, you can expect to walk away from the mosaic workshops with the confidence to tackle your own projects at home.

There’s no pressure to walk away with a completed mosaic (actually it’s unlikely). The point is more to learn the basics, get advice on your work, spend the weekend working on your mosaic and to immerse yourself in a relaxed setting with friends.

You can then take your project away for completion at home, or bring it back to future mosaic workshops or classes.

The details

Mosaic workshops are on the Saturday and Sunday, from 9.30am to 4pm. Cost is $200 + materials, paid in cash on the weekend.

If it works for you, there’s also a studio style class in Maleny on Monday mornings 9.30am -12.30pm which you’re welcome to join anytime after the weekend ($30 per week)

Date: TBA

Time: 9.30am-4pm each day
Where: Danielle’s place
Cost: $200 + materials

What to bring

– mosaic making can be messy – please bring an apron or wear old clothes  they could easily be ruined!
– you’re welcome to bring your own tiles, tools or substrates but use of studio tools and materials are included.

Other stuff to know

– try to resist the urge to go too big or complex for your first project. If you have an ambitious project in mind, think about trying a smaller one first. You’ll learn heaps, can practice your techniques and run into fewer problems with a better result when you tackle your big project. Mosaic isn’t as easy as it looks, as has been pointed out by students again & again.
– I can ship your unfinished/finished works wherever you like – fees apply
– bring your most patient, relaxed attitude with you – it’ll serve you well. There is no competition & preferably no rush.

What you can do in advance of the weekend

Before you come to class, it’s very important that you know what you want to make, and have a design ready to go. At the very start, I’ll be busy organising several people with their project at once. You’ll achieve more over the weekend if all you need to do is pick your tiles and get started.

You can do either or both of the following in preparation:-

Have your backing board/ substrate ready – If you’re ordering backing board through me, you won’t need to do anything – I’ll have a sealed board ready to go for you. If you’re bringing your own board/substrate, it’s important you have it sealed in advance or you’ll spend a lot of your first day frustratingly waiting for sealant to dry. Here’s a helpful article about choosing/preparing the board

Be as clear as you can about your design – Again, if you’re choosing one of mine, you won’t need to do anything – I’ll have the design ready for you to draw on the board when you arrive. if using your own design, I’d suggest you have a drawing or photo to work from, and if using your own backing, have the design on the backing in advance.

What to make in class

If you have trouble with design, consider using one of my ready-made ones to start with (details below).

One of my designs
I have a huge selection of designs at Mosaic class designs They can be made into murals, trivets, tables, stepping stones or can simply be used as a starting point for a more elaborate design or concept. Let me know your choice when booking & I’ll have the design printed out for you ready to go.

Wall mural/ house number / welcome sign
Probably the best recommended starting point, murals can be made for indoors or outdoors and I’ll help you rig it up for hanging.

Stepping stones
Another good option for your first project and generally can be used with your design or one of mine. I don’t stock them though – you’ll need to bring your own.

Pots, birdbaths, garden sculpture
OK for beginners, but be warned – these types of works usually take a lot longer. It can be deceiving how much surface area there is to mosaic. Please bring your own pot, birdbath or sculpture and let me know in advance if it’s heavy or large – I need to be sure I can accommodate you in the class.

Tables & furniture
I can help beginners with tables, but it’s wise to consider a smaller project first – tables can be tricky to get flat and a bit of experience goes a long way.

Candleholders/ decorative works
Great choice for beginners, and sometimes I’ll have ironwork in stock (please check first). If you have your own ironwork, please eMail me some pics so I can be sure I have the hardware to fix it to your mosaic

Mirrors
I don’t have any frames in stock, and whilst I can make large frames, you’ll be well advised to have a carpenter/cabinetmaker make one for you – it’ll be cheaper and probably better. Smaller frames can be purchased from craft shops/hardware stores.