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Getting Started |
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Getting started with mosaics couldn't be easier and is so much fun.
Prepare to be relaxed and taken into a magical world of colour and shape. To me the whole process is both calming and exhilarating.
Mosaic is the process of gluing all sorts of tesserae onto a base whilst leaving a small gap between the tesserae to be filled with grout. It's that simple.
Whatever materials you choose to adorn a surface, and whatever that surface may be, the fundamentals of the process are the same.
The wonderful thing about mosaics is that you don't need to spend a lot of money on fancy tools and materials - in fact half the fun can be in finding treasures to use in your project.
Mosaic is the process of gluing all sorts of tesserae onto a base whilst leaving a small gap between the tesserae to be filled with grout. It's that simple.
Whatever materials you choose to adorn a surface, and whatever that surface may be, the fundamentals of the process are the same.
The wonderful thing about mosaics is that you don't need to spend a lot of money on fancy tools and materials - in fact half the fun can be in finding treasures to use in your project.
What do you need to get started?
Tesserae – the small pieces that are used to create your design.
Design- Inspiration comes from everywhere. You can use an abstract design, pattern or picture. The choice is entirely up to you. If you have a design in mind then you can photocopy and trace, or freehand draw the design on to your base. Basic cartoon pictures are a good place to start, its best to keep the design simple, especially in the beginning.
Base- To create your mosaic you will need to attach your tesserae to a base surface. You may have something sitting around home that would be ideal as a base: old concrete tub, old chair, wooden box, terracotta pot etc.
Adhesive – The tesserae are glued on to your base before grouting. The type of adhesive you use needs to be suitable for the materials and final resting place of your piece. A handy tip – when using mirror glass use “No More Nails” or clear silicone for gluing otherwise the backing will come off the mirror.
Grout- This is the material that brings the whole piece together; it enhances the overall look of the piece.
Tools- It is essential to have the correct tools and supplies when making a mosaic piece. Having all the correct tools on hand will make your life easier so gather your tools before you begin your project so they are easy to reach.
Below is a list of the basics:
1. Rulers – straight edge, square, protractor – use these for measuring and design work.
2. Pencils and coloured pens.
3. Stanley knife for removing dried adhesive.
4. Tweezers are great for placing small pieces of tesserae.
5. Nippers for cutting ceramic tiles.
6. Glass cutters for cutting glass tiles.
7. Hammer – used to smash ceramic tiles. Place the tile in an old towel to protect yourself from shards.
8. Buckets – used during the grouting process to clean the sponges.
9. Gloves – used during the grouting process to protect your hands.
10. Sponges for wiping excess grout off mosaic piece.
11. Cloth for the final buff of the mosaic piece – old t-shirt material is best.
12. Dust mask – cutting ceramic tiles creates a fine dust, and grout is a fine powder so protect yourself from these by using a dust mask.
13. Safety glasses are needed to protect your eyesight from flying shards of tile.
For a more detailed description of some of these tools visit Tools.
Design- Inspiration comes from everywhere. You can use an abstract design, pattern or picture. The choice is entirely up to you. If you have a design in mind then you can photocopy and trace, or freehand draw the design on to your base. Basic cartoon pictures are a good place to start, its best to keep the design simple, especially in the beginning.
Base- To create your mosaic you will need to attach your tesserae to a base surface. You may have something sitting around home that would be ideal as a base: old concrete tub, old chair, wooden box, terracotta pot etc.
Adhesive – The tesserae are glued on to your base before grouting. The type of adhesive you use needs to be suitable for the materials and final resting place of your piece. A handy tip – when using mirror glass use “No More Nails” or clear silicone for gluing otherwise the backing will come off the mirror.
Grout- This is the material that brings the whole piece together; it enhances the overall look of the piece.
Tools- It is essential to have the correct tools and supplies when making a mosaic piece. Having all the correct tools on hand will make your life easier so gather your tools before you begin your project so they are easy to reach.
Below is a list of the basics:
1. Rulers – straight edge, square, protractor – use these for measuring and design work.
2. Pencils and coloured pens.
3. Stanley knife for removing dried adhesive.
4. Tweezers are great for placing small pieces of tesserae.
5. Nippers for cutting ceramic tiles.
6. Glass cutters for cutting glass tiles.
7. Hammer – used to smash ceramic tiles. Place the tile in an old towel to protect yourself from shards.
8. Buckets – used during the grouting process to clean the sponges.
9. Gloves – used during the grouting process to protect your hands.
10. Sponges for wiping excess grout off mosaic piece.
11. Cloth for the final buff of the mosaic piece – old t-shirt material is best.
12. Dust mask – cutting ceramic tiles creates a fine dust, and grout is a fine powder so protect yourself from these by using a dust mask.
13. Safety glasses are needed to protect your eyesight from flying shards of tile.
For a more detailed description of some of these tools visit Tools.
The following links will take you to a more comprehensive description of the materials and tools you can use:
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