MARCH 2014 NEWSLETTER

Auckland Mosaics
A lovely student suggested I provide a list of Auckland mosaics that could be visited and admired. I have taken up this challenge but I need your help.
So far (only a couple of days to be fair) I have only found two of note. The bench seat in Devonport below, and a lovely sign in Titirangi.
I will be carrying my camera with me from now on so I can capture any mosaics I come across. If you know of any mosaics that you think should be included please let me know, or if you have a photo of it please send it to me. I would greatly appreciate your help. Once I have collated a list of lovely mosaics around the Auckland region I will post them on my website for all to enjoy.
Just a wee note: You can find a list of mosaic gardens to visit around NZ also on my website and I will be compiling more information about mosaics around NZ and the world over the next few months. Keep a look out for it.
A lovely student suggested I provide a list of Auckland mosaics that could be visited and admired. I have taken up this challenge but I need your help.
So far (only a couple of days to be fair) I have only found two of note. The bench seat in Devonport below, and a lovely sign in Titirangi.
I will be carrying my camera with me from now on so I can capture any mosaics I come across. If you know of any mosaics that you think should be included please let me know, or if you have a photo of it please send it to me. I would greatly appreciate your help. Once I have collated a list of lovely mosaics around the Auckland region I will post them on my website for all to enjoy.
Just a wee note: You can find a list of mosaic gardens to visit around NZ also on my website and I will be compiling more information about mosaics around NZ and the world over the next few months. Keep a look out for it.

March Competition
If something has been holding you back from creating your mosaic masterpiece (time, confidence, etc) then I would like to encourage you to take the plunge and begin that project you have always wanted to make.
To help you with this I am offering everyone who spends $50 or more on products from Everything Mosaic this month the chance to win a mosaic trivet (see right). Just send through your order to be automatically be included in the competition.
If something has been holding you back from creating your mosaic masterpiece (time, confidence, etc) then I would like to encourage you to take the plunge and begin that project you have always wanted to make.
To help you with this I am offering everyone who spends $50 or more on products from Everything Mosaic this month the chance to win a mosaic trivet (see right). Just send through your order to be automatically be included in the competition.
Up Coming Classes
We started the month off with a wonderful class held in New Lynn. As always I just love being a part of the creative process and working with a wide variety of people. I have yet to meet someone who has not created beauty in my classes. I would love to take full credit for this, but really what I do is nurture the personality, provide the support and step back and watch the magic unfold. A class is a great way to experience a taste of mosaic with an experienced, friendly tutor to guide you. The next classes will be: Waiuku - 15th March, 9.30 - 4.30 Pt Chevalier - 12th April, 9.30 - 4.30 Papakura - 24th May, 9.30 - 4.30 If you would like to sign up for any of these classes just send me an email or visit: www.everythingmosaic.co.nz |
Mosaic Tips
1. Sometimes we are in a hurry to finish a piece but please do not be tempted to use a hair dryer, or place your mosaic in front of a heater to speed up the adhesive drying time. Adhesive needs time to cure properly and speeding up the process may weaken it. Cure time refers to the time it takes for the chemical bond to activate and strengthen. 2. Grout also needs time to dry but not in a hurry. Do not be tempted to place your grouted piece in the sun to speed up the drying process, this may weaken the grout. 3. We have probably all experienced it, a mischievous tile comes lose during the grouting process. If this happens you will have to re-glue it, not just simply rely on the grout to hold the piece in place. The correct process is to clean the piece and the area from where it came, re-glue and re-grout after the adhesive has dried. 4. When your mosaic project is completed and thoroughly dried you can wipe the tiles with white vinegar to give them a shine. 5. Always remember that when you feel you have lost your creative mojo, it is simply a glitch. You are what makes your art special - not whether you can do a particular technique or whether you are as good as someone else. Try to release the control over your work, remain flexible and above all, allow your work to evolve. 6. When the piece is finished don‟t rip it to shreds or attempt to change it. LEARN from it. Every piece you do should teach you something, anything. Learn from apparent mistakes and move on, don‟t dwell. Happy Creating |