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How To Make A Mosaic: Supplies, Tiles, Patterns And Instructions
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Published: October 15, 2007
The mosaic has survived as an artistic method since ancient times, and despite the complexity of the form, it continues to thrive in the contemporary world. A mosaic carries certain qualities than cannot be replicated by paint; one of these is its incorporation of light. Some would go as far as to say that the true medium for a mosaic is light.
The changing refraction of light from daytime through evening is what gives such an otherworldly presence to the masterful mosaics common to the medieval cathedrals of Italy.
One should have reasonable expectations when attempting a mosaic. The process of how to make a mosaic is complex enough as it is, and hoping for a piece worthy of St. Mark's Basilica leads only to unnecessary frustration. Instructions on how to make a mosaic are commonly available, and can give numerous tips on figuring patterns and refining techniques. Proper supplies are needed; one of the most important supplies is a pair of "nippers." These are specifically designed to cut through glass and ceramics, and will do so without leaving dangerous shards or rough edges. Speaking of danger, safety goggles and protective gloves are required while making a mosaic. The gloves do not need to be especially thick; one still needs to be able to handle extremely small tesserae. Grout is also among the required supplies, as it will be needed to finish the project; gray grout instead of white is recommended.
Tesserae are the small pieces of glass or ceramics that will be pieced together as patterns for the mosaic. One of the most challenging parts of the process is figuring the specific patterns, and cutting the tiles accordingly. The right base needs to be chosen as well; wood, glass and metal are common, along with concrete boards. Mosaics can also be applied to simple objects such as lamps and tables. Always start with a good drawing to base the project around, and instead of making one large drawing, start with a small one, then enlarge it to personal specifications.
There are a number of methods to make a mosaic, and one should be sure the proper method is utilized. The direct method is when the tiles are applied directly to the surface and finished with grout once everything is in its right place. Because direct method results in an uneven surface, it cannot be used for floors or tables, though it is perfect for smaller objects. It also becomes very time consuming on a larger canvas. Indirect method is when the tiles are applied face down on gummed paper, and then flipped over onto the intended base after setting in a bed of grout. Indirect method allows the artist to work away from the canvas, while also creating a flat surface. It does not work particularly well with ceramic tiles, as these can all look the same from the underside. Variations on these methods, such as double direct and double indirect, again have unique qualities that suit them for specific kinds of mosaics.
Detailed step by step instructions should be consulted before beginning a mosaic; the principles for each method are roughly the same, but the specifics can be entirely different. Nothing about the process is spontaneous, so be sure to plan adequately. Despite the difficulty, making a mosaic can be an engrossing and rewarding experience, creating an entirely unique piece of artwork than can be as grand or as simple as one wishes it to be.
Sources:
"Basic Mosaic Design." Arts and Crafts Center. 9 Oct. 2007. http://www.artcraftsite.com/mosaic/basic-mosaic.sh tml
Campbell, Sheila. "The Art of Mosaic." Mosaic Art Source. April 2006. 9 Oct. 2007. Mosaic Tile Guide. 9 Oct. 2007. http://www.mosaic-tile-guide.com/how-to-make-mosai cs.html
"Mosaic Glossary." Mosaic Art Source. 2006. 9 Oct. 2007. http://www.mosaicartsource.com/mosaicart/mosaic_ar t_resource/mosaic_glossary.html
One should have reasonable expectations when attempting a mosaic. The process of how to make a mosaic is complex enough as it is, and hoping for a piece worthy of St. Mark's Basilica leads only to unnecessary frustration. Instructions on how to make a mosaic are commonly available, and can give numerous tips on figuring patterns and refining techniques. Proper supplies are needed; one of the most important supplies is a pair of "nippers." These are specifically designed to cut through glass and ceramics, and will do so without leaving dangerous shards or rough edges. Speaking of danger, safety goggles and protective gloves are required while making a mosaic. The gloves do not need to be especially thick; one still needs to be able to handle extremely small tesserae. Grout is also among the required supplies, as it will be needed to finish the project; gray grout instead of white is recommended.
Tesserae are the small pieces of glass or ceramics that will be pieced together as patterns for the mosaic. One of the most challenging parts of the process is figuring the specific patterns, and cutting the tiles accordingly. The right base needs to be chosen as well; wood, glass and metal are common, along with concrete boards. Mosaics can also be applied to simple objects such as lamps and tables. Always start with a good drawing to base the project around, and instead of making one large drawing, start with a small one, then enlarge it to personal specifications.
There are a number of methods to make a mosaic, and one should be sure the proper method is utilized. The direct method is when the tiles are applied directly to the surface and finished with grout once everything is in its right place. Because direct method results in an uneven surface, it cannot be used for floors or tables, though it is perfect for smaller objects. It also becomes very time consuming on a larger canvas. Indirect method is when the tiles are applied face down on gummed paper, and then flipped over onto the intended base after setting in a bed of grout. Indirect method allows the artist to work away from the canvas, while also creating a flat surface. It does not work particularly well with ceramic tiles, as these can all look the same from the underside. Variations on these methods, such as double direct and double indirect, again have unique qualities that suit them for specific kinds of mosaics.
Detailed step by step instructions should be consulted before beginning a mosaic; the principles for each method are roughly the same, but the specifics can be entirely different. Nothing about the process is spontaneous, so be sure to plan adequately. Despite the difficulty, making a mosaic can be an engrossing and rewarding experience, creating an entirely unique piece of artwork than can be as grand or as simple as one wishes it to be.
Sources:
"Basic Mosaic Design." Arts and Crafts Center. 9 Oct. 2007. http://www.artcraftsite.com/mosaic/basic-mosaic.sh tml
Campbell, Sheila. "The Art of Mosaic." Mosaic Art Source. April 2006. 9 Oct. 2007. Mosaic Tile Guide. 9 Oct. 2007. http://www.mosaic-tile-guide.com/how-to-make-mosai cs.html
"Mosaic Glossary." Mosaic Art Source. 2006. 9 Oct. 2007. http://www.mosaicartsource.com/mosaicart/mosaic_ar t_resource/mosaic_glossary.html
