A quick little pit stop to say hello as we are in the midst of washing piles of laundry after a beautiful week camping on the Norfolk coast… and getting ready to go to the Greenbelt Arts festival. We have been relishing beaches, waves, woodland walks and some of the traditions of a British […] Read more...
Flying Lessons for artists….reflections one year on
Its just over a year since I took Kelly Rae’s amazing “Flying Lessons” e-course on developing your creative business (with a big focus on being an artist online). This post is a reflection on the last year- what I learnt and what I have achieved. Its been a full-on and amazing year for me and […] Read more...
Mosaic scatter paintings for you to try!
I read in Elaine Goodwin’s Encyclopedia of Mosaics about a mosaic technique that involves freely scattering mosaic tiles over a substrate prepared with mortar – it intrigued me for two reasons, firstly that it is much more random than normal mosaic making processes and secondly that it provides for a way of using up left […] Read more...
Organising a small studio or home working space
My quest for re-organising my studio is complete (for now!). Here’s some pictures and tips, some of which can be applied across disciplines, as well as to mosaics. If you are just staring out, there some ideas for setting up a making area at home too 😉 1. Take-away tubs. I have reluctantly relinquished […] Read more...
My South London mosaic workshops round-up – a look at what is possible…
…with a little time, Julia’s first mosaic patience, Kevin’s first mosaic some tiles Johnny’s first mosaic and nippers, Rah’s first mosaic glue Nicolle’s second mosaic and grout Kirsteen’s first mosaic and some passionate teaching Judith’s first mosaic and inspiration… Rachel’s mosaic people who have never done mosaic art Kate’s first mosaic make things Lucy’s first […] Read more...
Exploring the making process…silversmiths & mosaic artists speak
We often explore why we make. But what about how we make? I’m not talking about technique but about the process. How does that something, that did not previously exist, start its life in you? How does it evolve, develop, become solid and tangible? Have you ever looked at your making process in detail? And […] Read more...
Turning garden slabs into mosaic paving stones.
This is what it was like before…. Here’s how it looks now…. There are more involved ways of creating mosaic garden pavers, involving the reverse method, casts and cement. But for a quick and easy way, just buy cheap garden slabs. Make your mosaic on mesh, sticking the pieces to the mesh using cement adhesive […] Read more...
Organising your mosaic studio – part 1
Its small, sweet and perfectly formed. Its at the bottom of my garden, so a short amble to work every day. It comes complete with 3 cats who have made it their own (and plod over my work in the process!) It fits 5 students plus me, quite happily (and cosily)… …and my little ones […] Read more...
How to become a mosaic artist…
I was walking my daughter to school yesterday and she asked me about what work I was doing this week. I told her I was preparing to do a mosaic project with some children and her ears pricked up. “How old are they mummy?” she asked. “Between 8 and 16 years old” I replied. “But […] Read more...
A week of firsts
Its been a busy ‘ole week here in Glittering Shards land. We have had dear friends visiting all week and this weekend too. I have finished another mosaic piece for an exhibition – will post pics in the week – and have started on a beautiful, delicate commission for a 40th wedding anniversary. Workshops continue […] Read more...