One of the things I teach in my class is to embody feeling in your mosaic. Of course, you do this partly by your choice of colours and tone. But in mosaics, special attention goes to the shape, layout and texture of tiles as well as the effect of grout lines and the gaps and […] Read more...
Lists & Links – supplies for mosaic artists & lovers…
This is the first of several new pages that will pool resources and ideas for mosaic artists and makers, creative living enthusiasts and and lovers of all things soulful. I love lists so I thought it was about time I created a few on the Glittering Shards site! So welcome to the new series of […] Read more...
Watch and see…
I made this mosaic mirror for my daughter 3 years ago. “Watch and see what I become…” The phrase came into my head out of nowhere, and then the image (perfect for a mirror, don’t you think?). She loves it so much (and so do I). Two more in a similar style emerged […] Read more...
A magical mosaic in the making…
This is the 4th in the series of large outdoor mosaic insects for a local school and it is an absolute beauty . I love love love it so much I think I need to make one for myself!. Here is the process of making it (with tips for mosaic artists along the way). Some […] Read more...
Mosaic butterflies, caterpillars and bees!
Ok, its about time I posted pics of the finished mosaic butterfly (now that we are all getting over our ikky sicky bug!) Its about 50 x 40cm in case you are interested! Pretty, huh? I was very flattered that within minutes of posting a pic on my facebook page the other day, two […] Read more...
A close look at an outdoor mosaic in the making…
I have been a busy bee. This is one of 5 new pieces I am currently making for a commission to go into a school playground… Sketching onto external plywood ready for cutting. (Big thanks to Mike for doing these on a laser cutter). The cut piece is varnished 3 times, including the edges. Cutting […] 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...
A shiny top tip from a magical mosaic creation…
…one of my favourite creatures, the ever-magical dragonfly. Helped along in its glittery, shiny path by a top mosaic tip that I have used again and again (see below!). Here’s a little one I knocked out as a practice run for a commission for 3 garden dragonflies which I am about to do. Its not […] 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...