1 of 9

Write now Article Tools

Mosaics dating from 8th century BC have been found in ancient Greece in the form of pebbles that were used to create elaborate designs! By the 4th century BC, the Romans had perfected the technique of cutting natural marble pieces in various colours to create intricate works of art that still exist today in upper class homes, temples and villas! Earlier civilizations like the Assyrians, Egyptians and Persians also possessed the techniques of creating mosaics.

Mosaics were, and still are used today where durability, beauty and function are needed. Take a look around your town, you will find examples of mosaics everywhere from your local bar that may have a mosaic tabletop, to a theatre, or bank that may have mosaic art installed into their flooring. True mosaic work should never measure more than 2 inches by 2 inches, anything larger is not considered mosaic art. Mosaics are unique to each artist that creates them. I will be giving you examples of the methods that I use and what works for me.

Many books out there on mosaics use different materials, methods, etc. It is up to you to try them out and decide for yourself what you like best! For your projects, you can virtually use anything that can be glued to a backing! Broken china, dishes, ceramic tiles (floor, wall), stained glass pieces, shells, pebbles, crockery are some of the various materials used in mosaic creations. Over the years, I have used ceramic tiles for many of my creations. Ceramic tiles can be bought individually at your local hardware, flooring or any other speciality store. Many of these places keep opened boxes that you can buy individual tiles instead of buying a full box.

Depending on how much you need of a certain colour for your project, this is the best way to go! I also go around to the ceramic flooring stores and ask them for their sample boards. Stores change their samples often and when they do, they simply throw them away! I have speciality places that call me when they have several sample boards ready to be thrown away and I pop over and pick them up! I also buy Mexican tiles (or they can be under another name) on EBay. These are industrial thin wall tiles that are damaged and broken and are sold in wholesale quantities on eBay for cheap! I also buy stained glass pieces this way from stained glass speciality stores that sell their used scraps through EBay! Some of the sellers even tumble the glass shards so that they are not sharp and cutting.

You can also buy vitreous glass tesserae

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Decorating with mosaics?
We want to hear your view. Write now!