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How to make functional mosaic art objects for the garden and home. Ideas and inspiration for beginners and masters. Mosaic advice, hints, do's and dont's. How to make original and long-lasting Mosaic table tops, chair seats, garden pot planters, mosaic framed mirrors and more.
30 May 2011
Smashing broken cups and plates to make a mosaic
I have been collecting my brother John's beautiful ceramic pieces for years. Often they are things he would not approve of me using as he does not sell many rejects- he smashes them, as his standards are so very high. I rescue some pieces when I can. Of course I do have pieces that were once perfect too. Things do break. After some effort, I trained everyone not to throw any broken thing away, although I still lost a few pieces due to family ruffians and ignorant people in my living space.
One quiet Sunday afternoon I started this project, but ran out of John's broken pieces. . I used one of my own pieces, a plate my husband had decorated and one of my earliest teacher Barbara Strauss's stoneware mugs , but had to stop and wait a month, before I could get some more beautiful shards from John's Swellendam studio.
I started by smashing them up with a hammer after covering with a thick layer of newspaper. I discovered later that the glass mosaic cutters worked very well on the pieces too. High fired porcelain is quite similar to glass.
I arranged them in squares and the design sort of developed from there. I glued them all down carefully. The 2nd batch of broken stuff I got via my mom included a stunning teapot which had a perfect lid.
Grouting this mosaic was quite daunting as the edges of the pieces are very sharp- and you might see bits of sponge still on the mosaic as the photos were taken while the grout was still drying. Not a good idea to fall against this mosaic- it could be very nasty. So it should be kept out of the reach of small children or wobbly adults.
John's perfect and still entirely whole work can be seen on :http://johnnewdigate.com
One quiet Sunday afternoon I started this project, but ran out of John's broken pieces. . I used one of my own pieces, a plate my husband had decorated and one of my earliest teacher Barbara Strauss's stoneware mugs , but had to stop and wait a month, before I could get some more beautiful shards from John's Swellendam studio.
I started by smashing them up with a hammer after covering with a thick layer of newspaper. I discovered later that the glass mosaic cutters worked very well on the pieces too. High fired porcelain is quite similar to glass.
I arranged them in squares and the design sort of developed from there. I glued them all down carefully. The 2nd batch of broken stuff I got via my mom included a stunning teapot which had a perfect lid.
Grouting this mosaic was quite daunting as the edges of the pieces are very sharp- and you might see bits of sponge still on the mosaic as the photos were taken while the grout was still drying. Not a good idea to fall against this mosaic- it could be very nasty. So it should be kept out of the reach of small children or wobbly adults.
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| cracked fish tea party |
John's perfect and still entirely whole work can be seen on :http://johnnewdigate.com
25 May 2011
Baviaanskloof workshop
Mosaic Workshop in the Beautiful Baviaanskloof
The Baviaanskloof is one of South Africa’s most stunning natural treasures, tucked away in the Eastern Cape. This dramatic valley, flanked by mountains and winding rivers, draws everyone from 4x4 enthusiasts and cyclists to international tourists seeking a taste of the wild Karoo. To truly soak in the beauty of the drive, I recommend at least two days, as the scenery is breathtaking and there is lots to see and do.
While the middle section requires a 4x4, there’s plenty to explore for those in ordinary cars. I personally prefer starting the journey from the Willowmore side of the kloof. Be prepared to cross a surprising 73 rivers—a reminder of how rugged and raw this region can be, especially when heavy rains turn the arid Karoo into a wild, flowing landscape. Fortunately, there are plenty of B&Bs and guesthouses along the way for a comfortable stay.
I was there for the third Mosaic and Bottle Cutting Workshop with Solly Levy, a talented product developer contracted by the local municipality. His work focuses on sustainable product development for the Baviaans craft shops, and he is incredible at bringing out the best in everyone involved—including me!
I thoroughly enjoyed creating samples and teaching these warm, welcoming Karoo people. It was an enriching and inspiring experience, and I look forward to many more opportunities like this in the future.
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| our comfortable accommodation at Damsedrif, Baviaanskloof |
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| the school bell at a isolated kloof community where we did the workshops |
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| Here is Solly Levy teaching people how to finish off cut bottles into lovely drinking glasses etc |
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| Lots of fun and laughter too |
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| It worked! |
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| Veros "restaurant and take away" quirky and fascinating spot, alongside the road through the kloof. The craft shop is opposite, so plan a stop here! |
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| the beautiful craft shop- cob built |
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| inside the shop |
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| our prickly passengers |
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| thorn craft- unique to the Baviaans area |
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| a thorny baboon |
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