Please, take a look at my Picasa web album which I put together for people who love cats
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.
 |
| 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.
 |
| our comfortable accommodation at Damsedrif, Baviaanskloof |
 |
| the school bell at a isolated kloof community where we did the workshops |
 |
 |
| Here is Solly Levy teaching people how to finish off cut bottles into lovely drinking glasses etc |
 |
| Lots of fun and laughter too |
 |
| It worked! |
 |
| 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! |
 |
| the beautiful craft shop- cob built |
 |
| inside the shop |
 |
| our prickly passengers |
 |
| thorn craft- unique to the Baviaans area |
 |
| a thorny baboon |
19 April 2011
Mosaicing a rock for a doorstop using FREE materials
Many years ago, someone gave me this piece of a broken Ardmore ceramic vessel.
I treasured my shard of an extremely rare phenomenon in SA- a ceramic studio that became so famous and successful- their pieces sell for fabulous prices in galleries all over the world! Finally- I got an idea as to what to do with my Ardmore shard. .I love the results!
I selected a stone that had a similar bulge as the one ceramic shard I had, painted bonding liquid on it and while that was drying, I cut up the shard into smaller pieces with glass mosaic cutters, carefully positioning the pieces of the crocodile and flowers back together, so that I would not struggle with a puzzle later.
I fetched my rock and started gluing the pieces on to it using ready mixed tile adhesive. Unfortunately the croc has no snout- so I put a flower there instead. I was also careful to save the Ardmore signatures of the artists and to use those in the mosaic. I havent grouted it yet, but I am thrilled with the result and keen to do more of this type of mosaic- Re-cycling- instead of using bought stuff all the time. Beginners should definitely start by recycling as it is almost free. Only the little bit of tile glue, and bonding liquid and grout used here.
I have been working on mosaic products for 3 skills training courses in the remote Baviaanskloof area of the Eastern Cape, so decided to try this idea, but NOT using anything fancy like a shard of Ardmore or an Earthmaid animal insert. No- it must be made of things that unemployed people can find for free. I was given a box of things they can find easily. Big white acacia thorns, sharp. Old rusted tins and bottle tops, some old crazed ceramic bits, broken glass. Initially, I looked at the box in dismay. I used the thorns and bottletops to make some lovely things, it was actually great fun. (Nothing to do with mosaic though- more like craft from nature/recycling- another subject) The results will be sold from a little shop on the famous 4x4 route through the incredibly scenic and exciting Baviaanskloof. Here is the link to the webalbum: webalbum Karoo Craft Workshops
But here is my attempt at mosaic, using very basic found materials only:
:
And here is a picture of them grouted, as well as 2 other ideas I tried- one done with leather scraps and the other with ostrich shell etc.
I treasured my shard of an extremely rare phenomenon in SA- a ceramic studio that became so famous and successful- their pieces sell for fabulous prices in galleries all over the world! Finally- I got an idea as to what to do with my Ardmore shard. .I love the results!
I fetched my rock and started gluing the pieces on to it using ready mixed tile adhesive. Unfortunately the croc has no snout- so I put a flower there instead. I was also careful to save the Ardmore signatures of the artists and to use those in the mosaic. I havent grouted it yet, but I am thrilled with the result and keen to do more of this type of mosaic- Re-cycling- instead of using bought stuff all the time. Beginners should definitely start by recycling as it is almost free. Only the little bit of tile glue, and bonding liquid and grout used here.
I have been working on mosaic products for 3 skills training courses in the remote Baviaanskloof area of the Eastern Cape, so decided to try this idea, but NOT using anything fancy like a shard of Ardmore or an Earthmaid animal insert. No- it must be made of things that unemployed people can find for free. I was given a box of things they can find easily. Big white acacia thorns, sharp. Old rusted tins and bottle tops, some old crazed ceramic bits, broken glass. Initially, I looked at the box in dismay. I used the thorns and bottletops to make some lovely things, it was actually great fun. (Nothing to do with mosaic though- more like craft from nature/recycling- another subject) The results will be sold from a little shop on the famous 4x4 route through the incredibly scenic and exciting Baviaanskloof. Here is the link to the webalbum: webalbum Karoo Craft Workshops
But here is my attempt at mosaic, using very basic found materials only:
And here is a picture of them grouted, as well as 2 other ideas I tried- one done with leather scraps and the other with ostrich shell etc.
 |
| ceramic shards collected from an old tip site |
 |
| First Mosaics drying in Karoo sun |
 |
| a teaspoon is bent to become a hook |
 |
| ostrich shell and mother of pearl buttons |
 |
| My Ardmore rock grouted. Finished off with a Dremel tool so there are no sharp edges. It feels as good as it looks. |
25 January 2011
Mosaic inserts for mirror frames and picture mosaics
Mosaic inserts are ceramic shapes that can be used as focal points on mosaics and is quite an easy way for beginners to start mosaicing. .
Below is a picture of a mosaic framed mirror I did for a client in Hout Bay, Cape Town using the inserts. I sent them the mosaic frame on the board, and they installed it to site, including the mirror. It may be under cover but it is still outdoors- so it must be able to withstand rain splashes, and temperature changes over the seasons. If you want to know how to mosaic like this (its very easy- just time consuming)- see posts on this topic elsewhere on this blog.
Here are some photos of just a few of our mosaic inserts we have available at the Pottery house. So if you are a mosaic artist, driving on the National Road between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, you HAVE to stop by and visit our studio and showroom. If you are a bargain hunter- you will be in heaven. Scratch around in the seconds box for really, really inexpensive things. We are just off the N2, on the eastern side of Knysna. Turn into Bokmakierie St, and we are right there. You cant miss the mermaid waving at you. .
Below is a picture of a mosaic framed mirror I did for a client in Hout Bay, Cape Town using the inserts. I sent them the mosaic frame on the board, and they installed it to site, including the mirror. It may be under cover but it is still outdoors- so it must be able to withstand rain splashes, and temperature changes over the seasons. If you want to know how to mosaic like this (its very easy- just time consuming)- see posts on this topic elsewhere on this blog.
 |
| Fishy mosaic mirror for outdoor area |
 |
| My happy customer reflected in the mirror |
Here are some photos of just a few of our mosaic inserts we have available at the Pottery house. So if you are a mosaic artist, driving on the National Road between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, you HAVE to stop by and visit our studio and showroom. If you are a bargain hunter- you will be in heaven. Scratch around in the seconds box for really, really inexpensive things. We are just off the N2, on the eastern side of Knysna. Turn into Bokmakierie St, and we are right there. You cant miss the mermaid waving at you. .
 |
| small butterfly mosaic insert |
 |
| mosaic inserts for sale at pottery house |
 |
| stripey fish mosaic inserts approx 15cm |
 |
| cats and chameleon handpainted ceramic mosaic inserts |
 |
| little piggies, mosaic inserts |
 |
| funny angels, mosaic inserts. I have improved these since |
 |
| tree of life mosaic |
 |
| Mosaic mirrors |
 |
| ceramic tiles and things we make at Knysna Pottery House |
 |
| mosaic inserts, handmade with love |
 |
| Entrance to Knysna Pottery House |
12 January 2011
How to mosaic - Grouting (Part Three)
Once your pieces are glued down properly- and not able to be moved at all, you can begin grouting.
Make sure the mosaic is clean- no loose bits anywhere.
Mix the grout according to the instructions on the bag it came in. I add some bonding liquid- about 25ml to 250ml of water. This makes the grout waterproof and stronger- and you can also experiment with water based paint and pigments to tint the grout (if you want color). Finally, add the grout powder- usually it is about 3 parts powder to one part water. I just go by feel now- it is fairly forgiving stuff. Just make sure your mixture is firm and gelled before using. Definitely not sloppy and runny, or dry and crumbly. Add more water or more powder until consistency is correct and leave to stand for 15 mins before using.
Then get a sponge or spatula and just blob and smear it all over the mosaic. Wipe it into all the grooves.
Do NOT try and clean it too soon. BE PATIENT!! Wait 15 to 20 minutes and then clean off the excess grout with a DAMP sponge, not dripping. Try not to re-wet the grout. Don't go crazy cleaning at this stage. Leave it for another 15 minutes. At this stage one is kind of desperate to see the finished results so ALL beginners clean the grout off too soon. Then you end up with valleys or as I call them "dongas" between your pieces where dirt will collect and make your mosaic look grubby very quickly. If this does happen- you can re grout and enjoy the process all over again. Once the grout is level with all your mosaic pieces and dry, you can give it a final polish with a dry cloth and step back and admire your artwork.
If you have used ready mixed adhesive (not the cementy kind) you can use acetone to clean any remnants off the surface.
Make sure the mosaic is clean- no loose bits anywhere.
Mix the grout according to the instructions on the bag it came in. I add some bonding liquid- about 25ml to 250ml of water. This makes the grout waterproof and stronger- and you can also experiment with water based paint and pigments to tint the grout (if you want color). Finally, add the grout powder- usually it is about 3 parts powder to one part water. I just go by feel now- it is fairly forgiving stuff. Just make sure your mixture is firm and gelled before using. Definitely not sloppy and runny, or dry and crumbly. Add more water or more powder until consistency is correct and leave to stand for 15 mins before using.
Then get a sponge or spatula and just blob and smear it all over the mosaic. Wipe it into all the grooves.
Do NOT try and clean it too soon. BE PATIENT!! Wait 15 to 20 minutes and then clean off the excess grout with a DAMP sponge, not dripping. Try not to re-wet the grout. Don't go crazy cleaning at this stage. Leave it for another 15 minutes. At this stage one is kind of desperate to see the finished results so ALL beginners clean the grout off too soon. Then you end up with valleys or as I call them "dongas" between your pieces where dirt will collect and make your mosaic look grubby very quickly. If this does happen- you can re grout and enjoy the process all over again. Once the grout is level with all your mosaic pieces and dry, you can give it a final polish with a dry cloth and step back and admire your artwork.
If you have used ready mixed adhesive (not the cementy kind) you can use acetone to clean any remnants off the surface.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)