How Do I Begin My Mosaic Journey?  

By learning about my studio, what I offer, and how classes are set up!

When are the classes? 

I have weekly, monthly and specialty classes.

Weekly classes are:

And yet there is more:

  • Tues afternoon, 12:30-3, and Fri morning, 10-12:30 – I have semi-private classes which includes a student with special needs.  People are welcome to join these small classes which typically have 2-5 students.  Contact Cheryl (email, text or call) to register for these classes.

Monthly classes are:

Specialty classes are:

How much do classes cost?

Weekly and monthly 2 1/2 hour classes are:

$55 one class

$160 – 4-class package

$360 – 10-class package

Specialty classes are priced individually.

What is the difference between weekly, monthly and specialty classes other than frequency?

My weekly classes, Mosaic Saturday, and children’s classes are “open studio” format, which means in your first class you make a coaster or light switch cover, then after that you can make a project of your choice.  Everyone in the open studio classes are working on different projects.

In my specialty classes, Ladies’ Night Out Jewelry, windows, suncatcher and succulent classes, everyone is learning the same skill at the same time.

Do weekly classes need to be consecutive?

No, people can pop around to different classes, however, I do ask that you let me know when you are coming so classes are not overbooked.

How long can you stretch out a class package (a 4 or 10-pack)?

Up to two years.

Do the same people come every week?

I have many people who come weekly.  The groups are always shifting and changing, however there is a core group that stays the same in most groups.

How often do people come to class?  

Some people come once, others come twice or once a week.  Still others come weekly for years.  I still have my first student of all time coming weekly, she is an amazing mosaic artist, and it’s been 12 years!

Do you have a beginner class?

No, all my classes are mixed levels.  Students love it that way, as they can see what people are creating who have been coming for years.  In one class you will meet students who are taking their first class, some that come weekly, monthly or just a few times a year.

Beginners can start during any one of my weekly or Saturday classes, it’s all rolling admission.

What would I make in a first weekly class?

A coaster or light switch cover.  Small flat projects are the best to start with.

What will I learn in my first class?

You will learn to cut and trim the glass/tile using nippers.  You will also learn to glue the tesserae (pieces) down on the base.  If you will be coming back for a second class, you will learn to grout in that class, as the glue needs 24 hours to dry.  Or you are welcome to take the grout home with directions to complete your first project.

Do I need to come to the first class with ideas?

No, I have coasters and light switch covers that I’ve made to give you ideas, but most people just make an abstract design in their first class.  If you want to do something more challenging I’ll show you how.  It’s best to keep your first project simple as you will be focusing on learning to cut and shape the glass/tile pieces.  If you choose a very challenging design the coaster or light switch cover may take more than one session to complete.

Will I finish my piece in the first class?  

Most people finish cutting a gluing a simple design onto the base in their first class.  However, it depends on the complexity of your design.

What would I make in the second class?

After you make the coaster or light switch cover and learn the basics, you can make anything you want.  I have tons of choices in the studio that we will discuss.  Common second projects are wall art, a plant pot, small plant table (you need to bring in your own) or a trivet.  Second projects can take from one class to 10 depending on the level of complexity of the design.

What would I make after my second project and beyond?

Many people come in with pictures from Pinterest, or online of projects they like.  We then take a section of the picture or use the whole image, and adapt it to the level of skill they have at that time.  The bottom line is, I love a challenge, so in a mixed media mosaic art studio almost anything is possible.  We do both indoor and outdoor projects.

Most people just look around the room at my many work samples and find something they would like to create.  I also have my “inspiration book” of my favorite pictures from Pinterest and online that people can look through.

Sometimes, people bring in their grandmother’s china and say they want to make something out of it and we work from there.

I help people every step of the way to find something they are excited about!

Can I see an examples of student work?  

Yes, click on student work above to go to this page of my website.

Can children come to class?  

Oct-May I have children’s classes for ages 8 and up.

In addition, children 8 and up can come to any class with an adult, except for the Windows and Ladies’ Night Out.

Children age 14 and up can attend a weekly class or specialty class without an adult.

Do I need to take a weekly class before taking a specialty (Windows, Succulents, Suncatcher, or Polymer clay) class?

No, the specialty classes are separate and beginners can take them without any art/mosaic experience.

Payment for these classes cannot be combined with class packages (4 or 10 pack), as the specialty classes are longer and have different supply needs.

How do your Ladies’ Nights Out – Create Mosaic Jewelry work?

I have monthly dates on my website.  Just sign up for the one that works for you.  Some people come with friends; others come alone.  Everyone is friendly and chatty.  Some people bring wine.  No experience is needed for this class.

How do your Mosaic Saturdays work?

I have monthly/bimonthly dates on my website.  Just sign up for the one that works for you.  You have the option of coming for the morning class (10-12:30), the afternoon class, (12:45-3:15) or for the full day (10-3:15, which is two classes).  As with all my classes, beginners are welcome.

Do I need to buy materials for any classes?

No, materials are included in the class fee.  I do have some optional items that have an extra fee including sterling silver bases, necklace chains and cords, frames for some pieces, wedi board (a type of backer), and smalti (a type of glass).

Will you help me?

I get asked this all the time!  I walk you through the process step-by-step, no worries at all!  I’ll give you all the help you need.

I’m not creative, can I do this?

This is a very common question!  Absolutely, you can do this, creativity is not needed.  All the glass/tile is beautiful, so if you glue down tesserae (pieces) and grout it black, it’s gorgeous.  Also, there is so much inspiration on the internet, many people come in with a picture, trace and mosaic.  However, due to the fact you will be using different glass/tile and materials, your piece will always be unique.  I help you find the glass that you like and guide you through the process!

Do you do private and birthday parties for adults, children or both?  Girl and Boy Scout groups?

Both and yes!  Just email or call and we’ll set up the date and discuss details.  Go to Group Offerings for specific information.  As well as birthday parties, we do mom’s groups, family gatherings, garden clubs, book groups, bachelorette parties, and more!

Do you do team building events?

Yes!  Teams members start with separate parts, then work together to build a mosaic.

Are people friendly?

Yes!  I always ask newcomers to introduce themselves to the group (name, where your are from, family/pets, whatever people want to talk about).  I’m very proud of my creative mosaic community.  We always love meeting new people!

Where do I start if I want to take a class?

Just go to my website and sign up for a class that interests you.  On the menu you will see In-Studio and Online class options, there is a drop down and you can see which one appeals to you.  Register and come!  It’s that simple, as I supply all materials.  Whether you come with a friend or solo, everyone is really friendly and chatty.

If I took my first class, and bought the $95 special at that class, how do I sign up to begin the three class series?  (You will be offered the $95 special at your first class)

Just text or email me what day you would like to attend (i.e. “Can I come to class on Nov 3rd, with my friend Nancy?”).  I will text or email you back if there is openings in that class.  Since you have prepaid, you do not need to sign up online.

In addition…

If you would like to friend me on Facebook, you will get ongoing info about events and see pictures of my students work.  Also, if you would like to send me your email address, I’ll put you on my mailing list to get my monthly newsletter.  It has a comprehensive list of what is happening at the studio with more pictures of my fantastic students.  Also, feel free to connect with me on Pinterest and Instagram.

General Mosaic Art FAQ’s

What is mosaic art?

Mosaic art is the act of adhering small pieces of glass, tile, crockery, rock, shell or found objects onto a base. Some pieces are grouted. Mosaics can be used on a variety of surfaces, indoor or outdoor.

What is mixed media mosaic art?

Mixed media is the freedom to use anything at all! I love collecting rocks, shells, bark, sticks and more. I also go to yard sales; antique shops and the list goes on and on. I love working with my students to utilize and enjoy all the materials to make unique works of art.

How do you start a mosaic for beginners?

Start small and flat. In my studio we start with coasters or light switch covers. It’s great to complete the process of learning to cut the glass, glue and grout then take on larger projects!

What do I need for a mosaic project?

I recommend a beginner start with simple materials. Wood for a base, some type of glass, tile or crockery, strong white glue and sanded grout. Use wheeled nippers to cut the glass.

What surfaces can you mosaic on?

You can mosaic on metal, wood, terra cotta, slate, Wedi board or concrete. You cannot mosaic on anything that has any flexibility.

How do you mosaic with different tiles/glass of different thicknesses?

It depends on the function of the mosaic piece. For a tray or trivet, it is best to use tile with similar thicknesses. However, if you are creating a picture frame or something for the wall, it can be interesting to play with different tile thicknesses.

What glue do you use for mosaics?

Generally speaking, Weldbond is the most common adhesive for indoor work and thinset is the most common for outdoor mosaics. But there are many additional adhesives for specific mosaic needs.

What kind of grout do I use for mosaics?

Sanded grout is the most popular. Overall sanded grout is best for tesserae (mosaic pieces) that are more than 1/16” apart which is the case in most mosaic art.

How long does mosaic grout take to dry?

Grout takes 24 hours to dry.

How do you make mosaic house numbers?

I use slate in the studio for a nice clean finish, but you can use Wedi-board or concrete backer board as a base. Then be sure to use stained glass, glass tile, or outdoor tile and thinset as an adhesive.

Is a mosaic a painting?

No, but there is a form of mosaics called micro mosaics that from a distance look like a painting.

Is mosaic an art or craft?

In the past, most people thought of mosaics as a craft, however in the past 30 years mosaics have expanded into the realm of fine art.