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The use of broken porcelain, china, pottery, glass and stoneware in the creation of art and decorative pieces is know by many names: broken tile mosaics, pique assiette, bits and pieces, memoryware, shardware, etc. However, the appeal of the art form is less elusive. Mosaic is a hugely popular craft partly due to the spontaneous
design possibilities. There are no rules!!! The artist bases his works on her own instinct of design, proportion, symmetry, style, and balance rather than to formal constraints of art theory. Using broken china, glass, toys, jewelry, souvenirs and memorabilia you can create a work of art that is truly your own evoking sentimental memories to spontaneous wonders of color, texture, humor and
shape.
Origin and History of Mosaic Art
The first mosaics were created in Mesopotamia thousands of years ago. Terra Cotta cones embedded in the walls and columns of buildings in Mesopotamia are the first know examples of Mosaic art. These colored cones were laid in geometric patterns and were functional (adding strength the structure) as well as decorative.
In the Byzantine era, 5-15 the century, Mosaic art was embraced and perfected by the Romans. During this time Mosaics were created to
cover entire walls and ceilings and important artist designed mosaics for the great cathedrals, including St. Peter's Basilica.
Mosaic Angel
in the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Art Nouveau movement of the 19th century brought further change to Mosaic art. Artists, such as Spanish artist Antonio Gaudi, began creating works with free-form curves encrusted with fanciful, brightly colored tiles.
American women in the early 20th century began a tradition of covering vessels with everyday items and souvenirs such as, jewelry, buttons, and figurines. These vessels, called memory jugs, were then gilded or bronzed. Memory jugs forever preserved the most beloved items and often carried great sentimental value and family memories.
glass bottle Memory Jug
In France, the practice of using personal objects as part of mosaic art was extended beyond vessels to furniture. It was during this time that the name "Pique Assiette" was first used to describe the mosaic art form. The inspiration for the name was a French man by the name of Raymond Isadore who, in 1938, began covering his home with bits of pottery, china, and colored glass. Isadore devoted the rest of his life to the art eventually covering every inch of this house and furniture with mosaics. His neighbors, who were less than thrilled, began to mockingly refer to Isadore as "picassiette" which in French describes someone who is a "scrounger" or "sponger", as in stealing food from other people's plate. His home is now a national treasure in France.
Raymond Isadore's home, Chatres, France
In Los Angeles, CA Simon Rodia (1879-1965) spent 33 of his life building a series of towers out of concrete and steel over 100 feet tall in his backyard. Rodia cover these towers with fragments of glass, tiles, seashells and other found objects. Know today as the Watts Towers they have been deemed a cultural landmark.
Watts Towers, Los Angles, CA
In Orlando Florida in Cinderella's Castle located at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom you will find beautiful examples of mosaic wall mural panel art. These large 15 x 10 foot murals, 5 in all, depict scenes from the classic story Cinderella. Each panel was designed by Disney artist, Dorothea Redmond and converted to Italian colored glass mosaic pieces by mosaicist, Hanns-Joachin Scarff.
Cinderella Castle, Orlando, Florida
Tools and Equipment
Only a few simple tools are needed for creating mosaics.
Glass and Tile Cutters or Nippers
For cutting or breaking tiles, china, or glass, you'll need tile nippers.
They look like pliers, but have sharp blades and spring action handles. To use them, grasp the material you want to cut then press together, they will crack and break the material. You can find these at your local hardware store, tile supply store, and sometimes crafts stores.
The concept of glass nippers in the same as tile nippers, except the jaws are made of carbide wheels the can be rotated when dull. This is my tool of choice, I get the most precise results with this type of nipper. These are a little harder to find try looking at stained glass supply stores or you can find them on Ebay or the internet.
Spreaders
Craft sticks or plastic spreaders can be used to spread adhesives and to fill grout into tight places. To spread gout over the glued tesserae, use a rubber spatula or putty knife.
Miscellaneous
For mixing grout you'll need a bowl and a measuring cup to measure the water. A sponge to wipe away excess grout and gloves are a also a good idea.
Surfaces
One of the most interesting and unique aspects of mosaic art is that you can use almost any, non flexible, surface as a base for a project. Some common surfaces include:
Wood
Wood surfaces such as unfinished furniture - tables, chairs, etc.- and accessories - frames, wall shelves, bookends, etc.- make a great base for a project. Mosaics can also be built on plywood or fiberboard that has been cut to desired shape.It is a good idea to seal unfinished wood before tesserae is applied. If unfinished wood is not properly sealed it can warp from the water used when grouting. Cracking of the grout while drying is another consequence of not sealing unfinished wood. This is due to the contracting and expanding of the
wood as it dries after being wet which can lead to cracks in your grout.You can seal wood with a commercial waterproofing sealer from a hardware store or you can use a mixture of one part white crafts glue to four parts water.
Ceramics, Terra Cotta and Cement
Prefabricated stepping stones, doorstops, birdbaths, wall sconces and flowerpots made of cement, terra cotta or fired clay are great surfaces for mosaics. Plaster surfaces such as frames and trivets are also good. Cement stepping stones, decorated with mosaics, add a great touch to you yard or garden. Except for unglazed terra cotta, these materials are waterproof and need no preparation before attaching tesserae. Unglazed terra cotta can be sealed with a mixture of one part white craft glue to 4 parts water, failure to seal unglazed terra cotta can lead to a weakened bond due to absorbed moisture in the clay.
Metal, Glass and Plastic
Metal trays, pitchers, and bowls also make a great surface for mosaics. Light fixtures, lamps, vases, bottles, mirrors, tabletops-or pretty much anything else made of glass- can be used in your project. Very hard, rigid plastics can be used for mosaic bases as long as there is no flexibility in the plastic. If there is any flexibility at all, the grout will crack and probably fall of the base.
Tesserae
Tesserae are tiles, china, glass, and etc. that are pieced together on a surface to create a design. In modern mosaic making, anything goes in terms of what you can use for tesserae.
Dishes and China
China and dishes cut into shapes or irregular pieces are tesserae of choice for Pique Assiette and Shabby Chic style projects. Colorful and highly patterned china may be a little much as a whole, but a fabulous when broken up into tesserae. Curved pieces are great for working with rounded bases such as vases.
Marbles and Glass Gems
Flat backed marbles or Glass Gems are available with glossy, frosted or iridescent finish in every imaginable color. Image gems, flat backed marbles with images in them, add a personal and unique touch to mosaic creations. Whole marbles are hard to secure to a surface. Flat backed marble or gems are available at crafts stores, stained glass stores, candle stores, silk floral stores, and Jennifers Gems.
Pottery
Not only is terra cotta great for a base, but also for tesserae. Use pieces from flower pots or saucers to add a earthy feel to a project. Colorful broken pottery can create interesting looks in your design.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are available in a huge array of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Tiles are available at tile suppliers, hardware stores and crafts store. You can also make your own ceramic tiles at paint-your-own-pottery shops.
Stained Glass
Stained glass can be used alone or be a lovely addition to a mosaic project. There is endless colors and finishes available. You can find it at stained glass supply stores, online, and some craft stores. If you happen to know a stained glass artist ask for their scraps. Because stained glass is generally not as thick as other tesserae, you may need to build up the surface under the glass pieces with silicone adhesive so they will be flush.
Mirror
Use mirror to add sparkle or highlight specific areas of your project. You can find mirror at stained glass supply stores, some crafts stores and your own mirror accidents at home.
Shells, Beads and Rocks
Look for shells at the beach or at craft stores. Colorful beads from broken jewelry or bought from stores look great in mosaics. Small rocks or pebbles that are smooth and round work best in mosaics. This unique items can really jazz up at project.
Memorabilia
Dig through your drawers and grandma's attic for jewelry, trinkets, figurines, buttons, etc. These make wonderful tesserae and give your project sentimental value.
Adhesives
A variety of adhesives can be used to attach tesserae to surfaces. The type you choose should depend on the surface and materials used.
White Craft Glue
White craft glue can be used for gluing on flat materials (tile, china, flat glass, etc.) to flat, horizontal surfaces. It holds the pieces securely, dries clear and flattens as it dries, leaving room for grout between the tile pieces. However, it is not good to use on mirror as it can dull the shiny backing over time.
Clear Silicone
Silicone works best on curves or vertical surfaces except for metal. Because it is thick, it will hold pieces in place while drying. However, it does not flatten, so be careful not to use too much to avoid “ooze” between tile pieces. Silicone is also good to use when you are using materials of different thickness and you want to build up the thinner material to be level with the others. Since it dries clear it is ideal also ideal for glass that is transparent on a clear base.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is a two part glue that comes in a double syringe or two tubes, one for the resin and the other for the hardener. This type of glue is very strong, dries quickly and is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Epoxy does give off unpleasant fumes, so work in a well ventilated room. This is the adhesive of choice for working with metal bases
Mastic
Mastic is latex based and is mainly used on large surfaces or for mosaics that will be used outdoors. It is odor-free, has the consistency if cake frosting, and is dry after 48 hours. Mastic is available where tile is sold.
Cement-Based Mortar
Mortar comes in powder form and is mixed with water. Cement mortar is also known as thinset and is used for mosaics to be used outdoors.
Grout
Grout is the material that fills the space between the tesserae, adding to the strength and durability of a mosaic piece. The grout is applied after the adhesive used to attach tesserae is completely dry. Grout can be purchased in many colors and in powder or ready mixed at hardware and home improvement stores. You can color white grout yourself with food color, acrylic paint, or glitter. Tile grout is available in two ways: sanded and non-sanded.
Sanded grout has a sandy texture when dry and can be used mosaics with larger crevices (more than 1/4 inch). Sanded grout is easy to clean off tesserae by simply rubbing with a dry cloth before it is completely dry.
Non-sanded grout has a smooth finish when dry but has a tendency to crack if joints are larger than 1/4 inch. It is also used for mosaics made of material that is easily scratched. Unsanded grout is harder to remove from tesserae when dry.
Grout is extremely durable and water resistant when completely dry. However, if your mosaic is going to be outside it is a good idea to weatherproof it with 2 coats of grout sealer.
Basic Techniques
Prepare Surface
Surfaces should be oil-free, clean and sealed if needed. Lightly sand wood surfaces and wipe or brush away sanding dust. With a marker draw on any pattern you plan to use onto your surface.
Attach Tesserae
Spread glue on surface with a spreader of your choice or glue may be applied to each individual tile. Place tiles on section at a time. As you place the tiles, nip pieces to fit as needed. Let dry before moving on to next step. When working on a project with a pattern or central motif, begin by working on detailed areas and then place background tesserae. Think of your mosaic as a puzzle. Each piece
should fit comfortably into the space let by surrounding tesserae. Feel free to trim a piece with your nippers to get a good fit. Try not to leave wide spaces because grout has a tendency to crack in wider joints.
Grout
Mix grout according to directions on the package. Spread the grout over the design making sure to push grout into all area between tiles. Wipe away excess grout with damp sponge. Be sure there is grout between all the tiles. If you notice a hole, fill with grout, then wipe. Rinse sponge and repeat until all pieces are visible through the grout. As the grout dries, a haze or film will form over the tile.
Finishing Touches
When the piece is dry polish off the haze with a soft cloth. Sand any rough edges with sand paper. Seal grout if needed.
Enjoy your new work of art!!!
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