Ref: SWE37973
Develop your creativity in mosaic design using different ceramic and glass tiles. You will learn techniques for laying, grouting and cutting tiles into tesserae. Learn about the wonderful craft of making mosaics and create a unique piece of art, using colourful glass and ceramic tiles.
On the first evening, the tutor will give a slide show, showing the ancient production of millefiori and Venetian smalti, as well as his own techniques for making glass fusions. The tutor will illustrate this talk with examples of his own work.
You will design and make a mosaic, either A3: 30 x 42cm, 30 x 30 cm or A4: 30 x 21 cm in area. The size is limited to ensure you can complete your design by the end of the course.
The tutor will cover numerous techniques to help your understanding of mosaic design, with a focus on the direct mosaic technique used to create your design. This method allows you to see your design as you add the pieces. Grouting techniques are also covered.
The tutor will bring a great selection of materials to use, including Venetian and Mexican smalti, millefiori, vitreous glass and Cinca unglazed ceramic tesserae, as well as the tutors handmade glass fusions, millefiori and murrini.
The course includes a lecture on Roman techniques, demonstrations and individual one-to-one tuition, ensuring you go home fully inspired and equipped to continue to make mosaics at home.
The College will supply the MDF and glue and some equipment for you to use during the course, including scissors, mosaic tile nippers, dustpan and brush, safety glasses, etc.
Available from shop: A good variety of art and craft materials, including sketchbooks, pencils, pencil sharpeners, rubbers, aprons, etc.
Available from tutor: The tutor will provide glass and ceramic mosaic materials please pay him before the end of the course by cash, cheque or Paypal.
Prices range from £18 per kg for unglazed, ceramic tiles and vitreous glass to £35 per kg for Venetian smalti glass. It is therefore difficult to give a specific cost for a project.
1kg of vitreous glass/unglazed ceramic tiles covers an area of A3 in size or 500g covers an area of A4 in size with no allowance for wastage. It is therefore possible to make a small mosaic for as little as £9.
Smalti requires 17kg to cover 1 square metre. 2kg would cover 1 square foot.
Millefiori £12 per 100g and the tutors handmade infusions £20 per 100g (100g of fusions covers an area approximately equal to a postcard.)
Please note: material prices constantly change, so these prices are not guaranteed.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Martin Cheek has been making mosaics for over 30 years and is the author of seven best selling books on the subject. He hand makes every piece of fused glass for his mosaics, each batch sometimes requiring several firings in the kiln to get it right. There is always some mystery in what the glass will do in the metamorphic process of heat.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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