In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to create a personalised mosaic door number using traditional mosaic techniques and professional tools. Guided by a master mosaicist, the course offers an introduction to the direct method of mosaic making - an accessible and rewarding approach where tesserae (tiles) are applied directly to a surface. This course is ideal for beginners or anyone with a creative curiosity, and it combines practical skill-building with artistic exploration.

What You Will Make: By the end of the course, you will complete a custom mosaic door number on a prepared plywood base of size 20cm diameter, ready to display at your home or gift to someone special. The mosaic can be placed inside or outside (under a protected area) after the frame has been varnished.

We will begin learning how to trace your design onto the plywood frame and choose your materials and colours, considering how each contributes to the overall composition.

Using traditional mosaic tools, you will be taught how to cut and shape tiles safely and accurately. You’ll then start to create your mosaic using the direct method, placing each piece directly onto the wooden surface using tile adhesive and tweezers.

The final steps include completing your mosaic, applying grout to secure the tesserae, and doing a final clean to reveal the finished piece. You’ll leave the course with a unique, handmade mosaic number and a solid introduction to the timeless art of mosaic-making.

Friday – Design & Preparation Introduction to the course, tracing the number design on the provided plywood frame. Studying of the ‘andamento’ – the flow and direction of tesserae placement that gives movement and structure to the mosaic. Once the layout is planned, you’ll select the materials and colour palette, exploring the textures and tones of the tiles to suit your design.

Saturday – Cutting & Assembly The day starts with learning how to cut and shape tiles using nippers and other mosaic tools. You’ll also learn how to prepare tile adhesive and use tweezers for precision placement into the frame following the traced design. With guidance, you'll begin assembling your mosaic, carefully placing each tessera directly onto the wooden frame, building your design piece by piece.

Sunday – Finishing Touches On the final day, you'll complete the mosaic followed by the final stage of grouting and cleaning.

Included

On this course, the tutor will supply some of the materials including plywood frames, tiles and small trowels.

The College will supply some of the materials including tile adhesive, tweezers and protective glasses.

What students need to bring

Please submit your font number design at least 3 weeks prior to the course start date to [email protected]. This will allow the College sufficient time to have your design reviewed by the Tutor to ensure it is achievable within the course hours.

Important considerations:

• The final mosaic will consist only of the number on a simple background.
• The frame size is 20 cm in diameter, so designs should be appropriately scaled and simplified.
• Due to time constraints, detailed or complex backgrounds cannot be accommodated.

We recommend keeping your design clean and focused on the number itself for the best results.

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• A good variety of art material including general drawing material, paper, brushes, ect. However, the shop does not supply materials which are specific to mosaic making.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.

Please note: Prolonged use of the mosaic nipper may cause hand strain or fatigue. We recommend taking regular breaks and using proper technique to avoid discomfort.

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

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