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Do you use a hammer to break dishes and tiles?
Absolutely not.
Smashing and breaking can create dangerous sharp shards. Plus I wouldn’t get the pieces
and shapes I want.
The process is more controlled. I use an electric wet saw, Taurus ring saw, electric glass
grinder, diamond edge scorer or wheeled nippers to carefully cut and shape the pieces and
then grind all the edges to make them safe and smooth.
Absolutely not.
Smashing and breaking can create dangerous sharp shards. Plus I wouldn’t get the pieces
and shapes I want.
The process is more controlled. I use an electric wet saw, Taurus ring saw, electric glass
grinder, diamond edge scorer or wheeled nippers to carefully cut and shape the pieces and
then grind all the edges to make them safe and smooth.
Do you “glue on” all those little pieces?
Yes.
I alone attach each one of those little pieces (or as they say in the mosaics biz, “tessarae”),
one by one…piece by piece (a very time consuming and meditative process).
The adhesive used depends on the project and its use: latex modified thin set, 527 cement,
silicone, mastic, construction adhesive and epoxy. After all is set and cured, any remaining
sharp edges are sanded with a rotary tool and finished off with my own custom colored
grouts.
What is grout?
Grout is a kind of cement and it ties all the tessarea together. I use Portland cement based grout with
chemical additives for extra flexibility to complete the piece.
This step takes the most expertise. I take extra time and effort with a wet cure method, shaping, molding
and smoothing the grout as it dries. I believe that skill and attention to detail in grout finishing separates
the “do-it-yourself-er” from the true artisan/ craftsman.
Do you teach classes?
Sorry, no.
My insurance company wouldn’t look favorably on that!
I work with dangerous and loud power tools, potentially hazardous (and nasty smelling!)
chemicals, airborne contaminants and sharp objects.
You can often find me in my studio looking like an alien… wearing safety goggles,
ear protection, latex gloves and a face piece respirator.
Do you have a store?
No.
I work out of my studio, located in my garage (mosaics can be very messy!).
Mosaics Garden creations can be purchased at select design studios and gift shops, juried
art shows (see listings on website), and from contacting me directly through my website.
Can I use Mosaics Garden creations outdoors?
Certainly.
All garden creations are sealed to withstand wind, sun and rain. They are not, however, frost and freeze
proof. If you live in a cold climate, be sure to store them indoors over the winter.
Can you do mosaics on a fireplace or a back splash?
Sure.
I can design and install mosaic architectural applications to specifically meet your design
and color needs.
Yes.
I alone attach each one of those little pieces (or as they say in the mosaics biz, “tessarae”),
one by one…piece by piece (a very time consuming and meditative process).
The adhesive used depends on the project and its use: latex modified thin set, 527 cement,
silicone, mastic, construction adhesive and epoxy. After all is set and cured, any remaining
sharp edges are sanded with a rotary tool and finished off with my own custom colored
grouts.
What is grout?
Grout is a kind of cement and it ties all the tessarea together. I use Portland cement based grout with
chemical additives for extra flexibility to complete the piece.
This step takes the most expertise. I take extra time and effort with a wet cure method, shaping, molding
and smoothing the grout as it dries. I believe that skill and attention to detail in grout finishing separates
the “do-it-yourself-er” from the true artisan/ craftsman.
Do you teach classes?
Sorry, no.
My insurance company wouldn’t look favorably on that!
I work with dangerous and loud power tools, potentially hazardous (and nasty smelling!)
chemicals, airborne contaminants and sharp objects.
You can often find me in my studio looking like an alien… wearing safety goggles,
ear protection, latex gloves and a face piece respirator.
Do you have a store?
No.
I work out of my studio, located in my garage (mosaics can be very messy!).
Mosaics Garden creations can be purchased at select design studios and gift shops, juried
art shows (see listings on website), and from contacting me directly through my website.
Can I use Mosaics Garden creations outdoors?
Certainly.
All garden creations are sealed to withstand wind, sun and rain. They are not, however, frost and freeze
proof. If you live in a cold climate, be sure to store them indoors over the winter.
Can you do mosaics on a fireplace or a back splash?
Sure.
I can design and install mosaic architectural applications to specifically meet your design
and color needs.
| Answers to Frequently Asked Questions |