Mosaics with Lis Greensmith

About the Course

Mosaic making is an art form which dates back many thousands of years and its appeal has endured to this day. There are many fine examples of historic mosaics thanks to the durability of the materials used at the time. Today we still follow the same procedures, assembling and fixing 'tesserae', but now a huge variety of materials can be used – recycled materials, found objects, etc.

Created By Hand's Mosaic Tutor, Lis Greensmith, has been running her own mosaic business for 10 years. Lis specialises in making quirky mosaics out of anything she can put her hands on, whether it's expensive Millefiori glass from Murano in Venice, or pottery and glass nuggets she has collected off the beaches in Cornwall on her holidays.

This workshop is aimed at complete beginners so no prior knowledge is needed. You don’t even need to bring anything with you, as all equipment and materials are provided to create a beautiful project on the day and there are lots of options to choose from including ....

1. A Tea tray
2. A Square of Flower Shaped Mosaic Mirror
3. Set of up to 4 coasters
4 An Animal Plaque (Seahorse / Dragonfly / Gheko etc)
5 Lots more ....

If you have already attended one of Lis’ classes then you could work on more intricate designs with Lis on hand to help whenever needed.

The first part of the workshop is concerned with learning how to cut tessarae safely. Lis will explain the various types of tile nippers and their uses and then get you to use them to learn how to cut different shapes out of different types of tessarae (ceramic, vitreous glass, mirror).

Once everyone has got to grips with that, Lis will then explain the processes involved in mosaicing, i.e. sealing, designing, assembling, fixing, grouting. This is the "Direct Method" of mosaicing and towards the end of the workshop Lis will give a grouting demonstration to show you what you need to do at home after the workshop, as you can only grout your design once the glue is completely dry.

So, at the end of the class, you will take home a beautiful project, along with a pot of grout and instructions, to enable you to finish your masterpiece at home.

Please note that the tray will be untreated MDF. You will then be able to paint it any colour you wish when you get home to match your mosaic design (advice will be given on paint choice during workshop but paint is not supplied).

The course focus is always on fun and friendly creativity with lots of personal tuition from an experienced mosaic artist.

Class sizes will be limited to 8 people so get in touch soon to book your place.We hope you can join us.

If booking with a CraftCourses voucher for part or all of the course fee, please fill in the contact form above or telephone us. Your voucher code must be provided at the point of booking.

What's included in the price?

All materials and use of tools are included in the course price.

Liquid refreshments will be provided throughout the day but we would ask you to bring your own lunch to the workshop. Alternatively, the class will be held at Created By Hand in the stables area of Strelley Hall, where you will also find the wonderful Mulberry Tree Cafe. So if you prefer, you can purchase delicious, freshly prepared food and drink at discounted prices.