Mosaic art includes everything from bird houses to guitars

A great article about a mosaic artist in Texas. From bird houses to crosses to guitars, everything gets covered with mosaics.

Mosaic of Memories

I was wondering what to do with all those tiles I painted some years ago when I first started out hand-painting tiles. I recently took a class taught by Carole Free (a wonderful instructor) at UCLA Extension on the art of making mosaics. For a couple of classes I was stuck as I couldn't decide which direction to take as I had so many ideas.
Probably the only thing worse than having no ideas (never my problem in any situation) is having too many (which is why I've never been able to focus my life on any one path). About a year ago I broke up some of my tiles but then didn't know what to do with them, so they sat in a bag on the floor just waiting for the right moment.
Happily, the right moment arrived! I had previously bought a framed mirror which I had intended to use to hold ten 6" tiles, probably with a Ballona Wetlands scene, but I couldn't quite get motivated to paint the tiles.
So everything came together, as these things do.
Now I have to figure out how and where to hang it as it is so heavy and I don't want it crashing down in the next quake.

(Photo and artwork copyright roslyn m wilkins)

Hand-Painted Tile Class

Yes, I'm teaching again at Westside Extension at West Los Angeles College.

Decorative ceramic tiles have been in use for thousands of years and are just as popular today for a myriad of uses. Hand-painted tiles can be used for trivets, jewelery boxes, mirror frames, table tops and for installing on kitchen and bathroom walls.

Ceramic tile painting is easy, even if you have no artistic flair. I will show you all the steps and will provide patterns for those who wish to use them. Learn painting and drawing techniques and how to glaze the tiles. You’ll make one tile each week which I will fire for you in a kiln. Once fired, your artwork cannot deteriorate like a painting.

Returning students will learn more advanced techniques. Learn how to turn your favorite vacation photos or pet snapshots into lasting keepsakes.

Bring a container for water, a blow dryer (optional) and don't wear your best clothes!

Course #457 Hand-Painted Ceramic Tiles

Class fee $49 with $15 material fee payable to instructor first class

2 Saturdays: 9 am-12:30 pm , June 23 & 30

You can sign up here, my class is at the BOTTOM of the page!

Or call West Los Angeles College at (310) 287-4475