Mosaic

My own mosaic

Have you ever tried mosaic in art? As an adult it is soo therapeutic. It can't be rushed- and forces you to stay in the moment. Like knitting or sewing, it is repetitive- I think this is a great mindfulness exercise.

Mosaic can be experimented with using paper at a young age. My first class made this group picture using mosaic (a ratio of 3:1 boys = Mindcraft obsession!)

Tiles can also be used with middle primary and senior primary level.

Firstly you will need a base tile. It doesn't matter what colour they are because they will be covered with grout. Just a plain left over tile will do.

The small tiles can be bought from a craft shop (Buy tiles here: http://corkartsupplies.com/Craft-Mosaic/), or you can buy bathroom tiles on a net and cut them/ steep them in boiling water and remove.

I just used the tiles at this size with primary school children. You can buy cutters, but I wouldn't let children do this- and make sure you wear safety glasses.

Remind the children that the edges of tiles may be sharp- and not to rummage around too heavily in the container of tiles.

You will need adhesive and grout in one. This can be bought as a mixture or pre-made.

Using spatulas, the children 'butter' the grout onto the small tiles and stick to the main tile.

Add buttons and beads for variety

Leave to dry for a day.
Cover the whole tile in the grout to fill all the gaps. Using a damp sponge, wipe off all excess.

Leave for another day.
Gently sand off any excess grout and polish the finished product.

I really like the work of an Irish artist, Dawn Aston (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dawn-Aston-Art-and-Designs/138942572800775?sk=wall). 

She runs workshops which I highly recommend! 

I attended one in the Purple Raven Art Studio in Delvin, Co. Westmeath (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Purple-Raven-Art/132973726731506?fref=ts).