Want to make something awesome for your garden, home or streetscape but aren’t quite ready to jump into a large-scale project?

In this five-day workshop you’ll learn best practices for creating exterior, permanent, small-scale mosaic murals and mural elements using the Tile Tape technique.

Each student will design and create a mural element which can be installed later in an environment of their choice. 

Whether it’s a mosaic flower for your garden wall, a mosaic butterfly to be done with a group of school kids, or something to be installed in the public sphere, you will learn how to make mural-like elements using the same principles I teach in my Mosaic Mural Making workshops, but on a smaller scale. 

Your finished piece may be combined with other small mural elements to create larger compositions, grouped as components in community projects, or simply used to enhance your garden, home, or street corner.

I’ll share and demonstrate my secrets, tips, and tricks for successful, lasting installations. In addition to making your own piece to take home, you will learn exactly how to install and grout a permanent, exterior piece. I’ll demonstrate this using a pre-prepared piece created from ceramic tile, glass and mirror. And, yes, I will address use of materials of different heights!

This workshop includes step-by-step instruction in specific mosaic-making principles using ceramic, mirror and glass elements. You’ll also learn the tile tape method, commonly used for off-site creation of mosaic murals. This is by far my favorite method for creating small mural elements and mosaic murals, and I use it in my professional projects around the world. 

Students will receive clear instruction and demonstration of use of tools to achieve various cuts and effects with their materials including how to get clean cuts and how to intentionally shape pieces. One-on-one instruction will be offered so that each students skill level is enhanced.

Uniquely designed for students of all experience levels, this workshop will teach participants skills and techniques they can use to create future projects of their own.

Workshop will also cover:

• Design development, color coding and planning techniques

• Best practices for creating mosaics for exterior application and display

• Substrates + adhesives for exterior applications 

• Cutting and working with mirror strips of various thicknesses

• Working with materials of different heights and shapes

• Materials + climate considerations

• Selecting and creating various cuts and shapes of tile/glass for specific areas of a design

• Use of the contact paper/Tile Tape method (and why I like it better than fiberglass mesh)

• Dividing and coding larger elements for easy, one-person installation

• Understanding, mixing, and using thin-set adhesive (and why I love certain types)

• Application of an even mortar bed for painless installation

• Grouting with a finished, professional edge for a graceful transition onto background

• Suggestions and inspirations for finishing the wall behind mosaic elements

• Sourcing materials for future projects

Uniquely designed for students of all experience levels, this workshop will teach skills and techniques participants can use to create future projects of their own. Although some mosaic experience may be helpful, it is not necessary. 

Students will need to bring their own tools. A full list will be sent out before the workshop.

Ceramic tile, glass accents and mirror materials will be provided and students are encouraged to bring materials to incorporate in their small-scale mural elements. Guidelines for materials will be sent to course registrants. 

Design templates (that students can use or adapt) will be provided. Templates are sized from approximately 12” x 12” to 18“ x 18”. Students are also welcome to bring their own design. 

Patterns include: flowers, bird, dragonfly, butterfly, radial/mandala, heart, lizard, lotus and more. 

Note: Laurel will work with students to simplify or create more complexity in their designs, as appropriate, for the duration of the workshop.

”This workshop was a fantastic learning retreat. Laurel is so generous with information; she held nothing back, teaching everything about making a mosaic mural from concept to completion. I finally have the confidence to do it on my own.” — Janet R., USA

About Laurel True:

Laurel True has been creating mosaic murals around the world for the past 30 years. She is the co-founder of the Institute of Mosaic Art, Founding Director of the Global Mosaic Project and owner of True Mosaics Studio. Laurel has created over 100 mosaic murals and has taught and trained thousands of students, apprentices and volunteers.

Laurel started making architectural mosaics after an apprenticeship with street artist Isaiah Zagar. Isaiah’s work is characterized by flowing mirrored lines and large fields of broken tile. Laurel has been incorporating mirror, glass, and tile into her work ever since, adapting it to her own style and methods.

True Mosaics Studio Cancellation Policy for 2024

Class fee is refundable up to 45 days before workshop start date, minus $50 admin fee. After this time fees paid are non-refundable and no credits will be given. No exceptions will be made to cancellation policy. 

Should any workshop/retreat be cancelled by True Mosaics Studio, the entire amount paid will be refunded within fourteen days after cancellation. Once this occurs, True Mosaics Studio shall have no obligation regarding any additional costs or fees related to travel reservations.