Tools and Techniques: Best Practices for Cutting, Shaping and Setting High-Fire Ceramic Tile

Session 1: Sunday, August 8

Time: Sunday 10 am - 12pm
Experience level: All
Cost: $99

Session 2: Sunday, August 8

Time: Sunday 2 - 4 pm
Experience level: All
Cost: $99

Sorry both sessions of this workshop have been cancelled by host.

Workshop host and location: Studio 9, 2020 Dennison St #9

Oakland CA, 94606


I’ve been asked many times over the years where to find, and how to best utilize brightly colored, exterior-grade ceramic tile.

I always stress how important it is to approach permanent and exterior mosaics with best practices. That starts with choosing the right materials. For durability and longevity as well as beauty.

If you want to employ ceramic tile in exterior and permanent projects, most of the time that means working with high-fire tile, which can be trickier to find in a range of awesome colors, and more challenging to work with than other materials.

In this 2-hour training clinic I’ll cover sourcing and working with high-fire (exterior-grade) ceramic tile for mosaics. We’ll break down exactly what this means, why environment very much matters, and what you need to consider when selecting materials.

I’ll talk about several manufacturers of brightly colored, exterior-grade ceramic tile and why I like and how I use each, including which tools work best for each type.

I’ll also cover:

  • Color range and availability of different brands of high-fire tile

  • Discussion about glaze qualities

  • Use of high-fire tile on floors and pavements

  • Tips for estimating coverage

  • Selecting the right adhesive

  • Language and reference terms used in the tile industry, mosaic world and ceramic world

We’ll drill down into the best way to use hand tools for cutting and shaping hard tile, with as little waste as possible. I’ll demonstrate a variety of these tools including high-end nippers and cutters, tile stones and making tools that are essential for precision work.

Additional lessons:

  • Creating visual texture and interest with high-fire tile

  • Using various lay patterns and combinations of shapes in a piece

  • Approaches for pre-processing to save material and energy

  • Carving shapes with hand tools

  • Making adjustments to pieces without creating jagged edges

  • How to get a professional, precision look

  • Best practices for holding and controlling your tools and materials

  • Tips for positioning your body to avoid strain and injury

  • Using your non-dominant hand to ensure more precision in your cutting

Students will come away from this clinic with a huge amount of information that they can apply to future projects.

*This is a skill-building clinic, students will not make an individual art piece to take home.

Registration open for Session 1 (10 am - 12 pm):


The REGISTER button above will take you directly to pay pal. You will receive a welcome email/ registration confirmation from True Mosaics Studio within a couple hours in which you’ll be asked for your contact phone number and vaccination status. If you would prefer to pay for the workshop a different way, please email us!


Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations least 30 days before the first day of class: Your registration fee will be refunded, minus a $50 cancellation fee.

Cancellations 29-15 days before the first day of class: Class credit only, minus a $50 cancellation fee.

Cancellations less than 15 days before the first day of class: No refunds or credits will be given.