Channel Title: Helen Miles Mosaics Channel Description: Step by step video tutorials on how to make mosaics. Easy to follow guides to tools, materials and techniques. Simple mosaic projects and more advanced projects. Short tours of ancient mosaic sites and museums and inside the studio visits with mosaic artists. Don't forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button if you'd like to get the latest videos. <video> INSIDE THE STUDIO WITH MOSAIC ARTIST ALISON MACCORMAIC Description: As mosaic artists we spend thousands of hours inside our studios but we rarely show ourselves in the crucial spaces which allow our work to happen. This new series of interviews with mosaic artists changes all that - here we have a unique opportunity to talk to professional mosaicists inside their space and learn about how they work, as well as their materials and inspiration. We often have an idea that everyone else has a perfect set up with lots of light, neat shelves and colour coordinated tesserae. But real life isnt always like that. In the third of this series, I meet Alison MacCormaic, a mosaic artist based in Galway in Ireland during a Creative Exchange Residency supported by the World Craft Council Europe. The interview takes place in Alison's studio - a converted cow shed which has recently been extended. Alison does have the neat shelves and colour coordinated materials but that doesn't mean that everything is perfect in her space! Alison is primarily known for her public art projects using Mexican smalti. Alison handles this gorgeous glass - a richer, more varied alternative to its Italian counterpart - with a deep understanding of its colour and tonal potential. Inspired by nature, figures and pattern, Alison reveals all in this interview. To find out more about Alison: https://www.alisonmaccormaic.com/ Instagram: @alison_maccormaic_mosaics Mexican smalti supplier: https://mvmstudios.com/en/ Kerapoxy grout: https://www.mapei.com/gb/en/products-and-solutions/products/detail/kerapoxy 00:00 Introduction 01:01 Alison's stained glass background 02:15 Mexican smalti 03:44 Alison's mosaic practice 05:01 Alison and colour 05:35 Alison's fabrication methods 07:49 Alison and Kerapoxy grout 11:42 Working on the vertical and getting a distance 13:43 Alison's mosaic strategy 15:28 Alison's mosaic commissions 16:44 Tonality in mosaics 17:40 Looking forward 18:52 Alison's studio 20:49 Organisation and storage 22:36 Alison's wish list 23:29 Alison's advice to new mosaicists 25:06 Contact Alison and conclusion </video> <video> HOW TO CREATE CRAZY PAVING MOSAICS: everything you need to know Description: Learn about the art of crazy paving mosaics. This short informative video contains everything you need to know to create a simple but effective crazy paving style mosaic. Harnessing the seeming haphazardness of crazy paving mosaics, this video explains the techniques you need to make beautiful mosaics, whether you are using the method to fill in a background or to decorate a pot. Crazy paving can be a great choice to fill areas within your mosaic but take care - there is more to it than meets the eye. This video reveals the secrets of this laying technique so that you can create stylish and professional looking pieces. 00:00 Introduction 00:22 What is crazy paving? 01:33 Edging your crazy paving mosaic 02:02 Materials for a crazy paving mosaic 02:50 Part I: Laying the border 05:19 Part II: Crazy paving laying in real time 10:54 Part III: Crazy paving laying, speeded up 11:27 Example of professional crazy paving 11:42 Conclusion </video> <video> INSIDE THE STUDIO WITH MOSAIC ARTIST JOY PARKER Description: The first of a series of short, candid interviews with mosaic artists inside their studios. As mosaic artists we spend thousands of hours inside our studios but we rarely show ourselves in the crucial spaces which allow our work to happen. That's all about to change with a new series of interviews with mosaic artists inside their studios where I invite them to talk about their space, their materials and their inspiration. We often have an idea that everyone else has a perfect set up with lots of light, neat shelves and colour coordinated tesserae. But real life isnt like that. In the first of this series, I meet Joy Parker, a mosaic artist based in Selkirk in the Scottish borders. Joy is an eclectic artist who works in a variety of different media but mosaic is the medium she uses the most, both as a 'skin' for her sculptural peices and for the community and church work she has undertaken. Joy is perhaps best known for her portrait of William, the miner, in the Ruins Project run by Rachel Sager in Pennsylvania. To find out more about Joy: https://www.joyparker.org/ https://www.facebook.com/Joy.Parker.Art.Page/?locale=en_GB The Ruins Project: https://www.sagermosaics.com/the-ruins-project Lois Parker, glass artist (Joy's sister): https://www.loisparker.art/about 00:00 Introduction 00:52 Joy's mosaic background 04:03 Mosaic as a 'skin' for Joy's sculptures 05:06 Joy's studio 07:57 Pros and cons of Joy's working space 09:56 Behind the scenes in Joy's studio 11:54 Joy's current mosaic projects 17:29 Joy's mosaic work 19:25 Joy's unexpected mosaic tip 21:53 Cats' eyes for animal sculptures 22:56 How to find Joy online </video> <video> THINKING OF BUYING A MOSAIC KIT? | Everything you need to know about mosaic kits Description: Starting your mosaic journey? Choosing the right kit is the first step! This video explains everything you need to know about mosaic kits so that you can choose the right one for you. Kickstart your creative adventure with confidence by starting with a kit which contains everything you need to make mosaics at home and instructions to help you along the way. A mosaic kit takes the overwhelm out of starting a new hobby but which kit is best for you? Watch this video to find out what the options are when it comes to selecting a mosaic kit. Do you want to use thinset with found materials? Or are you interested in traditional mosaics using flat tiles? Will the kit contain everything you need or are additional materials/skills required? All these questions and more are answered in this video. For more about Rachel Davies Mosaics' kits and to add your name to the waiting list: https://www.racheldaviesmosaics.com/waitlist-for-kits To buy The Mosaic Shop gecko kit or to choose from a range of different designs: https://www.themosaicshop.co.uk/kits The Mosaic Shop also supply ready-cut kits where no cutting is required: https://www.themosaicshop.co.uk/ready-cut-kits 00:00 Introduction 00:47 Two kits - different methods and materials 01:52 Introduction to Rachel Davies Mosaics' kit 02:20 What Rachel Davies Mosaics' kit contains 03:51 Glass pieces in Rachel Davies' kit 04:18 No cutting involved for Rachel Davies Mosaics' kit 04:37 Tile adhesive/thinset in Rachel's kit 05:18 Instructions in Rachel's kit 05:40 Introduction to The Mosaic Shop kit 05:51 What The Mosaic Shop kit contains 06:22 Instructions with The Mosaic Shop kit 06:39 Preparation to use The Mosaic Shop kit 06:54 Tool needed for The Mosaic Shop kit 07:20 Practice cutting for The Mosaic Shop kit 08:03 Grout included in The Mosaic Shop kit 08:25 Comparison and conclusion </video> <video> CRAFTING MOSAIC ANIMAL EYES: A Step-by-step tutorial Description: In this fascinating video, we focus specifically on the art of creating lifelike animal eyes. Discover the techniques used by ancient artisans and learn how to recreate these captivating details in your own mosaic projects. 🔍 What You'll Learn: How ancient mosaic animal eyes were constructed, taking a tessera by tessera approach to making animal eyes. How different animals, from a tiger to a toad, essentially use the same techniques to make a mosaic animal eye stand out. How to take the lessons from the ancients and apply them to your mosaic projects at home. 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you tried making a mosaic before? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! Don't forget to post pictures of your mosaic animal eyes using the hashtag #MosaicAnimalEyes for a chance to be featured in our Instagram stories. 📺 Subscribe for More Art Tutorials: If you enjoyed this video and want to see more content like this, make sure to hit the subscribe button and ring the bell 🔔 to get notified whenever we upload new tutorials. 👍 Like & Share: If you found this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up and share it with fellow art enthusiasts! 📲 Follow Us on Social Media: Instagram:  @HelenMilesMosaics  Facebook: HelenMilesMosaics Twitter: @hmmosaics 🎨 Happy Making! Tags: #MosaicArt #AnimalEyes #DIYMosaic #ArtTutorial #AncientArt #Crafting #MosaicMaking #CreativeProjects #howto 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Different kinds of eyes 01:40 Tesserae in a tiger's eye 03:03 Tesserae in an owl's eye 04:14 Tesserae in a fish eye 04:49 Some simpler mosaic eyes 05:55 Comparing the different mosaic eyes 06:56 Six tesserae mosaic eye 07:13 Four tesserae mosaic eye 07:52 How to create mosaic animal eyes 09:03 Conclusion </video> <video> SIZE & SHAPE OF MOSAIC TESSERAE in traditional style mosaics Description: Confused about what size and shape your tesserae should be? Frustrated that your cuts are not perfect? Wondering why you have so many odd shapes? This video will answer all your questions about size and shape of mosaic tesserae in traditional style mosaics. When you purchase shop bought mosaic tesserae they usually come in 2cm squares (Winckelmans and vitreous glass) or 2.4cm squares (Cinca). You then cut the tiles down to the size and shape that you want and/or need. There is enormous variety in the size and shape of the mosaic tesserae that you will end up using in your mosaics. This video demonstrates the first cutting process - cutting the square tiles down into four pieces, and then the further cutting sometimes needed to shape the tesserae as you place them in your work. An easy to follow video which takes the mystery out of cutting and shaping mosaic tesserae! For more about mosaic tools: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EAseDGNHJg For more about how to cut ceramic tiles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLiVpK78Kc4&t=1s For more about how to cut glass tiles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra5Z6FmQuRU ⚒⚒⚒ 00:00 Introduction 01:01 Demo of cutting mosaic tiles 02:56 Variety of sizes and shapes after cutting 03:45 Cuts not meant to be perfect! 04:42 Examples of different sizes and shapes in a mosaic 07:37 Real time cutting and shaping 14:06 Bonus point - smoothing ragged edges? </video> <video> THREE WAYS TO USE LEFT OVER TILE ADHESIVE THINSET FOR MOSAICS Description: Do you feel guilty about throwing away left over thinset tile adhesive*? Do you wish there was an easy method to clean your pot at the end of a day? Would you like to find simple ways to recycle your leftover thinset? This video provides super simple and quick solutions to the perennial problem of what to do with left over tile adhesive. Here you will find three constructive ways to repurpose the stuff that's left at the bottom of the pot so you need never feel guilty again! Learn more about making thinset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQX-jgauWC8 Discover how to make a mosaic using the thinset/tile adhesive method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrONIg_bi-o *Psssst! Thinset and tile adhesive are the same thing. The paste you use to apply tiles to a wall in called thin set in the states and tile adhesive in the UK 00:00 Introduction 00:18 How to make thinset and how to use it 00:48 Why you will have leftover thinset 01:07 Use an old yoghurt pot to mix your thinset 01:56 Why a yoghurt pot is best 02:22 Method 1 - spread in a thickish layer over plastic 03:25 Method 2 - make random shapes with leftover shards 04:13 Method 3 - make a mosaic which you add to 05:05 Conclusion </video> <video> MY TOP SEVEN TIPS FOR MAKING COMMUNITY MOSAICS Description: Ready to transform your community space with a beautiful mosaic mural? In this video, I share seven essential tips to help you successfully plan and execute a community mosaic project. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a first-time creator, these tips will help ensure your mosaic is a success and everyone can get involved. From choosing the right method to cutting the template into easy-to-handle sections, we take a look at ways to work collectively on a single project. Community mosaics are a fantastic way to foster a sense of togetherness, celebrate diversity, and create a lasting piece of art that everyone can enjoy. They are perfect for schools, parks, community centres, and other public spaces. I've made a separate video which walks you through the paper backed method (reverse method on paper) that I recommend for community projects: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7DwlrWC9k4 Here is another video on making the flour paste glue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMNQ-FSgYMM And in case you missed my video explaining the art of andamento, here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IFhQ5VmqR0 💡 Get Involved! Share your own mosaic projects and experiences in the comments below. Let’s build a vibrant and creative community together! 🔔 Subscribe to my channel for more art tutorials, project ideas, and creative inspiration. Don't forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 👍 Like this video if you found it helpful, and share it with your friends and family to spread the joy of mosaic art. #CommunityArt #MosaicArt #DIYProjects #ArtTutorials Follow me on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenmilesmosaics/?hl=en Twitter: https://x.com/hmmosaics?lang=en Visit my website: www.helenmilesmosaics.org for more resources and project ideas! Thank you for watching and being part of our creative journey! 🌟 00:00 Introduction 00:19 Tip #1 Use the reverse method on paper 01:01 - using water soluble glue 01:27 - the paper explained 02:34 Tip #2 Don't underestimate the prep 02:51 - example of prep 03:54 Tip #3 Think about the divisions at design stage 04:37 - example of section size 05:28 Tip #4. Think about the andamento at design stage 05:48 - cutting against the andamento flow 06:08 Tip #5 Allow time for training 07:00 - training examples 07:59 Tip #6 Check you have storage space 08:40 Tip #7 Supervise 09:29 Conclusion </video> <video> MASTERING OUTDOOR MOSAICS: 4 Key Principles For Long-lasting Artwork Description: Making out door mosaics can be a challenge. Maybe you are worried about how to install them or that the materials or adhesives won't last against the elements. Watch this easy to follow video in which I break down the four key principles of making outdoor mosaics. Choose your materials, substrates and glues with attention to their underlying properties. Embed your tesserae properly. Apply these principles and you are guaranteed strong, beautiful and, most importantly, permanent outdoor mosaics. Want to take your mosaic practice further? Then try my pre-recorded online class which takes you through all the stages of preparing, making and finishing a contemporary mosaic using the classical rules: https://helenmilesmosaics.org/product/ancient-principles-to-contemporary-art-create-a-mosaic-using-the-roman-rules/ 00:00 Introduction 00:32 Outdoor materials 01:22 Using crockery outdoors 03:00 Outdoor substrates 06:17 Installing outdoor mosaics on a wall 07:13 Outdoor adhesives 09:55 Depth of adhesive for outdoors 13:03 Conclusion </video> <video> A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO USING A FLAT BED TILE CUTTER FOR MOSAICS Description: A short, easy to follow video about how to use a flat bed tile cutter. Flat bed tile cutters are an essential bit of mosaic kit if you want to use domestic kitchen and bathroom tiles for your mosaic projects. This video introduces you to this effective and economical tool which is available at all good tile shops. Using a flat bed tile cutters allows you to include inexpensive tiles in your mosaic work without straining your wrists. 00:00 Introduction 00:17 Which tiles to use with the flat bed tile cutter 01:00 Introducing the flat bed tile cutter 02:25 How to cut tiles with the flat bed tile cutter 04:10 Cutting smaller pieces with the flat bed tile cutter 05:10 A mosaic made using a flat bed tile cutter </video> <video> EASY DIY MOSAIC COASTERS, NO CUTTING NEEDED | Tutorial for Beginners Description: Welcome to my easy DIY tutorial on making beautiful mosaic coasters for beginners! 🌟 Are you looking for a simple mosaic project suitable for beginners? Do you want to find a craft project that kids will enjoy? Do you love the idea of hand made gifts for a special occasion? If so, you're in the right place! This video takes you step by step through the process of how to create stunning mosaic coasters from scratch. Whether you’re new to mosaics or just looking for a fun and creative project, this tutorial is perfect for you! What you’ll learn: ✅ Materials you’ll need for your mosaic project ✅ How to plan your coaster pattern ✅ Laying and gluing the mosaic pieces ✅ Grouting the coasters for a professional finish This project is super fun, affordable, and great for all ages. Materials used: 10mm ceramic or glass tiles MDF coaster bases Wood or PVA glue Grout Plus items that you're sure to have at home. If you enjoy this video, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to my mosaic tutorials. 00:00 Introduction 00:35 What you need 02:19 What kind of glue? 03:05 Introducing the grout 03:47 A few other things 04:21 Wear a mask for grouting! 05:01 Get started! Choose your colours and design 06:35 Get making! 11:48 Coaster Number 2 12:11 Changing your mind /swapping out the pieces 13:47 Dry your coasters 14:32 Mix the grout 16:03 Make sure everything is stuck 16:40 Grout your coasters 19:02 Clean your coasters </video> <video> A simple and joyous solution to the tile adhesive container conundrum. Description: Fed up with messy containers full of drying or hardened tile adhesive/thin set? Your problems are over. Just cut a wide necked yoghurt pot down to about half its height and use that to mix your tile adhesive. You can then just leave it to dry over night and give it squeeze in the morning and all the old tile adhesive drops off and it's good to go again! Simple and effective way to recycle and reuse and make your life easier! </video> <video> CLASSICAL RULES OF MOSAIC MAKING - using an outline the classical way Description: Do you want to know how - and why- to use an outline around your mosaic work? The outline is an ancient technique which has been used since Roman times to define the main figure in your mosaic design. But what is it for? What does it do? And can you dispense with it altogether? This short, easy-to-follow video explains all. Looking at ancient examples, we show how to use the outline in your work and how the Romans used it. Later we compare with more contemporary work and then you decide if you want an outline or not! 00:00 Introduction 00:18 The outline explained with classical examples 01:00 Why use an outline? 01:25 What the outline does 02:15 The outline to push away distracting tesserae 02:37 The outline: one line or more? 03:09 Outlining fiddly bits 04:32 The outline in more recent mosaics 05:03 Mosaic work without an outline 05:38 To use an outline or not? </video> <video> CLASSICAL BACKGROUNDS EXPLAINED | In-depth look at mosaic backgrounds Description: Unsure about how to fill in your mosaic background? In this video, Classical Background Explained'' I show you traditional ways of filling in your mosaic background. These techniques and patterns have been used for thousands of years and still offer endless opportunity for inspiration. We'll unravel the secrets of classical mosaic backgrounds, from their origins in ancient civilizations to their modern-day interpretations so that you can use or adapt them for your own mosaic creations. Join me on a visual journey through stunning examples of classical mosaic backgrounds, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship that defines this art form. These ways of laying mosaic backgrounds, traditionally called 'opuses' or 'opera', give you tried and tested solutions when you are not sure how to fill in your mosaic background. If you would like to know more about classical mosaics, follow this channel or consider purchasing a pre-recorded class which takes you step by step through the process of making a mosaic using the classic roman rules. https://helenmilesmosaics.org/product/ancient-principles-to-contemporary-art-create-a-mosaic-using-the-roman-rules/ 00:00 Introduction 00:16 What are mosaic backgrounds? 00:45 Opus Tessellatum 02:28 Opus Musivum 03:08 Opus Circumactum 03:42 Opus Palladium 04:16 Opus Vermiculatum 04:45 Opus Regulatum 05:12 Opus Everythingum 06:01 Conclusion </video> <video> INSIDE THE STUDIO WITH MOSAIC ARTIST RACHEL DAVIES Description: As mosaic artists we spend thousands of hours inside our studios but we rarely show ourselves in the crucial spaces which allow our work to happen. This new series of interviews with mosaic artists changes all that - here we have a unique opportunity to talk to professional mosaicists inside their space and learn about how they work, as well as their materials and inspiration. We often have an idea that everyone else has a perfect set up with lots of light, neat shelves and colour coordinated tesserae. But real life isnt like that. In the second of this series, I meet Rachel Davies, a mosaic artist based in Dunblane in Perthshire, Scotland who works from her own front room and other parts of the house. Rachel is primarily known as a slate artist but she uses other stones and glass in her work and here she talks about her inspiration in nature as well as her working space, her upcoming exhibition and her book, Mosaics Inspired by Nature, coming out in September 2024. To find out more about Rachel: https://www.racheldaviesmosaics.com/ Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @racheldaviesmosaics To pre-order her book: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/mosaics-inspired-by-nature-9781789942071/ 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Rachel's mosaic background 04:23 Rachel and slate 07:19 Rachel's studio 14:47 Rachel and other materials 16:28 Rachel's working practice 16:56 Rachel's 100 days project 18:25 Rachel talking about her work 21:03 Rachel's to beginner mosaicists 22:27 Rachel's tools 23:58 Mosaics Inspired by Nature - new book out 25:32 Contact Rachel </video>

Contacts and Links

Description

Step by step video tutorials on how to make mosaics. Easy to follow guides to tools, materials and techniques. Simple mosaic projects and more advanced projects. Short tours of ancient mosaic sites and museums and inside the studio visits with mosaic artists.

Don't forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button if you'd like to get the latest videos.

Videos from channel