Visiting Artist David Jarvinen Abstract Hummingbird Sculpture
Time: 10am -4pm
Join mosaic Artist, David Jarvinen, to discover how to apply his wonderful abstract methods to a more realistic subject. Our subject is a custom metal hummingbird sculpture. In class we work to design one side of sculpture using Wire, Beads, Mexican Smalti and Glass Tiles. This allows time to play with depth and understand how to define the body areas of a bird simply and "effortlessly". No grouting needed, we work with tinted adhesive and embrace the 'negative space' left between the different materials. Everything included in this project.
Please note: There is a $65 materials fee additional to the tuition.
DO NOT USE THE ADD TO CART BUTTON TO REGISTER
REGISTER HERE
Mid Century Modern Stepping Stone
SOLD OUT!
April 26 10am-3pm & April 27th 10am-12pm
Instructor: Jill Stevenson-Ritter
Make something beautiful for your garden and explore Mid Century Modern designs of the 1940's through 1960's while you're at it!
In this 2-day beginner class, students will mosaic a 12” X 12” concrete stepping stone using colorful, stained glass and glass tile. We will cover all the steps of mosaic creation, from design, tool use, cutting and shaping stained glass, setting, using thin set mortar, grouting and sealing. Bring your own design or use prepared templates.
Saturday students will design and set their stepping stones using glass, glass tiles and thinset mortar.
Sunday, students will grout their stepping stones and leave with a finished mosaic for the garden.
Use of tools, stepping stones and glass are included.
Great for beginners, no art or mosaic experience necessary.
There is a $25 materials fee payable on the first day of class, cash or check
To Register: DO NOT USE THE SHOP BUTTON!
Contact Jill at Jillstevensonritter.com
Introduction to Glass Mosaics
May 17, 10am to 3 pm May 18, 10:15 am – 12:15pm
Instructor: Randina Casenza
In this 2-day beginner class, students will create an 8" x 8" indoor mosaic using stained glass and glass tile. We will cover all steps of mosaic creation from preparing the substrate, design transfer, tool use, setting and grouting.
On Saturday we will transfer our design to the substrate and glue (set) the mosaic pieces down. On Sunday we take our mosaic select a grout color and apply the grout for the finishing step.
Choose from a selection of prepared designs for your piece. Use of all tools, adhesive, substrates and all glass materials are included.
No art or mosaic experience necessary.
All materials are included
To Register: DO NOT USE THE SHOP BUTTON!
Contact Randi at [email protected] for information and registration.
Visiting Artist Laurel True: Small Murals Elements for Garden, Home, or Street
SOLD OUT!
July 18-20, 2025
Do you want to make a beautiful mosaic for your home or local streetscape but aren’t quite ready to jump into a large-scale project?
In this hands-on workshop you’ll learn best practices for creating exterior and permanent mosaic projects in smaller-than-mural sizes, using the tile tape method.
I’ve used this technique to create and install mosaic elements all over the world. I love creating large-scale murals, but it’s also very freeing (and easier!) to create smaller mosaic elements. With smaller elements you can pack them, stack them, store them, and install them onto a wall or surface quickly and easily by yourself.
In this three-day immersive workshop participants will learn how to create a mosaic mural element incorporating glass, tile, and mirror using the same principles I teach in my Mosaic Mural Making workshops, but on a smaller scale.
Workshop participants will receive step-by-step instruction in specific mosaic-making principles using ceramic, mirror, and glass using the tile tape method. This is by far my favorite method for creating small mural elements and mosaic murals, and I use it in my professional and street art projects. And yes, I’ll talk about using materials of differing thicknesses in one piece, and what to avoid.
Participants will create a personal project to take home, which they can install later in an environment of their choice. I’ll share and demonstrate my secrets, tips, and tricks for successful, lasting installations; demonstrating exactly how to install and grout your piece later.
Finished pieces can 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.
You’ll receive clear instruction and demonstration of the use of tools to achieve various cuts and effects with your materials; including how to get clean cuts, and how to cut and shape pieces with precision. One-on-one instruction will be offered so that each participant’s skill level is enhanced. I’ll teach you how to hold and use your tools correctly, so you create less waste, avoid stressing your body, and feel more confident about your technique. I address mindset and intention as integral aspects of mosaic creation.
Workshop will also cover:
- Overview of best practices for creating exterior mosaics in various climate conditions
- Best substrates + adhesives for exterior mosaics
- Working with mirror and materials of various thicknesses
- Selecting shapes and creating specialty cuts to enhance 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 which types I recommend)
- 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 who have their own tools are invited to bring them. A full list of tools we’ll be learning about/using will be sent out before the workshop.
Ceramic tile, glass accents, and mirror will be provided, as well as design templates that can be reproduced or adapted. Approximate size range for projects is 12” x 12” to 18“ x 18”. Students are welcome to bring their own design. I’ll work with each student to ensure the complexity level of designs are appropriate for workshop timeframe.
“This workshop was a fantastic learning retreat. Laurel is so generous with information. She held nothing back, teaching everything…from concept to completion. I finally have the confidence to do it on my own.” - Janet R, New Orleans, LA
DO NOT USE THE ADD TO CART BUTTON TO REGISTER!
REGISTRATION HERE
Cancellation Policy:
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 7 working days after cancellation. Once this occurs, True Mosaics Studio shall have no obligation regarding any additional costs or fees related to travel reservations.
About Laurel True:
Laurel True has been creating mosaic murals around the world for over 30 years. She is the owner of True Mosaics Studio, Founding Director of the Global Mosaic Project, and she co-founded Institute of Mosaic Art in Oakland, CA in 2005. Laurel has created hundreds of mosaic installations 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.
Slate and Glass Mosaic Workshop with JaYing Wang
August 30, 2025
11am-3pm
In this class, you will learn to use various tools to break pieces of slate and flagstone. You will also choose from a selection of pebbles, colored glass, beads and even use paint or copper foil to add color to glass or rocks.
A considerable amount of time will be spent on “andamento” - the Italian mosaic term referring to visual flow and direction created by specific placement of your pieces. Once you’ve created your design, you’ll transfer the pieces into cement. The finished composition will not be grouted as the cement will be black. Shallow shadow boxes will be provided to frame your mosaics. Take home the same day.
To Register: DO NOT USE THE SHOP BUTTON!
Contact Ja Ying Wang at : [email protected]
Mosaic Mirror or Birdhouse with Angie Heinrich of Zetamari Mosaics
September 26-28, 2025
Friday & Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm
Sunday: 9:30am - 1:00pm
Join Angie Heinrich of Zetamari Mosaics for a hands-on 3-day mosaic workshop where you’ll create either a weatherproof mosaic birdhouse (complete with a mounting pole!) or a 21” mandala mirror for indoor display. Whether you’re completely new to mosaics or a seasoned mosaic artist, this workshop is all about having a great time, fresh inspiration, and leaving with a beautiful, finished piece that is a unique reflection of you.
With over 23 years of experience teaching mosaics and creating art full-time in my Seattle studio, I’ll guide you through every step of the process—from design to the final touches. I’m passionate about helping people tap into their creative side, even if they don’t think they have one!
I’ll also be bringing a huge variety of beads, glass tiles, and unique materials for you to choose from, so you can customize your project to reflect your personal style. Whether you love bold, vibrant colors or prefer a more subtle, earthy palette, you’ll have plenty of options to make your piece truly one-of-a-kind.
All materials are included—just bring your creativity and get ready to have fun!
Upgrade option: 26" Mandala for additional fee.
DO NOT USE THE SHOP BUTTON!
Register HERE
Introduction to Smalti
Saturday, 10/18, 10am - 4pm Sunday, 10/19, 10:15am - 4pm
In this two-day workshop, you will learn the basics of working with smalti—the beautiful Italian glass that has been used in mosaics for centuries.
You will learn about different types of smalti, how they are made, and how to cut them with nippers. Instruction includes how to use thin set mortar as a setting medium and how to work from an image. We will cover basic setting styles, both ancient and modern. There will be a demonstration of cutting with hammer and hardie.
Choose a simple design image from our collection, and leave class with a colorful, 6”x6” smalti mosaic.
If you’ve never tried smalti, this is the workshop for you!
All tools and a large selection of both Italian and Mexican smalti are included.
Instructor: Ilse Cordoni
There is a $50 materials fee in addition to the class fee.
DO NOT USE THE ADD TO CART BUTTON TO REGISTER
To register contact Ilse at [email protected]