Visiting Artist Laurel True: Small Murals Elements for Garden, Home, or Street
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.