2The process of making mosaics begins with raw clay. It is wedged and then rolled to make slabs. From these slabs I cut all the various shapes for each mosaic piece. These pieces are dried and then bisque fired in my kiln.
The bisque pieces are then ready for color and detail, applied with underglaze. After a clear coat of glaze has been applied they are refired at a high temperature to mature the clay.
Now the creative process really gets into high gear as these pieces are assembled into colorful, whimsical mosaics. The pieces are each attached to hardi backer, a waterproof backing that serves as the foundation surface of the mosaic. When all the pieces are in their proper place and have come together to make a pleasing image it is time to move to making the frame.
Each frame is made from 1/2" angle iron. I cut each frame to fit the particular mosaic I am creating. After notching each corner, I MIG weld the frame together and then grind and brush the corners. Moving on to the drill press, holes are made for the hanger hardware which I pop rivet into place.
Now the mosaic is ready to affix into the frame.
Grouting the surface of the mosaic is the last step. Once grout has been worked into all the crevices and spaces of the mosaic, the slow process of removing it by successive and gentle wiping of the surface begins. Two days after applying the grout I seal the mosaic surface with a commercial grout sealer.
After photographing the mosaics, they are placed for sale.
The bisque pieces are then ready for color and detail, applied with underglaze. After a clear coat of glaze has been applied they are refired at a high temperature to mature the clay.
Now the creative process really gets into high gear as these pieces are assembled into colorful, whimsical mosaics. The pieces are each attached to hardi backer, a waterproof backing that serves as the foundation surface of the mosaic. When all the pieces are in their proper place and have come together to make a pleasing image it is time to move to making the frame.
Each frame is made from 1/2" angle iron. I cut each frame to fit the particular mosaic I am creating. After notching each corner, I MIG weld the frame together and then grind and brush the corners. Moving on to the drill press, holes are made for the hanger hardware which I pop rivet into place.
Now the mosaic is ready to affix into the frame.
Grouting the surface of the mosaic is the last step. Once grout has been worked into all the crevices and spaces of the mosaic, the slow process of removing it by successive and gentle wiping of the surface begins. Two days after applying the grout I seal the mosaic surface with a commercial grout sealer.
After photographing the mosaics, they are placed for sale.
