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If you are just starting to make mosaics, then congratulations and welcome to a very fun, creative, and beautiful form of art. With any new project, there is a lot to learn and to practice. Mistakes will be made, but that is the best way to learn. Here are the different areas of mosaics that you will be learning about and using: tools, tiles, backers, adhesives, grouts. Let’s talk a little about each one.

Tools - wheeled nippers are the most common hand tool used in mosaics. Knowing now to hold them and cut different shapes with them is essential. Knowing how to maintain them is important as well.

Tiles – there are many different materials used in mosaics like tiles, mirror, found objects, ceramics, smalt, pebbles, rocks, and more. Each have their own characteristics and ways to be cut, glued and grouted.

Backers (also called substrates) - many varieties of backers are used. Terra cotta pots, wood, mirrors, glass, Skeewbackers, cement board, wedi board, and much more. Backers also have nuances such as, some can be used outdoors but some cannot, some need to be sealed, etc. In addition, there are different glues that are appropriate with different backers.

Adhesives – as mentioned above, you need to know what adhesive works best with your backer and your tiles. Weld bond is a common white PVA glue used on indoor mosaics. Here is a free EBook called “The Book on Mosaic Backers” and it contains great information about what backers and adhesives go together. Click here: http://skeew.biz/downloads/the-book-on-mosaic-backers.html to get your free copy.

Grout - last, but not least, everyone’s favorite subject. There are 2 kinds of grout – sanded and unsanded. If your grout lines are thinner than ¼” then it is recommended to use unsanded grout. For all other sizes, sanded is recommended. I, however, disagree and only use sanded grout as it has been successful for me for over 15 years. Unsanded grout is too elastic and I just personally don’t care for it. Grout comes in lots of colors as well. The trick with grout is to choose the right color to go with your project. This is where a lot of artists struggle.

If you need help with getting started in mosaics, then beginning mosaic techniques is where you should start. Techniques are the building blocks of skills. When you know and master these techniques, then you can make any mosaic.

We have assembled a collection of 10 Beginning Mosaic Technique Videos that are below. As always, chat with me if you have questions before or after you buy.