I tend to work on many projects at once, not too sure why but that’s how I do it. These are still unfinished, yet-to-be-started, in-the-middle-of projects that I thought I’d post here.. I update this page every so often as things get finished…
Nov. 2009:
I am trying to make more of an effort to do some things just for me. I’ve almost finished my mail box which I’m very happy with and I have a large wall hanging that I started this time last year… It was supposed to go where I ended up putting Lovefly, but decided it was too nice for a stepping stone… I have the perfect spot for it right outside the window of my studio…
Kim Grant Mosaics - Mania & Mischief 
I love your work and please continue to inspire us. I love mosaic and I’m on my own personal mission to design all the pieces that tell a story about my life. I’m attracted to rainbow colors, angels, fairies, butterflies and animals 🙂
Hi i’ve being researching mosaic tiles for some of my own work and discovered your blog, i found it really useful nice work!
Hi Martin,
Yes I have, thanks! It’s a great forum. I daresay the best I’ve come across so far!
Hi Kim – have you seen this site:
http://mosaicsandceramics.ning.com/
think that you will like it – it’s a forum for mosaic artists. It’s fun and it’s free!
check it out.
Hello Kim and Martin
How do you get invited into the mosaicandcermaics.ning.com site. ?
Thank you Susan
Hi Susan,
No idea sorry. I rarely go there these days.
OMGosh, Kim…What is on the wall?\\….c
Hi Karen,
I’ll try to give you what I think will work – obviously this isn’t necessarily correct! I think the main thing about teaching kids (and adults too) is maintaining a goal but being flexible on how you get to it 😉
For 4th and 5th graders (say between 9-11 years of age) I think they might be able to manage tile nippers and/or the wheeled mosaic cutters. I’d emphasise the correct use of the tile nippers though, and not be so disappointed if the cut was not perfect. In fact I’d use it as a “clean up” tool. That is, to clean up the edges of any that were smashed from a hammer.
Glass is easier to cut, but I just worry about glass and kids. I’m not sure which tiles you are talking about that are prescored, since the ones I use are not and I have never seen any, but that is probably just a cultural thing too. If they are prescored and you think the kids could handle it, then do it. I love glass. I use glass more than ceramic, but I love some ceramic too. Just go for the better quality and colourful ones. The ceramic tile here in Canberra is destined for a consumer, not necessarily interested in a work of art in their bathroom or kitchen or laundry, so they’re all quite uninteresting on the colour range. Having said that, colour is coming back in and I’ve noticed some interesting colours appearing in a few places.
I think the idea of not jumping in with the expensive materials is wise. But a bit of bling is essential I think. It’s the sparkle that captures people 🙂
Best of luck with it! Let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear the follow-through story…
Cheers!
Hi Kim,
I’ve been dabbling in mosaic design for a few years now. I am also an elementary school teacher and decided to have my students create their own work last year. It was a huge undertaking as I had 21 eight year olds engaged in the process at the same time. Because of the potential danger (and expense) I cut ceramic tile pieces for my students as opposed having them break large pieces with a mallet. In the end, they had a great time and their work was amazing.
I would like to teach a 10 week afterschool mosaic club this year for a much smaller and a bit older group (10 children in 4th and 5th).
I was wondering if you have any tips beyond what I read in your article.
Here are my questions:
Do you think the kids could handle tile cutters if they wear little gardening gloves, or would you recommend using mallets and working with shards?
Glass is easier to cut and is already prescored. What are your thoughts of glass verses ceramic?
Any tips on the best place for ordering bulk materials and tools? I currently use Delphi for myself.
My plan was to integrate some background history and working with other materials first before getting into the more expensive stuff.
I’d love any advice you could offer.
Thanks so much.
Karen
Thanks for your kind words Colleen. Always enjoy being part of the worldwide mosaic community (the world really is a small place!!)
Kim great work and a great site. Thanks for contributing to the wonderful world of mosaics.
Thanks for looking (& commenting) Michelle!
Love your works in progress! Love the 3D art too!