Links
MOSAIC CLASSES: Dave Jarvinen offers a variety of creative glass mosaic classes in Phoenix, Glendale, and Tucson. Get on his mailing list to see what is available. His classes are reasonably priced, have a variety of creative projects, and he's a good teacher to learn from. Dave is my go-to guy when I have questions on installations or when I have a wild idea and don't know how to carry it out. Dave has recently opened MG STUDIOS in Tucson (4636 E Grant Rd) and Phoenix (4804 N. &th Ave) where he offers mosaic supplies and classes. For his class schedule, check www.mgstudiophx or www.mgstudiotucson.com.
WEDI BOARD: Partial sheets of wedi board can be ordered online at various sites. www.mosaicsmalti.com is probably the best source. They also carry wedi hangers, which I use for hanging my larger mosaics. Wedi is also available through Dave Jarvinen, www.mosaicguys.com, at his Tucson and Phoenix mosaic sites. Wedi is also available now through amazon.com in a few sizes.
MOSAIC MESH: I prefer the fiberglass mesh I've been ordering from www.mosaicsmalti.com. You buy it by the foot, in pieces that are about 4 ft wide, so a yard is a pretty large piece. You can also purchase mosaic mesh that has an adhesive on it at Home Depot...it is great if you work with glass but not as good with my heavier tiles.
MOSAIC FILM: If you've taken my classes, you know how wonderful it is to use mosaic film on larger mosaics when you're ready to use mastic to attach your tiles to the substrate. I get it at mosaicsmalti.com And, if you're tempted to try using contact paper, unfortunately, it doesn't work for my tiles....you can count on a real mess!
DI MOSAICO: This is a fabulous place to visit if you're looking for lushishly colored italian smalti. Most of their business is online orders but Tucson has a local store in the plaza at 3138 E. Ft. Lowell -- be sure to phone before heading over there because they aren't open regular hours. They also carry lovely glass tiles, mosaic tools, and mostly anything you need for creating glass mosaics. Check out their online site if you're looking for a mosaic class using smalti. www.dimosaico.com
METAL FRAMES AND TABLES: My tables and frames are handmade by Ken Glas Metalworks. Ken will make any size and offers a variety of patinas on them. In my studio, I have a stock of tables and frames that are painted black or have a copper patina on them. Contact Ken at 520-307-5467 if you have a project you're working on at home. If you want a particular size table or frame and plan to take my class and use my tiles for it, I will take care of ordering the item for you and he will deliver it to my studio.
https://www.decorativeceilingtiles.net/a-history-of-ancient-roman-tiles-and-mosaics/
This link provides an article about the history of Ancient Roman Tiles and Mosaics which includes a great breakdown on the origins, technique and evolution of tile mosaics. It was provided by Amelia, a student whose interest in mosaics and the history of mosaics led her to this article.