6London School of Mosaic

Make a stunning mosaic out of a mosaic template, photograph or your original design. You will learn how to cut mosaic tile to precise shapes as well as how to design the mosaic with a consistent andamento. This is the flow of tiles and gaps in a mosaic which creates a distinct and systematic pattern. 

Mosaic is a slow paced art form and you don't need to be good at drawing as we teach different techniques to copy and transfer a design onto paper or wood base.

Our short courses take place in a large mosaic-specialist studio and each class has capacity to maximum 9 students so everyone can have individual attention and help from the artist tutor. 

One day courses are suitable for people who are complete beginners wanting try a taster session to learn the basics of mosaic making and have a fun day. 

You will create a small piece of  14cm square mosaic using the direct method. In order to be able to complete the mosaic within the given time the design must be simple such as a star, or a flower, or a heart or an object silhouette. 

**What is covered in the course:**
- The direct method of mosaic
- How to transform a design idea into a mosaic using andamento
- How to use mosaic making tools
- How to cut and lay ceramic and glass vitreous tiles using tile nippers
- How to grout and complete your mosaic.


One Day Course in Mosaic: Direct Method 

Tracie Woodman

Tutor was passionate and enabled all students to complete their project. Plenty of equipment and choice of materials. My experience certainly made me want to go back for more!  I had a really enjoyable day, a very socialable group with lots if giggles as well as the hard work concentrating! In  n our break I chatted to students on another class and  If I lived in London I would certainly have looked into doing a diploma. The school has a great ethos, very engaged with local community and happy that by attending a course with them it helps support this work. 

Sharon Clewes

The course was excellent. I had never done any mosaic work before but after this course I love it and would like to do more. The teacher was superb - friendly, helpful and encouraging. I’d come again in a flash. 

Julia Croyden

Sara Lee

Such a great day, the class was really well taught and paced for a group of newbies. Paula was a great tutor and helped us elevate our ideas to look as good in real life as they did in our minds! Highly recommended. 

Nicky Waldman

Excellent class, really enjoyed it. Very well set up for current circumstances and Paola was a superb teacher. Would highly recommend this class. 

Peter Robinson

claire bruce-clayton

The workshop was excellent - well run, lots of information. The tutor, Paola, was both knowledgeable and helpful. I learned a lot, enjoyed the day and would recommend to others.

Yvonne  McCarthy

We had such a lovely day at the one day mosaic course. Paola was really friendly encouraging and helpful and we are delighted with our finished products after the day. Thank you for a great time. We hope to come back again next year!

Val Giral

Great Class!! Paula is a real artist and know how to teach with lots of kindness. Thank le for everything x 

Wanda Wyporska

Great day course on which I learned such a lot about the techniques. Good teacher, great cafe and I've signed up for a two day course now!

It was okay, I learned that I could draw the tile shape on the wood, but overall I  had learned way more from online videos, and other online materials before. The atmosphere around the school was very nice. I feel the course was lacking instruction and technique teaching.  I was hoping to get detailed explanation of use of tools, cutting or tiles laying technique, and comment or advice on the design choice (what's suitable, not suitable), but all of them were not really covered. We were only given a paper about ways to cut into different shapes, but I don't think the tutor actually covered the cutting technique other than just asking us to try it,  I feel that we were effectively just given the space and materials to work on a piece that day with limited explanation and guidance. I thought it was a course, not an experience day. Perhaps if was intended that way, it should be advertised that way?

Nicky Gist

Great teacher and airy space to work in which was cool on a boiling day. Alot to fit in the hours and a shame that the end was time tight but I really enjoyed it!

Mona

Alexander Jones

Really enjoyed a busy but rewarding day. Guidance from the host was insightful and always seemed to be at just the right moment. Plenty of tools & tiles to choose from which made designing my first mosaic a joy.

Philippa Matthews

We had a great time, learned a lot and individuality was able to flourish! Thank you Alex.

Claire Widgery

I had a horrible start to the full day Beginner's Course on Saturday 21st August because the instructions to the car park [I am a Blue Badge holder] were totally inadequate. I had been helped to reserve a place by Marvin in the office during the week but the instruction to collect the parking permit before class required me to find the address and a parking place to safely leave my car  before doing so!  The number of the  School of Mosaic was very hard to see from the road and way beyond the entrance to the parking area. The office phone was not answered when I tried for help.  Fortunately Alex my course tutor later picked up a call - she had supplied us with her number - and came out into the road to help me find the entrance car parking space and permit for display alongside my disabled badge.  She was friendly, understanding and very generous considering she was also just beginning the course with the other participants [another of whom had also had similar problems].
The good news is that having got over my parking problems etc I had a very good day.  The course was well organised and relaxed.  Alex was very skilled at meeting the needs of a varied group and created a supportive atmosphere. Without seeming to pressure us she got us through the required stages providing help when required without fuss or patronising us.  Her humour and chocolate digestive biscuit were great and we all left very satisfied and proud of our own and each other's achievements!
Thankyou


Meg Camm

Alex a really good teacher
 I support the request to be prepared with designs for the class as even simple designs take all day. Materials were plenty and varied to use. Back to Alex as she set a welcoming tone for the whole day. I certainly recommend this course to others
Meg

Vanessa Loaiza

I had a great time. Alex was so knowledgeable and helpful. She stayed extra time just to make sure we were all finished. I would definiely recommend it and I look forward to using this new skill in the future!

Veronica Lamarche

Really great course that really sets you up to make your own mosaics afterwards at home. Alex was very knowledgeable and helpful.

Melanie Mercer

Maria 

Great fun, the time was filled from start to finish. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutor who gave a lot of assistance and feedback. Plenty of choice of supplies to create a fanatastic small mosaic. Tea/coffee and biscuits to keep us going.  Lovely cafe on site for lunch with delicious home made food and very reasonable price. I am really pleased with what I made and recommend you try too.

Sam Addai

I really loved the course with Alex McHallam,  great teacher and a great day. I would highly recommend!

Jannine Badstuber

I was an enjoyable course. I throughly enjoyed the creative process. Would definitely come back. 

Elisa Musiu

This was such a great day, really enjoyed it and would definitely come back! Thanks

Victoria Stoner

Very cool class! Alex was a great instructor and very helpful. Would definitely take again!

Rhona Summerfield 

Lovely time with Alex a great informative tutor who demystified a lot of mosaic questions and queries - had a great day; where did the time go! Thank you. I will be back to do the two day course.

Christine Dickinson

RonaMac

I thoroughly enjoyed my one day course on making a mosaic by the direct method. The tutor was fabulous, taught us lots and gave us great advice on our pieces. It was a great introduction to a wonderful craft and had encouraged me to do more. Great cafe next door too! 

Zoraide Dronkers

Rosemary Clunie

I thoroughly enjoyed my one day mosaic course. The teacher was excellent and very helpful. A very friendly environment. Highly recommended. 

Richard  Rudman 

Absolutely loved it!  Entertaining informative and ultimately rewarding. I would wholeheartedly recommend the experience to anyone who wants to try something creative and different. 

Rachel Herring 

Great day - although there were moments when I was not sure whether my mosaic would come together it did! Rada (teacher) was patient, inspiring and supportive. Cafe is a real gem. 

Yolands Adra

An excellent class and introduction to mosaic taught by Pauline.  My husband and I now have a better appreciation for this centuries-old art technique, which has inspired us to learn more!  

Conner Southall

Wonderful workshop on Mosaic. Appropriately lifted the curtains on how mosaics are made and the labor that goes into them. Taught me something I'd like to continue given time!

Sharon Shalev

Very enjoyable day,  and hopefully the beginning of a lifelong new hobby. Thanks Rada and thank you LSoM! 

Deborah Ehrenberg

What a wonderful day! Rada is a great teacher and very supportive. The 7+ hours raced by - much to take in and think about technically and creatively inevitably as a taster (and I was surprised and delighted to finish with a first piece I’m very pleased with). We were busy throughout the day but at the same time, it was thoroughly relaxing. It’s definitely whetted my appetite for more - I can see how addictive mosaic work can be! Thank you Rada! 

Jane Hill

Frankie Gallantine

An excellent introduction to mosaics, thank you!

Aneta Ivanova

This is a very nice class to learn and complete a small mosaic in a day. I totally enjoyed my time and found the teaching  very inspirational - lots of useful tips and encouragement from the amazing teacher Rada. Very nice mix of people and relaxing  (even with music) atmosphere. 

Ruta Daubure

The course was great! A really fun way of getting to understand a bit about mosaics. Rada was very attentive and spent 1 to 1 time with each student, which was very nice.

Claire Burns

Lovely calm relaxing day, great tuition and support for a not very arty person and a great tile to take home. Thank you

Emma Edwards

I had a brilliant day at LSoM. Rada was a knowledgeable teacher and was kind and supportive throughout the day. I learnt lots and would love to carry on creating unique pieces of art. Thank you. 

Wing Yee Chris Sin

It was such a nice experience. I could let my creative side run free. Very good teacher too. Will definitely join again

Katia Russo

I really enjoyed it.
There were a lot of colours choices and good tools. 
Only one criticism, it was really cold in the workshop.
Overall very nice experience!

Joanna Perkins

Fantastic course. Rada was excellent. I really enjoyed it. I would highly recommend. Also I am really pleased with how my mosaic turned out. It's a great community space

Lea Bourguignon

Olivia Dehnavi

We were really looking forward to our course at the London School of Mosaic, which was the one day short course for beginners. They were very generous with giving us plenty of tiles and materials to make a small mosaic. There were lots of tools and different colour tiles available.

However I think there wasn't enough guidance or teaching for it to be suitable for beginners. All they asked us to prepare in advance was to find an image we wanted to recreate, and at the beginning of the day there was a demonstration of how to cut the tiles and a little advice on which tiles to use. However, after that we were left largely to our own devices, without guidance on how to best lay the tiles or how to develop the mosaic. There was no demonstration.

We weren't told at the beginning of the session how long to spend on each task or how long it would take to set, meaning that even though the course was 7 hours long people were running out of time and the mosaics didn't set in time for pouring on the grout. We had to pour on the grout while it was still unset, so the tiles moved and undid all our hard work.  I had to leave soon after, and left with an unfinished mosaic without a border because I ran out of time. For the cost of the course I wasn't satisfied with the outcome.

Sometimes I would approach the teacher with something I was finding tricky, and the teacher would say 'you should have laid the tiles this way to avoid the problem you're in.' Though of course it was my first time, and she should have given us more guidance on how to avoid problems.

I think for the almost £100  cost of the course we should have received more guidance and a tutorial/demonstration at least. I left unhappy with what I made and wished I'd been taught the techniques before I started.

There were a lot of books about mosaic on the tables for inspiration, but there wasn't time to read them and teach ourselves the techniques. Plus the studio was cold, so it's best to wear thermals or a coat that you're comfortable working in if you decide to take the course.

Karthik Jayakumar

The whole experience was brilliant. The instructor (Radha) was very accommodating and went out of the way to help us feel engaged. At the start of the class we planned to leave half way as 6 hours was too much. But we couldn’t and wouldn’t budge from our seats till the very end. It was such a fulfilling day, at the end of which we had our individual works of art in our hands and promising hobby! We met some fun people too who were fellow budding mosaic artists.

Gloria Ho

Lillian Rydahl

The teacher was competent and inspired to se things in new ways. 
Friendly atmosphere.. 

Karen Cheung-Hing

An incredibly fun and rewarding activity to spend the day on! It was interesting to learn how to cut and assemble the mosaic tiles, and satisfying to take home your creation at the end of the day.

Linda Frost

A lovely thoughtful day with the opportunity to get a nvolved with something creative.
Raya was very supportive.

Savita Naik

I did a LSoM weekend day course and had an absolutely lovely time.  Our instructor Rada was very helpful and made sure that each of our small projects was progressing.  
I would like to say, that I was unprepared with a project that I wanted to make, and therefore lingered around a bit in the first half of the day.  That cause a little bit of urgency towards the end of the day.  So come prepared, or use one of the available templates.
In the end it was an extremely fun day which flew past.  Will definitely pursue mosaics in the future.

Donna Tipping 

Brilliant day. Class was run at a very comfortable pace, suitable for complete beginners as well as people with a bit of experience. Rada explained the key theories and had lots of examples to show. She helped make our mosaics look their best when we got stuck but allowed us to create our own work. Will definitely be going back, thank you Rada

Kati Tschawow

Really enjoyed the one day course and the insight of the subject matter after the day. Really recommend 

Angela Sadeghi

Very nice course for entry level - only complaint is that the venue was hard to find for first timers  otherwise all round happy. 

Helen Bonilla

Fantastic course, lots of inspiration, all materials available, great guidance to create your own oeuvre d'art, can absolutely recommend it!

Abbie Coppard

Enjoyable class. We all managed to (just about) complete a small tile in the alloted time, though some of us left with them still a little damp. Rada our teacher was very helpful and encouraging. The small group of eight was about the right size. I have booked on another course in January

Ria Patel

Gorgeous studio, and a lovely, supportive teacher. Recommend.

Archana Nathan

Was such a brilliant day, the instructor was so enthusiastic and supportive. She was clearly so knowledgeable about mosaic and spent time with everyone advising and guiding on how to get the best outcome. The day is set up really well, so there's time to learn mosaic techniques, experiment, design and then still come out with a lovely piece to be proud off. I'm already looking up the next class!!

Sue Kon

Had a great day learning the basic skills. The teacher was clear, helpful, kind and friendly . She  was able to spend teaching  time with each student as well as addressing the group. I was pleased with what I made and would definitely return for another course . It was a good day .

Bansri Bharania

Brilliant class, great teaching and have definitely caught the mosaic making bug

Daniel Clarke

I had a great time on the LSoM day course. Rada was a fantastic tutor, very enthusiastic and encouraging and able to support a wide range of projects and abilities at once. The School is a lovely setting and very well equipped. I would really like to come back soon!

Daniel Jones

Rada, the instructor, was really helpful and I will definitely be back for me. Looking forward to my next course!

Carolina Jayson

I did a one day course and loved it. I’m really proud of my piece! The teacher was absolutely great.

Valerie Caimi

Amazing experience. Rada was an excellent tutor and overall I had a fantastic day. I will come  back for more :) 

Linda Jayson

Excellent course.  Presented well and had a lot of help.   Very enjoyable day.  Thank you

Sarah Grimshaw

My daughter and I had a great day creating our mosaics. So therapeutic. The place and teacher were really good. We’d love to go again.

Vas Skoulidou

I attended the Direct method 1 day mosaic course run by Rada - i had an amazing day, lot's of fun, concentration, creativity, meeting new people and helping each other. I took my final end product home and today after having its final clean i was amazed at what i had produced. 
I have total respect for all craftspeople who make a living out of this - it was hard work but 100% rewarding . I will definitely explore more courses at the LSM.

Sofia Bune Strandh

Had a wonderful day learning about and making Mosaic. Can thoroughly recommend it!  

Zoë Eleni Georgallis

Had a fantastic time and learnt so much on the day course

LOUISE GORDON

Was a great activity, teacher -Rada, was fantastic. Although it is a 7 hour class it was still a rush to complete the tiles in that time. It is a nice way to spend a day, but having some ideas about what you want to make before you go is advisable. 

Audrey Ang

Great space and materials to work with. Rada our tutor was helpful and open for us all to enjoy creating. I absolutely recommend the class.

Sarah Lubbe

Amazing, leant so much with a very patient teacher who explained everything so well, encouraged us and managed time to make sure we finished.  I really want to continue and highly recommend the course.  

Jane Crawley 

I very much enjoyed the one day course in Mosaic. Rada was an excellent teacher, demonstrated well and was highly attentive to each individual in the group of around 7 people.  I was delighted with my finished mosaic tile! So much that I have decided to gift as a present! I would highly recommend this as an introduction to mosaic for beginners. The studio was very well equipped with everything needed, even aprons. 

JJ Vujnovic

It was a lovely introduction to mosaic, getting to use the tools and develop our own personal designs over the course of the day. From cutting, to creating flow, sticking, and grouting, it was wonderful to be guided through the process end-to-end. It was also lovely to see the projects happening around the studio and the various techniques being employed across the school. Would highly recommend the course as an initial taster. 

Caroline Heal

I loved the workshop. I had been meaning to do it for ages, and it was terrific fun.  Steep learning curve, and I know when I come next I’ll be able to improve my technique. Thanks for a great day!

Patricia Beagley

Great workshop. So many tiles at our fingertips. A lot was packed into the 7 hours.  Our teacher was engaging and very helpful. 

Denitsa Mladenova

Wonderful class - I really enjoyed the challenge of mosaics and appreciated the support of the instructor who made sure we do our best work

Juanita Addo 

The tutor was informative and very attentive offering assistance where needed, equally. The class was refreshing and enjoyable also, I came to understand why "keystones" are so named. The clue is REALLY in the name. It was a brilliant way to spend my Sunday. Thank you, Rada.

Zina Sackur

A wonderful experience in a beautiful space. Our teacher Rada taught us a lot about the background and the process.  I learned so much and will now be able to look at mosaics with much greater appreciation. We were all able to complete our mosaics on the day.  Rada is so patient and has a great eye. She gave really helpful advice and inspiration. I highly recommend this course. 

Tania

Very enjoyable class in a relaxed atmosphere. Rada provided a good overview of tools, techniques, and general guidelines, but she also ensured participants could work at their own pace and in line with their own preferences (which I really appreciated). I was pleasantly engrossed throughout the day. Highly recommended experience.

Daniel Posada

I went for a one day mosaic workshop and it was great! The instructor was very patient and encouraging, and all the people I met there were very nice to talk to. I would go again in a heartbeat :)

Dulcie Michal

A wonderful day!! For a long while, I have been interested in mosaic and this one day course was perfect. The teaching method was great, and being able to take home our masterpieces at the end of the day was a bonus. I couldn't recommend it more! :) 

Imogen Lloyd

Really really loved this course, one of the best I've ever done, Rada was a fantastic and patient teacher. 

Jessica  Roland 

Kaajel Patel

I booked this day course for myself & mum to do & we  had a wonderful time. The teacher was very inspiring & calmly lead us though how to make our own creations come to life. They had great knowledge in the area of Mosaic taught us how to use all the materials for this particular technique. We all had such different projects going on but they did a great job ant tailoring their support to help us. All in all such a fun & wholesome day. Highly recommend going alone or with a pal. We made some beautiful art & joyful memories. 

Lee Withall

I really enjoyed the one day workshop.  I will definitely be buying the tools and materials to make my own creations at home.  Rada is very knowledgeable and adaptive to each of her students ideas and abilities.  The food at the cafe is delicious too.  

Kirstie Cupper

Have a go at mosaic! You will get all the encouragement and help from the lovely staff at LSoM and will leave with a completed 140 x 140mm mosaic piece designed by you. Enjoy!

Connie McGuire

Sylwia Vargas

FANTASTIC! Prior to the Direct Method One-Day course, I had exactly ZERO experience with mosaics, or even any manual-visual arts medium. I was able to create a satisfying mosaic of a pigeon design I brought to the class. Needless to say, I am hooked on this and booked more classes. Thank you!

Simona Corcoz

I loved this, found a new hobby and a fascinating community space! I am certain I will return 🤩

Bethan Surr

I bought this course for my boyfriend and myself as a Christmas gift after being amazed by mosaic on a trip to Pompeii and we both had the most wonderful time!  Rada was a fantastic teacher and the canteen on site where we had our lunch served delicious food! We definitely plan on continuing to mosaic in the future, and this was a fantastic introduction to the art and we are so happy with our end mosaics! 

Mark Weegmann

Really comprehensive introduction and a very fun/interesting day. I liked the pace, amount of information, help with making the mosaic, and the mosaic that we made :) thank you

Alain Cozens

A superb session. I started knowing nothing and left knowing so much but with a desire to learn more.

John  Brooker

We had a great day on our course. The group was very friendly, and we were delighted with our completed mosaics, especially since I have little artistic talent. The instructor was friendly and very helpful, giving lots of good advice. I liked that we dived into the practical work very quickly. Highly recommended

Noreen Donovan

A very enjoyable day and our teacher was lovely and very knowledgeable. I would recommend and I am looking forward to my next project and maybe another course.

Caroline Jones

Fabulous day really enjoyed it. Rada was an amazing teacher. Very informative and very patient.
Really learned a lot about mosaic. I was really pleased with the results of my first effort. The whole group was lovely really nice people.
Thoroughly enjoyed the day would highly recommend it to anyone looking into doing mosaic

Bonella Ramsay

Was such a great busy day! Mosaic a lot harder than I thought. So happy I experienced it and would definitely do again! 

Abigail Kienbaum

I had an amazing time taking the mosaic class with my father. It was thorough and I was able to leave with a finished product. Highly recommend!

Learn how to precisely cut and lay mosaic tiles using your own design or one of our templates with the Direct Method 

Question 1

Please provide an emergency contact and phone number

3London School of Mosaic

A 30 hour mosaic course for beginners and students with some experience of mosaic making who would like to expand their practice and learn a different technique. Students will work on their own individual project, emphasis will be placed on a personal approach to your design.

You will be able to make a mosaic choosing from one of the following techniques: direct, indirect, double indirect (into plastercine) or direct into tile adhesive. Cutting and shaping material with tile nippers will be taught, including how to form a curve. Use of the mosaic hammer and hardie to cut down stone and marble will also be covered.  You will be able to explore the expressive possibilities of mosaic in your use of ‘andamento’ (different ways of laying down your mosaic tesserae to create different effects).

**Course times and duration options**
- 10 week-long course, 3 hours each week
- 5 week-long course, 6 hours on Sundays
- a week long intensive over 5 days Mo-Fri 6 hours each day

**Syllabus**
- Designing your mosaic and developing a colour and material cartoon
- Making the mosaic in the group assisted by your tutor
- Last session: Grouting, and/or turning the mosaic depending whether you used the direct or indirect method

**Your tutor: Catherine Parkinson**

Catherine Parkinson is a freelance mosaic artist and teacher, specialising in decorative patterns and the innovative use of mosaic materials and techniques. She has been working with mosaic for 22 years, coming from a textiles background having studied a degree in hand embroidery at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Besides teaching on our specialist short courses she also teaches in other adult education institutions and works on private and public commission. She has her own mosaic practice with works exhibited in galleries. 

Various Techniques Mosaic Course

London School of Mosaic

1London School of Mosaic

Lucy Cohen

As always the course was fantastic. Great venue and resources and the teacher Catherine manages to support, advise and challenge without imposing or being overwhelming. I would highly recommend any classes she teaches. 

Lucy

30 hour course for beginners and improvers, who wish to explore a variety of mosaic techniques and materials.

Make mosaic! Book now

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