The Beginnings of a Masterpiece

Today we started our mosaic projects. Relieved to not create our own designs, we each chose an animal mosaic from Tiziana’s ready made patterns. I picked a bird, “Pavoncella” which translates as “plover”. First, we overlaid the pattern with the mesh substrate. Then we set the tessere (mosaic pieces) in the border. Next, we start setting the tessere for the central subject. To set the tessere, first glop on some ‘colla’ (mortar) wiith the spatula.’ Then, using tweezers, set down the tessere…rules are to follow the form, keeping the line and maintain somewhat even spacing. The tessere clippers are used to cut the stone pieces to fit. Today, I completed the border and bird body. Next class I tackle the head and finish with the background.