Category Archives: Commissions

Rosanna’s Mosaics – International!

Posted on August 16, 2015 | Leave a comment

Quentin the Lizard

The first proper commission I ever made was Quentin the Lizard that went to live in France with Nicol and John. I received an email earlier this year from their neighbours, Louise and Marucs, who had always admired Quentin and asked if I could make them an outdoor mosaic.

They wanted a large cross to go on their outside wall which gets lashed with rain in winter and then baked in the sun during summer. I knew this meant I couldn’t use my usual outdoor plywood as the wood was likely to warp so I was on a quest to find an alternative material. Fellow mosaic artist Sue Edkins suggested Hardie Bakker Board which is a very tough, composite substance, that is often used to line shower and wet rooms. This seemed the perfect material for this project.

French Cross

Louise and Marcus came round and we discussed the style and effect they wanted to achieve for their cross. We settled on a subtle colour palette of muted shades including tans and moss greens. I used ceramic matt tiles with a few glass tesserae to lift it and add shine. They also said they wanted the Vendee symbol included in the piece as this was the ‘symbol’ for the region of France where the cross was going to go – a bit like our Yorkshire & Lancashire roses. I have always been a bit wary of ‘writing’ or putting symbols into mosaics as it is quite fiddly and if not done well, can look a bit sloppy. However, they were very keen and the client is always right so I took up the challenge! By setting the Vendee in a clear area, it seemed to work quite well and I am pleased with the results. Whew, another challenge under the belt!

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Vendee symbol

It was a lovely piece to make and very different from the recent Marple Mosaic commission. I think I have made a pretty good job with the Vendee and when Louise and Marcus came to collect the piece, they were delighted. It is now in situ and here are some photos of it in it’s new French home.

: French Cross

: French Cross in situ

: Rain and sun proof!

: French Cross

: Quentin

: Quentin in situ

I now have 2 mosaic pieces living in France, a growing number of mosaic lizards living all over the world and I have given mosaic lessons to people that now live in Mexico and New Zealand. I think I can claim the title and now say that I am Rosanna’s Mosaics International!

REQUEST: If you enjoyed reading this Blog, please pass a link on to others who may also enjoy reading it.

COMING SOON: Mosaic art for sale

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Posted in Commissions, Mosaic Art, Outdoor Mosaics

Tagged Mosaic Art, Mosaic Commission, mosaic lizards, Outdoor Mosaics, Rosanna Mosaic Artist, Vendee

The Commission Has Landed!

Posted on June 14, 2015 | 4 comments

The Commission

I am delighted to report that the commission piece I have been working on for the last 5 months has finally been delivered, installed and is living happily with its new owners in Cheshire. It would be an understatement to say they like it – they ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!

It all started back in February when I got an email from Hilary and Pauline asking if I would be interested in being commissioned to make a large outdoor mosaic to go into an inset in their walled, courtyard garden. We then talked on the phone and got on so well that I instantly agreed even though we were not sure what the piece was going to be. Over the next couple of weeks ideas and sketches were discussed and emailed and we very quickly agreed on a piece that we all liked. I could then go shopping for supplies!

Once I started work we began to Skype so they could see the progress, although I tried to only show snippets rather than the overall piece, to keep them guessing! I have kept a pictorial diary of the whole process for them. We have become firm friends during the process and found we are all straight talkers, have similar interests and enjoy a good laugh.

Once it was ready, Alan and I were happy to deliver it and take the opportunity to have a few days in Buxton en route which coincided with our wedding anniversary (Alan honestly said he didn’t mind). On arrival we had a grand unveiling with a bottle of champagne to ‘toast’ the new addition! The WOW factor was incredible and obviously very rewarding for me as I really enjoyed making the mosaic and was delighted they were so happy with it.

Hilary and Pauline had the mosaic installed the next day and we had a trip over to see it in situ and get some photos before we came back to London. I love making commissions and although they can be a bit stressful and worrying, it is all worthwhile when you get the reward of seeing the reaction and praise that shows how happy Hilary and Pauline are with their piece of mosaic art.

Hilary, Rosanna & Pauline with the mosaic in place.

It was certainly an anniversary we will never forget and we have some lovely new friends in the processes.

REQUEST: Let me know what you think of the mosaic, I love to hear your feedback.

COMING SOON: Arts and Crafts in Buxton

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Posted in Commissions, Mosaic Art, Outdoor Mosaics

Tagged Mosaic Art, Mosaic Commission, Outdoor Mosaics

Outdoor Mosaics

Posted on May 12, 2015 | Leave a comment

Large Terracotta Pot

Now that spring has arrived, thoughts turn to outdoor mosaics. I spend so much time outdoors, either in my garden, cycling or walking, that it makes perfect sense that I should enjoy making outdoor mosaics.

When I first started to mosaic I made a lot of outdoor terracotta pots. I then moved on to stepping stones and I have now cast my own. I then found a large supply of old roof tiles at the bottom of the garden and realised they were the perfect base to mosaic on. They are durable, weatherproof and it is always nice to re-cycle. They hang up very well which means they are perfect for door numbers and pictures.

I also love making lizards and frogs on stones, these can be tucked into flower beds and rockeries and always make people smile. I would love to make a large lizard in situ on a huge boulder in a rockery – that could be my next project, after we have created the rockery!

Here are some of the outdoor pieces I have made. I am happy to accept commissions for any outdoor piece – small or large.

: Sunshine Step Stone

: Ammonite cast in concrete

: Paperweight Stones

: “Hopper” a pressie.

: Family of Lizards

: Coal Tit

: Woodpecker on roof tile

: Blue Tit

: Log Cabin Tree

REQUEST: Why not consider a cheerful outdoor mosaic to brighten up your outside areas? Do call to discuss ideas.

COMING SOON: ARThouse Open Studios

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Posted in Commissions, Mosaic Art, Outdoor Mosaics

Tagged Outdoor Mosaics

The Commission – Getting Started

Posted on April 5, 2015 | 2 comments

My stepping stone

A HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL

As I have such a lovely commission to work on, I thought it might be interesting to share the process with you. So many people ask me how do I get started, what preparation is required, what materials do I use – so here goes, a beginners guide to getting started.

My Client and I discussed various ideas initially and soon agreed on a design that we both liked and thought would look stunning in the allocated outdoor space. It is based on a piece I have as a stepping stone in my garden, but on a much larger scale. We both like the same strong bold colours, it has to look colourful but nothing too garish, a bit of sparkle but not bling. Time to go shopping!

Alan getting all the Angles

As it is to go outdoors I have decided to use Hardie Bakker Board which is a composite material, similar to MDF but for outside use and is weatherproof. It is going to be a very geometric pattern, so Alan is called upon to use his mathematical skills and compass to ensure all the angles are correct and in proportion.

You can use all sorts of materials to mosaic with including bathroom tiles, crockery etc. but for most of my work I use proper mosaic tiles, called ‘tesserae’. You buy them from specialist suppliers on small sheets either on mesh or brown paper. The first stage is to get the tiles off the backing, usually by soaking, then you need to wash them to remove the glue and dry them. I then put them into containers for easy access and I am ready to start.

Tiles on mesh and paper

Sorted and Drying

As the piece is too large for my studio, the dining room has been purloined. I have now started to play with placing the tiles to get an overall impression of colour matches and combinations. Once I get going I will give another update.

Ready for action

REQUEST: Do let me know what you think of this Blog and if you have any mosaic questions, it is always nice to get your feedback.

COMING SOON: Update on the Newcastle Gallery and Richmond Open Studios

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Posted in Commissions, Mosaic Art, Outdoor Mosaics

Tagged how to mosaic, Mosaic Art, mosaic inspiration, Outdoor Mosaics

Hat-Trick – The Commission

Posted on March 14, 2015 | Leave a comment

Things have been really busy in my mosaicing life and there are lots of exciting activities going on.

I was delighted to receive a commission from a new client. It is for a large outdoor piece to go into a recess in the wall of their lovely courtyard garden. Pictures of the space and garden were sent and telephone conversations have taken place. Its been great discussing ideas and colour schemes and over the course of several calls and emails, we have found we are very similar and are kindred spirits.

Dolphin

I do love having commissions although they are quite stressful as well. In effect you have to get inside the clients mind to visualise what they want. Some people are very clear and precise, while others leave it totally up to you.

This client had a few initial ideas that we discussed and I sketched up. They have developed and evolved and now we have a design agreed that we are all happy with and will suit the space and environment perfectly. It is quite a geometric design and will have bold, strong colours. I will use a range of glass tesserae along with quite a few iridescent tiles. I will be keeping a picture diary so the client can see all the different stages and processes involved. I can’t wait to start!

Door Numbers on Roof Tiles

The client found me through the BAMM website. BAMM is the representative body for mosaic makers and although I felt I ought to join them, I didn’t feel I was ready to until I went to their AGM late last year and signed up on the day. Funnily enough with Christmas and being unwell, I had not had a chance to get my profile onto the BAMM site until this February – about a week before my client starting looking for a mosaic artist! Timing is everything.

Carol’s Mirror

I have now got my profile on BAMM well underway and have put up my mosaic CV. I am amazed at how much I have done. Please do go and have a look. I am shown under ‘Artists’ as Henderson, Rosanna.

THE REQUEST: If you are interested in commissioning apiece of mosaic art (indoors or outside, large or small) please do give me a call and we can have an initial chat. All pictures on this blog are commissioned pieces.

Gone Fishing

COMING SOON: The other parts of the Hat-Trick

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Posted in BAMM, Commissions, Mosaic Art, Outdoor Mosaics

Tagged BAMM, commission, Mosaic Art, Outdoor Mosaics

Celebrations and Commissions

Posted on December 7, 2014 | Leave a comment

I have had a lovely active November and beginning of December celebrating a ‘very special birthday’. I’m not going to say how old I am but I will say it is great having free travel on London Underground!

I”ve enjoyed some lovely meals in the Oxo Tower, Paramount/Centrepoint and Baltic Flour Mill – all with great food and fantastic views over beautiful cities. I also had a lovely day at Brooklands Museum which is the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, a brilliant place and made even more special as my friend David was our personal tour guide for the day – thank you David. We even ended with a trip on Concorde. More treats are planned including a tour of the Albert Hall and a meal at the oldest restaurant in London.

Needless to say all this celebrating has meant that mosaic making has been put on the back burner. However, I now need to get my mosaic cutters out again and get my pinny on as this week I have been inundated with requests for commissions. I don’t know why they have all come at once and some are from people who saw my work years ago. It just goes to show that it is always worth giving out your card as you never know when someone is going to want to commission a mosaic.

I really enjoy doing commission work as each one is going to be unique piece of mosaic art. I like to get a really good brief from the customer – some people know exactly what they want, others leave it up to me. I am very keen to match their colour preferences, style and their personality. Often the piece is for a gift.

Dolphin

I make a lot of door numbers for people as well as mirrors. People have commissioned wall hangings, outdoor garden pieces, panels for kitchens and bathroom. All mosaics shown here are commissions I have made and I think my biggest piece is this turtle done on a slab of York Stone for outdoors.

Please do give me a call if you would like to discuss a commission, there is no obligation and I am always happy for people to come and visit my studio if it helps give them ideas and inspiration.

THIS WEEKS REQUEST:

I am getting a lot of interest in this BLOG so I would like to continue to increase the number of people that see it. Please could you pass it on to friends who may have a creative interest or that may be interested in commissioning a piece of unique mosaic art.