My Mosaic Story – June Update

Posted on June 7, 2015 | Leave a comment

I cannot believe we are now well into June – where has the time gone?? A lot has been going on with Rosanna’s Mosaics this month so here is a quick update:

P1030894New Studio – my new studio/shed is slowly being filled with mosaic wood, adhesives, grouts, gardening tools etc. although there is still room for a couple of chairs and a bottle of wine. Alan has put shelves up and is now getting the electrics sorted out for me.

P1040917Commission – The commission piece is now completed. We will be going to Derbyshire next week to deliver it to its new owners. Once they have seen and approved it, I will get some photos up for you to see it.

Arthouse blue thumbnailARThouse Richmond Open Studios – has a Pop Up Exhibition for the duration of the Open Studios event. I went to the launch on Tuesday evening and saw a lovely range of artwork and met several of my fellow artists. Do go along if you get a chance, the address is 1-3 Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 3AB. There are all sorts of activities from now until the end of the festival in July including workshops, networking events and coffee mornings.  For more info visit www.arthouseopenstudios.co.uk 

Harris & Hoole – my work is now on display at Harris + Hoole Coffee Shop near St. Margarets station and will be there for the duration of the Open Studios event. As well as great coffee they serve delish cakes and lunches – do pop in.

Don’t forget I am still REQUESTING  name suggestions for the shed – please let me know your ideas either by pressing the’Leave a Reply’ button below or by emailing me: rosannasmosaics@gmail.com

That is it for now – more details on all the above COMING SOON

 

 

 

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A New Mosaic Studio?

Posted on May 31, 2015 | 6 comments

When my ‘special birthday’ was coming up, hubby Alan asked me what I wanted as a ‘special pressie’. Now maybe most ‘ladies of a certain age’ would want jewellery, a spa treat, perfume or to be pampered for the weekend.

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The New Shed

Well, I knew exactly what I wanted – a new garden shed!

In order to make room in our medium size London back garden, a lot of preparation was needed. An old rockery and a some brick retaining walls had to be demolished, the area then had to be totally flattened, old plants removed, cleared and dug over. Finally, the concrete base had to be made using the old rocks and bricks as hardcore.

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Laying the concrete base.

We ordered the shed from Harrow Fencing as we had used them before, they are a small family run local independent company, very professional, informative and friendly and they had the exact model I wanted. We were told 6 weeks to delivery which gave us plenty of time – or so we thought! In the end it was ready within 3 weeks so we were on a very tight schedule to get all the preparation done in time for delivery day. Happily the weather was on our side and  we were able to get all the clearance work done and Alan was able to lay the concrete base just in time. It was delivered and erected professionally and quickly  by the guys from Harrow Fencing and it fits in with the rest of the garden really well. I am delighted with it.

Sunshine Step Stone

Sunshine Step Stone by the shed entrance

My sunshine’stepping stone’ welcomes people in. So far we have christened the new arrival  with champagne, had breakfast in there and also evening drinks. I have now moved all my mosaic wood and heavy supplies in as well as my garden tools.  I intend to use it as a potting shed and an outside mosaic studio for grouting and large mosaic making. I need a name for it so that I can make a mosaic sign – something that incorporates mosaics, gardening and maybe a bit of leisure!  Any ideas???

REQUEST: Rosanna’s Retreat, The Craft Cabin, Hendo’s Hideaway? Can you help me come up with a suitable name please. All suitable suggestions will be put forward and maybe we can have a vote.

COMING SOON: Open Studios – Pop Up Ehibition

 

 

 

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Outdoor Mosaics

Posted on May 12, 2015 | Leave a comment
Large Terracotta Pot

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.

 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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Northumberland Trip

Posted on May 5, 2015 | 2 comments
St. Marys Lighthouse

St. Marys Lighthouse

We have just got back from a 2 week stay in Northumberland. We had incredibly hot weather which was great as my friend Linda came to stay for a few days and it is always nicer showing people round when it is sunny and bright.

We went to a couple of concerts including one of only 3 UK productions of Sting’s ‘The Last Ship’. This is a musical play written by and starring Sting, about the closing down of the shipyards in Tyneside, where he was bought up. It was staged at The Sage and I was delighted to get the last pair of tickets. We had the added bonus of seeing Jimmy Nail who took on a key role in the show. I also managed to sneak in a matinee of Matthew Bourne’s ‘The Car Man’. An excellent modern ballet loosely based on Bizet’s Carmen.  A fantastic production: amazing dancing, raunchy, great staging and all set to that fabulous Bizet score.

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Mosaic Mirrors

I had a few visits to the North East Art Collective gallery where I am now displaying my mosaic art. They had requested some of my mirrors so I took in a selection to chose from and they took all 6, along with 2 of my outdoor lizards on stones. I now have 17 pieces  on display in the gallery.

Catherine and John, who run and own the Gallery, are really nice and friendly and I am delighted to have a new venue and audience who can see (and hopefully buy) my work. It is lovely to have a north and south outlet, I now just need somewhere in the middle of the country!

Lizard on Stone

Lizard on Stone

I am now back in London and the holiday is over as mosaic work has to continue. I need to get everything together for ARThouse – Richmond Open Studios and I also need to continue with the commission piece.

Busy, busy, busy but that is how I like it!

 

 

REQUEST: Does anyone have any connections with Galleries in the Cotswolds, or Malvern area? If so, a link or introduction would be great.

COMING SOON: ARThouse – Richmond Open Studios and Harris & Hoole.

 

 

 

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The Commission – Getting Started

Posted on April 5, 2015 | 2 comments
My stepping stone

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

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

Tiles on mesh and paper

Sorted and Drying

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

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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Hat-Trick – Open Studios

Posted on March 29, 2015 | Leave a comment

Arthouse blue thumbnail

The third part of the Hat-Trick was being accepted into this year’s ARThouse Richmond Open Studios event. Held over a 2 weekend period,  this is a great opportunity to meet and talk to a large range of various artists as they display, demonstrate and sell their art at this annual event.

Evening Sunset Mosiac by Rosanna Henderson

My Profile Mosaic for ARThouse

ARThouse Richmond Open Studios 2015 will be the borough’s 20th open studios festival, coordinated by Richmond Arts Service. ARThouse is a celebration of the wealth of creative talent showcasing over 500 local artists who will welcome visitors over the festival weekends in June and July, exhibiting a wonderfully diverse range of artwork including painting and photography; stained glass and woodwork; sculpture and ceramics; to jewellery, bag design, furniture and upholstery……….and mosaics!!

Gone Fishing

‘Gone Fishing’ will be on display

ARThouse venues are spread across all corners of the borough of Richmond, Surrey with exhibitions in homes, studios, cafes, church halls, boathouses and even some of the borough’s most beautiful heritage buildings including Turners House and Garrick’s Temple.

Abstract in Grey by Rosanna Henderson

‘Abstract in Grey’ will be on display

I am delighted to be part of this prestigious event for a 2nd year. My mosaic art will be exhibited at the Harris + Hoole Coffee Shop in St. Margarets. I will be demonstrating on a couple of days so that will be the perfect time to come along, have some delicious Harris + Hoole coffee with a croissant, cake or snack and see how I make my mosaics.

REQUEST: Please spread the word about ARThouse to anyone you know who loves any form of art and would enjoy visiting this festival and meeting the artists.

COMING SOON: Pictures and progress on the commission.

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Hat-Trick – The Gallery

Posted on March 22, 2015 | Leave a comment

 

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Abstract Sunset

 

I am delighted that I have just got my work into a Gallery in Newcastle  called ‘The North East Art Collective’.

Based in Eldon Gardens in the Eldon Square shopping centre, North East Art Collective is the newest art gallery in the middle of Newcastle City centre. It’s aim is to represent Art, Culture, Sophistication, Luxury and above all Quality.

Mosaic Trees

Mosaic Trees

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Multi Media Panels

The Gallery houses work from over 100 artists who specialise in a range of arts including Watercolours, Oils, Photography, Glass, Ceramics, Furniture Design, Textiles, Sculpture. They now have a new mosaic artist as well!

3 Individual Panels

3 Individual Panels

Being in this type of Gallery means I can display and hopefully sell some of my indoor hanging mosaic art, and some larger pieces as well.  I am hoping that my slim multi media panels will be successful alongside my abstract pieces. Do go and have a look at their website and have a look at my artists profile listed under Rosanna Henderson.

I am now going into my third year at the All Original shop in Ealing where I sell smaller items and outdoor pieces – mirrors, trivets, coasters, small pictures and door numbers are all popular lines and regular sellers. I can also promote any local activities I am involved in.

Although I haven’t gone international yet, I can certainly say that I span the north/south divide!

 

REQUEST:  If you have any Northern contacts, please encourage them to pop into the Gallery

COMING SOON: The third part of The Hat-Trick; The Exhibition

 

 

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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

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

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

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

Gone Fishing

 COMING SOON: The other parts of the Hat-Trick

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STOP PRESS – The Hat-Trick!

Posted on March 11, 2015 | 3 comments

Its been non stop over the last couple of weeks and I have some fantastic news! I have scored a hat-trick.

P10407951. I have received a commission for a large outdoor mosaic from a lovely new client.

2. I have secured a place at ARTHouse – Richmond Open Studios in June / July.

3. I have had my work accepted by an Art Gallery in Northumberland.

More news on all of these to come soon.

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Mosaic Lessons

Posted on February 22, 2015 | Leave a comment
My First Mosaic

My First Mosaic

I first made a mosaic with my friend Julia one afternoon in her garden studio, it was a ‘play’ session and I had never done mosaic work before.  I realised I liked it enough to go on a weekend beginners course with Ros Waites.  It was with Ros that I leant to place, cut, stick etc. –  the basics needed to get me started.It was then a case of practice, practice, practice – and it still is!

Later on I had a weekend course with Aimee Harman and I now do a weekly workshop with Kitty Harnall and I continue to practice, practice, practice.

Lesson 4Over the years a lot of people have shown an interest in my work and have asked if I could show them how to do it. Whilst I am still very much the new girl on the mosaic block, and in no way claim to be an expert, I am happy to show other people how to get started with the basic placing, cutting, sticking etc.  Then you need to practice!

P1030519Those of you that know me, know that I am a great one for getting things organised so my ‘showing’ has now evolved into a basic one day mosaic workshop for beginners. It is a fun, busy, hands on day where people get to make a small mosaic that they take home with them. The emphasis is on the practical rather than the theory and I am able to show a wide range of different mosaic styles, materials, ideas etc.

I run these workshops on a request led basis for small groups or one-to-one. If you are interested, please contact me and I can send you some more info.

I am happy to tailor make something around your requirements.

REQUEST: Who do you know that may like a mosaic lesson? It could be a great idea for a present.

COMING SOON: 2015 looks like it is going to be a busy mosaic year for me, Details to come.

 

 

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