Suggested Materials to Bring to Classes

While the materials which students are expected to bring can vary and in some cases may need to be discussed in advance, the following is a general guideline which can be used for most classes.

Many materials may be supplied in the class. However, most participants will want to bring at least some of their own materials to ensure their choice of colours and textures or to incorporate a beloved, family heirloom. Others may prefer the comfort of their own safety gear or have specialized tools which would enhance their experience of the class.

Classes may vary. Please enquire in advance to confirm the specifics that you will be expected to bring.

In general, please bring...

At least two pieces of 1/4 inch plywood, any size from 8" by 10" to 30" square, any shape, or other surface to work on. Picture frames, trays, tables and mirrors make great subjects to decorate!

• White glue
• Tile glue (low fume, for wall or floor)
• Wood glue
• Broken pottery, glass and tile (or whole, to break)
• Dust mask (for some projects only)
• Old jewelry
• Acrylic gallery glass/ paint
• Rubber spatula
• Fabric paint
• Wall grout
• Polyfilla
• Hammer
• Safety goggles
• Two pairs of pliers
• Glass cutter, tile nippers
• Heavy plastic bags to break sharp materials in
• Protective gloves (Medical, latex gloves are good, even though the glue degrades them, because you can feel through them. So are kitchen rubber gloves. The kitchen gloves last longer but they're a bit more clumsy.)

Where to find materials:

Different coloured glass can be found in recycle bins at restaurants. The ReStore has cheap tiles, glass, paint and found art of various kinds. A friend who does stained glass may have left over shards which are not useful for his/her projects any more.

Most dollar stores stock Liquid Rainbow Paint and Peel acrylic, for making fake stained glass, in their craft section.

Tile stores sometimes have end of line or discontinued tiles on cards. You can find beautiful things here.

Fabric paint and gallery glass will be available at any craft store.

Old jewelry, chains, glass or wooden beads and computer discs can be beautiful in found-art.

Since some of the materials can be toxic, participants are advised to choose non toxic alternatives where possible. For example, it is still possible to buy a very fumy glue for wall tiles. There is a slightly more expensive, less fumy kind available.

While most of the materials used will not be considered toxic, for outdoor art or for many materials used in construction it is advisable to have a well- ventilated area to work in. It is also advisable to check ahead when deciding what to use for outdoor art. You'd be surprised at what WON'T stand up to a Canadian winter!

Wear old clothes!

What we will accomplish:

Each participant will have finished or be on the way to finishing at least one project in free- form mosaic, or one found- art extravaganza. This can be any size that the workshop area will allow. (One person brought a large piece of plywood to a workshop in the garage, and left with her kitchen counter almost finished. I have seen people effectively include feathers in their mosaic work along with tile and pieces of wood.)
One could do a mosaic from buttons, bottle caps or anything that brings colour and texture to a picture. While the main thrust of the workshop will be toward working with glass, ceramic and acrylic, participants are encouraged to bring and work with anything that inspires them, that can be stuck on a board, plant pot or other decorative shape.