Why use fibrglass mosaic mesh?
Where do you get it? OzMosaics stocks mosaic fibreglass mesh in our online mosaic store. Shop for the mesh, mosaic grids, and adhesives.

There are many reasons:

In the beginning most mosaics were applied directly to the substrate (the direct mosaic method).  The artists needed to draw their design on the substrate unless they were in the spontaneous zone (my favourite) which requires no design, perhaps simple indications but it all flows from the heart.  But this is not always desirable.

So, once the tesserae (things you stick down in the mosaic!) and the adhesive had set directly on the substrate, if they wanted to make a change to the tesserae or design it involved a bit of work removing the set tesserae from the substrate especially if a cement based adhesive was used!

Along came carbon paper - this allowed one to trace the pattern on the substrate or perhaps forms of stencil and outlines were preferred.   Some substrates can be tricky, in that carbon doesn't work or the substrate and/or the tesserae may be transparent (glass, vases, windows etc) so drawing lines - not the greatest idea if they show through the transparent areas of the mosaic.  Especially if you write notes to yourself!  Also intricate patterns and colour can take much time and effort to draw or copy to the substrate.

Some people say "I can't draw, but I can mosaic" and when armed with a basic pattern they are able to be inspired and transform that design into something fantastic.      So mosaic mesh is the answer to most situations.

Also, in the good old days, many artists had to make their mosaics out in the hot sun, the rain, the wind, the public arena, in the middle of a garden bed or drain fountains for weeks,  or fight off insects, loud noise, traffic, had the hassle of transporting the materials every day and packing up again, nearly pass out wanting a visit to the bathroom", ....working down on their knees on hard cement or up high on scaffolding (who hates heights?......it was all in a day's work....they lost valuable time traveling and often were hungry, thirsty and missing some music or mates whilst they worked...amazing things could happen, sprinklers turn on, traffic jams, oh and what about leaving something back at the ranch!   ouch!.......sunburn and sometimes annoying comments from passers by (well intended, of course!). 

Many longed to be in the comfort of their studios - to be able to make the mosaic easily, make changes before final installation (this can greatly please a client or yourself) and be able to make HUGE mosaics, cut them down in sections, transport them to the site or install and grout them on the substrates in their studio.  Back in the studio others could assist and the artist had some company if desired.  Tv could provide a distraction or they could still be part of the family around them. 

Are you sick of trying to work on a vertical mosaic or high area (arms aching, back breaking, aching feet and lots of time wasted getting to the tesserae, manipulating the adhesives and horrid taping of the mosaic in place as things tend to slip vertically (there are ways around this, but not being discussed on this page)?  Adhesives make the difference and the substrate preparation.  more about this later.

If you wish to use a pattern, a photo, a design and don't want to trace it or draw it on to your substrate (the final resting place for your mosaic eg table, mural, part of a mural, pot, list goes on and on) the mesh mosaic technique allows you much design and creative freedom whilst making a mosaic.

Every scrap of mesh can be put to good use - don't throw ANY away.

From a little lizard mosaic on mesh, to a huge mural on mesh, it's all possible!  Individual 3-D mosaics (you will love this!!!!!) .... Mesh enables many people to partake in  collaborative mosaics - in schools, in commissions, in their own personal artworks.  The only limit is your imagination and making sure you make the mosaic "so it stays on sticking on!".....

So be very excited - you don't need drawing skills - we can supply patterns, you just need the mesh, the instructions and basic materials and have some passion in your art!  Passion'art!  Art from the heart - so much fun!   Be part of the big picture in this mural!

visit Studio OzMosaics for more info!

OzMosaics online web shop stocks and supplies mosaic fibreglass mesh suitable for mosaic art.
All tools, products, workshops and mosaic supplies are available at OzMosaics, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

smalti, vitreous glass mosaic tile, glass tile, mirror, porcelain, tiles, mesh, grout, glue, adhesive, nippers, cutters, scorers, sealers, sponges, shell, everything you need to create mosaic art!

Mosaic online workshops at OzMosaics website in 2010 - keep up to date by subscribing to our newsletter.