DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Creation: The design is developed by moving and rearranging pieces until satisfaction is
achieved. The work is done directly upon a plywood base and is one-of-a-kind. This creatively
intense process is the most time consuming stage of the entire procedure. Depending upon the
size of the piece, several hours to several days are spent creating the design. A completed
design 'rests' for a day or so, allowing time for 'fesh eyes' to review the work and make
additonal adjustments.
Construction: Each variety of tile has its own thickness gauge and must be brought to a
common level when being set into place. This slight difference in height contributes to the
character of the final piece. We cut each tile is individually and take the time to merge these
diverse pieces of varying heights, some smaller than one half inch. This technique differentiates
our work from modern day tile setting where most pieces under two inches come pre-arranged
and glued on a mesh backing. When the final arrangement is approved each tile is lifted again
and mastic (adhesive) is applied. A thirty inch round may easily contain more than a thousand
pieces. Beginning to end may require three weeks to three months to complete, including
curing periods.
Time, an integral element, often the difference between the exquisite and the mundane.
CARE AND PRESERVATION
Surface Finish: When the mastic is cured, sanded grout is applied. The cured grout and stone
are sealed as a final step. This sealer has been specifically formulated for use on natural
POROUS stone. It is called Stone Enhancer and deepens the color of the stone upon
application. Once the sealer is applied water will bead up. Sweating glasses will not penetrate
the finish and hot casseroles (350 degrees) may be placed upon the surface. Do not immerse,
clean with soapy sponge then wipe with damp paper towel. Do not use abrasive
cleaners which will wear off the sealer. Re-application is not necessary as long as water
beads up well.and will last years indoors. If used outdoors, keeping your table in a protected
area will extend its life. Acid rain may wear away the sealer in one season. BRING INDOORS
BEFORE FROST. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR MOSAIC OUTDOORS IN FREEZING
TEMPERATURES.
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YOU WILL BE PURCHASING A MOSAIC THAT WILL GRACE YOUR HOME FOR MANY YEARS, PERHAPS GENERATIONS TO COME. WE HAVE BEEN CREATING WORKS OF ART SINCE 1976, SPECIALIZING IN ONE-OF-A-KIND MOSAICS. |