The Spiral, The Shell, and The Sprocket with Rachel Sager

This mosaic course combines the content of six designs into one comprehensive learning experience

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Course intro and interview with Rachel Sager and Tami Macala

Rachel shares her passion for shapes and many tips and tricks on how to mosaic on custom frames


Are you new to mosaic art and staring down the hole of where to begin or how to even pick a project or material to work with? How would you like that problem to be solved with one course that can be a learning adventure while being achievable and gratifying? Yes? Well then you are in the right place and with the right instructor.

Welcome to "The Spiral, The Shell, and The Sprocket with Rachel Sager”. This online course is a mosaic material sampler that will introduce you to the world of mosaic art. Led by the talented Rachel Sager, this course offers a wonderful balance between technical feasibility and stimulating your imagination for future projects.

Rachel will simplify complex concepts, while making mosaic art accessible to the beginner. Mosaic is a vast art form with a language of its own and offers a lifetime of lessons to be learned. In this course, you will find a structured framework that removes the worry of designing compositions, allowing you to focus on the joy of creating. The nature of Rachel’s custom-cut frames ensures that your project will be a success.

With three choices of designed frames, you are free to choose the one or ones that fire you up and start selecting your mosaic materials. While Rachel demonstrates using specific materials, you are encouraged to use what you already have in your collection or find materials that inspire you.

In this course you will learn:

  • How to enhance the raw wood frames with stains and color washes
  • How to bond the wood before applying the thin set/mortar
  • How to seal and smooth the wood before starting to mosaic
  • How to choose the materials for each frame
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  • How to cut and understand the nature of 9 different types of materials
  • How to create andamento in a limited space
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  • How to work neat in small spaces
  • How to add filati for highlights against marble and stone
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  • How to create a balanced composition using color and value
  • How to use complementary colors for added interest
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  • How to build simple color wheels or gradations

With six distinct yet complementary projects bundled together, you will witness your mosaic making skills develop naturally as you create alongside Rachel. Prepare yourself for a creative journey that combines hands-on learning, artistic exploration, and the joy of mosaic art.

Whether you are a beginner eager to dive into the world of mosaics or an experienced creator looking to craft a series for display, this course has something to offer you.

Although this course is beginner friendly, it is also a satisfying collection of experiences for the more seasoned artist. The custom frame/substrates are addictive and solve so many mosaic problems!

Rachel includes a PDF for download of her suggested tools, materials, and resources. There is a link to order your custom-made frames from Sager Mosaics.


Your Instructor


Rachel Sager
Rachel Sager

-- Rachel Sager: Artist. Teacher. Speaker. Writer. Rachel works on the cutting edge of the contemporary mosaic fine art movement—her innovative work has been represented in cities throughout the US and internationally, and has been awarded multiple bests of show in juried exhibitions. Her Marcellus Shale Series stands as a true Pittsburgh success story, and her work is collected with passion by private clients and corporations all over the world. Rachel’s commitment to the classical language of mosaic paired with her intuitive andamento style has shaped a strong voice in the mosaic world. She brings these classical techniques home to the “here and now” of the present American mosaic movement. Rachel proudly hails from the foothills of Appalachia and passionately preserves her storytelling, hillbilly roots as she weaves the colorful tales of family, nature, self-reliance, humor, and the legacy of coal through the lens of mosaic. Whether she is digging into the earth of her native Pennsylvania or traveling the world as a teacher and speaker, her mission to “build the line” in mosaic continues to inspire new generations of mosaicists. http://www.rachelsagermosaics.com


Course Curriculum


  The Spiral, The Shell, and The Sprocket
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  Chapter 1: The Spiral
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  Chapter 2: The Shell
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 14 days and we will give you a full refund.

Get started now!