Handmade Polymer Clay Tiles for Mixed Media and Mosaic Art with Laurie Mika
Take your polymer clay making to a whole new level with multiple mixed-media and mosaic techniques
Enroll in Course
Have you ever looked at intricate polymer clay pieces and wondered how to incorporate them into your artwork? Are you curious how to infuse your mixed media or mosaic projects with a unique touch that reflects your personal style?
Look no further – Laurie Mika, our renowned MAO artist, is thrilled to guide you through this exclusive Mosaic Arts Online course that promises to elevate your polymer clay work to new heights.
Laurie's distinct approach to altering the surface of polymer clay into art has become her signature style, and in this course, she generously shares a wealth of techniques.
Whether you're a seasoned artist or this is your first dive into the world of polymer clay, Laurie's insights empower you not only to replicate her methods but also to seamlessly integrate them into your own mosaic or mixed-media endeavors.
If you're unfamiliar with Laurie's work, she's the creative mind behind the book "Mixed Media Mosaics." Although she hoped to write a follow-up book instead, Laurie has taken that energy and poured it into this course, providing you with instant access to a multitude of the techniques she has developed since that time.
Here's a sneak peek at what awaits you in the course:
- Laurie’s favorite tools and materials
- Clay conditioning techniques
- Painting and scoring tiles
- Stamping and collaging on white clay
- Laurie’s signature image transfer technique
- Adding text to white clay
- Incorporating stamps and texture on a variety of colored clays
- Creating a central focal point
- Using gold and silver leaf for an aged effect
- Stenciling and spray paint techniques
- Crafting words with stamped letters
- Bringing it all together to craft a unique mixed-media mosaic project
This comprehensive course gives so much insight into the world of Handmade Polymer Clay for Mixed Media and Mosaic Art. Laurie shares countless ideas and techniques, ensuring you acquire all the knowledge and confidence needed to create your unique artistic vision.
Included in this course is an in-depth list of Laurie’s favorite tools, materials, and resources for you to download – your backstage pass to the secrets of her craft!
"I watched the course last night, and all I can say is Thank You! You are a fantastic teacher as well as an artist! WOW!" Cyndi F.
Naomi C.
J S. F.
Your Instructor
Laurie Mika is an artist, author and instructor. Over the last two and a half decades, Laurie‘s mixed media mosaic and assemblage work using polymer clay has evolved into an original and easily recognizable style. Her unique approach combines handmade polymer clay tiles with beads, jewelry pieces, charms, glass tile, hand cast resin pieces and found objects. She feels very fortunate to be able to combine her love of travel and passion for art through teaching at art retreats. She has taught across the States as well as in France, Israel, Australia and Mexico.
Laurie’s work has been published in countless magazines and books. She is the author of the highly regarded book, Mixed Media Mosaics, that was published by North Light Books in 2007. Laurie has appeared on both HGTV’s, That’s Clever and on DIY’s, Craft Lab. Recently, Laurie was featured on a new PBS series, Make It Artsy.
Laurie’s work has been shown in galleries in San Diego, Laguna Beach and Los Angeles including La Luz de Jesus and the Hive Gallery. She is currently represented by Pop Gallery in Santa Fe. She has also exhibited many times in the prestigious Mosaic Arts International juried exhibition, winning Best in Show at Mesa Contemporary Arts in Arizona. Laurie’s work hangs in private collections here and abroad.
Course Curriculum
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StartIntro and personal interview with Laurie and Tami (2:43)
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StartPDF for download. Suggested tools, materials, and resources
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StartCourse overview (0:50)
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StartMaterials tour (1:49)
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StartConditioning the clay. Designing tiles with scoring (7:22)
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StartIntroduction to the Polymer Clay oven (2:42)
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StartPainting the scored tiles (11:16)
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StartColoring on clay with rubber stamps (9:51)
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StartLaurie's signature technique for image transfers (12:09)
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StartCollage on baked clay tiles (9:27)
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StartDifferent techniques for adding text onto the clay (13:39)
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StartPainting onto the baked stamped tiles (14:24)
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StartStamping and painting on colored clay (11:37)
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StartCreating a central focal point tile (13:20)
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StartLaurie's favorite technique for embedding her DooDads. (14:39)
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StartGold and silver leaf on polymer clay (15:55)
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StartThe benefits of stamped rolling pins (3:46)
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StartStencils and spray painting on polymer clay (14:44)
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StartCreating words using stamping letters (6:45)
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StartHow to use clay cutters for unique shapes and designs (2:07)
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StartHow to create and use silicone molds (13:08)
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StartCollage technique for prepping the substrate (5:32)
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StartLaurie's technique for designing her mosaic using her polymer clay tiles (2:43)
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StartGluing the polymer clay tiles to the substrate (2:21)
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StartWrap up and Thank you! (1:01)