How to Create Vertical Installations for Mosaic Art with Tami Macala

In this very comprehensive online course, students will learn all the steps to create a vertical mosaic art installation. Tami will walk you through all the steps it takes from beginning to end using the fiberglass mesh technique. Tami has over 15 years of experience using this technique on a variety of substrates. There are over 40 sections included in this course. They include: what type of substrates are appropriate, what is necessary to prepare them for a successful installation whether interior or exterior, how to create a design, and how to work in a manageable size depending on if you are working alone or with a team. Tami explains which is the best fiberglass mesh to use for this technique and why. There are sections on how to mix the proper thin set/mortar choices, and what is the best consistency for vertical applications as well. There is also a section on how to skim coat a wall properly to prepare it for a vertical installation.

This video also includes sections on how to merge two parts of the same mosaic design using register marks. This is not a full mural installation course, but it does cover the same techniques if students are interested in that skill. There are sections on how to cut and work with both low and high fire ceramic tiles, and Tami describes the variety of cutting tools used with ceramic tiles. If you are looking to work in other tesserae other than ceramic tile, Tami explains the different types that can be used as an alternative in your project.

Tami teaches three different techniques on grouting, including beveling an edge for a single element mosaic installation. She also includes a bonus section on working with epoxy grout. Each section is filmed from above Tami's hands to give the student a very clear view of the techniques. Once purchased, this online video can be accessed as often as needed for the life of the course.