Shapes and Forms of Thin-set and Mesh with David Jarvinen

Create wonderful and whimsical forms to apply your mosaic!

   Watch Promo   Enroll in Course

If you have been looking to create a variety of undulated and distinctive shaped substrates with a simple process, then we have the course for you!

Learning to create your own substrates can give you so much freedom when it is time to create your mosaic art. This is also a great course if you are looking for a foolproof way to create works that will weather the exterior elements.

David Jarvinen takes you step-by-step in demonstrating how to create three different undulated substrate forms. He begins with the best tools for getting great results, then discusses how to mix the thin set to the proper consistency, and moves on to the simple materials it takes to undulate and shape your different substrate forms.

If you are enrolled in either one of David’s courses: “Organic Abstract” and/or “Spontaneous Abstract,” you will see how easy it is to apply those concepts to the substrates you will create. In this course David uses the “Magic Carpet” substrate combined with the “Organic Abstract” to help inspire your creativity.

This course comes with a PDF for download with a list of the tools, materials, and resources David recommends.


"I have enjoyed viewing this course. All the videos are clear and informative. The confidence of an experienced tiler shines through in each demonstration. The spiral technique especially has sparked ideas of using ceramic moulding to create forms." Allan P.

Your Instructor


David Jarvinen
David Jarvinen

I came to the mosaic industry through ceramic tile contracting and a couple of clay artists. Our business was remodeling kitchens and baths with ceramic and glass tile, and doing tile jobs most other contractors wouldn’t. This led to a reputation for being creative.

During this time, I met those couple of clay artists that asked me to assist with their school and public mural installations they had created. It was great fun and I volunteered to help. Then, after a year or two of volunteering, I landed a paying gig to cover for one of the artist installers, as they needed to go out of town. That was the beginning. Circa 1998.

From this beginning, I worked to incorporate mosaics into my contracting business and there was a market! It wasn’t huge, but it was there—I worked to make mosaics mainstream through our business and have had some happy customers as a result.

Most of my work was architectural in nature. Then the clay artist who had instructed classes, for which I assisted—was moving out of state, so I approached the host venues and inquired to see if I could take over for her. They were happy to give me a try. That was the beginning of my instruction career. Circa 2004.

I continued to expand my collaborations and as of 2017 I am continuing to instruct, learn and create mosaics!


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!