PEBBLE MOSAICS COURSES
A pebble mosaic can add a unique personal touch to any garden. Whether for your own garden, as a gift for someone special or as a clever solution to a hard landscaping problem, your hand crafted mosaic will be a beautiful focal point.
So why not escape for a few days and lose yourself in the simple pleasure of being creative at the beautiful West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. Set in a lovely West Sussex, you can sort pebbles, enjoy a creative experience with new like minded people.
Pebble Mosaic Course Gallery
June 25th - 28th 2021
Aug 30th - Sept 2nd 2021
About the Course
Create mosaic slabs using the shapes and textures of pebbles to produce intricate designs, using two techniques. The course starts with advice on developing a design suitable for this medium with guidance on the qualities to look for in pebbles. You will learn the dry mix direct method which can also be used in situ and a pre-cast indirect method which allows you to produce a more detailed design with a flatter surface. We will discuss tools and methods of cutting and shaping stone and slate.
Course Description
A pebble mosaic can add a unique personal touch to any garden, creating a beautiful focal point. The course starts with advice on developing a design suitable for this medium with guidance on the qualities to look for in pebbles.
You will learn different techniques to create your two mosaics, the first a dry mix direct method which can also be used in situ and secondly a pre-cast indirect method which allows you to produce a more detailed design with a flatter surface. We will discuss tools and methods of cutting and shaping stone and slate.
Course notes are provided for both techniques including material sourcing so you can use your new skills to complete more projects at home. It will also be a good opportunity for you to talk through any ideas or projects you have for your own garden including tips about installation.
The workshop is open in the evening for anyone wishing to sort pebbles and plan designs.
The college will provide black, white and yellow quartz pebbles and cut slates. You are welcome to bring your own choice of coloured pebbles/rocks/slates which are a suitable size i.e. 3cm to 5 cm or 1.25" to 2.25".
Timetable
Timetable for courses more than one day in length
(The tutor may make slight variations)
Arrival Day
Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
Course Materials
Included
The cost of providing wooden moulds, pebbles, cut slates, dry mix (cement, grit, sharp and soft sand), non-shrink cementitious grout, plasticiser, concrete mix (gravel, sand and cement) and waterproof tape.
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What students need to bring
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If possible to bring ideas for two potential designs, one to be drawn on a 30cm by 30cm thick clear plastic, the other a cut out cardboard or foam board template to fit a 45cm by 45cm square. Some pre-cut templates will be available to use.
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Tape measure and or ruler.
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Frost proof pebbles e.g. 3cm-5cm or other rocks you may wish to use.
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Water spray with trigger action (as used in kitchens and gardens 1 litre)
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Flat seed trays in which to store sorted pebbles. 15 x 9 inches 38 x 24cms
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Craft knife.
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A pair of thin waterproof gardening gloves.
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Apron.
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Covered sturdy shoes and warm layers.
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Bubble wrap or old towels to protect the mosaics while being transported.
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Available to buy
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Drawing / sketch pad, pencils
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There will be the opportunity for you to purchase 3cm round coloured glass nuggets if you wish to use them in your design. The extra cost is £15 for approximately 60 nuggets. This charge should be paid to the tutor before the end of the course, by cash or cheque.
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Please note the mosaics will be heavy and will require two people to lift them. They will need to be transported home flat and measure 18ins/46cm plus a frame and a 12 inch /30cm square.
May 3rd - 6th 2019
September 2nd - 5th 2019
