Alice Olivia Clarke – Mosaík Námskeið

Paint brushes (for painting on the primer)

Toothpicks (for cleaning glue and grout from between tiles)

Exacto knife – for cutting into the plastic film to air out your artwork quicker.

Andlits grímur (face masks) for mixing, particularly large amounts of grout

Sponges for spreading the cement (fúgu) onto the finished piece (usually pink, green and yellow) sold in packs best bought in “Tiger”, or in the sale area of Húsasmiðjan.

Soft, cleaning rags (usually pink, green, or blue) bought for a very good price in “Tiger” (can also be found in Húsasmiðjan)

Old T-shirt (always best to recycle and use something that will be thrown out later...good for polishing the pieces because they do not leave dust!)

Pencils, Paper, Eraser, Tiles and your Imagination!!

Silicon glue if you choose to glue a mirror onto your project. (or for glueing glass tiles to any other ceramic, such as a plate or glass) It is possible to find silicon glues that DO NOT have the toxic smell. Just ask. They’re out there.

(does not necessarily have to be Mapei, there are several types available)

Fúga (Cement filler)

Mapei have an extensive range of colours. Be careful to get a cement that is not too harsh, as not to scratch and ruin your finished product!

Tile cutters

Vitrex (pictured below) is the best tile cutter in over 10 years of experience! Also brilliant because you can keep the same cutter and only replace the blade!

(this is what is in the replacement kit – very

convenient!) found in Húsasmiðjan

Tile Nibbler/cutter - Naglbítur

Necessary for cleaning up little nips of tile which haven’t broken off completely when cutting!

Mapei Primer G and Mapei Glue– to paint onto the wood to seal it. Doesn’t take a very long time to dry. Touch dry is enough and then you can put the glue on. It helps the glue to stick better to the substrate (what you plan on glueing the project to) Check out this range in Húsasmiðjan! Explain your project and they will direct you to the correct primers and glues....there are many types for different projects. For example indoor projects and outdoor.

Then of course window film which can be bought in metre lengths in either Húsasmiðjan, or Byko. When you’re finished with your picture. Take off the backing and slowly roll the film down onto the tiles. As I’ve explained in class, if it starts to roll or buckle the wrong way...DO NOT try to lift it. Just let it drop. Instead use extra film to glue the rest of the tiles together.

I find the best is an almost clear film, so you can see your piece and change any pieces you feel need changing.

And of course, there is whatever tiles you want to use and create with. Or even old ceramics. Anything that suits your temperment! Glass beads (Ikea is always good for surplus but they tend not to carry many colours at one given time!)

I have found that VÍDD carries wonderful tiles, but every once in awhile I go also to Flísabúðin for tiles such as the shiny titanium and copper coloured tiles.

Most importantly use your imagination, look at lots of books and enjoy yourselves. Mosaics can be very haphazard, but can also be a wonderful way to lose yourself in your creativity.

Anything is possible.

If anything is forgotten please let me know so I can add it to this list.

Thanks to everyone who has attended my courses.

Alice Olivia Clarke, mosaic designer