Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic floor tiles are usually made from porcelain, ceramic, or glass formed into squares of less than two inches (2.5 cm). The squares can be arranged to form a picture or a repeating pattern. Artisans create unique floors using mosaic tiles. The tiles are also available in standard patterns, which can be purchased attached to a backing for easy installation.

Mosaic is an art form which involves fitting small pieces of rock, shell, tile, or glass called tesserae together to create a pattern which may be abstract or representational. Some of the finest examples of mosaic can be found in ancient art from the Greco-Roman world, and in Byzantine churches. This craft can be used to decorate everything from chests of drawers to floors, and it has been a part of the artistic expression of many cultures all over the world.

The earliest known mosaics date to around the eighth century BCE, when the Greeks made mosaics with pebbles. The art form spread to the Romans as well, and it was used extensively in the internal decoration of homes and businesses. The Romans were especially fond of mosaic for flooring, and some truly incredible floor mosaics have been revealed at archaeological sites. With the spread of Christianity came an explosion of mosaic art in churches and other houses of worship; these mosaics depicted saints or religious scenes, and often integrated precious materials such as gold and gems.

Some Native American cultures, especially in Latin America, also developed mosaic, which was used to ornament shields and body armor. Latin American mosaic utilized stones such as turquoise and precious metals, and immense technical skill was involved. The oldest pre-Columbian mosaics appear to date to around 600 BCE, although older mosaics may still be discovered.

The Middle East has also been a site of incredible mosaic work. Islamic art does not depict figures, but rather complex geometric patterns which often involve subtle interplays of color and shading. Middle Eastern mosaics ornament furniture, flooring, and walls. Middle Eastern mosaic was often made specifically with tile, and it was used to convey social status and power, since it would have been expensive to install.

This striking decorative art is also used by modern artists. All of the historical uses of mosaic can be seen in modern design, ranging from ornate mosaic tile floors to furnishings and sculpture covered in mosaic. Artisans often have very fine materials to work with, and they may include things like mirrors and vibrantly colored glass to make their mosaics particularly eye-catching.

Making mosaic on your own can be fun, since there are so many possible materials to work with. At a minimum, you will need a surface to mosaic and materials to cover it in. Tile factories and pottery studios are a great source of broken clay and glass to use, and you can also purchase mosaic tiles which are specifically designed for this purpose. A strong adhesive is needed to fix the tesserae to their backing, and you will also need grout to finish the piece, along with sealer if you want it to endure moisture. Tools like tile snippers are also very handy, and remember to wear face protection when breaking pottery or cutting glass.

Source:  geekwise