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MOSAIC WORKSHOPS
*Build a Birdbath
*Make a Table
*Create a Plaque
DATES AVAILABLE:
WED 4 Feb 10 AM
WED 4 Feb 6.30 PM
THURS 5 Feb 10 AM
THURS 5 Feb 6.30 PM
Description:
A mosaic course where you design and make your own birdbath, table or plaque. All materials provided, including a hand made ceramic birdbath or ceramic house plaque or metal table.
Starting:
Thursday, Feb 5 morning & evening sessions
Wednesdays, Feb 4 morning & evening sessions
Where:
Montsalvat, 7 Hillcrest Ave, Eltham
In the tranquil setting of The Glass Workshop Studio inside beautiful Montsalvat, this enriching mosaic-making class is your opportunity to relax, unwind, and reconnect with your creative spirit.
Ages:
Perfect for participants aged 16 and up.
Length of course:
This 10-week course invites you to embark on a therapeutic journey of self-expression through the timeless art of mosaics. Each 2-hour session is thoughtfully designed to guide you in crafting beautiful, unique mosaic pieces while providing a calming escape from the stresses of daily life.
What to Expect:
* Therapeutic Creativity: Discover the joy and mindfulness that comes from piecing together coloured tiles into stunning mosaics. Allow your hands and heart to work in harmony as you focus, let go, and create.
* Self-Discovery: Explore your artistic potential and express your individuality through a medium that celebrates transformation and beauty.
* Master the Craft: Learn essential techniques, including selecting the perfect base, cutting, and arranging pieces, and skilfully gluing them to bring your vision to life.
Course Structure
Week 1: Introduction to the art of mosaic. Design your mosaic birdbath, coffee table or house plaque using templates provided or be guided to create you own unique design. Learn to use the tile cutting tools and gluing and grouting techniques.
Week 2: Finalise your design and transfer onto the handmade ceramic birdbath provided. Learn how to hand cut and cement the coloured tiles onto the base to begin creating your unique art piece.
Week 3-9: Continue to be guided by Sonja to fine tune your mosaic skills as you continue to work on your birdbath. You will learn various mosaic methods and design tips as your work progresses.
Week 10: It is in this final class where your design will come alive as you grout your finished piece.
A history of making art and mosaics
Leave your daily concerns behind as you loose yourself in the meditative process of mosaicing. Smash, cut and glue colourful elements to create your own beautiful art that will endure for many years.
Mosaics date back 3,500 years and can be pictorial or patterned, intricate or simple. Mosaics are nicknamed ´eternal pictures´ because of their durability and can be made of everything from coloured stone to seashells, ceramics and glass held together by plaster or glue or mortar.
Why Join?
⢠Mosaics offer a meditative process that helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation.
⢠Creating art in a supportive, peaceful environment can boost your confidence and spark joy.
⢠Youâll walk away not just with stunning handmade pieces but with a sense of accomplishment and tranquility.
Under the expert guidance of mosaic artist Sonja Parkinson, this class is more than just an art workshopâitâs a space to rediscover yourself, nurture your soul, and immerse in the beauty of creative expression.
Let the vibrant materials and your imagination transport you to a serene, fulfilling creative realm.
Reserve your spot today and begin your mosaic art journey.
Your masterpieceâand your peace of mindâawait!
Cost: $500 per person including all materials.
Details
You will learn
- Discover the amazing world of mosaic art!
- Learn how to use coloured tiles with tile cutters and then gluing, cementing & grouting
- How satisfying it is to use your hands and eyes to create art!
You will get
- All materials provided for FREE!
- Lots of fun and smiles with Sonja!
- Art therapy & self discovery - gift yourself or a friend something really healing and enjoyable
Appropriate for
16 year olds and older!
Preparation
What to bring
- phone camera with notebook
- fully covered shoes
- apron optional but not compulsory
What to wear
Casual clothing
Your Teacher
Sonja Parkinson is a passionate mosaic artist from Nillumbik, renowned for her community-centered projects that unite people through creative expression. With a Working with Children Check, Sonja brings her skills to youth and community spaces, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for all participants.
In November 2018, Sonja volunteered at the Living and Learning Nillumbik summer event, leading a mosaic seat-making workshop for children. She prepared precut tiles to guide the younger artists in creating vibrant designs, which she later grouted and affixed to recycled oil drums, turning them into unique seating for the centreâs garden.
Earlier that year, Sonja also ran a mosaic workshop series at St Andrews Primary School, where she guided every student and staff member in crafting their own mosaic stools. These cherished creations were exhibited at the Wadumbuk Community Centre before being taken home as mementos.
Sonjaâs work includes meaningful memorials as well, such as her involvement in the Black Saturday mosaic seat at the St Andrews Market. As part of a team of bushfire survivors, she helped create a mosaic that memorialises Black Saturday and serves as a gift to the community. She also collaborated with this group on the mosaic splashback in the Gregory Burgess-designed Wadumbuk Community Centre, adding depth and beauty to the space.
Through her work, Sonja brings art education, community engagement, and impactful storytelling together, creating lasting, meaningful pieces that strengthen community bonds.
Organized by
Montsalvat Arts Education
Nestled within MontsalvatâAustraliaâs oldest continuously active artists' communityâour studios offer a diverse range of creative outlets. Clay Talk is one of several studios, providing ceramics classes in wheel throwing and hand building for all levels, alongside specialised programs led by established artists.
In addition to ceramics, we also offer classes in drawing, painting, and mosaic, with an expanded repertoire of educational offerings planned for 2025. This dynamic environment supports learners across various disciplines, all within the inspiring setting of Montsalvat, where art is created, taught, exhibited, and experienced.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a transfer or credit note.
If you can't attend the class:
Youâre welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
You may cancel anytime before class starts and claim a full refund or transfer or credit note.
We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case youâre not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.
Terms & Conditions
TERMS & CONDITIONS
These Terms and Conditions apply to all Clay Talk programs, including term classes, workshops, short courses, and special events such as the Fire & Clay Festival.
Bookings & Payments
Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your place.
All bookings must be made through our online portal:www.claytalk.weteachme.com
Payments are accepted exclusively through this platform.
Places are limited and cannot be held without payment.
Access to Clay Talk & Other Art Studios
Clay Talk coordinates all art programs located on the grounds of Montsalvat. For safety and security, access is restricted to enrolled participants.
Upon booking, you will receive an Information Kit outlining access procedures.
Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure safe entry to studio spaces relevant to your program.
Refunds, Absences & Transfers
We do not offer refunds for change of mind after booking.
Transfers may be requested, subject to availability and approval.
Please ensure you can commit to the scheduled dates and times before booking.
Refund Requests (Before Program Commencement)
If your circumstances change prior to commencement, you may request a refund, which may be approved at our discretion and will incur an 4% administration fee deducted from your refund amount.
Missed Classes or Sessions
Requests for alternative arrangements must be made within five (5) working days of a missed session by emailing:claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
Retrospective requests will not be accepted.
Studio access sessions are not considered make-up classes.
Cancellation by Clay Talk
Clay Talk reserves the right to cancel programs due to unforeseen circumstances, including insufficient enrolments. In such cases, participants will be notified and provided with a pro-rata refund.
Illness & Medical Absence
If you are unable to attend due to illness:
Please notify us as soon as possible by emailing:claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
Where applicable, alternative arrangements, credit, or a pro-rata refund (less an 8% administration fee) may be offered at our discretion.
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers are available exclusively through:www.claytalk.weteachme.com
Minimum value: $20
Valid for three (3) years from purchase
Redeemable only for Clay Talk programs via the online portal
Not redeemable for cash and non-transferable
Gift vouchers are intended to support your creative learning and artistic development.
Firing of Work â Clay Talk Term Classes Only
Many workshops and classes include firing and glazing of a specified number of pieces. Please refer to individual course listings for details.
General Requirements
All work must be clearly labelled with the name used for booking.
We take great care with all work; however, ceramics involves inherent risks.
Clay Talk cannot guarantee successful firing outcomes and accepts no liability for breakage, cracking, or firing faults.
Term Classes â Firing Conditions
For most term classes:
Up to 10kg of finished work per student is included in fees
Additional firing will incur extra charges
All pieces must be labelled with your Makerâs Mark(Initials + Class Code, e.g. John Adam Smith = JAS)
Unmarked work will not be fired.
Damage
Damage caused by inappropriate clay bodies or glazes may result in replacement costs for kiln shelves.
Significant kiln damage may incur additional repair fees, assessed by the Studio Coordinator.
Fire & Clay Festival â Work & Firings
For Fire & Clay Festival participants:
Firing allocations and work limits are outlined in your festival registration pack.
All work must be labelled clearly and handled in accordance with staff instructions.
Due to the experimental nature of atmospheric and wood firings, outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Collection of Work
Processing, firing, glazing, and packaging typically takes 2â4 weeks after program completion.
You will be notified by email when work is ready for collection.
Work must be collected within one (1) month of notification.
Uncollected work, materials, or tools may be disposed of or donated to Clay Talk fundraising initiatives after this period.
Contact
For all enquiries relating to bookings, attendance, or policies, please contact:
đ§ claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
Have more questions about this class?
Tags:
Mosaic Workshops
Celebrate together! Great for birthdays, team-building, or friendsâ outings (groups of up to 10).
Be the first to know when this class has new dates! Add your email to the waitlist.