Ironstone Mosaics - Material Choices


	<LINK REL="STYLESHEET" TYPE="text/css" HREF="/style/main_style.css"> <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="13" WIDTH="438" BORDER="0"> <TR><TD BGCOLOR="#DEC3A8"> <DIV ALIGN="center"> <IMG SRC="/images/materials/pebbles.jpg" WIDTH="291" HEIGHT="150" ALT="" BORDER="0"></DIV> <BR> <DIV ALIGN="center" CLASS="MainHeading">Pebbles and Stones</DIV> <SPAN CLASS="vgBody">Pebbles are one of the first materials ever used to create mosaic designs. Pebble mosaics from the Old World made exceptionally long lasting floor mosaics, even when just dry-set into place. The interlocking stones tend to push each other into place, hugging them snugly together. This technique is how the ever-so-effective paver tile system works, which is seen on many driveways and patios today. Although it is rare to see dry set mosaics these days, it is still worthy of mention. A more permanent approach used nowadays is to set the pebbles into a mortar bed to ensure that they remain comfortably in place, combined with proper setting techniques, of course. Through creative pebble arrangement, any type of design can transpire.</SPAN> <P><BR> <IMG SRC="/images/materials/quartz.jpg" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="216" HEIGHT="198" ALT="" BORDER="0"> <SPAN CLASS="SectionHeading">Quartz Pebbles</SPAN> <BR> <SPAN CLASS="vgBodyspaced">Pebbles make charming mosaics and come in many hues. Stone mosaics are very durable, with quartz pebbles in particular being exceptionally strong. Granite is one of the few stones that can match the hardness of quartz. In fact, those sparkles that are characteristic of granite just happen to be flicks of quartz. Ground quartz is a primary ingredient used in making porcelain, the strongest and most resilient surfacing material available. People tend to think of quartz either being pink, clear or white. But really, quartz is the one stone that comes in nearly every color. Even the most basic pebble design evolves into a rare beauty when using quartz.</SPAN> <P><BR> <IMG SRC="/images/materials/gemstones.jpg" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="216" HEIGHT="192" ALT="" BORDER="0"> <SPAN CLASS="SectionHeading">Precious Gemstones</SPAN> <BR> <SPAN CLASS="vgBody">Semi-precious gemstones are available to clients who want a very special touch to accent their custom designed mosaic. To incorporate a birthstone, or any other type of gemstone, makes for a truly unique mosaic that has a magical presence. From soft pastels to deep jewel tones, natural gemstones offer every color under the rainbow. Our polished gemstones are first gently tumbled to remove any hard angles. The stone’s body becomes softly rounded like a pebble found naturally in a stream bed or along a river bank. Rounded gemstones embed nicely into mosaics with their smooth, translucent faces shining through. This crystal ball effect mesmerizes and becomes the beating heart of the mosaic.</SPAN> <P><BR> <IMG SRC="/images/materials/glass.jpg" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="216" HEIGHT="137" ALT="" BORDER="0"> <SPAN CLASS="SectionHeading">Italian Glass<BR>and Crystal</SPAN> <BR> <SPAN CLASS="vgBody">On first thought glass may seem delicate. However, when considering it’s constant use for windows, it’s ruggedness must be acknowledged. Glass withstands constant exposure to extreme temperatures and harsh climate conditions. It is impervious to water and even resists scratching. Colored glass makes gorgeous mosaics, where light rays play a much greater role than when using matte materials. Light does a shimmering dance on a mosaic, giving it personality and movement. Like a hologram picture, the mosaic image tends to morph and shape-shift itself as you move about.</SPAN> <P><BR> <IMG SRC="/images/materials/shells.jpg" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="216" HEIGHT="211" ALT="" BORDER="0"> <SPAN CLASS="SectionHeading">Shells and Keepsakes</SPAN> <BR> <SPAN CLASS="vgBody">Mosaic design allows for a great deal of experimentation with the use of mixed-media. Artistic expression knows no boundaries... let your imagination run free when tossing around the possibilities. Shells, or any other interesting type of item, can be incorporated into your mosaic design. Fragile items become stronger once embedded into the mortar, which fills in hollow chambers, giving added support to your keepsake. The creative possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to consider using materials other than just tile. Just keep in mind how you intend to use your mosaic. When using raised objects, or fragile items, they are best suited for permanent wall mosaics or reserved for a hanging picture mosaic.</SPAN> <P><BR> <IMG SRC="/images/materials/hematite.jpg" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="216" HEIGHT="166" ALT="" BORDER="0"> <SPAN CLASS="SectionHeading">Shiny Metallics</SPAN> <BR> <SPAN CLASS="vgBody">Metallic material has a dramatic impact on a mosaic. Just like with glass and other high-gloss materials, metallics give a life force to the artwork. When using metal materials within your mosaic design, something mystical happens. Coins, medallions and hematite stones breathe life into the mosaic, making it very personable to the beholder. People have been known to embed metal keepsakes into their mosaic as a symbolic reminder of something dear to them. One word of mention is that thin items have very shallow settings. Coins and medals may be best suited for walls or areas that won’t get heavy use. Remember how you intend to use your mosaic and let this be a guiding light in choosing materials wisely when custom designing.</SPAN> </TD></TR> </TABLE>