The Roman mosaic is made of stone and marble joined together with cement and grout in such a way as to form patterns or figures. “In decorative art, it can take the form of a painting, a trivet, or even a tabletop,” explains Suzanne Spahi, owner and director of Mosaïkashop. In addition to offering all the materials needed to make mosaics and Roman mosaics, the shop-school offers initiation sessions for adults and children. It explores the history of the mosaic, as well as the techniques of cutting and installation for the realization of a complete piece.
If the courses allow you to learn the traditional technique, including the handling of the hammer and the knife, it is possible to make Roman mosaics at home with ceramic pliers. According to Suzanne Spahi, it is enough to know how to combine patience, creativity, and dexterity to create a work. She explains the steps to follow.
For who
Anyone who loves art can learn about Roman mosaics. It takes a bit of creativity, dexterity, and patience. Children can also be initiated.
Material required
Marteline and slicer or ceramic pliers
Marble pieces
lead pencil
paper kraft
water-soluble glue
wood frame
Cement
Grout
Make Roman ceramics at home
Step 1
The first step is to establish the kind of project you want to create, a trivet or a decorative frame for example, and to draw the pattern with a lead pencil on a kraft paper on which the pieces will be glued. marble. The design can be original or inspired by traditional Roman mosaics, models of which can be found in art books.
Step 2
We then choose the materials we want to use for our mosaic, be it ceramic, glass paste, marble, or small. Roman mosaics are usually made of marble, which gives an irregular finish. Marble pieces can be purchased from ceramic and flooring shops. by phone and email.
Step 3
After having cut the marble pieces, they are glued upside down on the kraft paper, following the established drawing. Pieces of all shapes and colors should fit together perfectly, like pieces of a puzzle. For more precision, use eyebrow tweezers.
Laying the marble pieces requires meticulousness, dexterity, and patience. It can take between 10 and 12 hours to make a decorative frame of 20 cm x 20 cm, depending on the complexity of the design.
Step 4
Once all the spaces in the drawing have been filled in, a wooden frame is placed and the marble pieces are covered with a layer of cement. Let it dry for 24 hours.
Step 5
When the cement is dry, the piece is turned over and the kraft paper is removed with the help of a little water. We finish the work by laying a grout, to fill the interstices between the pieces of marble, and brushing with a sponge.
The finished product can then be displayed. It will have a slightly uneven finish…like works of art from the Roman era!
