Update:
Today I was at my latest solo date art class. I have been really enjoying the ability to try new things, while fostering my new found love of being creative. Combining two parts of me I have long left forgotten.
In years past I have been artsy when given the chance and have always done my best, enjoying the ability to pour my heart and soul into any given project. So it is nice to now be able to seek out such classes instead of letting one come to me by chance.
My latest adventure was to Mosaic Art Studio in New Westminister. They offer workshops on traditional handicrafts from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Netherlands, Norway, USA and Canada. However, are best known as being Canada’s first workshop to teach the art of traditional Turkish mosaic lamp making. And this is what I was excited to take on today.
Located on the basement floor, you walk down into the studio space that also doubles as retail boutique. It is spacious with glass windows. Tables are preset to host guests. There are no walk-ins, reservations are required and you purchase your tickets ahead of time. The cost is based on the piece you want to create. $75 is the minimum for a glass candle holder. Although, the lamps really make a splash. There are ones that hang, others that sit and plug-in. There was a beautiful display with one that hooked on to its own cresant moon-shaped stand.
I ended up paying more for the camping lamp. I liked the fact that it had a hook to hang and runs on batteries for easy transport and placement. Admittedly it isn’t bright enough to light up a room, but it certainly adds a little finesse to any space.
The class is for all skill types. I appreciated that the demo was quick and the steps easy to understand. Each seat is set with a work tray and inspiration mat. On the sheet a series of patterns that you can follow or be inspired by. They advise pre-planning your pattern out to be able to just place it on the glass when ready.
You pick and choose your mosaic glass piece. All the colours come in three shapes (triangle, diamond, and square) and are placed at the centre of the table for everyone to share, communally. I was the lone single sitting with two grandmothers and their two grand daughters, and a couple of friends. I found everyone cordial and friendly. The small talk and positive comments on each other’s work was lovely.
You add the specialty glue directly on to the glass and get to placing. I recommeded doing so sparingly as the pieces slip and slide otherwise. And too much at a time has them drying out. Tweezers are provided, but I found using my hands easier.
There are several colours to choose from, from two shades of blue, an opaque white and pink, a vintage 70’s amber and mauve, plus red, green, and yellow. I especially liked the mirror tiles and used the clear glass to create breathes of air for my piece, instead of making it too busy and crowded with a mish mash of colour. Sadly that is what the lady beside me did and she was less than happy with the results. Admittedly I started down that road after finishing the main design, trying to fill up the remaining space with what other colours I had yet to use. Thankfully the glue used is to adhering and there is the ability to wiggle pieces around, or in my case pry them off completely. So I was able to remove and correct mid way through.
You have three hours to complete the project. I finished it in two. However that is because I stuck to mosaic-ing with tiles. For those who wanted to focus on their pattern with more space in between they could fill what gaps remain with beads. Also available in plenty of colours you add glue and adhere them like sprinkles, a pinch at a time and knocking off any extras. Seeing others engage in it I thought it messy and tedious, so opted out. Plus I liked how solid my piece looked without all the extra beading.
During the crafting they provide a small sip of tea and a cube of powdery and chewy, sweet Turkish delight. This was a lovely extra add-on that furthered the cultural component of the task.
Once completed you fill out a form that is place with your piece and register it via QR code to track. You leave without your piece as the staff still need to complete the grout work, cementing your art and allowing it to dry. If you want to truly feel like you have done this all yourself, you can take what you need and instructions to do it yourself at home. I preferred to simply pick it up in a week, once it was done and ready for me to display at home. This was a lovely experience and wonderful gift for myself.
In short, I found this a very rewarding class and highly enjoyable. I preferred doing it by myself, but it is also peaceful enough to be able to engage in it with a friend. A low stress and low energy activity that you can still have light conversation in between, while your hands are busy fixing.
Mosaic Art Studio Vancouver
332 Columbia St Unit 10, New Westminster, BC V3L 1A6
(236) 512-6745
vancouver.mosaicartstudio.ca
