Ok, so lets discuss some bathroom tile ideas:

• Create a custom mosaic tile freeze running down your wall and across the floor, our tiles are perfect for this. Lets say you have all white tiles, why not create a line of red mosaics about 20cm thick running down your wall. Would help to break up the room and it looks very striking.

• Another bathroom tile idea might be to create a modern and contemporary design for your wall or behind the spa. Just think neo-classical vogue, an attractive mosaic; perhaps roman design; inlaid into the wall.

• What about using mosaic tiles behind the basins as an ornate splash-back, you may only wish to use a band of tiles between larger ones, the effect is always great.

It is very easy to start your mosaic projects when you have the right tools, our kits include everything you need.

Tile Tray	Nylon Mesh	Craft Glue	Craft brush

Of course, you will also need some mosaic tiles, we only sell the best quality tiles sourced directly from ceramics factories in Asia. We guarantee that you will love the vibrant colours and vast array of shades.

Most importantly our kits are tailored to suit your needs. We can supply kits for mosaic pictures, outdoor mosaic projects, bathroom designs and everything in between. If you can imagine it, then we can certainly provide the mosaic expertise.

We also provide Free mosaic patterns, or perhaps you would like to see how your own image will look, please send it through. Contact us for a competitive quote on your next project.

These patterns are designed to work with micro mosaic tiles, it just so happens that we sell ceramic micro mosaic tiles. Needless to say they are great quality and fit perfectly with any of these designs. If you wish to make your own pattern then submit it to us on our contact page.  If you are not happy with your current mosaic tile supplier then ask us for a quote, we sell tiles wholesale at very competitive prices, also check out our online shop.

Ok, you might be wondering how all of this fits together. Well firstly you can see a full resolution preview of the mosaic design, lets just call this the pattern image. When looking at this picture you should be able to spot each individual tile that makes up the artwork. This image helps you visualize how the final mosaic artwork will look.

The next few files are .csv files, they are designed to be viewed in Microsoft Excel or a similar spreadsheet program.  The first file will list all of the tile colours used in the design, next to the mosaic tile colour code, you will see the count of tiles needed for this design.

This allows you to order precisely the number of tiles you need from our shop or other supplier. Just place the colour and quantity you need into the cart and checkout, you already have the other information, you just need the mosaic tiles to get started.

The final file, is the image matrix, this is perhaps the most important file. Every single tile that makes up the mosaic artwork is allocated a number, the number is found on the tile count file. You just need to place the correct coloured tile that corresponds with this number. We call it ‘paint by numbers’. Its easy, and once you get the hang of it, you will be done in no time at all. Anyway enough talking, lets check out some Free mosaic patterns below:

Image Pattern	Tile Count	Tile Matrix

This type of mosaic software usually requires several inputs before a mosaic pattern can be generated. Firstly the artists mosaic tile colour spectrum needs to be loaded. Images are uploaded in the form of uniform colour swatches, each representing a coloured mosaic tile.

A digital image is then loaded into the software, the program analyses each pixel in the image and applies the relevant tile colour. The analysis algorithm is complex and many variables can be adjusted and fine tuned in order to suit the artists tile dimensions, shapes and colours.

Neighboring colours in the image; depending on the mosaic tile sizes, can often be bundled together and formed as one tile. The smaller the mosaic tile dimension, the clearer each colour gradient will be.

The resulting digital image is an exact replica of the original, with one distinct difference, it is now illustrated using mosaic tiles. Each mosaic tile will be visible in the image; the mosaic software has chosen the closest match tile to represent each part of the picture.

The mosaic image is typically accompanied by a matrix of colour code information, this is to say, each tile in the generated image is represented by a colour code the artist has specified for each mosaic tile.

The matrix is generally best viewed as a Microsoft Excel file, but other formats such as csv (comma separated values) are also widely used. The generated image will need to match the desired outcome. Dimensions, grout lines and detail all need to be considered.

Perhaps the mosaic image lacks edge detail, depth of colour gradients, and is generally not how you wish for the final mosaic artwork to look. In these situations most software packages let you adjust these definitions so that the final mosaic digital image looks exactly as you require.

Mosaic software technology such as this is relatively new, modern mosaic artworks created using this kind of software appear to be picture perfect.

Each tile is positioned exactly where it needs to be, nothing is left to chance. The placement accuracy makes a huge difference to the overall level of detail and most importantly its very cost effective.

The traditional mosaic artist can now order the exact amount of tiles from the supplier. Rather than guessing which colour quantities might be required for a project, the software can provide precise numbers.

This software helps bring striking pattern based mosaics to the hobbyists and enthusiasts. The art of creating impressive mosaics is no longer held exclusively with  specialist mosaic artists. It must be noted that correct mosaic techniques such as direct and indirect tile placement still need to be followed, this software only serves to generate the mosaic pattern.

We have a vast array of mosaic tiles online, currently you can purchase our micro mosaic tiles in single colours. To be introduced soon will be mixture colours and our range of unique shapes. It’s never been easier to start your mosaic project, just click the tiles you like, submit your order and we will take care of the rest.

How do you wish to shop?

Our mosaic tiles online (online shop) are supplied in the following quantities: 100, 450, 1000 & 2500 pieces. We prefer to stick to these quantities as it matches with our other inventory systems. Wholesale prices are available upon request, our mosaic products are imported from only the best ceramic factories in Asia. Purchasing tiles of single or multiple colours is the perfect way to freestyle your next mosaic project. We are also able to personalize your next project through the way of photo mosaics, simply send us an image on the contact us page.

If you cannot find what you are after in our online shop, then I suggest you have a look at our ebay listings, we generally have a larger range of tile mixtures and accessories. We also accept Paypal & direct deposit payment methods.

We are proud sponsors of ‘Save the Children‘ charity organization. A percentage from the products you purchase will go back into this important charity.

There are three primary methods: the direct method, the indirect method and the double indirect method.

Direct method

The direct method of mosaic construction involves placing (adhering) the individual tesserae into the underlying surface. This method is most suited to surfaces that are not flat and uniform, such as vases. Great examples of this technique can be viewed throughout Europe;  mainly wall and ceiling mosaics, drawings and outlines on the walls below were often revealed again when the mosaic falls away.
The direct method best suits small projects that are to be transported. Additional advantages of the direct method are that the resulting mosaic is visible as work progresses, allowing for adjustments to tile placement or color.
A disadvantage of the direct method is that the mosaic artist has to work directly at the chosen surface for long periods of time, this is not very practical, especially for large-scale mosaic projects. In addition, it may be difficult to control the evenness of the finished surface. This is very important when creating a functional work surface such as walls, floors or a table top.
Modern versions of the direct method, sometimes called “double direct,” work directly onto fiberglass mesh. The mosaic can then be built with the design visible on the surface and moved to its final location. Large works can be produced in this way, with parts of the mosaic being separated for shipping and later reassembled for installation. It enables the mosaic artist to work in comfort in a studio rather than at the site of the artwork installation.

Indirect method

The indirect mosaic method is most suited to very large scale projects, projects with repetitive elements or for areas needing site specific shapes. The mosaic tiles are applied face-down to a backing medium (usually paper) using an adhesive, and later transferred onto the final surface such as walls, floors or craft projects. This method can be most useful for extremely large projects as it gives the artist time to rework parts of the design. Mosaic murals, benches and tabletops are just some of the items usually made using the indirect method, as the result is usually a smoother and more even surface.

Double indirect method

The double indirect method is often used when it is important to see the work during the creation process as it will appear when completed. The tesserae are placed face-up on a surface (often adhesive-backed paper, sticky plastic or soft lime or putty) as it will appear when installed. When the mosaic is finished, a similar medium is placed atop it. The piece is then turned over, the original underlying material is carefully removed, and the piece is installed as in the indirect method described above. In comparison to the indirect method, this is a complex system to use and requires great skill on the part of the artist, to avoid damaging the work. The main advantage lies in the possibility of the artist directly controlling the final result of the work, which is important.

In the beginning mosaic work was limited to the laying of coloured pebbles in a more or less uniform manner. By breaking the pebbles a flatter surface can be achieved, by the fourth century BC the individual pieces were further refined to the cubes we are now accustomed to. In the second century BC coloured mosaics reached their technical perfection in central Italy.

At their height of popularity, mosaics rivaled painting in terms of the end artistic results. The level of detail and finesse achieved was spectacular and the amount of work required to achieve high standards and quality could make their cost quite prohibitive. The major benefit of course, was the higher durability and vibrancy of colour, so much so that in many cases there would be little left of an excavated villa, but usually the mosaic on the floor may well be close to intact.

A decorative pattern on a shop floor would most likely be two tone (black and white). The pieces were called tessellae or tesserae and usually their size could differ even within the same mosaic. Faster techniques implied larger, more simple, patterns and of course, larger pieces. The white tesserae would mainly be made of (white) marble, whilst the black would be of basalt – the exact same volcanic lava rock used in the construction of Roman roads such as the Appian way.

Here we have some roman mosaics done by some of our clients, they use our special ceramic mosaic tiles:

The shape and size of the tesserae depended on the shapes to be depicted within the mosaic artwork. A simplistic geometric pattern comprised of essentially straight lines and rectangular forms would generally require tesserae of square or rectangular pieces. More complex patterns or images naturally required the shape of the pieces to vary so that they can be laid out in order to follow the image they described rather than cut across it.

Complexity was at its height when the image of the mosaic was done in colours. The tesserae would not only have to describe the form but also the pattern of different tonal/colour shades within this form. The finest of effects could be achieved with the smallest of tesserae in much the same way that a computer screen can provide a more or less perfect image according to the number and size of the pixels per square inch that it is capable of displaying. In the most detailed works this could require as many as 300 tesserae per square inch (50 per square centimeter) and countless numbers of different coloured marbles, stones and glass, each piece being hand cut on site.

We can therefore imagine the vast range of effects, labour, technqiue and cost required in order to produce a single mosaic. It is difficult to categorise the style of mosaic work as clearly as what has been done with paintings. Linear and abstract techniques were often evolved in parallel with different styles of figurative colour work. In the Roman provinces of northern Africa, mosaics were created in every sense similar to an intricate painting of “the fourth style“. Intricate small and detailed leaves, animals, portraits and figures all interwoven into a “carpet” of marble.

At the poorer end of the scale mosaics were used almost as tiling. Small terracotta tiles of various geometric shapes such as squares and diamonds would be laid down to create an overall pattern and only a number of these would have a single marble tessera inserted into them. This required little if any true “mosaic” work to be done in order to achieve a satisfactory and durable patterned surface. Roman mosaics will always be remembered for the intricate patterns and elegant shapes and designs.

What is a mosaic tile and how can it be applied and used as an art-form? What is mosaic?

Mosaic tiles are usually made from glass or ceramic, they can be big or small, and are available in all the colours of the rainbow. The tiles can be glued onto flexible nylon mesh for easy application and transportation, they can also be applied directly to wet concrete. Both methods are suitable for flat or curved surfaces.

Are you looking to buy tiles online? Just click the image and you will be transported to our online shop.

Need to know the history of mosaics, learn about mosaics for beginners, or need to know more about mosaic pictures?

Our ceramic mosaic tile range all have a 3d glazed surface, meaning the surface of the tile is rounded. This both protects the underlying colour and also seals it from oils, chemicals, residues, etc.

Some customers decide to use our micro mosaic tiles in the traditional way throughout kitchens, bathrooms, and other wet areas. But its becoming more commonplace to create stunning contemporary mosaic artworks, these can be used as a feature wall both indoor and outdoors. Each mosaic tile is placed precisely according to a computer generated ‘map’, once a single section is finished, the artist moved onto the next ‘panel’. A number of panels are used to form the final mosaic artwork.

It is possible to create complex images using our tiles, because they are micro in size, many detailed designs and patterns can be created. The possibilities are endless, our tiles are the most suitable for mosaic pictures, because they are only 1cm x 1cm in size, the level of detail that can be created is astonishing.

Any colour scheme is possible, you can view our 60 available colours, these colours are used in combinations to create accurate shade gradients in deatiled images. We also supply these tiles both to wholesale customers and privately for hobbyist mosaic artists, all of the colours are available in our shop.