How to make a Mosaic

How to make a Mosaic

Byzantine mosaicists would have placed the tesserae directly into a bed of lime cement working a section at a time because the cement would quickly dry.

1. Have a go at  making a mosaic yourself. Draw your design onto a wooden base. The Byzantines had to work quickly, but give yourself more time by applying the tile adhesive bit by bit.
2. Use special tile cutters to shape each piece of tessera so they fit together well and follow the curves of your design. Tilt each one a little so it will catch the light.
3. Byzantine mosaics were never grouted ( filling the spaces between the tiles with fine cement ), but a fine layer applied to your design will seal it and make it stronger.