Nottingham in Bloom, "Edible Britain" July 2013

In January 2013, Peter Maxfield, the Sherwood Community Action Officer commissioned me to create a mosaic on behalf of the Sherwood Ward Councillors for Nottingham in Bloom. http://www.nottinghaminbloom.co.uk/


The original idea was sparked from Karen Taylor who owns The Textile Workshop in Sherwood, she wanted something to brighten up the front of her newly opened Cookery School on Mansfield Road. http://www.thetextileworkshop.co.uk/

"Edible Britain" is the Nottingham in Bloom theme for 2013 so what could be a more appropriate location for the mosaic than on the pillars at the entrance of The Cookery School. As I work for Karen teaching Mosaic for Central College in the building itself above The Cookery School, she allowed me to work on the mosaic in the workshop when it was available. 
http://www.centralnottingham.ac.uk/

The mosaic itself took six months to create, working one or two days a week, until the last three weeks when I was flat out working on the street installing the mosaic, some evenings until 9 pm.

I have photographed the progress of this last stage.



18/6/13 
Precariously balanced, cleaning and sanding the pillars.


Mosaic sections had been created by gluing the materials onto flexible mesh allowing it to wrap around the pillars. Here I am laying the mosaic sections on top of the original drawing just to make sure it all fits together!!

All the pieces on top, phew, it does fit!


The first section, the pot of strawberries firmly attached using frost proof adhesive.


Plastering the adhesive on the wall ready for the artichokes.


25/6/13
All stuck on and left to dry overnight I began grouting using dark grey frost proof grout. 


This is after I have washed several times, they are so sore!

3/7/13
After two and a half weeks of sticking, grouting and cleaning I can finally put the finishing touch of sky blue paint on the background. Nottingham in Bloom judges are coming tomorrow! 








                 
             



 Close up's of the pillars, finally completed on the morning of the 4th.











Mosaic Courses and Workshop

Mosaic Courses with Sophie Robins From August 2013

This is an opportunity to learn different techniques enabling you to create mosaics for your home and garden. You will be encouraged to explore design ideas and develop some original mosaic work. A wide range of resources are available including, glass and ceramic tiles, crockery and recycled materials.

There is a course workbook to complete, recording skills learnt, progression and research.

There will be a charge for materials, for example and A4 size mosaic would cost approximately £8.

Course:              NCFE in Mosaics, Level 1
Start Date:         23/9/13
Day & Time:       Monday's, 9.30-12.30
Duration:           17 weeks
Cost:                 £199 or free if on benefits
Place:                The Cookery School (top floor) 621 Mansfield Rd, Sherwood,     
                        Nottingham

Course:              NCFE in Mosaics, Level 1
Start Date:         24/9/13
Day & Time:       Tuesday's, 9.30-12.30
Duration:           17 weeks
Cost:                 £199 or free if on benefits
Place:                The Cookery School (top floor) 621 Mansfield Rd, Sherwood,     
                        Nottingham

To enrol, please call in at the Textile Workshop , 678 Mansfield Road Sherwood NG5 2GE,  Mon – Fri 10.00-4.00 pm and Saturday 10.00-12.00 pm, or post the application form to the above address. 

For more information, call Karen on 07809 158606 or visit:http://www.thetextileworkshop.co.uk



 Previous Learner's Projects

Summer School Mosaic Workshop

This two day workshop is suitable for both beginners to receive tuition and for those with experience needing time set aside to experiment and develop skills.

Materials will be provided and will cost approximately £10-£15, depending on the size of the project.

Dates:               22nd and 23rd August 2013
Times:               10 am - 4 pm
Cost:                 £30 plus materials
Place:                The Cookery School (top floor) 621 Mansfield Rd, Sherwood,     
                        Nottingham

To enrol, please call in at the Textile Workshop , 678 Mansfield Road Sherwood NG5 2GE,  Mon – Fri 10.00-4.00 pm and Saturday 10.00-12.00 pm, or post the application form to the above address. 

For more information, call Karen on 07809 158606 or visit:http://www.thetextileworkshop.co.uk

Room Full of Butterflies


Just a few weeks ago I had great delight in being commissioned to design and create a large mosaic for the new Sherwood gift shop, “Room Full of Butterflies”, owned by Andy Walsh. There is a lovely bright room at the back of the shop that is soon to be opened as a café. The mosaic will be situated above the door frame in the café area.
So, I am well on my way to fulfilling one of my mosaic ambitions, a permanent mosaic in a restaurant, next I’m aiming for a series!



Here are some pics of me working on the butterflies in my workshop, (I keep sneaking down there, and I can’t keep away) aiming to be completed the beginning of September.

Another New Mosaic, based on a Czech Stamp.

Here are some new mosaics I have been working on since the latter part of 2011.

New Courses


For more information contact Karen at The Textile Workshop, 678 Mansfield Road, Sherwood, 07809 158606 or email me on sophie.robins@yahoo.co.uk