A mosaic project with a school or community group involves some or all of the following:

- An introduction to the art of mosaic. This can include a slide show, with examples of mosaic and the materials used that participants can handle. Alongside this goes discussion of the main project: the themes and images that are to be included, with the participants either producing drawings that can then be taken away and absorbed into the overall design; or they can help to design the mosaic there and then.

- The mosaic is usually constructed in a classroom or other communal venue, which will involve the participants learning how to cut and glue the tiles. The simplest method of making a mosaic is to glue the mosaic pieces directly onto a framed piece of plywood, on which the design has been drawn. The completed mosaic is then grouted and produces a tough mosaic that can be attached to a wall. This method is particularly suited to a series of mosaic pictures. For a single large mosaic the ‘paper on face’ method is more appropriate, and works as follows: the ceramic tiles are glued with water-soluble paste onto paper on which the design has been drawn life size and back to front. As the mosaic is installed at the permanent site using these sheets, the face being bedded in the adhesive, the participants’ work is directly transferred from the classroom to its final resting position. The paper is then soaked and peeled off, and the mosaic grouted.

Although there is scope for younger members of a primary school to participate, this type of project is particularly suitable for children aged from ten years upwards. Younger children can, however, be absorbed, especially into a mixed age group. Between ten and fifteen children is the best number to work on the mosaic at any one time, although the project can involve a whole school overall!

A mosaic is an ideal creative endeavour for members of a community - especially children - to participate in collectively. The rich complexity of a mosaic needs the many hands that a school or community group can provide; it provides an outlet and a chance to shine for the talented, and absorbs with great forgiveness the work of the less adept. Pride in having contributed to the whole merges with satisfaction with the participant’s own individual areas of work. In schools, the manual and visual skills used often bring to the fore children who do not excel in other areas of school work. One of the aspects the children seem to enjoy most is having made something permanent, an achievement that stands for all to see.

Mosaic commissions are flexible and can be tailored to suit the individual requirements of each project.