SHOULD I DRY LAY MY MOSAIC? | Pros and cons of dry laying your mosaic

Welcome to our channel where creativity meets craftsmanship! In this highly informative video, we delve into the intricate world of mosaic artistry, focusing specifically on the essential technique of dry laying.
Join us as we uncover the secrets behind dry laying as you work. Whether you're a seasoned mosaic artist looking to refine your skills or a newcomer eager to explore the beauty of mosaic creation, this video is tailor-made for you.
Helen will guide you through the pros and cons of the dry laying process, offering invaluable tips and tricks along the way. When should you use dry laying? How much should you dry lay? Are there methods of dry laying?
Discover the advantages of this technique, including enhanced precision, flexibility in design, and ease of adjustment.
Whatever type of mosaic you are making - whether it is a small-scale home project using purpose made mosaic tesserae, or you are working on a larger peice exploiting the potential of found and recycled materails, there are different ways to dry lay and this video is here to explain the options and make the process easy.
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring content on mosaic art techniques, tips, and tutorials. Let's embark on this creative endeavor together and unleash the boundless possibilities of mosaic mastery!
00:00 Introduction
00:16 What is dry laying?
00:58 Dry laying for representational mosaics
03:18 Dry laying as part of the planning process
04:22 Reason not to dry lay too much!
04:59 Using temporary bases to dry lay
05:13 Contact paper or sticky back plastic
05:58 Clay as a temporary base
07:22 Illustrating the use of a clay as a temporary base
08:26 What happens when the clay hardens!
09:24 Conclusion

[@sherrillgammon3366]

The clay method is fascinating, and I might mention that polymer clay will never harden and is very easy to work with and store.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Great tip! As it happens I had just ordered some for something else but now I will give it a go for mosaic planning too. Thank you 🙏

[@adolphghneim1960]

Hi dear Helen. In my mosaic school, they teach me to mix two spoons of flour with a glass of hot water very well, then we add a spoon of white glue to fix the glasses tiles. Later, when the work is finished, we cover it with a bond ciment

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Hello there! Yes, I used to make flour paste glue like that in when I was in Greece. Where are you based?

[@quirkybird3551]

Another very helpful video Helen, many thanks for posting this. Also, I've just tried out my new Sea Bell wheeled cutters and compound tile cutters - they're every bit as good as they looked on your recent video, so thanks for the tip.
I've just bought your book and its by far the best I've come across for beginner and near-beginner mosaicists - so clearly laid out with excellent photographs and explanations. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a follow up......😉!

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

i'm really glad it was helpful! I had been thinking that I dont really need the Seabell compound nippers simply because I have so many tools already but you have inspired me to get some. I already love their wheeled cutters and wouldn't be without them so I am sure the compound nippers are worth it. It's very nice to hear you enjoyed the book too. 😀🙏

[@joychip5994]

Just like a jigsaw ❤

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Very much so! 😀