Marsha Rafter

Tempered and Textured Glass in Mosaics
2017-09-23 10:00 - 2017-09-24 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
The unique properties of tempered glass make it an exciting and unique way of creating very dramatic mosaic designs. In this super fun two day workshop, students will view many examples of tempered glass work, learn about various ways of using tempered glass in mosaics as well as how to incorporate clear glass and textured glass as mosaic tessarae.
Day one will be spent designing your piece. You’ll learn to create a collage using specialty papers, foils, ribbon, and photos, and the method for setting the tempered glass on the surface. You will be amazed at how three dimensional your two dimensional piece becomes! Glass cutting techniques will be taught to allow for including transparent and textured glasses with the tempered glass. Embellishments such as mirror, ball chain, glass gems, and ceramic tiles will be available.
Day two will be spent grouting. You’ll learn how to mix grout and how to add a variety of pigments to color the grout to compliment the colors in your piece. We’ll go over how to use metallic powders to add richness of color to the grout.
Tempered glass is the perfect medium for permanently incorporating things such as photos, drawings, words, organic materials, fabric, etc. into your mosaic projects. Anything that is perfectly flat may be used. All materials will be provided but you may bring personal images and words that you would like to include in your designs, as well as any special papers you may have or want to choose beforehand.
No previous mosaic experience is necessary.
to see examples of my work in tempered glass, visit my blog page https://marsharafter.com/blog
This is a two day class:
Saturday 10:00-5:00
Sunday 10:00-1:00

Tuesday Morning Classes
2017-08-29 10:00 - 12:30, 2017-08-22 10:00 - 12:30, 2017-08-15 10:00 - 12:30, 2017-08-08 10:00 - 12:30, 2017-08-01 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Tuesday Morning classes in August are from 10:00-12:30 and meet on August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. There are so many creative projects in process in the studio now- tables, a variety of wall pieces, mandalas, and two giant “Tree of Life” pieces. You may choose your own project or as always I have ideas for projects ready for you if you prefer. In addition to mosaics, you have the opportunity to learn how to work with clay to create tiles and other inclusions for your mosaics or to make pots. Beginners and advanced students are welcome.
Come join the fun! I promise you’ll be glad you did.

Tuesday Morning Classes
2017-07-11 10:00 - 12:30 | CA
Tuesday Morning classes in July are from 10:00-12:30 and meet on July 11th, 18th, and 25th. In May and June we had students creating table tops, mandalas, butterflies, turtles, a sacred heart, and a tree of life. Choose your own project or as always I will have ideas for projects ready for you if you prefer. Come join the fun! You can also learn how to work with clay to create tiles and other inclusions for your mosaics. Beginners and advanced welcome.

Beginning Mosaics at the Hickory Museum of Art in Hickory, NC
2017-07-08 10:00 - 17:00 | Hickory Museum of Art, 243 Third Avenue NE Hickory, NC , Hickory, CA, 28601, United States
On July 8th from 10:00-5:00, I will be teaching a beginning mosaics class at the Hickory Museum of Art in Hickory, NC. Your choice of projects includes a butterfly, dragonfly, seahorse, sea turtle, owl, or elephant. Skills learned will include what kind of substrate to use for outdoors, what kind of adhesive to use, how and why to use sticky mesh, how to cut stained glass and other glass gems, tools to use, how to grout your piece, and how to quickly and easily add a hanger. The class fee is $140 and includes materials and the use of all tools needed.

Artist's Reception for San Diego Botanic Garden Sculpture Show
2017-06-25 11:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA, 92024, United States
I am happy to announce that my newest work, sculptural flowers, will be included in the 2017 San Diego Botanic Garden Sculpture show. On Sunday June 25th at 11:00, there will be a reception for the artists. This unique exhibition showcases 53 sculptures from 32 talented artists set against the beautiful backdrop of the Garden’s lush and natural 37 acres. Curator Naomi Nussbaum Art & Design has orchestrated an eclectic exhibition ranging from functional “garden” artwork to large abstract work with an emphasis on diversity of media and scale. Enjoy meeting the artists and strolling through the garden on a self-guided tour with the Garden’s dedicated Sculpture Map.

Mosaic Mandalas at the Center for Creative Renewal
2017-06-24 09:00 - 17:00 | Center for Creative Renewal, Crest Dr., Encinitas, CA, 92024, United States
On Saturday June 24th from 9:00-5:00, I will be teaching a mosaic mandala class at the Center for Creative Renewal in Cardiff, CA. The project will be completed from design to grout in one day. You’ll leave with a beautiful 10″ mandala, complete with a hanger, ready to brighten a garden wall or an interior space. You’ll be able to choose from three different mandala patterns and an abundance of glass gems, stained glass, and mirror glass to complete the project. Registration is through the Center’s website http://www.artretreats.com/events/mosaic-mandalas. The fee is $160.
Mandala – Handmade tiles, mirror, colored ripple mirror, stained glass, millefiore, glass gems 36″

Beginning and Intermediate Mosaics
2017-06-21 12:30 - 16:00 | San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA, 92024, United States
Come and enjoy two relaxing afternoons creating art for your garden with friends. Choose your project from a butterfly, dragonfly, seahorse, owl, turtle, elephant, frog, bird or a sun. You’ll be using beautiful stained glass, mirror glass, iridescent glass, beads, and glass gems. All materials and tools will be provided. PLEASE NOTE THIS CLASS MEETS TWO WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS – 5/21 & 5/28

Ruth Bancroft Garden Sculpture Show 2017 Artists' Reception
2017-06-17 17:00 - 20:00 | Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Rd, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
I am pleased to announce that my work was selected for the 2017 Ruth Bancroft Garden Sculpture Show. Join me at the opening reception on June 17th from 5:00-8:00. Every summer, the Garden transforms into an outdoor art gallery. The Garden’s world-class collection of succulent and drought-tolerant plants provides a spectacular backdrop for artists to display their works. Follow the meandering pathways to discover art that ranges from classical to irreverent, spiritual to functional.

Tuesday Morning Classes
2017-06-13 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Tuesday Morning classes in June are from 10:00-12:30 and meet on June 13th, 20th, and 27th. In April and May we had students creating table tops, mandalas, butterflies, turtles, and a sacred heart. Choose your own project or as always I will have ideas for projects ready for you if you prefer. Come join the fun! You can also learn how to work with clay to create tiles and other inclusions for your mosaics. Beginners and advanced welcome.

Mother's Day Art, Garden & Studio Tour
2017-05-13 10:00 - 2017-05-14 16:00 | CA
I will be participating in a Mother’s Day show and sale during Off Track Gallery’s Mother’s Day Garden Tour May 13th and 14th. Eight gardens in Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, and Carlsbad will be open for the tour and five to eight artists will be located in the garden at each of the homes. Details can be found on their website www.offtrackgallery.com or by calling the gallery at 760-942-3636. The gallery is located in the Lumberyard shopping center in Encinitas and tickets can be purchased there.

Tuesday Morning Classes
2017-05-09 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Tuesday Morning classes in May are from 10:00-12:30 and meet on May 9th, 16th, and 23rd. In April we had students creating table tops, mandalas, butterflies, turtles, and a sacred heart. Choose your own project or as always I will have ideas for projects ready for you if you prefer. Come join the fun! Beginners and advanced welcome.

Tuesday Morning Classes
2017-04-25 10:00 - 12:30, 2017-04-18 10:00 - 12:30, 2017-04-11 10:00 - 12:30, 2017-04-04 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Tuesday Morning classes in April are from 10:00-12:30 and meet on April 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. This month I will be teaching you how to make a mosaic table top which will be suitable for outdoors as well as indoors. With this being the month for spring, we’ll use designs with birds and flowers for the tabletop. As always, you may work on a project of your choosing instead, with my instruction and prior approval.

Hidden Meadows Artisan Guild Show and Sale April 22, 23
2017-04-22 10:00 - 2017-04-23 16:00 | Hidden Meadows Pavilion, 10141 Meadow Glen Way East, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
On April 22, and 23, the Hidden Meadows Artisan Guild will be having their annual show and sale at the Hidden Meadows Pavilion at 28208 Meadow Glen Way West. I will be showing and selling my newest work along with twelve other artists. The show hours are 10:00-6:00 on Saturday and 10:00-4:00 on Sunday. Light refreshments will be served and on Saturday from 4:00-6:00 there will be a reception with the artists. Wine and appetizers will be served.

Sacred Heart Mosaic
2017-03-25 10:00 - 2017-03-26 17:00 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
On March 25 and 26 I’ll be teaching a combination clay/mosaic class here in my studio. You’ll be working with clay to create your own textural heart and then incorporating it into a mosaic. On day one of the class you’ll begin by creating your textural 3-D heart in clay, which we will quick dry, glaze, and fire overnight. During the remainder of the day you’ll be working on the mosaic that surrounds the heart. In addition, you’ll learn how to cut wedi board, how to finish the edges and how to attach a hanger. On day two you’ll add your fired heart and complete the mosaic surrounding it. Those that finish by the end of the day will be grouting. A grout kit will be given to others who might need to finish at home or you can sign up for another time to return for grouting. Price is $250 + a $45 materials and firing fee.

Tuesday Morning Classes
2017-03-07 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Tuesday Morning classes in March are from 10:00-12:30 and meet on March 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th. This month I will be teaching you how to make a mosaic table top which will be suitable for outdoors as well as indoors. With this being the month for spring, we’ll use designs with birds and flowers for the tabletop. As always, you may work on a project of your choosing instead, with my instruction and prior approval.

Design to Grout in a Day
2017-02-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Fallbrook School of the Arts, 310 East Alvarado Street, Fallbrook, CA, 92028, United States
Come enjoy a relaxing day of creating mosaic art with glass. In this beginning mosaic class, you may choose from a butterfly, dragonfly, seahorse, sea turtle, owl, elephant, frog or heart. You’ll use beautiful stained glass, mirror glass, iridescent glass, beads, and glass gems to create a gorgeous glass mosaic suitable for hanging outdoors or inside. You’ll learn about tools and how to use them properly, how to cut glass, which adhesive to use, how to prep the substrate, how to mix grout, and how to hang your piece. A rainbow of glass colors will be available for you to choose from. All materials and tools will be provided. If you have things you would like to use such as special glass, old jewelry, beads, old china, or other mementos, please feel free to bring them. At the end of the day you will have a finished piece ready to hang on a garden wall.
I will be guiding you through the drawing and design process and I will have some templates for those who want to use my design ideas. Wear dark or old clothes, or bring an apron as we will be using black grout. I can’t wait to meet you and to have a fun day creating mosaics!
No experience necessary.

Thursday Morning Classes
2017-02-23 10:00 - 12:30, 2017-02-02 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Thursday Morning classes in February are from 10:00-12:30 and run on February 2nd, 16th, and 23rd. During the month of March, class will be held on the 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd. It’s all about Hearts this month. You’ll be creating a hanging heart planter out of clay, a three dimensional mosaic heart, and a heart rock.

Thursday Morning Classes
2017-02-16 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Thursday Morning classes in February are from 10:00-12:30 and run on February 2nd, 16th, and 23rd. During the month of March, class will be held on the 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd. It’s all about Hearts this month! You’ll be creating a hanging heart planter out of clay, a three dimensional mosaic heart, and a heart rock.

Design to Grout in a Day
2017-01-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Design to Grout in a Day In this class we’ll create a project from design to completion and at the end of the day you’ll have a gorgeous piece ready to hang on a garden wall. Choosing from a seahorse, butterfly, dragonfly, fish, owl, mermaid, peacock or sea turtle you’ll have a rainbow of stained glass, mirror glass, glass gems, beads, and millefiore available to you to work your magic. January 28th from 10:00-4:00.

Withdrawal Policy
Notification of withdrawal must be sent in writing (e-mail is fine) and refunds will be made as follows less a $25 processing fee.
100% Cash Refund – 30 or more days before the start date of the course
100% Studio Credit – between 30 and 7 days notice before the start date of the course – credits may be used for future workshop or open studio times. Credits must be used within six months from the date of cancellation. Credits may not be used for workshops that sign-up is handled by a third party, such as the San Diego Botanic Garden and the Fallbrook School of the Arts.
No refunds or credits will be given for cancellations made 7 days or less before the start date of the course.
Please Note: Studio credit does not guarantee you a spot in a future class, there must be space available, and you must contact Marsha to register and send any additional class fees.
All studio credits must be used within six months of time credit is issued.

San Diego Botanic Garden- Beginning Mosaics
2017-01-18 12:30 - 16:00 | San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA, 92024, United States
Come and enjoy two relaxing afternoons creating art for your garden. In this beginning mosaic class, students will create a butterfly, dragonfly, seahorse, owl, or turtle using beautiful stained glass, mirror glass, iridescent glass, beads, and glass gems. Your finished mosaic will be suitable for hanging outdoors or mounting in the garden. All materials and tools will be provided.

THIS IS A TWO SESSION CLASS ON JANUARY 18TH AND JANUARY 25TH

Mosaic Mandala with Textural Clay Embellishments
2016-12-10 10:00 - 2016-12-11 17:00 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
In this fast paced and super fun class, you will be working with clay to design and create your own collection of decorative and three dimensional ceramic pieces for embellishing a mosaic mandala. You will love how these pieces give your work a more unique and individual look! We’ll go over design possibilities and you’ll see samples of how to incorporate these pieces into your mandala.
Day one, in the morning, we will focus on exploring the endless possibilities of creating textures and imprints in clay as well as how to create sculptural pieces that will add so much dimension to your work. Glaze application and secrets for layering glazes for special effects will be covered. We will fast dry your pieces and then glaze them before lunch. Then they’ll be fired and ready to insert into your mandala on Sunday. In the afternoon, we will be working with a rainbow of stained glass, glass gems, and mirror to complete your mandala design.
Day two, you will complete the mandala and then grout. We’ll go over the use of different types of tints for coloring your grout.
Your substrate will be wedi board and your clay pieces will be high fired and therefore freeze thaw proof so you may hang your mandala outside.

This is a two day class and class will be from 10:00 AM -5:00 PM both days.

Mosaic Jewelry- Pendants and Earrings
2016-12-06 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Design a gorgeous one of a kind mosaic pendant or earrings for yourself or a friend. Learn how to cut Italian gold smalti and use epoxy gel adhesive to set the smalti into a beautiful silver bezel.
