Marsha Rafter

Mosaic House Numbers
2018-05-19 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Come spend the day enjoying designing and creating colorful mosaic numbers for your house. You’ll be given the option of the shape and size of the piece you want to make whether for the front of your house or attached to a rock or bolder or the curb. We’ll be working with stained glass, mirror, glass gems, glass ovals, and ball chain. Skills learned in the class will include using the ring saw, wrapping your edges for protection, mixing grout, tinting your grout including how to think about mixing tints to achieve your colors, how to cut your wedi board, how to install special washers and a hanger, and how to work with ball chain.
*This is a great class for beginners as well as advanced students.
*Students who do not finish the project in one day may return for a Tuesday morning class or on the following day. A $45 fee will be charged.
You can see examples of designs by doing a google search for mosaic house numbers or by going on Pinterest.
Here is a link to my board on Pinterest where I have compiled a few examples for you. https://www.pinterest.com/marshawrafter/mosaic-house-numbers/

Tuesday Morning Classes
2018-05-15 10:00 - 12:30, 2018-05-01 10:00 - 12:30 | CA
Tuesday morning classes in May are from 10:00-12:30 on May 1, 15, and 22, and 29. (*No class May 8th)
There are so many creative projects in process in the studio – a variety of wall pieces, mandalas, a table, two large “Tree of Life” pieces, mosaic benches, and a totem. On Tuesdays, you may choose your own project or, as always, I have ideas for projects ready for you if you prefer. Not only will you leave with a wealth of information, but you will also feel refreshed and renewed as you take tiny pieces and turn them into something beautiful.
Mosaic has been found to be very therapeutic for the body, mind and soul, is a great stress reliever, and students experience a deep sense of personal freedom and accomplishment in this process. The environment in the studio is very nurturing and there is a tremendous sense of comraderie that has developed that you can be a part of.
It is recommend that students start with a small basic project to learn the techniques that will enable you to establish the foundation on which you will be able to build your expertise as a mosaic artist for both fun or profit.
Class sizes vary, but we always provide all students with lots of personal time for one on one instruction. Email me – marsha@marsharafter.com or text 530-277-5494 with questions.

Gina’s mandala

Colleen’s dragonfly

Nancy’s mandala

Mariann’s mandala

Gayle’s stepping stone

San Dieguito Art Guild Mother's Day Art and Garden Tour
2018-05-12 10:00 - 2018-05-13 16:00 | CA
Save the Date: May 12, 13
On Mother’s Day weekend, I will be participating in the San Dieguito Art Guild’s annual Mother’s Day Art and Garden Tour. Homes in Encinitas, Olivehain, and Carlsbad will have their gardens open and several artists will be set up at each of the eight homes on the tour. Details will be available on their website soon.

San Dieguito Art Guild

Mandalas at the Center for Creative Renewal
2018-04-21 09:00 - 2018-04-22 17:00 | Center for Creative Renewal, Crest Dr., Encinitas, CA, 92024, United States
On April 21st and 22nd, 2018, I will be teaching a mosaic mandala class at the Center for Creative Renewal in Encinitas, CA. The garden at the center is spectacular and is an amazing opportunity for creating in an outdoor setting. There is a labyrinth on the grounds that will be available for meditative walks and breaks during the class. You can see lots of photos of the garden and read about the Center on their website.
I will have ceramic tiles to offer for use in your creations as well as stained glass, glass gems of all shapes and sizes, and mirror. Skills learned will include glass cutting, working with sticky mesh, working with wedi board, mixing thinset mortar for use as an adhesive, mixing and coloring grout, and the proper way to hang your piece using special wedi washers.
The class will be held from 9:00-5:00 both days. The cost is $275 which includes a $75 materials fee.
Register at http://www.artretreats.com/events/mosaic-mandalas-2

Tuesday Morning Classes
2018-04-03 10:00 - 2018-04-24 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 on April 3, 17, and 24. (*No class April 10th) There are so many creative projects in process in the studio – a variety of wall pieces, mandalas, a table, two large “Tree of Life” pieces, mosaic benches, and a totem. On Tuesdays, you may choose your own project or, as always, I have ideas for projects ready for you if you prefer. Not only will you leave with a wealth of information, but you will also feel refreshed and renewed as you take tiny pieces and turn them into something beautiful. Mosaic has been found to be very therapeutic for the body, mind and soul, is a great stress reliever, and students experience a deep sense of personal freedom and accomplishment in this process. The environment in the studio is very nurturing and there is a tremendous sense of comraderie that has developed that you can be a part of.
It is recommend that students start with a Basic workshop and Class to learn the techniques that will enable you to establish the foundation on which you will be able to build your expertise as a mosaic artist for both fun or profit.
Class sizes vary, but we always provide all students with lots of personal time for one on one instruction. Email me – marsha@marsharafter.com or text 530-277-5494 with questions.
***In addition to mosaics, you may have the opportunity to learn how to work with clay to create tiles and other inclusions for your mosaics. Beginner to advanced students are welcome. The $45 per class cost includes most materials. (larger wedi board panels and hardware are excluded)

Gina’s mandala

Colleen’s dragonfly

Nancy’s mandala

Mariann’s mandala

Tuesday Morning Classes
2018-03-06 10:00 - 2018-03-27 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 6, 13, and 20, 27. There are so many creative projects in process in the studio – a variety of wall pieces, mandalas, two large “Tree of Life” pieces, mosaic benches and a totem. On Tuesdays, you may choose your own project or, as always, I have ideas for projects ready for you if you prefer. Not only will you leave with a wealth of information, but you will also feel refreshed and renewed as you take tiny pieces and turn them into something beautiful. Mosaic has been found to be very therapeutic for the body, mind and soul, is a great stress reliever, and students experience a deep sense of personal freedom and accomplishment in this process. The environment in the studio is very nurturing and there is a tremendous sense of comraderie that has developed that you can be a part of.
It is recommend that students start with a Basic Workshop and Class to learn the techniques that will enable you to establish the foundation on which you will be able to build your expertise as a mosaic artist for both fun or profit.
Class sizes vary, but we always provide all students with lots of personal time for one on one instruction. Email me – marsha@marsharafter.com or text 530-277-5494 with questions.
***In addition to mosaics, you may have the opportunity to learn how to work with clay to create tiles and other inclusions for your mosaics. Beginner to advanced students are welcome. The $45 per class cost includes most materials. (larger wedi board panels and hardware are excluded)
Come join the fun! I promise you’ll be glad you did.

Garden Bench
2018-02-24 09:00 - 2018-02-25 17:00 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
This gorgeous mosaic bench was created by my student Chris Cassidy in our Tuesday morning classes.
In this two day workshop you will be working with a rainbow of stained glass, mirror glass, and iridescent glass to create a beautiful 36″ concrete garden bench. The focus of the class will be working with design and color while learning glass cutting skills. You will also learn how to use a glass cutting saw and grinder for refining your cuts. We will discuss andamento, the lay pattern of your glass, and work on sketching your andamento prior to laying your glass. In addition, you will learn how to work with contact paper and face tape to transfer your piece to the concrete bench. Grouting will be demonstrated and you will be provided with a grout kit and printed instructions for how to grout your piece at home. You may also come to a Tuesday morning class and grout in class with my direction. Or, you may set up a private time in the evening. Cost includes the concrete bench, all glass, thinset and grout. Tools will be available for your use or you may bring your own.
*Patterns for the design will be provided or you may email me your ideas ahead of time so that you have some idea of what you want to create prior to arriving.
*Bring a lunch, or order sandwiches from our local deli.
*Tea, coffee, and light snacks will be provided each day.

Mosaics for Your Garden at the San Diego Botanic Garden
2018-02-07 12:30 - 16:00 | San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA, 92024, United States
Choose from a turtle, fish, seahorse, dragonfly, butterfly, owl, frog, dolphin, crab, or bird and learn to create a beautiful garden mosaic using glass gems, ceramic tiles, ball chain, stained glass, and mirror. Skills you will learn include: glass cutting, appropriate substrates and proper adhesives for outside use, how to use sticky mesh for your mosaics, and how to mount your creation to install it in your garden-either hanging on a wall or mounted on a stake
Two Afternoons February 7, 21 12:30-4:00
Registration is through the San Diego Botanic Garden’s website http://sdbgarden.org/classes.htm

Tuesday Morning Classes
2018-02-06 10:00 - 2018-02-27 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Tuesday morning classes in February are from 10:00-12:30 and meet on February 6, 13, and 20, 27. There are so many creative projects in process in the studio – a variety of wall pieces, mandalas, three large “Tree of Life” pieces, stepping stones for a pathway, mosaic birds, and a mosaic turtle. On Tuesdays, 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 may have the opportunity to learn how to work with clay to create tiles and other inclusions for your mosaics or to make pots. Beginner to advanced students are welcome. Cost includes most materials.
Come join the fun! I promise you’ll be glad you did.

Nancy’s mandala

Gina’s mandala

Colleen’s dragonfly

Gayle’s stepping stone

Wendy’s crab

Jacque’s mandala

Mariann’s mandala

Tuesday Morning Classes
2018-01-02 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Tuesday Morning classes in January are from 10:00-12:30 and meet on January 2, 9, and 16. There are so many creative projects in process in the studio now- a variety of wall pieces, mandalas, two giant “Tree of Life” pieces, stepping stones for a pathway, mosaic birds, and a mosaic turtle. On Tuesdays, 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. Beginner to advanced students are welcome. Cost includes materials.
Come join the fun! I promise you’ll be glad you did.

Mariann’s mandala

Gina’s mandala

Gayle’s stepping stone

Colleen’s dragonfly

Nancy’s mandala

Jacque’s mandala

Gina’s mandala flower

Wendy’s crab

Tuesday Morning Classes
2017-12-05 10:00 - 2017-12-19 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Tuesday Morning classes in December are from 10:00-12:30 and meet on December 5, 12, and 19. There are so many creative projects in process in the studio now- a variety of wall pieces, mandalas, two giant “Tree of Life” pieces, stepping stones for a pathway, mosaic birds, and a mosaic turtle. On Tuesdays, 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. Beginner to advanced students are welcome. Cost includes materials.
Come join the fun! I promise you’ll be glad you did.

San Dieguito Art Guild Holiday Bazaar
2017-12-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr., Encinitas, CA
On December 2nd, I will be participating in the San Dieguito Art Guild’s Annual Holiday Bazaar. Come out and see what beautiful gifts you might find for someone on your Christmas list.

Tuesday Afternoon Class- Handbuilt Ceramic Angels
2017-11-28 13:30 - 2017-12-05 16:00 | CA
On November 28th and December 5th I will be offering a clay class from 1:30-4:00 in my studio. This class will be held in two sessions.
During the first session, you’ll learn how to roll clay slabs, how to texture them – choosing from hundreds of stamps and texture plates, and how to construct your angel.
During the second session of the class, you will be glazing- choosing from a rainbow of colors that will highlight the textures you created.
This year, for those that have already taken the class, I will have smaller size templates to use so that you can make tree ornaments, or smaller sizes good for a hostess gift, teacher gift or office gift. I will also teach how to add a small clay slab to create hair if you choose.

Tuesday Morning Classes
2017-11-07 10:00 - 2017-11-28 12:30 | CA
Tuesday Morning classes in November are from 10:00-12:30 and meet on November 7, 14, 21, and 28. There are so many creative projects in process in the studio now- a variety of wall pieces, mandalas, two giant “Tree of Life” pieces, stepping stones for a pathway, mosaic birds, and a mosaic turtle. On Tuesdays, 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. Beginner to advanced students are welcome. Cost includes materials.
Come join the fun! I promise you’ll be glad you did.

3D Sculptural Mosaic Flower Workshop
2017-10-27 15:00 - 2017-10-29 16:00 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Sculptural Flower – Sunflower
During this three-day workshop, you will learn a variety of skills and techniques to create your very own 3D Sculptural Mosaic Flower. We will begin by creating carved, highly textured clay tiles which will be fired overnight to be included in your mosaic in the following days. Next, you will learn how to use power tools to cut and shape the wedi board base, how to prepare your piece to be weatherproof and how to prepare it for adding your mosaic. You will also learn how to create the structure necessary to eventually hang your creation on a wall or mount it on a pole. Designs for your piece will be discussed ahead of the workshop, and on day two the design will be transferred to your wedi board, including the clay tiles you created on day one. Finally, you’ll have the freedom to create your mosaic using everything from the custom clay tiles you created on day one to stained glass, mirror pieces, glass gems and much more. Mixing and coloring grout will be demonstrated, but as this is a large project, the mosaic and grout will have to be completed on your own time or at a future open session in my studio. Complete handouts with a resource list will be included.

Itinerary:
Fri. October 27 3:00-9:00 PM
Sat. October 28 9:00-5:00
Sun. October 29 9:00-4:00

Location:
Marsha Rafter’s Studio
28202 Burned Oak Terrace
Escondido, CA 92026

About the Studio:
Located in a beautiful rural area in north San Diego County, the studio is located on an acre with beautiful succulent gardens. There will be time to relax by the pool for a glass of wine after the workshop each night with myself and your fellow mosaic creators.

Workshop Fee: $350
Materials Fee: $75

Tuesday Morning Classes
2017-10-17 10:00 - 2017-10-31 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Tuesday Morning classes in October are from 10:00-12:30 and meet on October 10, 17, 24, and 31. 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. Beginner to advanced students are welcome. Cost includes materials.
Come join the fun! I promise you’ll be glad you did.

Mosaic Mandalas at the San Diego Botanic Garden
2017-10-11 12:30 - 16:00 | San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA, 92024, United States
I will be teaching this mosaic mandala class two Wednesday afternoons in October at the San Diego Botanic Garden. Class will meet on October 11 and 25 from 12:30-4:00 at the Eske Building.
You’ll learn glass cutting skills and how to use sticky mesh and wedi board and about the proper adhesive for outdoors. With wedi board as your substrate (base) your creations will be suitable for both indoor or outdoor display. Beautiful stained glass, glass gems, mirror, and ball chain will make your design sparkle!
Register by calling the San Diego Botanic Garden at 760-436-3036 or, online reservations can be found here:
https://apm.activecommunities.com/sandiegobotanicgarden/Activity_Search/mosaic-mandala/141

Tempered and Textured Glass in Mosaics
2017-09-23 10:00 - 2017-09-24 13:00 | 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.
