Marsha Rafter

Two Day Clay Making Extravaganza- Jan 18 & Feb 1
2020-01-18 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity! On day one, Jan 18, we will begin with a field trip to see a couple of installations I have done for clients here in my neighborhood. Each of them have quite a bit of handmade tile, hand built realistic objects and many other examples of how I use my clay creations in my mosaics. After the field trip, I will demonstrate how to construct a variety of these pieces including realistic work as well as abstract pieces. Methods covered will include hand formed pieces as well as stamped and rolled designs. In addition, I will go over methods for handling the clay, the drying process, and some of the logistics for loading and firing the kiln.
On day two, February 1, I will explain the glazing process, you’ll look at all the test tiles, choose your glazes and then spend the day glazing your work. ***Pickup of glazed work will be at a later date after the firing.

***Wear old clothes or bring an old shirt or an apron to protect your clothes.
***Bring a lunch or buy it at our local deli, and please bring a refillable water bottle.
***No fragrances please as we have people with allergies. Thanks!

Nancys Macaw

Make a Joyful Noise

Lotus Reflections in Blue

Mediterranean Sunset

Tuesday Morning Classes January 14
2020-01-14 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
There are so many creative projects in process in the studio – a variety of wall pieces, tables, mirrors, mandalas, garden art pieces, a large “Tree of Life”, and totems. 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 recommended 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 I always strive to provide students with plenty of personal time for one on one instruction. Email me – marsha@marsharafter.com, call, or text 530-277-5494 with questions.
*The cost of $45.00 covers most materials. Occasionally there is an extra fee for hardware or large substrates.
All tools needed are available here in the studio. Please wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or wear an apron.
*Please refrain from wearing any kind of frangrance due to allergies.

Tuesday Morning Classes - January 7th
2020-01-07 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
There are so many creative projects in process in the studio – a variety of wall pieces, tables, mirrors, mandalas, garden art pieces, a large “Tree of Life”, and totems. 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 recommended 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 I always strive to provide students with plenty of personal time for one on one instruction. Email me – marsha@marsharafter.com, call, or text 530-277-5494 with questions.
*The cost of $45.00 covers most materials. Occasionally there is an extra fee for hardware or large substrates. All tools needed are available here in the studio.

re in the studio.

Tuesday Morning Classes - Dec. 10
2019-12-10 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
There are so many creative projects in process in the studio – a variety of wall pieces, tables, mirrors, mandalas, garden art pieces, a large “Tree of Life”, and totems. 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 recommended 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 I always provide all students with plenty of personal time for one on one instruction. Email me – marsha@marsharafter.com, call, or text 530-277-5494 with questions.
*The cost of $45.00 covers most materials. Occasionally there is an extra fee for hardware or large substrates. All tools needed are available here in the studio.

Tuesday Morning Classes - Dec. 3
2019-12-03 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes- Nov. 26
2019-11-26 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
There are so many creative projects in process in the studio – a variety of wall pieces, tables, mirrors, mandalas, garden art pieces, a large “Tree of Life”, and totems. 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 comradery that has developed that you can be a part of.
It is recommended 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. Most projects take two class periods to complete, however, if I know you only intend to come one time, there are projects available that can be completed in one class session.
Class sizes vary, but I always provide all students with plenty of personal time for one on one instruction. Email me – marsha@marsharafter.com, call, or text 530-277-5494 with questions.
*The cost of $45.00 covers most materials. Occasionally there is an extra fee for hardware or large substrates. All tools needed are available here in the studio.

Tuesday Morning Classes- Nov. 19
2019-11-19 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

3D Mosaic Cactus Sculpture
2019-11-15 10:00 - 2019-11-17 17:00 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
November 15, 16, 17
10:00-5:00
In this class you’ll be learning techniques for how to create a small cactus sculpture. On day one, you’ll be provided with a steel armature. My husband Mark will be making those ahead of time, but you will have the opportunity to watch him work as he demonstrates how he cuts them out and how he bends them.
Then you’ll be shown my process for how to build onto that to make the cactus more three dimensional using wedi board. You’ll learn how to use a jigsaw for cutting substrates yourself. Next you’ll begin selecting your mosaic tessarae and cutting glass.
Day two, you’ll work on your mosaic using the mesh technique.
Day three you’ll be attaching your work to the substrate. Your piece can be mosaicked on both sides or on just one if it will be up against a wall. If you are a fast worker, you’ll be grouting at the end of the day.
*All materials will be provided which will include your steel armature, wedi board, thinset, grout, stained glass, iridescent glass, and mirror glass in a variety of colors. If you have specific colors of glass or anything else you want to add to your cactus, please feel free to bring it. If you own a jigsaw, bring it with you.
**It will be a full three days of creating and whereas you will have the opportunity to work on your mosaic, depending on how quickly you work, you may not have time to complete it.
Cost for the three days is $495.

Tuesday Morning Classes- Nov. 12
2019-11-12 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Mosaic Mini Totems- November 9th- Marsha's Studio
2019-11-09 10:00 - 17:00 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
November 9th
10:00-5:00

In this super fun class, you will be given a choice of a fish, a bird, a butterfly, or a heart for your totem. The class will begin with a demonstration of how to prepare the wedi board substrate to be weatherproof for displaying your totem outside. Then you will have the remainder of the day to mosaic and grout and you’ll leave with a finished project. Cost of the class includes a rock, which will be predrilled, a piece of pencil rod, and a variety of giant ceramic beads. You’ll be able to paint your beads whatever colors you choose. An wide variety of stained glass, precut glass shapes and ceramic tiles will be available for completing your mosaic piece.
**These photos are happy students with their work from a previous class.

Tuesday Morning Classes- Oct. 15th
2019-10-15 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes- Oct. 8th
2019-10-08 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Mosaic Totems- October 5th- Marsha's Studio
2019-10-05 10:00 - 17:00 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
October 5th
10:00-5:00

In this super fun class, you will be given a choice of a fish a bird, a butterfly, or a heart for your totem. The class will begin with you learning how and preparing the wedi board substrate to be weatherproof for displaying outside. Then you will have the remainder of the day to mosaic and grout and you’ll leave with a finished project. Cost of the class includes a rock, which will be predrilled, a piece of pencil rod, and a variety of giant ceramic beads. You’ll be able to paint your beads whatever colors you choose. An wide variety of stained glass, precut glass shapes and ceramic tiles will be available for completing your mosaic piece.
**These photos are happy students with their work from a previous class.

Tuesday Morning Classes- Oct. 1st
2019-10-01 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes- Sept. 24th
2019-09-24 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes- Sept 10
2019-09-10 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes- Sept. 3
2019-09-03 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes- August 27th
2019-08-27 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes- August 20th
2019-08-20 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes- August 13th
2019-08-13 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Mini Totems at the San Diego Botanic Garden
2019-08-11 09:00 - 16:00 | San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA, 92024, United States
Last year I created a series of totems, including the monarch totem here, for the San Diego Botanic Garden “Sculpture in the Garden” Show. In addition, I taught classes at Hacienda Mosaico in Puerto Vallarta and at the Austin Mosaic School in Austin, Texas on how to build your own totem. Both classes were very successful and so, I decided to teach a class for creating a mini totem for your garden. This will be very different construction from the large totems and will be doable in a day as you will only be mosaicking the top piece.
Using a rock as the base, you will have a center pole to build on and you will be mosaicking a whimsical bird, fish, butterfly or heart for the top using stained glass, mirror glass, ceramic tiles, glass gems, millefiori and my own handmade tiles. This will be a lovely addition to your garden or patio. Come join the fun!
Register online through the San Diego Botanic Garden’s website:
https://apm.activecommunities.com/sandiegobotanicgarden/Activity_Search/mosaic-mini-totems/291

Tuesday Morning Classes - August 6th
2019-08-06 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes - July 30th
2019-07-30 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes - July 23rd
2019-07-23 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes - July 16th
2019-07-16 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes - July 9th
2019-07-09 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
There are so many creative projects in process in the studio – a variety of wall pieces, mandalas, garden art pieces, a large “Tree of Life”, and totems. 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 recommended 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 I always provide all students with plenty of personal time for one on one instruction. Email me – marsha@marsharafter.com, call, or text 530-277-5494 with questions.
*The cost of $45.00 covers most materials. Occasionally there is an extra fee for hardware or large substrates. All tools needed are available here in the studio.

Jewelry for Your Wall- Tapestry Mirror - San Diego Botanic Garden June 29
2019-06-29 09:00 - 16:00 | San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA, 92024, United States
Jewelry for Your Walls- Tapestry Mirrors
Join me at the San Diego Botanic Garden, June 29th, for a day of fun making a 9 x 11 mosaic tapestry mirror. I will be demonstrating how to create geometric patterns using glitter glass, mirror glass, smalti, ball chain, beads, copper tubing, metal, and found objects. You will be provided with the mirror base and all other materials you will need to create a beautiful piece for your wall. Colored adhesive will be used and no grouting will be done.
*(I will also have my signature ceramic tiles available for sale for a small fee should you want to use them).
You may register through the garden’s website beginning late February.
Here is the link to the garden’s website.
https://sdbgarden.org/classes.htm
Cost for the class is $80
Materials fee: $60

Tuesday Morning Classes June 25th
2019-06-25 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Opening Reception for the San Diego Botanic Garden Sculpture Show
2019-06-23 11:00 - 12:00 | San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA, 92024, United States
On June 23rd the San Diego Botanic Garden will be holding their opening reception for the 2019 Sculpture in the Garden Show. I will be there with my new cactus sculpture and would love to have you come out to see my work on opening day. It’s so much fun for me to have family, friends, and students there. I hope you will join me.

Tuesday Morning Classes June 18th
2019-06-18 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
