Garden Bench
2018-02-24 09:00 - 2018-02-25 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

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.

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

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
2018-05-01 10:00 - 12:30, 2018-05-15 10:00 - 12:30, 2018-05-22 10:00 - 12:30, 2018-05-29 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

Mosaic House Numbers
2018-05-19 10:00 - 17:00 | 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/

Mosaic Birds at the San Diego Botanic Garden
2018-06-02 | San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA, 92024, United States
June 2 I will be teaching at the San Diego Botanic Garden and we will be learning how to cut glass to create colorful birds. You may choose to make a wall piece or a piece that can be mounted on a stake to put in your garden or in a pot.
Register through the Garden’s website: https://apm.activecommunities.com/sandiegobotanicgarden/Activity_Search/mosaic-birds/171

Tuesday Morning Class June 5th
2018-06-05 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 on June 5, 19, and 26. (*No class June 12th)
There are so many creative projects in process in the studio – a variety of wall pieces, mandalas, a table, a large “Tree of Life”, 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.

Chris’s bonsai table

Gina’s mandala

Gayle’s stepping stone

Nancy’s mandala

Mariann’s mandala

Tuesday Morning Class- June 19th
2018-06-19 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Class June 26th
2018-06-26 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Class July 3rd
2018-07-03 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Tuesday morning classes in July are from 10:00-12:30 on July 3, 10, and 31. (*No class July 17th or 24th)
There are so many creative projects in process in the studio – a variety of wall pieces, mandalas, a table, a large “Tree of Life”, 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.

Nancy’s mandala

Mariann’s mandala

Gayle’s stepping stone

Wendy’s crab

Tuesday morning class- July 10th
2018-07-10 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Wendy’s crab

Tuesday morning classes in July are from 10:00-12:30 on July 3, 10, and 31. (*No class July 17th and 24th)
There are so many creative projects in process in the studio – a variety of wall pieces, mandalas, a table, a large “Tree of Life”, 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.

Chris’s bonsai table

Gina’s mandala

Gayle’s stepping stone

Nancy’s mandala

Tuesday Morning Class- July 31st
2018-07-31 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Nancy’s mandala

Tuesday morning classes in July are from 10:00-12:30 on July 3, 10, and 31. (*No class July 17th or 24th)
There are so many creative projects in process in the studio – a variety of wall pieces, mandalas, a table, a large “Tree of Life”, 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.

Chris’s bonsai table

Gayle’s stepping stone

Wendy’s crab

Nancy’s mandala

San Diego Botanic Garden August 4th
2018-08-04 09:00 - 16:30 | San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA, 92024, United States
MOSAICS FOR YOUR GARDEN
Choose from a turtle, fish, seahorse, dragonfly, butterfly, owl, frog, dolphin, crab, bird, starfish, or elephant, and learn to create a beautiful garden mosaic using glass gems, ceramic tiles, ball chain, stained glass, mirror and more. Learn what the appropriate substrate and the proper adhesives are for outside use, and learn how to mount your creation to install it in your garden-either hanging on a wall or mounted on a stake. This class is great for beginners or for more advanced students who want to work on design and on honing their glass cutting skills.
Cost: $75
Materials Fee: $60 due the day of the class
Register through the Garden’s website here: https://apm.activecommunities.com/sandiegobotanicgarden/Activity_Search/mosaics-for-your-garden/181

Tuesday Morning Classes- August 7th
2018-08-07 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 on August 7, 14, 21, and 28.
There are so many creative projects in process in the studio – a variety of wall pieces, mandalas, a table, a large “Tree of Life”, 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, call, or text 530-277-5494 with questions.
*The cost of $45.00 covers materials. All tools needed are available here in the studio.

Tuesday Morning Classes- August 14th
2018-08-14 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes- August 21st
2018-08-21 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes- August 28th
2018-08-28 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes - September 4th
2018-09-04 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States
Tuesday morning classes in September are from 10:00-12:30 on September 4, 11, 18, and 25.
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 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, 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 - September 11
2018-09-11 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday morning classes - Sept. 18th
2018-09-18 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday morning classes - Sept. 25th
2018-09-25 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 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, 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.

Austin Mosaic School- Sept. 28-30, 2018
2018-09-28 - 2018-09-30 | Austin Mosaic School, ​1810 W Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas, 78757
During this action-packed three day mosaic workshop, you will learn an amazing variety of skills and techniques to create your very own 3D Sculptural Mosaic Flower.
We’ll begin on Friday by learning how to use power tools to cut and shape a 2” wedi board substrate and then how to prepare your substrate to be weatherproof outside. You will also learn how to create the structure necessary to mount your piece on a pole to be installed in the garden or on a patio if you choose.
On day two, you’ll choose from a variety of flower designs to be a guide for your mosaic. Glass cutting skills will be taught for any beginners and you’ll learn how to work on sticky mesh. Then you’ll be free to create using everything from custom clay tiles, to stained glass, mirror, glass gems, ball chain, millefiore and more.
On day three, you’ll be learning how to mix and custom color grout using powdered tints and complete the grouting of your piece.
This workshop is open to students of all levels. Although some mosaic experience may be helpful, it is not necessary. Most students will complete their piece. However, this is a two sided project, and depending on your pace, you may choose to finish at home.
Skills learned can be used and applied to future projects, both large and small-scale for indoor as well as outdoor application. If you have any curiosity about how to create pieces out of clay for your mosaics, you will love this workshop. Marsha will be demonstrating how to make her signature clay tiles and there will be a variety of tiles available for purchase. Registration is through the Austin Mosaic School’s website.
http://austinmosaicschool.com/classes–workshops.html#!/SCULPTURAL-MOSAIC-FLOWERS-with-Marsha-Rafter/p/103943516/category=0

Tuesday Morning Classes- October 2nd
2018-10-02 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

Tuesday Morning Classes- October 9th
2018-10-09 10:00 - 12:30 | Marsha’s Studio, 28202 Burned Oak Terrace, Escondido, CA, 92026, United States

San Diego Botanic Garden Oct. 11 12:00-3:00
2018-10-10 12:00 - 15:00 | San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA, 92024, United States
In this three hour class, you will make something that uniquely expresses your one of a kind style. Students will design and complete two mosaic pendants using a variety of beautiful materials such as Italian glass, marble, micro ceramic tiles, beads, and metal. Basic cutting techniques and ideal jewelry adhesives will be covered. Materials and tools are provided. There will be squares, rectangles, hearts and circles. The bases are silver plate.
This is a perfect class to create not only for yourself, but for a gift for a friend.
The fee for the class is $55. *A $35 materials fee is due directly to me at the class.
Sign ups begin in early Setember through the garden’s website.
https://sdbgarden.org/classes.htm
