Custom Designed Mosaic Art
Click on any of the pictures to get a larger view.
A mosaic is beautiful art and a custom-made piece is a unique and exquisite addition to any home. A mosaic piece or installation will last for generations upon generations (we are still admiring today mosaics that were made during the time of the ancient Romans), and will be the focal point of your home. In a hand-made mosaic each piece is cut and placed by hand which makes mosaic art a very time consuming endeavor, but the final result is stunning. 
When thinking about the cost of a custom designed piece the labor cost is typically much more expensive than the materials. The labor charge for making a mosaic ranges from $150 – $200 per square foot, depending upon the intricacy of the design. That does not include the cost of materials, grouting, or installation.
The example below explains how you can estimate the cost of your design.
· Measure the length and width of the mosaic area and find the total area in square inches. Example – if length is 24 inches and the width 16 inches, the total area is 384 square inches
· Divide the total area by 144 sq inches (that is one square foot) – so using the example 384 sq inches divided by 144 is 2.66
· To get the range of what it would cost to complete your mosaic multiply the above number by $150/sq ft and $200/sq ft. In the above example that would be 2.66 times $150 and 2.66 sq ft times $200, the cost of a 24” by 16” mosaic ranges between $399 and $532 depending upon the level of detail in the mosaic.
· Grouting fee of $25/sq ft, for a 2.66 sq ft mosaic is $66.50
Other costs to consider are materials, installation, and grouting fee of $25/sq ft
A completed mosaic piece must be thought about in stages. First is the design stage – that includes colors, design or motif, materials, and substrate. It is really important to think about where the mosaic will be placed in your home and the material it is made on (wood, mesh, Wedi-board). If the mosaic is an installation (back splash, fireplace surround, bath room area) it is critical that the whole design and the plan for the surrounding area are communicated to us. Other features such as other tile work, use of the area is really important to plan around during the early design stage.
We charge an initial non-refundable $50 design fee that includes an initial consultation and to start work on a mosaic design. Once you approve the design, materials, and colors the project moves forward and we write up an estimate/contract for the total cost. The $50 design fee is applies to your total bill.
We ask for 33% of the total cost and a signed contract before we order materials and start work on your project. The second 33% is due half-way through the project, and the final payment is due at completion. The contract will include steps and pictures along the way for your approval. We also include in the contract and chance to make changes if necessary, we can accommodate one change but additional changes will result in additional charges.
See our work and testimonials below –
Private Home, November 2011 
Arlington, MA
This large mirror (46" by 22", with a 6" border) is the perfect focal point for the entryway for this home overlooking the Mystic Lakes in Arlington, Eileen had an idea in mind and we helped her get the idea out of her head and onto this mirror!! She wanted a mirror with a scene that is meaningful to her family – she knew the Medford Boat Club, where they spend time in the summer was the perfect scene. We helped Eileen design the mirror from pictures of the boat club and by seeing the site ourselves. We chose materials and colors based on Eileen's suggestions and from our experience with materials and colors. 
Eileen and her husband are thrilled, with how their mosaic fills their entryway with the feel of the lake. The shimmery water captures the mood of the day, whether it is bright and sunny, slightly cloudy, or even the occasional rain. We really enjoyed working on this mosaic and were so pleased to bring this piece of artwork into Eileen's home. 
Private Home, July 2011
Medford, MA
Ellen and Linda came to us looking for an abstract design for the space above the stairwell, Betsy asked them about their home and its history. They also discussed color schemes and themes. 
Betsy came up with a few designs that incorporated all that they discussed, Ellen and Linda kept in touch with Betsy as she was working on the mosaic, the end product is magnificent, and Ellen and Linda are very pleased. Although Betsy did not install the piece she assisted and advised on how the handyman should hang their new art. 
Public School – June 2011 
Arlington, MA
The Stratton School was chosen to be a Blue Ribbon School, a very prestigious nation-wide award, they wanted to celebrate. A group of parents contacted us to help facilitate the design and manufacture of a 12 foot by 8 foot mosaic and they really wanted to include the children, we said, "why not"!! We worked with the parents in the design, colors, and selection of materials. 
We supervised the students as they broke tile, placed the tile onto the mosaic, and oohhed and ahhed as the mosaic went up. 
It was great fun working with the students, parents, teachers, and the school principal. One of the parents built a beautiful frame so the mosaic can be moved and placed on a different wall if need be. 
It all came together in a wonderful dedication ceremony and now the school has a beautiful reminder of their achievement as well as a shimmering and glittering 
piece of art work in one of their main hallways!! 
Private Home – April 2011 
Watertown, MA
Sue-Ellen and Gerry were searching for someone to work with them on designing a very large backsplash for their kitchen – they already knew what the subject would be – a Striped Bass – since Gerry is an avid fisherman and loves to reel in a striped bass or two during the summer months!! They found us and we got started on a 70 inch by 42 inch backsplash for their super accessorized kitchen. 
We started out working in our studio on mesh, incorporating Sue-Ellen and Gerry's ideas about color, materials and design ideas. 
We became very attached to our "fish" because it was in our studio for a little while as we worked with Sue-Ellen and Gerry on getting every detail just right. 
Finally, our fish was complete so with Sue-Ellen and Gerry's help we attached their fish on the wall behind their cook top. 
Now we had to get the water just right – we were looking for just the right color – not too blue and not too green. 
We were really pleased with our work thus far and Sue-Ellen and Gerry were as well, " We were already swooning over this fish the past few weeks, and were nervous that the water might end up being too much for the beautiful fish; but now we are quite delirious watching this creature swimming in deep, swirling currents! The water looks great! Thank you both for such hard work and this wonderful creation!" 
We attached the water on the wall around the fish and then grouted the whole wall – a beautiful completed, unique backsplash!! Our clients are very happy!! "Meantime, the fish still completely blows us away whenever we walk in the kitchen. Wonder if we'll ever stop being amazed! In any case, when all is done, we want you guys to come for dinner!! With oodles of thanks and appreciation for your masterpiece." Dinner was wonderful – 
Temple Beth Shalom, Melrose, Massachusetts, May 2009
A 4' by 2' decorative piece added above the ark during the temple renovation project
"Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to enter the newly renovated sanctuary at TBS. What a difference from the last time I was in there. Upon entering the sanctuary I felt a warmth that was unexplainable…it was the mosaic you created. There it was in front of me glowing with the reflection of sunlight and the warmth of your talent. You are amazing and so is your creation!!" Gail, a Temple Beth Shalom member
"I went by the temple this afternoon and it took everything in me not to sit down and cry at the beauty of your mosaic. I couldn't because there were workmen in the place! It is simply magnificent. We are so lucky to have been able to tap your considerable talent. I knew it would be some thing beautiful, but I was not prepared for the intensity of the results. It sparkles as if it were made of precious gems. Thank you for sharing your unique talents with me and TBS." Nancy Kukura, current President of Temple Beth Shalom
Parish of the Epiphany, Winchester, Massachusetts, August 2010 40 inch by 40 inch cross installed in a new outdoor entry way. Made of natural stone and marble.
“Suzanne was wonderful to work with, she organized our parishioners to design, create, and install a beautiful cross in our new outdoor entry-way. Her technical experience and artistic eye lead us in this group project. Not only do we have a beautiful, one of a kind addition to our church property but this project connected parishioners in a unique fashion. The fellowship among the many people who worked on this project is truly a blessing. Thank you to Suzanne and the Mosaic Oasis Studio & Supply for leading us in this creative endeavor!!” - Ted Kellogg, Warden, Parish of the Epiphany
40 square inch cross – set into sidewalk, made of natural stone and marble.
Playground Art Panels – Golden Days Children’s Center, Newton Highlands,
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Two 48 inch by 24 inch “wave” panels installed on chain link fence that encloses the children’s play area. Found objects, ceramic pieces, vitreous glass, china, glass globs adhered to Wedi board and grouted.
“I had a vision to use mosaics to make our playground more colorful and texturally pleasing for our children but I just did not know where to start. I contacted the Mosaic Oasis Studio & Supply and Suzanne brought my vision to a reality!! She helped me with the creative design of our panels, instructed our teachers on the proper technique to cut and adhere the tesserae, assisted with grouting our panels, and lent her technical expertise to the whole project. I was so pleased to start the new school year with our new mosaic addition to our playground, the children are very curious and cannot keep their hands off our new playground art."
"Thank you Suzanne and the Mosaic Oasis Studio & Supply for making our vision a reality!!” - Janice Golden, Director Golden Days Children's Center
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