Mosaics

Kristina Ryan Tate started learning how to mosaic in the beginning of 2024, and it has been a thrilling adventure. At this point, she’s completely self-taught (with the help of some generous YouTubers, and a Facebook group that has saved her many times). She’s been so surprised, and then pleased, at how it has influenced her writing process, and served as a refuge in times of creative block or distress.

Her only rule is that she use recycled materials. Whether purchased at a thrift store, estate sale, or Goodwill (I know), all substrates, tile, and stained glass are second (or third, or fourth) hand. The adhesive and grout in most cases must be purchased anew or they won’t work, though she’s landed a couple of exciting finds at the Habitat Restore. This creates limitations, of course, but with limitations comes unexpected surprises. :)

You can follow Tate’s mosaic journey on IG @thrifedandgiftedmosaics.