About — Mossy Mosaic

I’ve been hooked on mosaic-making since attending my first workshop many years ago.

I find the process totally absorbing and mindful - working with a wide range of materials by cutting, shaping and sticking.

I use a wide variety of materials in my own work, and introduce many of these into my workshops.

I try to be sustainable and for re-use and recycling to be a part of my everyday practice.

Jacky and her dog, Pip posing with a mosaic portrait of Pip.

Six heart-shaped mosaics arranged in a row on a wooden surface. Each heart is made of broken mirror or ceramic pieces with different colors and patterns.

Over the years I’ve made all sorts of creations, both for my own home, for friends and for sale.

During Covid I sent mosaic hearts to friends I couldn’t meet up with – it felt such a lovely way to stay connected at that hard, isolating time.

I use stained & vitreous glass, old reclaimed china, sea glass and sea pottery. I encourage participants to bring with them broken jewellery, plates and collected items to use in their making.

Assorted pieces of sea glass arranged on a colorful woven fabric background.

In 2022 I relocated to Edinburgh, deciding to try my hand at mosaic teaching.

Although I’ve had a rich and varied career, working in the Criminal Justice system, Heritage Organisations and for Arts Organisations, it’s mosaic-making that has brought me the most joy.

Working with the amazing Arienas Collective, I developed a varied programme of workshops and products for sale.

I’m delighted by the responses I receive to my teaching style – it’s important for me to ensure all those coming to my workshops feel safe, relaxed, enjoy themselves and learn a new skill.

A group of people sitting around a table working on mosaic craft projects in a cozy room with wooden walls and glass doors.

Over time I’ve come to recognise how creativity provides, for many people, an opportunity to calm busy minds
and focus on an activity which brings joy and aids well-being.

Mosaic making has supported my own well-being and I see first-hand the impact it has on those who come to my workshops.

My teaching style is inclusive, kind and calm. Workshops are usually no more than 8 people, giving me time to ensure everyone is supported, guided and able to finish their project on time.

Jacky and her peers at the Luciana Notturni Art School, each holding a framed mosaic artwork. They are wearing aprons in a studio, with shelves, framed pictures, and art supplies in the background.

My Learning

Aside from my first ever mosaic course, (thank you Julie), I have attended many courses over the years to improve my knowledge of technique and materials.

Most recently, in March 2025 I spent a week in Ravenna, Italy at the Luciana Notturni Art School, learning about the Roman style of mosaic making. Later in the year I had the opportunity to develop my understanding of the use of tone in mosaics, under the expert guidance of Helen Bodycomb & Joanna Kessel.

Learning new techniques from expert mosacists whenever possible, I am always on the look out for opportunities to extend my knowledge and experience.