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Page 2 - The Shards of Knowledge

Consider this your friendly heads-up: this blog is a work in progress. Isn’t Everything? I have been attempting to make this part of our sites for a long time. I have so much written content to add, and now is the time for me to make it a regular habit. Articles will appear as I finish them, revise them, rethink them, and occasionally decide they deserve to be torn apart and rebuilt, just like a real mosaic.

I’m Kim Wozniak—mosaic artist, owner of WitsEnd Mosaic, MosaicSmalti.com, and Smalti.com. Along with my daughter, Crystal, and son Jesse, our family has been running this business for over two decades. Our recipe is simple—quality materials, fast, dependable service, honest answers, and showing up for the mosaic community the way they’ve always shown up for us.

This blog follows the same approach. You’ll find practical advice, product breakdowns, explanations that actually make sense, and the kind of real-world tips that come from years of cutting, gluing, grouting, and occasionally muttering under my breath at a stubborn piece of smalti. Keep in mind something I say in every class I teach. “If you ask 10 Mosaic artists how to do something, you’ll get at least six different answers.” Mosaic Art is a continuous learning experience, and every day we learn something new is a good day!

Content will fill in over time. Keep checking back—or subscribe—because there’s a lot more coming.

  1. Mosaic Tool Overview
    Mosaic Tools & Techniques
    Mosaic Tool Overview
    November 23, 2025
    Understanding which tools work with which materials are an important part of making a successful cut. Many of us started...
  2. Silicones and Rubber Adhesives
    Choosing Adhesive
    Silicones and Rubber Adhesives
    April 16, 2025
    This category includes adhesives like Lexel, Clear liquid Nails, etc.  They are typically clear, very flexible, and...
  3. Mosaic Tools - Wheeled Nippers
    Mosaic Tools & Techniques
    Mosaic Tools - Wheeled Nippers
    April 17, 2022
    There are many styles of mosaic wheeled nippers with a wide range of prices. There is no right or wrong one. As you progress...
  4. Apoxie Sculpt
    Choosing Adhesive
    Apoxie Sculpt
    April 16, 2022
    Apoxie Sculpt combines the features and benefits of sculpting clay with the adhesive power of epoxy. Its smooth, putty-like...
  5. PVA Glues
    Choosing Adhesive
    PVA Glues
    April 12, 2022
    Polyvinyl acetate (PVA, PVAc, poly(ethenyl ethanoate): best known as wood glue, white glue, carpenter's glue, school...
  6. Thinset Guide
    Choosing Adhesive
    Thinset Guide
    November 22, 2021
    Thinset Overview - Thinset is a cement-based adhesive you mix with water OR a liquid polymer additive for added flexibility...
  7. Sealing your Grout
    Sealing your Grout
    April 28, 2021
    Grout can be an extremely porous material that can harbor dirt, mold, mildew, and bacteria, which is why many artists opt...
  8. Time to Grout!
    Getting to Know Grout
    Time to Grout!
    April 28, 2021
    Allocate Enough Time! Make sure to allow enough time to complete the grouting process.  How it looks when you go to bed...
  9. Preparation for Grouting
    Getting to Know Grout
    Preparation for Grouting
    April 28, 2021
    Grouting is messy.  Find a location that it's ok to get dirty and/or cover your workspace with a tarp. Old plastic shower...

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Perdomo Mexican Smalti, Gold, Tortillas & More

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