What to buy for a mosaic workshop

A mosaic workshop needs more than tiles and glue. You will need a suitable base for each participant, enough cutting and handling tools to share, and separate supplies for fixing, grouting and cleaning finished pieces. Plan refreshments as well, including coffee, tea, cold drinks and food. This shopping list covers the materials and equipment to have ready before participants arrive, so you are not buying adhesive, cups or sponges at the last minute.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Registration desk
Drying racksqty 4

Equipment

Coffee maker
Kettleqty 2
Coolersqty 2
Tile cutterqty 2
Tile nippersqty 8
Rubber malletsqty 6
Glue gunsqty 4

Kitchen

Pitcherqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving plattersqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Glassesqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 32

Mosaic materials

Wooden basesqty 32
Mosaic tilesqty 12
Glass stonesqty 8
Mosaic adhesiveqty 6
Groutqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 20
Spatulasqty 20
Tweezersqty 16
Scouring spongesqty 20
Work brushesqty 20
Pencilsqty 32
Rulersqty 16
Scissorsqty 16
Design templatesqty 40
Project labelsqty 40

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 36
Work glovesqty 36
Apronsqty 36
Dust masksqty 40
First aid kit

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 4
Work samplesqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Washing-up basinsqty 6
Spongesqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Spa Blauw - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 3 bottles
- Cola - 2 bottles
- Cola Zero - 2 bottles
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Apple juice - 2 cartons
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Sugar waffles - 3 packs
- Butter biscuits - 3 packs
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Sandwiches - 20 pcs
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 8 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 4 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 4 pieces
- Hummus - 3 tubs
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 trays
- Napkins - 2 packs
- Stir sticks - 1 pack
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 2 packs
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Buy one wooden base and enough mosaic adhesive for each participant, then add a small reserve for breakages and uneven surfaces. Materials run out faster when people test several layouts.
Provide shared cutting tools rather than one complete set per person. For a small group, start with at least one tile cutter, one pair of tile nippers and one rubber mallet per four participants.
Allow one mixing bowl, spatula and work brush for each active grouting station. Keep extra scouring sponges available because the first cleanup usually uses more than expected.
Include tweezers and pencils for detailed placement, especially if participants work with small glass stones. Put these out before the workshop starts; they are easy to overlook when setting up.
Plan refreshments by headcount: two to three drinks per person during the first hour, plus one cup or glass, one plate and one cutlery set per participant. Chill cold drinks ahead of time and keep coffee and tea supplies separate from the craft tables.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need for a mosaic workshop?: For each participant, plan one wooden base, mosaic tiles or glass stones, adhesive and access to grout. Also provide shared mixing bowls, spatulas, tweezers, brushes and scouring sponges, with roughly 10% extra tiles and adhesive for waste.
How many mosaic tools do I need for a group workshop?: One tile cutter and one pair of tile nippers for every four participants is a practical starting point. Add at least one rubber mallet and one glue gun per four participants, then increase the quantity if everyone will work independently.
How much food and drink should I buy for a mosaic workshop?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one additional drink per person for each further hour. Buy one plate, cup or glass and cutlery set per participant, plus around 10% extra for unexpected guests or spills.
When should I buy mosaic workshop supplies?: Buy specialist materials and check deliveries at least 7 days before the workshop. Complete the remaining shopping 1 to 2 days beforehand, and chill drinks and prepare serving items on the day.

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