December 17, 2003—Recent technological advances, as well as the improved availability of materials, have recently placed the ancient art form of mosaic tile design within everyone’s reach. Using software called TileCreator, the user can import an image or design into the program, assign an appropriate tile color selection to it, and convert it into a mosaic-tile masterpiece. The program produces a shopping list and a pattern in a paint-by-numbers type of chart that shows where each piece of tile is laid down to create the design. Key to the process is the use of the company’s Tile Grids, which are plastic trays that hold the mosaic tile in sets of 225 or 841, depending on the size of the tile used (3/4-inch or 3/8-inch tile).
If the user is uncomfortable actually putting the project together, the company’s tile specialists will send the completed design, ready for installation, for an additional charge. If the design is a do-it-yourself project, included with the tile order will be the appropriate Tile Grid, a design preview of the mosaic, and instructions on how to assemble it.
The typical cost for a mosaic tile mural four feet wide by two feet high, created from TileCreator and assembled by the user, is less than $100, and thousands of dollars less than one purchased already assembled from a tile or home improvement center, according to the company. TileCreator can be used to create any size mosaic tile design, from a small bathroom or kitchen design element to a mural spanning the bottom of a pool or fountain.
Included with the software is a sample board of Carter Glass mosaic tiles and a SpectraLOCK grout chip sampler. The software can be ordered online for $69.95 at TileCreator. Registered users of TileCreator receive free design and installation help with any project.
