ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Mosaic Art Teacher, Lisa Tolbert, Discovered this Addictively Colorful Medium by Happy Accident for her Garden

One of Lisa's mosaic creations -- a perfect lawn decoration -- that anyone can learn how to make in her classes. Scroll down to view more of her mosaic projects...

Lisa may not consider herself an artist, as she modestly states, however her work and her popular classes belie that claim. Teaching everything from steppingstones, birdhouses, birdbaths and planters, this weather resistant art form adds color and form to outdoor spaces.

Her passion for mosaics began while attending an art show in Naperville, IL Browsing through the booths, she discovered an artist selling handmade mosaic tables. And because Lisa is an avid gardener, she thought it would be the perfect addition to her already colorful backyard. Chatting with the artist, she learned she taught classes and eagerly signed up. In the class she made a birdbath and her passion took flight!

Before long she found herself studying at the Chicago Mosaic School which opened in 2005 and is located on the northside of Chicago at 1127 W. Granville Avenue. It is currently the only mosaic art school in the nation. There she continued learning the proper techniques and best materials to use. The Chicago Mosaic School

"I love old plates and before I built up a huge inventory, I shopped regularly at Goodwill and other resale shops for my daily fix. I'm a big believer in recycle and reuse and mosaics are the perfect outlet to give chipped china or old glassware new life. And because it's perfect for outdoors, it is a great addition to your backyard or garden."

Indeed, she was a prolific shopper. At the height of her collecting she filled a separate storage facility with plates and currently a neighbor houses all her collected vases in his garage -- she shovels his driveway in return for the space!

"Some of my favorite items to make include birdhouses, birdbaths and the versatility of planters which I bring indoors in the winter. Mosaics are a great way to make a pretty backyard --they're durable."

As an instructor, she strives to reassure her students that anybody can create a beautiful mosaic piece and to stifle any self-criticism or feeling intimidated about trying something new.

"This is a very approachable medium where no experience is necessary," she says. "After a three-hour class students leave with a nice mosaic that will pass the test of time. It's fun to see how proud they are and surprised that their project turned out so well. It's a very rewarding way to spend your time."

Lisa's classes which are "one-and-done" cost about $85 with all supplies included. Her next birdbath and birdhouse classes are coming up in April and May at Naperville Art League, 508 N. Center Street in Naperville, IL. Students can register online at: Naperville Art League - Art Class Workshop | Art Gallery | Naperville Art League

Visit her MOSAICS WHIMSIES Facebook page: (4) Facebook

Mosaic Christmas trees

Custom mosaic birdhouse

Decorative mosaic bowl

Mosaic picture frame

3-D mosaic floral

Mosaic garden toadstool/mushroom