‘Dabbler’ develops custom mosaics

From setting tile to creating mosaic showpieces, Nicki Moberg has transformed a personal project into a vocation. Her specialty is architectural mosaic, and her business is Luna Living Designs.

It all started with a whim to brighten her bathroom with a mosaic shower backsplash. She had no set plan, designing as she went along.

“I didn’t really know what I was doing, I just started putting stuff up,” says Moberg. “After I did it I thought, ‘I like that.’

It’s a technique that works well for her.

“I’ve always been kind of a dabbler, playing the mediums,” Moberg says. “But I usually move on to something else. Somehow I just got stuck with tile work. It’s fun.”

After her first venture, Moberg decided to learn the basics. For four years she installed bathroom and kitchen floors, counter topsand shower walls. She even became a licensed contractor. But it was solely a means to refine her skill at her true interest, mosaic.

“I wanted to learn the infrastructure behind it, since I wanted to do architectural mosaic and really cut some tile, not just basic stuff,” says Moberg. “It was kind of different because I approached it in the construction realm. I was an artist learning the underlying structure; what was going to make it stay forever.”

Architectural mosaic is a permanent and durable application. Unlike mobile mosaic pieces such as mirror frames or sculptures, architectural mosaic is built into the home – in floors, walls, fireplace surrounds and entryways. Moberg’s favorite piece is the pheasant countertop of their outdoor grill. She taught herself how to lay brick, and made the whole barbecue, decorating the doors and top with unique patterns.

“The great thing about mosaic is, you can make things visually interesting through the cuts and shapes and negative space, as opposed to doing it by just making impact with color,” she states.

Moberg uses ceramic tile and natural stone. She performs the creative aspects and light work, and has help for the heavy labor. All of her architectural mosaics are custom-made.

Her tips for beginner mosaic artists are to go beyond the do-it-yourself books, have the proper substrate and adhesive and use good tools. Moberg prefers a ring saw. Do research, and don’t be afraid to learn on the job.

“Everything about it is a balance,” says Moberg. “Between the detail and the durability and the satisfaction and making a living.”

Her next home project is to set tiles into the family swimming pool. She plans on converting a chicken coop into a studio, and will pursue more custom work.

“What I’m looking to do now is to move away from new construction,” Moberg says. “and do things more along the creative end.”