Create a Modern Mosaic Surfboard

Come spend an afternoon transforming an old surfboard into something completely unexpected: a modern mosaic using beautiful natural materials like stone, glass, wood, shells, sand and more.

This is a workshop for both individuals and couples. No experience needed. Please note - this is not a traditional mosaic class. There’s no tile-cutting, tiny details or grouting involved. We’re going for a loose, organic aesthetic.

What’ll Your Surfboard Look Like?

That's up to you!

You can riff on one of the tried-and-true designs shown on this page, or make something completely new - just send me a screen shot of some inspo (a painting, a photo, etc.) about a week before class. I’ll then turn that vision into a blueprint that's both gorgeous and realistic to complete during our three hours together.

Please scroll to the bottom to see examples of real student work.

What's Included?

Everything you'll need to make a gorgeous mosaic surfboard is included, except the surfboard itself. (Surfboard sourcing info below.)

The workshop includes a generous assortment of materials, including:

• Many kinds/colors of glass

• Capiz shells

• Wood slices

• A variety of stones and pebbles

• Decomposed granite

• Snacks and drinks (of course!)

Sourcing Your Board Before Class:

Your board should be:

• Fiberglass (no foamies please)

• 6-ish feet or shorter

• Completely stripped of wax

• Tail pad removed

• Fins removed

• Roughly sanded

I'll send detailed prep instructions after you book.

Don't have a surfboard? Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up and Craigslist are full of older fiberglass boards that are perfect for this project. Many are listed for $50–60, but can be had for $25- ish if you make an offer. It seems to work to reach out to 10 people at once and one will likely come through. Dings, dents, scratches and personality are welcome. Just avoid boards with delamination.

If sourcing/prepping your own board feels like too much, I can do it for you, for an additional $100. And if you want a giant mosaic, but are not into surfboards, I can provide you with a 24 × 36” heavy-duty panel AND a frame to put your finished piece in, for an additional $50. Just let me know.

The Fun Part!

When you get here, we’ll coat our boards with industrial-strength adhesive, and then start laying in all our materials.

The adhesive has about three hours of working time. At the end of that time, your board will be set enough to take home. Please make sure it has room to travel face up inside your car. (No roof racks, please).

Your board will fully cure over the next day or two and can then be hung indoors or out.

Workshop Details:

This is a highly personalized studio experience, not a class where everyone makes the same thing. You’ll get lots of guidance, encouragement and a rescue (if needed).

Class lasts 3 hours and has just two workstations. Each workstation accommodates either one person working on a single board, OR two people working together on one board. Ages 21+ please.

Dress for the weather and expect to get a little dirty.

If none of the scheduled classes works for you, AND you have at least one other person who can join you, let me know and I’ll put a special class on the calendar for you. Weekdays, during the day, are almost always open.

Pricing:

The class is $250.

If two of you are coming to work together on one board, it’s $250 total, NOT per person. (Only one of you needs to book - the other simply comes with.) If you’re coming solo, the price is still $250. Pricing is per board/workstation, whether you come solo or as a pair.

A $100 deposit paid by credit card when you book reserves your spot. Deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred to another workshop date with at least one week's notice.

The remaining $150 balance is due two days before class and may be paid via Venmo.

Please hit the “book” button on this page to see available dates and reserve your spot with your $100 deposit. Once you book, I’ll email additional details about the workshop, including our address in North Park, San Diego.