Custom Projects
Creating a custom mosaic work of art is an intricate, highly skilled process that blends craftsmanship, design, and vision at every stage. Elena Martoglio begins with concept development, where she studies the space, light, architecture, and purpose of the environment. From there, a detailed design is created and often refined through sketches and colour studies to ensure the mosaic feels integrated and intentional rather than decorative.
The tile are then carefully selected and cut by hand from glass, ceramic, stone, or specialty materials. This hand-cutting process allows for precise shaping, subtle movement, and organic flow that machine-cut tiles cannot achieve. Thousands of individual pieces are shaped, arranged, and adjusted to create depth, texture, and rhythm, with careful attention paid to colour transitions and pattern balance.
Once assembled, the mosaic is mounted and prepared for installation. Elena's installation team work at a steady process, requiring technical expertise to ensure proper adhesion, alignment, and durability. Grouting and polishing will bring the artwork together, enhancing contrast and protecting the surface while revealing the full visual impact of the design.
Mosaic materials are inherently durable, resistant to moisture, wear, and fading, making them ideal for high-traffic commercial spaces such as hotel entrances and restaurant bars.
Through a uniquely creative approach, Mosaics by Elena transforms a space into an immersive experience. By responding intuitively to the environment and weaving artistic storytelling into architectural surfaces, Elena and her team create work that is both functional and deeply expressive; turning walls, tabletops, bars, and entryways into timeless works of art that elevate the emotional and aesthetic identity of a business.
A minimalist country kitchen with a stained glass, garden accent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will you create your own design or can I give you a design to work with?
Both options work. After an initial consultation, we will discuss options. Designs are based on scale, available materials, and budget.
How much do you charge ?
Each project is different. The fees combine many factors, like preparation, design, materials, fabrication, and installation.
As a general rule of thumb, it is based on the cost of fabrication at $15 per square inch.
L'Arbre de Vie Mural was commissioned by Ecole Elementaire Catholique Sainte Marie . It lives by the school's entrance and combines elements to represent the school's values and ethics. As well, it represents the governing bodies that make this elementary school possible, like the Franco-Ontarian flag, the CSC Mon Avenir logo, etc... Materials used: stained glass, ceramic and grout onto a lightweight substrate
How long will it take to complete the project?
Each project is different. This is very particular to the scale of each project.
I'm thrilled at the opportunity to create a spectacular one of a kind mosaic . Please contact me to inquire.
The image above is a fraction of a larger mural created for the Parent and Child Centre in Oakville. It is a welcoming mural that combines words of greetings in many languages , using wood letters. It mixes ceramic and glass tiles to create a welcome garden. The backing was shaped to meet the desire of design for a family centre.
These birds are two of twelve that live in a private garden. Each bird was custom made for the client, with specific materials and colours relevant to her family history.
Elena and her team can create work no matter where the location. All pieces are custom cut and made in our studio in Ontario, Canada. We're available to install the mosaic at any location.
These custom awards for the town of Oakville were each created with a specific theme. You can reach more about these awards here
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