Esser-Miles Mosaics

An ancient craft for a modern world.

Who I am

I am Carolin Esser-Miles, the mosaicist behind the studio. My favourite media are natural stone and smalti, though I also work with modern glass, porcelain, and found objects. While I mainly work with ancient and modern Italian methods, technique, design, and materials depend, of course, on the project as well as the location and function of the mosaic.

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A mosaic for you

I work on commission and offer made-to-order and ready made items via the shop. I can also produce individualized items upon request.

  • Available designs for table tops, trays, game boards, etc are available to be produced on request. I also sometimes offer unique pieces that are ready for sale, including decorative pieces.

    If you cannot find what you are looking for, or if you wish to upcycle a piece of furniture that you already own, please enquire about customization or commission of new designs.

  • Architectural mosaics are fixed to the environment or otherwise too heavy to be moved lightly. They can be created for interior or exterior spaces. I can design and create murals, floor insets, steps, kitchen backsplashes, or garden features, including mosaic benches, ponds, or fountains.

  • Professional signage for businesses, public spaces, homes. These can be interior or exterior, fixed to the wall or detachable.

  • I work as a mosaic artist. My pieces can be found in the gallery, and some of them will be available for sale through the shop.

  • Garden Mosaics

    I'm lucky to be the proud owner of two unique pieces produced by Carolin - a beautiful mosaic depicting a river on a panel of black porcelain and a fountain with a gorgeous mosaic of little fish and pebbles in a bowl. Both pieces are enchanting and have their movement and mood. They change as the daylight reflecting in both pieces changes. You notice something different about them every time you look at them. They are textured and tactile, they are really a therapy, mystery and delight to look at.

    Stella

  • Heritage Open Day Workshop

    First of all, I would like to say a huge thank you to you and your husband for the wonderful experience day yesterday. We all came out so excited about finishing our project and it was very educational day for us learning about Mosaics.

    M.

  • Heritage Open Day Workshop at the Museum

    This was a totally absorbing and highly educative workshop. We were a 3 generation group aged 8, 12, 16 with two parents and one over 70 year old. We learnt a great deal about Roman mosaics, each made a lovely hanging tile to take home and had a thoroughly joyful time. The presenter was enthusiastic, empathetic and highly knowledgeable. Just such fun!

    Jo

  • Octopus Table

    My octopus table is a triumph! From just an idea of a subject matter, Carolin has brought to life a beautiful creation with exquisite attention to detail.

    I loved being involved with all stages of the work being carried out and learn about the process and techniques too!

    Thank you. We will treasure it forever.

    Celeste

Follow me on Instagram

Where would you hang this mosaic? Inside or outside? What kind of space? Red Tulip mosaic. Smalti on Slate. #mosaic #vaaworkingartist #mosaicart #tulips
My latest mosaic is complete, sadly at a very fitting moment: The @the.independent is one of a number of newspapers reporting on the current and biggest coral bleaching event we have seen so far, due to warmer oceans. The mosaic represents that proce
My latest mosaic is complete, sadly at a very fitting moment: The @the.independent is one of a number of newspapers reporting on the current and biggest coral bleaching event we have seen so far, due to warmer oceans. The mosaic represents that process in 4 out of five graphs, three representing temperature, one PH level changes, and a cardiac arrest for comparison. The colours within them represent the stages of alarm, with the neon second colour a final cry for help, and the white showing the bleached skeleton. It can be seen @exburygardens for May. A percentage of the asking price will be donated to @coralgardeners . #coralbleaching #coral #mosaic #vaaworkingartist
The background still needs its layer of blue gradations, but I am finally putting down my tesserae. Will I get it done and dried in time to hang it next Thursday in preparation for our exhibition @exburygardens? (No frame) @coralgardeners , the littl
The background still needs its layer of blue gradations, but I am finally putting down my tesserae. Will I get it done and dried in time to hang it next Thursday in preparation for our exhibition @exburygardens? (No frame) @coralgardeners , the little stumps that join two of the lines on the right are you. After you have planted the corals you have successfully grown with your donations, they are here planted into the dead or dying reef, to revive it. #mosaic #coralbleaching #coralreef #vaaworkingartist #smalti #natureartwork #exhibition
I am back working on my mask of Eshu/Eleggua, the Yoruba spirit whose roles incllude new journeys, beginnings and ends, and the creative power of chaos in order, among many more. The mask was inspired by Dionne from @qemamumosaics and @modern_mosaic . The red side uses gold and imperial red smalti from @hobbyislanduk , and the other side will be in black Nero del Belgio marble from @mosaicworkshopltd, who also have a good selection of smalti gold. #vaaworkingartist #mosaicart #mask
New work: tThis one is called (unsurprisingly) The Sphere. Tesserae laid length by length are usually avoided, because they make a mosaic look flat and like a brick wall - unless what you want is a brick wall to contrast a sphere with volume! Thanks
New work: tThis one is called (unsurprisingly) The Sphere. Tesserae laid length by length are usually avoided, because they make a mosaic look flat and like a brick wall - unless what you want is a brick wall to contrast a sphere with volume! Thanks to Caitlin Hepworth's class that inspired the sphere. #vaaworkingartist #mosaicart #perspective
With great pleasure I would like to announce a new type of mosaics available in our studio: mini- & micro mosaic jewellery! The sterling silver pendants, earrings, cufflinks will be made with smalti, of course, all colours and golds. But also loo
With great pleasure I would like to announce a new type of mosaics available in our studio: mini- & micro mosaic jewellery! The sterling silver pendants, earrings, cufflinks will be made with smalti, of course, all colours and golds. But also look out for semi-precious stones and more unusual materials such as slate or marble. Are you looking for a specific colour or design, or if you prefer gold jewellery, we can accommodate through commissions. Just send us a message, give us a call, or stop by. Fixed open hours are Wednesday from 13:00-18:00, and all other times and days by appointment or chance encounter when I am working with the open sign out. #micromosaic #jewellery #jewelry #mosaic
#hampshireopenstudios2024 concluded yesterday after a wonderful ten days. It was particularly precious for Paul and me, because we opened our new front-of-house studio on this occasion. After a lot of dreaming and hard work, we now have a dedicated s
#hampshireopenstudios2024 concluded yesterday after a wonderful ten days. It was particularly precious for Paul and me, because we opened our new front-of-house studio on this occasion. After a lot of dreaming and hard work, we now have a dedicated space for making mosaics, running small workshops, and selling our final pieces. The days were busy, and we met a lot of friendly and inspiring people who came to our new studio with an open mind and heart. What a start! Thank you to Lesley from Open Studios for making such a great event happen. And we remain open on every Wednesday afternoon from 1-6pm, and on other days by appointment.
The Kintsugi Heart is complete and framed. Just as in the Japanese tradition, the cracks and scars are gilded, to remind us that something that was broken and mended can be more precious than something that has never been broken in the first place. I
The Kintsugi Heart is complete and framed. Just as in the Japanese tradition, the cracks and scars are gilded, to remind us that something that was broken and mended can be more precious than something that has never been broken in the first place. It is a biological heart because a broken heart is not just a metaphor. Broken heart syndrome can affect the heart as a response to intense amounts of adrenaline and stress, for example in moments of deep grief. It can pass, but in some cases it can even be deadly. So if you know someone who is grieving or going through an extremely stressful or terrifying situation, and they complain of chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, fainting, etc, then call a doctor. #mosaicart #brokenheart #vaaworkingartist #smalti
The new Grout magazine is out! Available via BAMM and once more full of great projects: including our wonderful mask make along. Thank you for adding images of my work in progress amongst such wonderful pieces of art! I am very honoured and cannot wa
The new Grout magazine is out! Available via BAMM and once more full of great projects: including our wonderful mask make along. Thank you for adding images of my work in progress amongst such wonderful pieces of art! I am very honoured and cannot wait to finish it in the next few weeks. #mosaicart #vaaworkingartist #masks #modernmosaic
Where would you hang this mosaic? Inside or outside? What kind of space? Red Tulip mosaic. Smalti on Slate. #mosaic #vaaworkingartist #mosaicart #tulips
My latest mosaic is complete, sadly at a very fitting moment: The @the.independent is one of a number of newspapers reporting on the current and biggest coral bleaching event we have seen so far, due to warmer oceans. The mosaic represents that proce The background still needs its layer of blue gradations, but I am finally putting down my tesserae. Will I get it done and dried in time to hang it next Thursday in preparation for our exhibition @exburygardens? (No frame) @coralgardeners , the littl
I am back working on my mask of Eshu/Eleggua, the Yoruba spirit whose roles incllude new journeys, beginnings and ends, and the creative power of chaos in order, among many more. The mask was inspired by Dionne from @qemamumosaics and @modern_mosaic
New work: tThis one is called (unsurprisingly) The Sphere. Tesserae laid length by length are usually avoided, because they make a mosaic look flat and like a brick wall - unless what you want is a brick wall to contrast a sphere with volume! Thanks With great pleasure I would like to announce a new type of mosaics available in our studio: mini- & micro mosaic jewellery! The sterling silver pendants, earrings, cufflinks will be made with smalti, of course, all colours and golds. But also loo #hampshireopenstudios2024 concluded yesterday after a wonderful ten days. It was particularly precious for Paul and me, because we opened our new front-of-house studio on this occasion. After a lot of dreaming and hard work, we now have a dedicated s The Kintsugi Heart is complete and framed. Just as in the Japanese tradition, the cracks and scars are gilded, to remind us that something that was broken and mended can be more precious than something that has never been broken in the first place. I The new Grout magazine is out! Available via BAMM and once more full of great projects: including our wonderful mask make along. Thank you for adding images of my work in progress amongst such wonderful pieces of art! I am very honoured and cannot wa

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