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Hammer and Hardie Bootcamp

MKMosaics Studio
7750 Giusti Rd
forestville, CA 95436


Daily-10am-4pm with 1 hr for lunch

September 28-29, 2025

Semi-private rate: $450
Private rate: $650
Materials Fee $50

Register: kruzline@gmail.com

This course is appropriate for beginners.
This is an intensive course with an immersive schedule. Please note there is no opportunity to make up missed time.


My studio is a bit rustic. It is a gorgeous setting on a winery but is not a luxury facility.  For instance, the restroom is not attached to the building. It is a lovely restroom, but it is located in the winery’s office trailer which is approximately 120 ft away outside my studio and has stairs.

Always wanted to learn Hammer and Hardie cutting techniques?
Or frustrated with your own hammer and hardie cutting and want to improve?
Come get a solid 10-12 hours more of experience 

I promise not to chain you to the table like a slave, but we’ll be spending A LOT of time at the Hardie block!

  • For those students who have some Hammer and Hardie experience but would like to have the extra supervised time to hone their cutting skills

  • For those students who have no Hammer and Hardie experience and would like to learn the cutting methods before going on to another mosaic course.

 

Students will learn how to cut a wide variety of materials including:

  • Stones of varying densities and hardness

  • Italian Smalti and various other forms of smalti and glass

  • Unglazed porcelain and ceramic

  • Unusual and challenging materials brought in by students themselves

Cutting methods for various shapes will be covered and practiced

  • If you can hit a nail with a hammer you will be able to learn to use these tools

  • This is a cutting course and no actual mosaics will be made in the class. Students go home with their cut tesserae and uncut the remainder of their materials

Ground Rules

Classroom Etiquette & Expectations

As adults and creatives, I believe we all thrive in an environment built on mutual respect, discipline, and shared purpose. I hold a strong commitment to classroom etiquette and basic professional courtesy—not to be rigid, but to ensure that our time together is productive, focused, and respectful of everyone’s efforts.

On Punctuality

Over many years of teaching, I’ve observed a recurring challenge: consistent, uncommunicated lateness. While a rare, unforeseen delay is completely understandable, habitual tardiness—especially without notice—is disruptive and inconsiderate, both to me as your instructor and to your fellow students.

In my own professional background, especially in the dance world, punctuality is non-negotiable. If you were late, you were often already replaced. That perspective has shaped how I run my classes. I start on time, and I do not go back to cover missed material. The beginning of class is when key concepts are introduced, and being present from the start matters.

If showing up on time is something you regularly struggle with, this may not be the right space for you. I’m being direct here because I want to set clear expectations and avoid misunderstandings later on.

What I Expect From You

    •    Arrive early whenever possible. A few minutes ahead of time shows respect for the group and allows you to settle in mentally and physically before we begin.

    •    Be present both in the morning and after lunch. These are often key teaching times, and I need your full attention then.

    •    Understand that repeated lateness—especially without communication—will likely result in a conversation, and possibly being asked not to return.

Professional Courtesy in the Space

    •    Phones should be on silent or vibrate. If you need to take a call, please step outside.

    •    Respect the space and each other—we may be working in tight quarters at times. Be kind, be aware, and look out for each other.

    •    Focus during class. While artistic communities thrive on dialogue and shared ideas, constant talking or social conversation during instruction can be distracting. I welcome collaboration and creative exchange, but please keep in-the-moment discussions brief and relevant. If you need frequent side conversation to stay engaged, this may not be the most suitable learning space.

Final Thought

This is a space for serious, committed learners—artists who are ready to show up with discipline, maturity, and curiosity. I’m here to guide and support your growth, but I also expect you to meet me halfway by honoring the structure that allows that growth to happen.

Let’s create a respectful, energized space where we can all do our best work.

Classes at MKMosaics Studio are kept to a maximum of 7 students at this time. To run, a class must have a minimum amount of 2-3 students unless it is a private course at a private rate.

Please do not delay in signing up. There are only 7 available spots for any course.
A rule of thumb is to be signed up at least 30 days before the course to facilitate acquiring necessary materials etc.
Many people come in from all over the United States for class and need to make travel arrangements.

Class is a go when the minimum amount of students sign up. 
If the minimum amount of students is not met one month before the course, I will contact any student signed up to ask if they would like to pay the “private” rate and keep the class as scheduled. If the single student does not wish this, the class will be canceled and they will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Tuition is refundable up to 30 days before the start of the class. 

Cancellations/refunds after 30 days prior will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Please get in touch with me at kruzline@gmail.com to make arrangements.

What Michael's students say...