Combining both traditional materials such as smalti (Byzantine glass mosaic tile), glass mosaic tile, ceramic, and more unusual or collected objects such as shells, pebbles or broken china makes for an interesting design. Using a variety of materials encourages minds for endless and challenging creativity.

Every material used determines your style and brings out a multitude of colors to your living space. For example, smaltis are perfect for mosaics with a medieval or renaissance look; whereas ceramics, which are easily cut to specific shapes, can be produce highly textured surfaces with interesting and sometimes humorous designs. 

Shells, like pebbles, rely heavily on the artist gathering a modest collection; probably while walking along the beach or a riverbank. That, mixed with a variety of other stones, can be produce stunning and impressive mosaics. The end result is both exhilarating and unique for no two mosaics anywhere in the world are identical.