Online games were rare to find a few years back. But with the advent of easily accessible smartphones and cheap internet, the online games industry has taken off.

Demo games like online slots and poker are some of the most popular types online. You can play these on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. The premium games also have exciting features as well as excellent graphics, making your game more enjoyable.

Here are the 4 Advantages of playing demo games before playing for real money:

1) Demo Games Are FREE:

Demo games don’t require any real money to play. You may be required to register a game account but won’t need to provide credit card details for payments. This is a benefit you can’t enjoy when you visit a casino in real life.

2) Try Out The Games:

Playing demo games lets you get a feel for playing with real money, without the risk of losing it.  You can also familiarize yourself with the game of your choice through its demo. The demo games can also let you try out strategies and plays that you normally wouldn’t with real money. When playing demo slots, for example, you can play 20 spins and calculate your winning percentage. In online poker, you can see your skill level with the demo game before jumping to playing with real money.

3) Demo Games Are As Fun As Playing With Real Money:

Demo games are synonymous with the word ‘fun’ and are a great way to relax. When playing demo games, you can still experience the same thrills you get with the real thing. You can also play games like poker with other demo game players from around the world. This lets you understand how others play and helps improve your playing skill.

4) No Risk Of Losing Your Money:

Demo games use virtual fake money that has no real value in the real world. So, even if you play and lose the $500 in the demo game, you aren’t losing any real money. Demo games are harmless with no risk of financial loss.

If you plan on playing for real money, you should start with a demo game. This will help you get better at the game without risk before shifting to real money games.

The post 4 Advantages Of Playing Demo Games Before Playing For Real Money appeared first on mosaic-tile-design.com.

The base of the done also has a long inscription with two-meter-high letters. It reads of the verse Matthew: 16-18 KJV. In English, it translates to ‘Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven.’

Here is an overview and description of the 16 pope-saints depicted on the Dome Mosaics in St. Peter’s Basilica:

1) James the Lesser

James is called ‘The Lesser’ to avoid confusion with the other Apostle named James. It may be because he was younger or shorter. The mother of James The Lesser stood with Mary on the day of Jesus’s crucifixion. He is honored and celebrated on May 3.

2) James the Greater

James the Greater, along with his brothers John and Peter were favorites of the Lord. While known as someone with a short temper, he later preached about Jesus after Pentecost. He was the first person to be arrested and put to death around 44 AD for his faith in Christ.

3) Simon the Zealot

Simon the Zealot was born in the 1st century and supposedly died 65 or 107 AD. He is one of the Twelve Apostles by may not be associated with ‘The Zealot’, a Jewish nationalistic party. October 28^th is the day his legacy is celebrated.

4) Thomas The Apostle

One of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, Judas Thomas was also known as ‘Doubting Thomas’. He had doubted Jesus’ resurrection when he first heard about it. However, he later confessed his faith when he saw Jesus’ crucifixion wounds. His feast day is July 3.

5) Bartholomew The Apostle

Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles who carried the name of Christianity in the early 1^st century. However, there is very little known or mentioned about Bartholomew, including his contributions.

6) Thaddaeus The Apostle  

Thaddaeus the Apostle is another name for Jude, one of the Twelve Apostles mentioned in the New Testament. He is also known as Jude of James, Judas Thaddaeus, Jude Thaddaeus, or Lebbbaeus. His feast day is 28^th October in Western Christianity.

7) John The Baptist

John the Baptist, is also known as John the Immerser and prophet John (in Islam). He is a major figure in Christianity and Islam. He is said to have been sentenced to death by beheading around AD 30, according to the New Testament.

8) The Redeemer

The Redeemer speaks of Christ the Redeemer and is the same as the statue found in Rio de Genaro. The mosaic describes a being of peace and the acceptance of everyone in the world.

9) The Virgin Mary

The Virgin Mary is the mother of Jesus and the wife of Joseph. Also know as Virgin Mary, she plays an important part in the Christian faith. The last known mention of Mary was after Jesus’ crucifixion, praying with the other devotees.

10) Peter The Apostle

Simon Peter, St. Peter, Cephas, or Peter the Apostle is one of the Twelve Apostles of Christ. He was one of the first early Church leaders and was crucified upside down. This was because he felt unworthy of dying the same way as Jesus Christ.

11) Paul

Paul the Apostle is also known as St. Paul and by his Hebrew name, Saul of Tarsus. While not part of the Twelve Apostles, Paul was an important figure in the Apostolic Age. He founded several Christian communities in Europe and Asia Minor.

12) John The Evangelist

John the Evangelist is the author of the Gospel of John. He is also known as John of Patmos and John the Presbyter. He was said to have been plunged into boiling oil and came out unharmed. This act helped the crowd became Christian converts.

13) Saint Andrew

St. Andrew is brothers with St. Peter. He was the first apostle that was called by Jesus. He was also the first to claim Jesus to be the Messiah. He was martyred in 60 AD in Patras, Achaea by crucifixion.

14) Philip The Apostle

Philip the Apostle, according to the New Testament, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Christ. It’s said that he preached the word of God in Syria, Phrygia, and Greece. He was martyred in 80 AD and his feast day is 3 May.

15 Matthew The Apostle

Saint Matthew is also known as Matthew the Apostle and Levi. He was one of the Twelve Apostles and is known as the patron saint of tax collectors and accountants. It’s said that he became a missionary and was arrested in Ethiopia where he was staked and beheaded.

16) Matthias

After the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, the apostles picked Matthias as a replacement. There is little information on what he did after his election. However, some claim that he traveled to other countries to spread the name of Jesus. He died in Jerusalem of old age and his feast day is May 14.

The post 8 Of The Most Impressive Mosaics Around The World appeared first on mosaic-tile-design.com.

Here is a list of 20 DIY Mosaic Projects you can start this weekend:

1) Adorable Ladybug Mosaics

Using cement and pieces of tiles, you can make yourself an adorable ladybug mosaic. Of course, instead of a ladybug, you can create other creatures like frogs or lizards.

2) Repurposed Wheel Flower Pot Mosaic

If you have a spare wheel that’s rusting in the garage, you can create a beautiful flower pot using mosaics. This repurposed wheel can be decorated with pieces of mirror, tile, and glass.

3) Sea Glass Mason Jar Luminaries

You can turn your broken mason jar into this sea glass mason jar from seashells and stones. Add in a few transparent glass and tiles pieces to finish the project off in no time.

4) Beautiful Stepping Stones Made Of Mosaics

Simple but elegant stepping stones are a great weekend project that you can make use of for years. Just use concrete to make it into the desired shape and add mosaic tiles to finish it off.

5) Mosaic Sea Glass Tabletop

Your patio or backyard will look perfect with this mosaic sea glass tabletop. Simply use an old table and add sea glass, other glass, stones, or tiles to create your design. Be sure that your table will be able to hold the added weight before you start.

6) Glass Mosaic Vase

You can turn something ordinary like a vase into a beautiful work of art with mosaics. Just take your old faded-out vase and use mosaics to cover its exterior to match your style.

7) Mosaic Eggshell Picture Frame

Use painted eggshells to cover a picture frame, turning it from a boring old thing into an exciting picture frame. Use acrylic paint is recommended for the eggshells.

8) Spiral Mosaic Pebble Path

While this is one of the more complex designs on this list, it will make your garden pop. Be sure to properly plan and map out the path before you get started.

9) Mosaic Coffee Table

Turn your regular coffee table into a beautiful mosaic masterpiece with some tiles and paint. When creating this design, make sure that the final surface is even and smooth. After all, we don’t want your coffee mug to spill.

10) Sea Glass Mosaic Serving Tray

When you are serving refreshments to your guests on your Mosaic coffee table, use the sea glass serving tray. Just take a plain white serving tray and add properly shaped sea glass shards.

11) Mosaic Garden Art

Whether you want to create a birdbath or a watering can, mosaics can be a beautiful avenue. Just use your imagination and a little patience to create beautiful mosaic garden art.

12) DIY Tile Backsplash

While using tiles as a backsplash in the kitchen is common, you can also use mosaics to add color. Just use broken plates and glassware to create your pattern for this simple but rewarding project.

13) Pink Mosaic Flamingo

The regular old plastic flamingos look cheap and take away the charm from your front lawn. However, adding pink tiles and tinted glass pieces can turn this into your very own creation.

14) DIY Mosaic Bedside Table

If you want to spruce up your bedside table, using mosaics to decorate is a great idea. This project will not take more than a few hours at most. It can also result in a beautiful addition to your room.

15) Mosaic Board Succulent Planter

If you have a few broken teacups or coffee mugs, you can make yourself a mosaic board succulent planter. Use it to grow plants or herbs right in your kitchen. Just hang it in a place where it can get some sunlight and watch your plants grow.

16) Mosaic Tile Window Box Planter

Turn your ordinary box planter into a work of art by adding your very own mosaic flair to it. Whether you want to use symmetry or not is up to your design choice. I prefer if the tiles are symmetrically applied.

17) Mosaic Mason Jar Craft

Turn a regular jar into a mosaic art project by adding mosaic stones to the surface. Use a quality adhesive and the project should be done in under an hour.

18) PVC Pipe Flower Pot Holder

If you have a few pieces of PVC pipe lying around, use tiles to create a beautiful Flower Pot Holder. You can create beautiful designs using this idea.

 19) CD Mosaic Birdbath

Reuse relics like CDs into a nice birdbath but breaking them and reattaching them into a birdbath shape. You can use a shallow bowl or plate as the base.

20) Custom Mosaic Address Marker

Rather than having a simple but boring address marker, create your own with pieces of tile and wood. Plan your pieces so that the address is readable and you should be good.

The post 20 DIY Mosaic Projects appeared first on mosaic-tile-design.com.

In this article, I’ve prepared a complete guide to Mosaic for beginners. By the end of the guide, you should have enough knowledge to start your project in no time.

1) Picking The Right Surface:

Before doing anything else, you need to first decide where the mosaic project is going to go. Accordingly, you can select the surface you want to use to create the mosaic.

• Indoor: The surfaces can range from plywood and old tables to vases and pots. Almost anything inside your home can be converted into mosaic art.
• Outdoor: The surfaces to use outdoors include cement, pots, and boards. Just make sure that you avoid surfaces that can absorb outdoor humidity or may warp over time.

2) Select Your Design:

Once you’ve selected a surface, next is picking out the perfect design.

If this is your first-time doing mosaic art, be sure to pick a simple design. Ensure that the tiles and glass pieces will fit the design you’ve chosen. Also, ensure that if you are using a translucent piece that you have clear glue.

I suggest you place all the pieces into the design you want in a separate area to ensure they fit. Also, consider the colors of the design and the image you want to portray. Using contrasting colors is a great way to make your focal image pop from the rest of the artwork.

3) Pick A Fitting Method:

When creating a mosaic project, picking the right method is important. For some projects, the indirect method is more effective while other projects will require the direct method.

Here’s a brief look at the two methods of creating Mosaic art:

• Direct Method: Directly gluing tiles to the surface is the most common (and popular) method of creating mosaics. Glue the pieces one at a time according to the design you’ve picked out. This will make the project look handmade while looking beautiful.
• Indirect Method: Use a mosaic mount to make a factory-smooth surface. Place the tiles face down on a mosaic mount sheet. Now simply flip the sheet onto the mosaic surface to create a flush surface.

4) Get To Gluing:

After your design has been selected and the placement method is decided, it’s time to get to gluing.

You can use special mosaic adhesives or regular fast-drying superglue if you are looking for a clear finish. Both adhesives come with a narrow-top squeezy bottle. This can make it easier to apply dots of glue to each tile.

You can choose to add a little glue to each tile or apply a line of glue to the surface. Either way works and it just depends on your preferences. And if the glue is being squeezed out from beneath your tiles, know that you are using too much.

Regardless of the glue you buy, ensure that it’s weatherproof, waterproof and it dries without stains. Weatherproof glue is especially important if you planning an outdoor project.

Along with gluing, you may also need some Mosaic Glass Cutters and Nippers to shape a few of the pieces. Repositioning a few tiles after gluing may require you to use a flat-head screwdriver to pry it out.

5) Grouting Time:

After you leave the glue to dry (24-hours is recommended), you can start grouting. You can choose the grout color based on your personal preference. However, black is often the commonly used one because it can make the colors pop.

There are different types of Grout available:

• Powder-Form: The most common type and also the cheapest. It comes in a dry powder form that requires it be mixed with water to form a paste. Aim for toothpaste consistency for the perfect grout.
• Pre-Mixed: You can get this if making the mix is too much of a hassle. It comes in a small tub and can be applied as-is. I have found that this type of grout, while convenient, can be a bit too sticky and difficult to spread.
• Sanded Grout: This grout looks a little coarse when it dries and isn’t recommended for mosaics. Try this if you have plenty of space in between your pieces and are looking for a rough look.
• Non-Sanded Grout: This grout is very smooth and can fill out small cracks and spaces perfectly. If your project has a few spaces that other types of grout are not ideal for, consider non-sanded grout.

While spreading the grout, use gloves as well as a grout spreader. Be sure to wipe off any excess grout that’s spilled onto the tiles after about 10 minutes. And after 24 hours of drying, your Mosaic Artwork Project is done.

The post Complete Guide To Mosaic For Beginners appeared first on mosaic-tile-design.com.

The Mosaic Work:

From the outside, the temple looks like any other, with white marble work and copper domes. However, stepping into this historical place will allow you to gaze upon glass mosaic work made of 40 million pieces.

These individual pieces make up 725 painted compositions with 513 of these in the temple and 212 in the crypt. Within these painted compositions made of the jewel-toned glass are 1500 figures created using 15,000 different varieties of color.

Many of the glass tiles within the monastery are also plated with 14 and 20 karat gold. Also, the three-ton bronze chandelier below the central dome is said to be made from melted WWI weapons.

The church was designed in the Serbian-Byzantine style with a cross-shaped layout with one large and four small domes. The white marble that makes up the exterior of the church was sourced from the Venčac Mountain.

TripAdvisor has several 5-star reviews on St. George’s Church that talk about their experience and the beauty of the mosaics.

History Of St. George’s Church:

St. George’s Church was founded by King Peter Karađorđević I. It served as a royal mausoleum for Serbia’s second dynastic family that ruled until 1945.

The first stone was set in the church’s foundation in 1907. Throughout its construction, work was halted twice due to the Balkan Wars and the First World War. Unfortunately, King Peter never got to see the completion of the project as he died in 1921. It was his successor, Alexander I, who helped complete the project in 1930.

The ground level of the Church is home to the remains of two royals. These are, Karađorđe, the founder of the dynastic family, and King Peter I, the church’s creator. Underground in the crypt, however, there are six generations of family members from the Karađorđević family. There’s even plenty of additional room for future residents.

Other Attractions At St. George’s Church:

Other than the church and crypt, two attractions are worth checking out when you visit St. George’s Church:

• King Peter’s House: In front of the church is a small house. Here, King Peter I oversaw the church’s construction for five years. Nowadays, the house is converted into an exhibition of items for Karađorđević dynasty.
• The King’s Winery: At the back of the church, there is a beautiful vineyard built by King Alexander. The winery is now a museum with 99 original oak barrels that were given to the King as wedding gifts.

Visiting St. George’s Church:

You can find St. George’s Church just outside of Topola, a small town 50 miles south of Belgrade. Traveling here by car should take about an hour and a half.

In this town, you will find plenty of wineries and street-side restaurants. Anyone there will be able to point you towards your destination and educate you on the area’s rich history.

As for the entrance ticket to St. George’s Church, it costs 400 Serbian Dinar (~USD 4.00). With this ticket, you will be able to enter the Church, Crypt, King Peter’s house, and the King’s Winery.

The post Beautiful Mosaics In St George’s Church, Serbia appeared first on mosaic-tile-design.com.

The museum has several attractions which include exhibitions, aquariums, games, and a terrace restaurant. In addition to these commonly known attractions, the mosaics used in the flooring are also worth a look. These mosaics in The Oceanographic Museum Of Monaco depict sea creatures and sea life. In the foyer, you can see a large mosaic of a ship surrounded by a ring of sea animals.

What’s Special About The Oceanographic Museum Of Monaco?

The unique selling point of The Oceanographic Museum Of Monaco is that it’s a mixture of Art and Science. It contains over 6,000 specimens of Natural History, including fossils and bones of ancient sea creatures. They also have live interactive animations that can help kids and adults learn about Sharks, Sea Turtles, Jellyfish, and more.

While the inside of the cliff-faced building is interesting enough, the outside architecture is also as detailed and noteworthy. There are several stone carvings on the stone exterior of The Oceanographic Museum Of Monaco.

There is also a ‘Turtle Bubble’ on the terrace. This artificially created ecosystem is in a temperature/humidity-controlled dome built for three turtles who call it their home.

So, whether you love artwork, architecture, or marine life, The Oceanographic Museum Of Monaco has something for you.

What Do Tourists Think Of The Mosaics In The Oceanographic Museum Of Monaco?

Most people know of the exhibitions and sea life they are going to see at The Oceanographic Museum Of Monaco. However, they are often surprised by the mosaics that cover the floors. These mosaics are works of art that took months to create and people seem to enjoy them.

A French tourist said that this was a ‘not to be missed’ location for your travels around Monte Carlo. He especially liked the mosaic floors of sea life as well as the multiple levels of aquariums. The terrace café and the fantastic views of the city of Monaco were also mentioned in his TripAdvisor review. He also took a few photos of the mosaics that are published on his blog.

In addition to this testimonial, there are 5,225 other reviews on TripAdvisor with an average rating of 4.5 stars. The website also claims this to be one of the top 10 things to do in Monte Carlo.

Ticket Prices And Contact Details:

You can either purchase your tickets online or at the entrance of The Oceanographic Museum Of Monaco. However, if you want to avoid long queues, its advisable to book your tickets online before visiting.

The operating times are also between 10am and 5pm daily and is located at Avenue Saint Martin, Monte-Carlo 98000 Monaco.

There is also a gift shop and restaurant on the terrace. You can also eat at one of the 153 restaurants withing half a kilometer of The Oceanographic Museum Of Monaco. And other than the museum, there are 41 other attractions in the area for your exploration, including 5-star casinos.

The ticket prices (last updated Jan 2021):

• Adult (18 years and above): 16 €
• Student (valid ID card): 10 €
• Children (between 4 to 17 years): 10 €
• Children (under 4 years): Free
• Disabled person (valid ID card): 7 €

The post Mosaics In The Oceanographic Museum Of Monaco appeared first on mosaic-tile-design.com.

According to State Archaeologist, Simona Moretta, “I think it’s the luckiest thing that’s ever happened to me, professionally speaking. Because you never get the chance in a regular excavation to dig so deep. That’s how we’ve found architectural complexes as important as this.”At the Amba Aradam location, they have found a home of a military commander adjacent to the barracks. Studies show it to be constructed during the reign of the emperor Hadian in the 2^nd century AD. The home had a central courtyard with ornamental mosaics, marble slab floors, and painted frescoes.

Delays

All these delays have pushed the grand opening date from its original 2000. This is because the excavating machinery often has to be stopped when they discover another ancient settlement. There are also delays due to investigations on runaway spending and waste by contractors and government associations. In May 2018, the city got the San Giovanni metro station that links the C line to the existing lines. The C line is also the only one with fully automated trains. There have been plenty of delays to the opening of the metro station. One of the reasons was that the station walls are lined with artefacts excavated during the construction of the subway. You can take a look at this subway museum for just a $1.75 metro ticket.

The Amba Aradam with its Roman military barracks is still being excavated Simona Moretta said “All that we’ve found here — the mosaics, everything — will be taken down, put inside special containers, then reassembled inside the metro stop. It will be a little museum, with all the barracks in the exact same position.” The excavations are going slow and the opening is expected to be during the summer of 2022. Until then, the public is going to have to wait to see the perfectly assembled military barracks. In the end, the subway system is a goldmine of treasures. So, there’s hope that will give us a greater insight into the Ancient Romans’ lives.

The post Ancient Mosaics Found In The Subways Of Rome appeared first on mosaic-tile-design.com.

However, it was only three years later, in 1593, that the work on the dome mosaics was commenced. The mosaics were created by various artists and depict several scenes, including the 16 pope-saints buried within the basilica. The base of the done also has a long inscription with two-meter-high letters. It reads of the verse Matthew: 16-18 KJV. In English, it translates to ‘Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven.’

Here is an overview and description of the 16 pope-saints depicted on the Dome Mosaics in St. Peter’s Basilica:

1) James the Lesser

James is called ‘The Lesser’ to avoid confusion with the other Apostle named James. It may be because he was younger or shorter. The mother of James The Lesser stood with Mary on the day of Jesus’s crucifixion. He is honored and celebrated on May 3.

2) James the Greater

James the Greater, along with his brothers John and Peter were favorites of the Lord. While known as someone with a short temper, he later preached about Jesus after Pentecost. He was the first person to be arrested and put to death around 44 AD for his faith in Christ.

3) Simon the Zealot

Simon the Zealot was born in the 1st century and supposedly died 65 or 107 AD. He is one of the Twelve Apostles by may not be associated with ‘The Zealot’, a Jewish nationalistic party. October 28^th is the day his legacy is celebrated.

4) Thomas The Apostle

One of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, Judas Thomas was also known as ‘Doubting Thomas’. He had doubted Jesus’ resurrection when he first heard about it. However, he later confessed his faith when he saw Jesus’ crucifixion wounds. His feast day is July 3.

5) Bartholomew The Apostle

Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles who carried the name of Christianity in the early 1^st century. However, there is very little known or mentioned about Bartholomew, including his contributions.

6) Thaddaeus The Apostle  

Thaddaeus the Apostle is another name for Jude, one of the Twelve Apostles mentioned in the New Testament. He is also known as Jude of James, Judas Thaddaeus, Jude Thaddaeus, or Lebbbaeus. His feast day is 28^th October in Western Christianity.

7) John The Baptist

John the Baptist, is also known as John the Immerser and prophet John (in Islam). He is a major figure in Christianity and Islam. He is said to have been sentenced to death by beheading around AD 30, according to the New Testament.

8) The Redeemer

The Redeemer speaks of Christ the Redeemer and is the same as the statue found in Rio de Genaro. The mosaic describes a being of peace and the acceptance of everyone in the world.

9) The Virgin Mary

The Virgin Mary is the mother of Jesus and the wife of Joseph. Also know as Virgin Mary, she plays an important part in the Christian faith. The last known mention of Mary was after Jesus’ crucifixion, praying with the other devotees.

10) Peter The Apostle

Simon Peter, St. Peter, Cephas, or Peter the Apostle is one of the Twelve Apostles of Christ. He was one of the first early Church leaders and was crucified upside down. This was because he felt unworthy of dying the same way as Jesus Christ.

11) Paul

Paul the Apostle is also known as St. Paul and by his Hebrew name, Saul of Tarsus. While not part of the Twelve Apostles, Paul was an important figure in the Apostolic Age. He founded several Christian communities in Europe and Asia Minor.

12) John The Evangelist

John the Evangelist is the author of the Gospel of John. He is also known as John of Patmos and John the Presbyter. He was said to have been plunged into boiling oil and came out unharmed. This act helped the crowd became Christian converts.

13) Saint Andrew

St. Andrew is brothers with St. Peter. He was the first apostle that was called by Jesus and also the first to claim Jesus to be the Messiah. He was martyred in 60 AD in Patras, Achaea by crucifixion.

14) Philip The Apostle

Philip the Apostle, according to the New Testament, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Christ. It’s said that he preached the word of God in Syria, Phrygia, and Greece. He was martyred in 80 AD and his feast day is 3 May.

15 Matthew The Apostle

Saint Matthew is also known as Matthew the Apostle and Levi. He was one of the Twelve Apostles and is known as the patron saint of tax collectors and accountants. It’s said that he became a missionary and was arrested in Ethiopia where he was staked and beheaded.

16) Matthias

After the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, the apostles picked Matthias as a replacement. There is little information on what he did after his election. However, some claim that he traveled to other countries to spread the name of Jesus. He died in Jerusalem of old age and his feast day is May 14.

The post The Dome Mosaics In St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City appeared first on mosaic-tile-design.com.