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A
A - Paper Sizes
A set of standard paper sizes established by the International Standards Organisation (ISO). The size of the paper goes down as the number gets larger, and each paper size on the scale is exactly half the size of the previous sheet. For example, one A4 sheet is exactly half of an A3, one A3 sheet is half of an A2 etc. A4 is the most common size and is used for most printers and photocopiers. Paper sizes larger than A3 are normally only found in art stores and specialty paper shops.
| 'A' size | size in millimetres | approx inches |
|---|---|---|
| 2A0 |
1,189 x 1,682 mm |
46.8 x 66.2 in |
| A0 | 841 x 1,189 mm | 33.1 x 46.8 in |
| A1 | 594 x 841 mm | 23.4 x 33.1 in |
| A2 | 420 x 594 mm | 16.5 x 23.4 in |
| A3 | 297 x 420 mm | 11.7 x 16.5 in |
| A4 | 210 x 297 mm | 8.3 x 11.7 in |
| A5 | 148 x 210 mm | 5.8 x 8.3 in |
| A6 | 105 x 148 mm | 4.1 x 5.8 in |
| A7 | 74 x 105 mm | 2.9 x 4.1 in |
Abaca
A type of straw made from a plant native to the Philippines (musa textiles). Sinamay is a type of open weave product made from this straw.
Abstract
An art piece which does not show a realistic interpretation of the subject matter – whether a person, place or emotion. Pure abstract uses patterns or structures of shapes to replace the actual depiction of the subject.
Accent
A deliberate emphasis given to an element in a design that makes it appear more interesting to the viewer. This is usually achieved through the use of colour. Examples of an accent could be a bright red cushion on a pure white couch, a bright blue flower on a black hat, a daub of yellow paint on a dark purple painting.
Acid-Free
Used to describe any material (usually paper or board), which has a pH of 7 or greater. Acid-free materials are free of chemicals which cause damage (staining, brittleness, discolouration etc.) to photographs and artwork. If all materials used to create a project are acid-free, then the project will last for decades. See also ‘Archival Safe’ for related information.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a tough transparent plastic material. It is used in framing as an alternative to glass as it stronger and less likely to break. Acrylic sheets are commonly referred to as Perspex, Lucite or Plexiglass – these are all different brands of acrylic.
Acrylic Paint
A type of paint made with synthetic resin that dries faster than oil paint and is water soluble. It is usually non-toxic and ideal for many different creative applications.
Additive
See Admixture
Adhesive
An adhesive is a substance which bonds two surfaces to each other. Adhesives can be glues, tapes, stickers, glue dots etc.
Admixture
A substance added to a cement-based grout or mortar to help improve adhesion, flexibility or consistency. An admixture can also be used to make your mosaic waterproof. Also referred to as an ‘Additive’.
Aida
Aida Cloth is a type of fabric with many variations; most commonly used for Cross-stitch. The fabric is woven with blocks of thread (block weave), leaving obvious holes for the needle to penetrate.
Alloy
An alloy is a solid mixture of two or more metals. For example, brass is an alloy made from zinc and copper.
Andamento
A term to describe the visual flow or direction created in a mosaic by the placement of tesserae (tiles) within the picture.
Anti-reflective glass
This term refers to glass that is treated with a thin film coating to reduce surface reflection. This is transparent and does not affect the view of a framed picture or object.
Appliqué
Appliqué is a sewing method using cut pieces of cloth. These are sewn onto larger pieces of fabric (the base) for the purposes of decoration or to form a pattern. Appliqué is used extensively in quilting.
Archival Safe
Archival safe materials are used for preservation purposes. The term is generally applied to any product or material that is durable and will have a long life span, usually anywhere between 100-500 years.
Art Deco
A design movement from 1925-1940 which encompassed art, architecture, jewellery design and interior decoration. This style is characterised by the use of bold colours, repetitive geometric patterns and modern materials (chrome, steel, glass, bakelite etc). The intention was to create pieces which demonstrated a non-traditional elegance and sleek sophistication.
Art Nouveau
A decorative style from 1890-1910 which encompassed art, architecture, jewellery design and interior decoration. This style is characterised by flowing, organic forms often incorporating plants or floral images. Alphonse Mucha was one of the most prominent artists of this period.
Assisi Work
A variation of cross-stitch where the same stitches are used, but the design is reversed so the background is embroidered and the pattern itself is left blank (fabric only).
Asymmetrical
Asymmetry is used to describe an uneven or unbalanced design in a picture or object. In fashion it could be used to describe a skirt which has a hemline that is higher on one side than the other (or from front to back). In art it is used to describe an image where there is more emphasis (more objects) in one half of the picture than in another.