“I was living in Mornington teaching teenage students who were pretty feral,” she laughs. 

“They were frustrated and unhappy at school and considered themselves failures – not everybody can do quadratic equations.

“But by working with mosaics you can guarantee success. The students were making things that were very beautiful. 

“It is a calming exercise as well. The process itself is therapeutic. Soon I had students lining up for the classes.”

The experience also re-ignited Phelan’s own interest in mosaics.

After moving to central Victoria two years ago she submerged herself in mosaic art and has organised a special mosaic exhibition to be held in conjunction with the 40th annual Kyneton Daffodil Arts festival.

Phelan says mosaic art has had a resurgence in popularity over the past 10 years or so. 

She is sure that people will appreciate this relatively rare opportunity to enter their work in a competition exclusively for mosaic works.

The work will be displayed in her garden at 60 Dettmanns Lane, Kyneton.

Ms Phelan said that people didn’t have to sell their work if they enter the Outdoor Garden Exhibition; nor are they obliged to enter the competition. 

But the beautiful prizes consist of Italian-designed, hand crafted jewellery. There are open awards and student awards. The exhibition will be held from August 30 to September 9.

For information, phone Ms Phelan on 0478 605 540 or contact www.kpmosaicwords.com/andmore