Recyclables become Magical

Here is my latest project. It is unlike anything I have ever done. It is the largest piece (approx. 20"x30"), it is evolving without a precise drawing to follow, and it has no theme or cohesiveness. And yes, it is frightening to try and execute something so foreign to me, and exhilarating as each new piece takes form, and surprises and delights me as magical forms take place and whimsy drops in to add her handiwork. I showed this to my son, David, and he said he cannot wait to see what it becomes; me too!

Recognize the Subject?

I painted this picture for my neighbor, Alexis, for her birthday. It was so much fun to put my paints to use again. Although, I have so many mosaic creations sitting in my subconscious demanding to be made that sadly this may be the last painting I do for awhile.

Pretty in Pink

This mosaic was inspired by two adorable sisters: Madeline (5) and Bella (3). Madeline loves pink, and Bella believes pink needs dark blue to make it work. Bella has the more sophisticated, artsy viewpoint, but being a lover of pink myself; I think Madeline is dead on. I made the base and top first, then I created the sides. I was trying for a lacy look for the sides. The piece is very sparkly and feminine. Here is to Madeline and Bella!

The Finished Work

The frame with the key screams for this mosaic; does it not? I love the distressed look to the frame and the rich brown color. I used some of my amber glass and copper coated smalti to add a richness to this rustic scene. I want to walk through the gateway, explore the garden, and sit with a book to read under the tree. This has been a fun summer with lots of mosaics that I have created and still more in the works. I am working on one right now that is completely different from anything I have ever done. It is a tribute to Audrey Hepburn is all that I am saying, but I will post it soon. Enjoy the lazy days of summer!

Enchanted Garden Gateway

I have been drawn to entryways lately, and the sense of mystery that lays beyond the entry. When I found this picture frame, I knew I was going to explore a new direction. I wanted to keep the color scheme warm and rich, so the choice to put a tree in the center was dead on. Here is the work in progress, obviously. After all, it has been awhile since I have shown my work in progress, so I thought I would show how I worked on glass and protected the frame when needed.

Memories of Morro Bay

I am drawn to making trees, and I have this photo on my wall of Morro Bay that I love. So here is my expression of a combination of the photo and what it felt like to watch the sunset on the ocean as I watched every evening. It was pure heaven for me to have the ocean as my backyard for a week; I'll never forget it.

Exotic Mosaic

This is the first mosaic that I did on glass this year. I wanted to practice before I made Amber Dawn's or Africa's Mosaics. Thank goodness I did because I had forgotten that before the glue sets the glass in place it can move. The piece is just slightly off center, which has made me very careful about keeping my work level at all times. I think that sometimes a slight mistake can add something distinctive to a piece and I love the movement in this one.

A Mosaic for Africa

I created this Mosaic for my friend, Africa, who works at my chiropractor's office. Africa wanted there to be a palm tree in the mosaic, but I thought that would be impossible. I started to create a tree, and I thought I could at least try to make a palm tree. So now, Africa can escape to her own tropical isle whenever she desires.

Just the Beginning

Here is a mosaic that I created especially for Amber Dawn who is an amazing artist. She made a pretty necklace just for me and sent her mini zine , which I love! I just love surprises. Unfortunately, I had to ask her questions to get her mosaic just right for her, but I hope she is delighted with it all the same.

Summer Fun!

Summer, Vacation, Beach, Mermaids...Mermaids? I went to Pismo Beach, California, for a week of R&R. The beautiful home that we stayed in had mermaids everywhere. One was carved out of wood, a few were iron sculptures, and a few ceramic mermaids were in the gardens and on the balcony. I decided to create a miniature mermaid in glass mosaic; my favorite art form.

My Dream!

This is a picture of part of my dream board, and after seeing Oprah grant Ellen's wish I thought I would write Oprah and tell her about my wish. I know my chances are about the same as winning the lottery, but I did it anyway. I have been going to college again this semester full time, so once again I have not had time to do any new mosaics, and yes, I am looking forward to a break when I can start mosaicing. I have prepped several boards and glass frames for the moment I can take glass cutter in hand and just go for it! Oh yes, what is my wish? To have Oprah look at my work and that of the mosaic artists at the Institute of Mosaic Art. There is a little more, but that's the thing about dreams: some you share and some you hold in your heart.

Christi's mosaic has found a home!

This weekend I helped her hang her mosaic on her wall, and she is happy with how it finishes off her group of collectibles. It is such an incredible feeling to know that my work is appreciated by the person that I create it for. Classes start in a few days , so I don't know if I'll have time to start another mosaic, but if I do I'll list the steps.

I have almost ffinished David's mosaic!

Here it is David's mosaic. I just need to wait 24 hours and then I can grout it. I'm debating what color to use for the grout. It's between like green and dark green. I already decided to use grout glitter to enhance the gold and blue glass combined with the sea shells. While I was creating this I had to keep thinking about David and channel his preferences, not mine. Here's hoping he'll like it.

Finished!

Here is the finished product. I wish I had taken a picture with the painting in it but I think you can get an idea of how it would look. The stained glass that I used for this mosaic is very beautiful and felt it showcased the sea shells well. These are a few of the sea shells that David, Christi, and I collected on our walks while on our vacations by the ocean. I will be creating a few more mementos of our vacations as soon as the inspiration moves me. This mosaic is already on its way to David with much love.

Christi's Christmas Gift

This is a mosaic I just finished for Christi for Christmas. She asked me to make her a mosaic that would go with the other paintings in her room. I am working on a picture frame for David that has sea shells from our last vacation and a painting I did for him on the back of a postcard. After I finish that, then I have two other small mosaics that I will be creating before I start on the mosaic that has been haunting me for over a year. It started as a clear idea for half of it and just recently the rest of the mosaic has materialized. I wish I could work on it all day, everyday until it is completed, but I have other obligations that must be met. Drat! I wish you all a Happy New Year and may it be a prosperous one!