Repurposed Mosaic Debut

Parts of a much-loved bracelet that disassembled (and in doing so broke my heart) has found a home in this mosaic. It is very vibrant and changes colors as the light changes. It is so captivating that everyone who has seen it expresses their delight in it.

Right after finishing a mosaic, it takes me awhile to look at it without seeing the parts that gave me a hard time, or imagining how I would do it differently next time. As it sits in my windowsill with other mosaics, it will begin to establish its identity as the small mosaic that contains pieces of a bracelet that I once loved, and is a newly adorned and adored creation that I can enjoy. That is the main goal of my work; to put something out there with the sole purpose of giving pleasure to the viewer.

I have started working on a mosaic that I started a few years ago. It started well, but then I lost momentum and focus. I picked it up the other day and saw how I was struggling with new choices back then; however, I also had a new inspiration for finishing the piece. I had recently been in an antique store in Pleasanton where I purchased an antique 130 year old French key. I traced this key onto the board, and ideas are still flying around in my mind like butterflies in a field of daisies. It is exciting!

 I need to clean up the piece then I will take a picture and post it so you can see the difference from where I stopped to where I am now heading. A new mosaic journey; how cool is that...

 

2nd Life for Beloved Bracelet!

We have all purchased jewelry that we love, and have had the thing break and fall apart! How many of you threw it away in a moment of pique or put it in a bowl to mourn the loss of this favored bauble? I did the latter. There it sat on my work table for months.

 I was looking for something while working on the button mosaic, and my attention was diverted to these pieces of what used to be my bracelet. A tiny picture frame like the one used in the button mosaic was sitting right there, so I started placing parts of the bracelet here and there. I liked it! I was intrigued with the colors, and started digging around in bead containers, and then glass containers. Three-fourths of the mosaic was completed in the first day. Deciding on the lavender background and working that took more time.

 When you are working on glass, you glue down your pieces, and then you have to move away from it while it sets up or you run the chance of messing up the pieces glued down while working another area. Especially on such a small mosaic as this, you have to take your time to avoid mistakes.

As you can see, the mosaic is not yet finished or grouted. It is interesting to see the image in the photo does not do the piece justice. It is sitting here on the desk sparkling and reflecting light. I wish you could see it.

I have not decided what I am going to do next. Hummingbirds have been popping up on my walks, so it may be time to pay homage once again to my mysterious friend. As soon as I have a template I'll post it. This time I really will. If you have a particular idea for a mosaic let me know and who knows your idea may be just the inspiration I need to create my next mosaic. In other words, I need all the help I can get, my friend.

Popping Buttons!

My daughter, Christi, gave me vintage (1930's) buttons for Mother's Day. Of course I get inspired to create a mosaic with these beautiful unique objects at first sight. I had just purchased two small picture frames, and I started to play with the placement of buttons on the glass of the frame. After I decided on which buttons I wanted to use, then I created the drawing and template for the mosaic.

 The buttons were to dominate the mosaic, so the butterfly (I decided) must be delicate and simple. I wanted to add a touch of whimsy and mystery, and that is how the addition of the beads floating through the mosaic came into being. Christi said that she liked the beads, but she was not sure what they were. I said, "They are beads." I knew what she meant, but that is the thing about art; it may reflect reality, but especially with my mosaics, fantasy and whimsy trumps reality.

 The mosaic is only, approximately 2" x 3" with a powerfully colorful presence. I used the delicate millefiori to compliment the beautifully crafted button in the lower left-hand corner, and around the beads on the butterfly's wing.

I really had fun working with these buttons, and giving them a new purpose of adornment. I have a large assortment of vintage buttons, so this is only the beginning of their presence in my mosaics.