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.

Temple Eleohant Completed!

Finished!! This mosaic was made for a friend of mine. She picked the colors and the theme came to me as it sometimes does with people I know well. And she is delighted with the idea of an elephant. She has not seen the completed work, but I believe she will be happy with her new mosaic. I hope so, anyway.

I always learn something new with every mosaic. If I had grouted the background in a darker grout, then the elephant would have stood out more. With the lighter grout throughout, the elephant blended more with the background. However, the mosaic is very serene, and has a calming effect. This particular frame is not that conducive to grout, but it was not my choice, so I did my best.

I am starting another mosaic. It is a small one. I am using some of my newly acquired buttons, fun! I will probably do a couple of small 4x6 mosaics with the buttons before I move onto a larger piece with a tapestry theme. I will be placing a hummingbird in flight in the center.

 I have not placed a hummingbird in a mosaic for quite some time. The other day when I was out walking, a red-crested hummingbird flew up to me and hovered in front of me for a minute or so. I believe she was requesting a portrait. How do you say no to a hummingbird? I cannot. So, it's a done deal; she will be in my tapestry mosaic.  I have not started the drawings yet, but the images are starting to manifest in my thoughts, so it is only a matter of time before they spill out onto paper. Then the drawings will become a template which will be placed on a substrate to be made into a mosaic.

I get so caught up in it all once the drawings start that I forget to take pictures, but I will try to remember, so that you can enjoy the journey with me.

New Elephant Mosaic without Grout

It is always so interesting to see a mosaic before it has been grouted. This elephant is in the courtyard of a temple and the raised trunk means "good luck". I will give more of the back story when it is posted as a completed piece. The sun is coming from the side and striking the glass and gems and lighting them up! Otherwise, the colors are very calm and soothing; strange what light does to mosaics.

Java is Here!

Meet "Java the Elephant" mosaic! This mosaic has many different kinds of glass, beads, and gemstones to dazzle the eye with. He is my first elephant, but not my last. I am currently finishing another. Although, the other elephant is completely different which you will see for yourself very soon. Next I will be doing some small mosaics that incorporate some fabulous buttons I have purchased. Yes! I said buttons! I love incorporating unusual found items into my mosaics, so when I saw these buttons on Etsy; I thought "Why not?" I get these great ideas, and then I have to come up with a design that has some chance of working...we'll see.

 Okay to be honest the reason I love mosaics is that even when it goes terribly wrong; it still looks good. Occasionally, I take some of my mosaics to exhibit while doing a presentation and people will ooh and ahh over some of my mosaics that are full of technical errors, but the glass is lovely and sparkly, this may be the first mosaic they have seen, and you know, people are nice for the most part.

A Calming Vision

I created this 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" OAK mosaic on a picture frame that is 4 1/2" x 4 1/2". The look of the piece is inspired by a few men in my life that have been helpful during hard times. The grout glitter was added to enhance the light-hearted feel of the piece.

Meet Nerissa the Mermaid!

Nerissa the Mermaid is done!Nerissa means "of the sea." I have renamed her since Sandy just does not fit her anymore.  It was like that when my daughter was born. I had a name all picked out for her: Stacia Marie, but then I looked at her, and it did not fit her. It took me three days to pick her name: Christi Lynne.

I will be creating a jelly fish mosaic next. I have already completed the drawing, and it will be glass on glass in a jeweled picture frame that I love. I am setting a 2-week time frame to complete it in.

 I have a few small mosaics that I need to make for friends, and then I will be tackling a large mosaic that I have been wanting to create for years. It is an intimidating piece of abstract art. It's time. A lot of energy and emotion will be expressed in the piece.

Silvery Owl Mosaic

I started the owl mosaic just before the mermaid mosaic, and like the mermaid mosaic; I became frozen and unable to finish the owl mosaic. Something happened when I created the Pansy which made me believe in myself. I looked at the owl mosaic and knew how I wanted to complete it.

I know I said "Sandy" was next, but inspiration is a fickle mistress, and following her lead is working for me. I am hoping that the next mosaic I show you is "Sandy". Can I say for sure? Almost.