In between those things, I've been making mosaics! I used scraps from my work table and created this little beauty that sold before the glue was dry!
It was made using an MDF form that I purchased from a favorite etsy shop:
The owner has a wide selection of forms to choose from and I often get a few when I order from her.
Next up was a bowling ball that I'm turning into a gazing ball for a garden. I'm giving it as a gift for the Spring Equinox to Grandson Malachi's Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop. It still needs grouting, but I've finished adding the stained glass and mirror and am pleased with how it looks. It still needs tons of clean up, but I was able to make 2 stars, a moon, a sun and a flower on mesh and placed them on the ball using mortar. The small pieces of glass and mirror that I added to the rest were adhered with a waterproof adhesive used mostly for bathrooms and kitchens.
Here's the progress so far:
A mosaic birthday gift was made for a cutie-pie who turned 1 just recently and will be hand delivered to her Mom and Dad tomorrow:
And I had a failed attempt at a mosaic as well. I used a warped piece of wood and was told, after I applied the glass and found objects that I could put the board in a warm oven for a few minutes, place heavy books or bricks on it and it would straighten out. I tried it and it worked briefly but after a full 48 hours, it was warped again and the glue had failed. The temp of the oven was too hot for the glue and while grouting, pieces were falling off and I noticed a crackled effect happening under the glass. When I grouted it, the grout even changed an odd color probably from the sealant I used. Although I've never seen it do that before, this poor mosaic, as nice as it looks, has major problems and will stay close to me so that I can remind myself that I still have things to learn even after 6 years of making mosaics!
It's title: "Peace, Patience and Happiness" stood for the charms I used on it, but I do believe that I have also learned to make peace with my mistakes, have patience when things go wrong and still enjoy the experience which gives me so much happiness. It is as meaningful to me as making a sale before the piece is grouted!
In between waiting for the glue to dry with all of the above, I made a set of coasters that will be going to a customer who also ordered a 12x12 inch wall mosaic that has yet to be made. I'm pleased to say she has seen the photos and loves them!
Not bad for a busy week! Next week, gathering the drawings I have for the wall mosaic mentioned above, grouting the gazing ball and making some things to go into the online store!
The best thing about this week was learning how I react when I have a failed attempt at creating something. I'm in such a positive frame of mind that I am thankful for the experience. I truly love making mosaics and learning as I do them. This is an important part of my journey.
I think I've passed an important test this week and I'm happy with the way my week has been because I've had friends, family and mosaics in my life. It's a good life!
2 comments:
That frame is fabulous, Cindy!
Thanks so much, Jynja.
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