Repairing a Japanese Paper Lampshade

I've had this beautiful Japanese inspired floor lamp for years. The paper shade reminds me so much of the shops I used to be drawn to in New Hope, PA when I was a teenager.

Recently I noticed there was a few rips in the shade. It has been with me for a long time and I know paper rips (I do it daily now in collage!) but I wasn't sure what I should do. I found a replacement shade on Amazon, fairly priced (well within my budget) but then the question was, what to do with the old shade. I just didn't see the reason to toss it and wasn't sure I could justify ripping it up and using the paper for collage although I could have easily done that.

I decided to see if I could repair it with the rice paper I have. I'm sorry I didn't take any photos of the rips before I repaired it.

I still have a lot of Asemic Writing* papers on rice paper to use in my collage journey and thought it would look sort of cool if I used some of that on the lamp.

*Asemic writing is a wordless open semantic form of writing. The word asemic means "having no specific semantic content", or "without the smallest unit of meaning". With the non-specificity of asemic writing there comes a vacuum of meaning, which is left for the reader to fill in and interpret.

Source: Wikipedia

 

Asemic Writing on rice paper.

 

I used a matte medium from Liquitex and slathered it on the paper over the holes in the lamp. It worked!

 

I'm very happy with the results and now, should another rip happen, I'll know what to do.

I don't know if everyone would like this solution but it is perfect for me and my lifestyle so I figured I'd share it with you.
 

Enjoy the journey.

Cindy aka EarthMotherMosaics

https://artbyearthmothermosaics.com

 

 

Collage Papers Art

I can't believe I've made so much collage paper fodder in a very short amount of time. To keep things under slight control, I've started using some of what I have made in different ways.

Some pieces are abstract, similar to the 100 Day Challenge I'm doing.

Collage abstract using hand made papers and doodle art with acrylic paint. 5 x 7 inches.

Collage abstract using hand made papers with acrylic paint. 4 inches.

Some are a favorite subject: the moon, using papers with espresso powder. LOVE the way these look!

 Many are getting cut out as peace signs, flowers, birds, etc. Fun to do!

 

This kitty above is one of the first I attempted to make cutting out shapes using the collage papers I've made. I was so happy to actually be able to make something with them and have it look fairly decent. I felt so accomplished!! The excitement in trying something new is what keeps me going back to the work tables each day. In all the art forms I enjoy from doodle art to mosaics, if it doesn't excite me, I won't spend time on it. So far, everything is very enjoyable and gives me a sense of peace I crave while creating.

I'm still very much in love with making collage papers (the honeymoon is definitely not over!) and I keep trying new things with the Gelli plate almost daily. I know this is just the beginning of a long and beautiful romance.
 

Enjoy the journey.

 Cindy aka EarthMotherMosaics

https://artbyearthmothermosaics.com

Creative Chaos Journal

As you may know, this year I've been experimenting a lot with collage, abstract art, and altered books. I'm discovering a freedom I can't have with stained glass and dishes. I have to say my hands are happy even with the long hours of making collage papers because there's no difficult tools to use. I think I'm a long way away from getting a handle on collage or being happy enough to sell anything just yet but this journey is amazing!

At the moment, I am altering an old hardbound book I've had for over 20 years. In my attempt to use what I have, I've found only a few books to alter. The hunt for more may very well be in my future because this is a wonderful exercise in creative freedom for me.

I'm not going to share every page I've done so far mostly because they change almost daily as I add a spot of paint here and there. I go back through the pages and add a thumbprint of paint or a random circle in acrylic. Here are a few of my favorite pages so far. Chances are they've already been altered and look slightly different than shown.

 

As a side note to this post ... I made a Junk Journal last year and thought I'd share a lot of those photos here at some point in the future. I have to gather them up on the computer and make sure I have the whole thing, although it ended up at something close to 90 pages or a little over. I don't think I'll share all of them but maybe when I have very little going on in the studio I can share a few pages every now and then. Most are on my FB personal page but not everyone does FB. And it would be good to have it here anyway just for prosperity. 😊

 

Enjoy the journey.

 Cindy aka EarthMotherMosaics

https://artbyearthmothermosaics.com

 

EarthMotherMosaics on Etsy

This week's shout out and shameless promotion: Jewel of the Night Sky - Crescent Moon Mosaic. These are popular items for my customers.

There are two crescent moons this size available in my shop. There's a good possibility they will be the last ones made by me for quite some time.

To those who own an EarthMotherMosaics Crescent Moon, congratulations! I hope you enjoy it for years to come. To those who gifted them, I truly wish it was received well. If you are hopeful I'll be making more ... that remains to be seen. As I grow older, my hands don't respond well to the repetitive motion it takes to cut the glass and mirror on big pieces like these. However, I never say never! I can't say for sure I'll be making more this year but I also can't say I won't. I just don't know yet.

In any case, enjoy the photos and check out my shop to see other mosaics if this one doesn't interest you. There's something for everyone!

Crescent Moon Mosaic, Moon Wall Art, Bohemian Art, Hippie Art, Crescent Moon, Birthday, Wedding, Retirement, Jewel Tones, Mother's Day 

Jewel of the Night Sky - $120.00

I call this "Jewel of the Night Sky". "The Moon is magic for the soul and light for the senses."~Unknown Author

 

Anyone who loves celestial designs will absolutely LOVE this crescent moon. Gift to a special someone or save it for yourself. As long as it's enjoyed, it's job is done.

 

My signature, a peace sign charm, has been added. A felt pad has been attached so the back will not scratch your walls. Signed and dated.

Measures 12 inches

Indoor use only. 

 More photos available on Etsy.

 

Enjoy the journey.

 Cindy aka EarthMotherMosaics

https://artbyearthmothermosaics.com

 

 

My Mosaic Romance Continues

I am very happy to be creating mosaics once more in the Purple Palace. It's all set up with the right work table, the old tools and a new task light just ready to go!

I thought I'd start with a 6 inch peace sign to get the juices flowing again.

I really enjoyed mosaic making once more.

I was definitely in the zone for this 6 inch peace sign. I glued the glass down in one sitting. It took approximately 2 hours and is now sitting in the "to be grouted" pile.
 

 

Pretty groovy, huh. Isn't the collage paper under the mosaic cool too? Definitely Bohemian colors! I love it!

It's headed to Etsy at some point, along with a few more peace signs that are waiting for some mosaic magic. ☮ 🥳

Stay tuned!

 

 

Enjoy the journey.

 Cindy aka EarthMotherMosaics

https://artbyearthmothermosaics.com

100 Day Collage Art Journey Update

At this writing, I am Day 44 of the 100 Day Challenge. So far, each square has been placed within a leather bound book. I'm not sure it will hold all 100 days but we shall see.

Here is Day 44.

I have almost filled two large canvas panels using the collage papers I put in this book. It's more practice that I feel I need in getting colors and shapes combined in a pleasing way. I also have found the use of acrylics enhances the collage but sometimes I overdo it. This is where the book comes in handy. I can see the progress and what I think I need to work on every day.

I love these panels. They're pretty nifty, huh?

 

Until next time ... Enjoy the journey.

 Cindy aka EarthMotherMosaics

https://artbyearthmothermosaics.com

 

EarthMotherMosaics on Etsy

 I'm giving a little shout out to a featured mosaic this week. One of my favorites. If I had to pick just one, this might be it.

Stained Glass Mosaic, Mosaic Plate, Mosaic Sun, Bohemian Style, Hippie Art, Birthday, Wedding, Retirement, Mother's Day, Father's Day

 

Bohemian Sky - $140.00 USD

 Stained Glass Mosaic made on a recycled microwave plate. Recycling at it's best!

I found the inspiration for this through a coloring app online, changing it a bit adding my own EarthMother vibe to it.

 Measures 13 inches.

It was made using hand cut stained glass, some iridescent. A few pieces are from a broken drinking glass (the yellow center in each design). This took approximately 3 weeks to complete from start to finish.

Indoor use only. 

More photos available on Etsy.

 

Enjoy the journey.

 Cindy aka EarthMotherMosaics

https://artbyearthmothermosaics.com