I'm taking a few days off this week, including the weekend I usually earmark for grouting. I am worn out and ended up a tad ill on Thursday; perhaps not used to the pace of consistent mosaic work (no complaints!) but more than likely due to the allergy/sinus troubles I've been having lately.
In any case, before I decided to stop working, I did manage to get some vases covered in glass. The first, scrap art, is my favorite way to mosaic because it's so freeing.
As soon as the adhesive is completely dry, this too shall be added to the grouting pile with the switch plate covers!
I had an experience with the next vase that I hadn't had in quite a while. But first, I must share my awesome cutting skills. These petals were done by using hand held glass cutting tools. I'm really thrilled that I've reached the point in my life where I can do cuts like these.
Using a marker and marking out the shapes on the glass, I cut them first with the scoring tool and nipped them to get the shape. I wasn't sure I wanted to do the sun when I started but after my success with the petals, I decided to give it a try.
Getting the design on the 8 inch vase was the next challenge. Flat mosaics are fairly easy to add these kinds of designs on. Circular ones ... not so much.
I stopped when I got the entire section shown here covered and part of the sides of this design was done. The problem I mentioned above was that my fingers kept getting snagged on glass pieces and slowing me down a bit. Each time a piece hurt me to the point of bleeding, I put the glass in a glass jar with some water and soap, popped the lid on and shook the jar for a few minutes. This takes the sharp edges away and the longer you shake it, the smoother they get.
It's hard to see here in these photos, but the petal motif is on each side in orange. Blue is around the orange petal and filled in with yellow. Once I return to this vase next week when my fingers and the muse and I are ready to get back to it, the rest will be filled in with yellow.
I have to admit I am really enjoying my month filled with mosaic making. The customer saw this vase and thinks it's gorgeous, so I know I'm on the right track.
Enjoy your weekend!
Support Independent Artisans, Designers and Crafters for your gift-giving needs all throughout the year. Thank you!
Stay peaceful,
Cindy
