I know I'm a little late in my wishes, but I hope 2025 hasn't been too awful for you so far. There's so many changes happening right now.
As always, I take the first 3-4 months away from mosaic making to focus on other things during the new year. Usually I clean the studio; make notes as to what I might need once I begin making mosaics once more. This year was a little different and I'm happy with how it's going so far.
In January, I took a free online class on how to make collage papers. It was an eye-opening experience and one I've fully embraced. I've loved abstract collage for years; even made a few calling them "paper mosaics". Here's an example of one made in 2012 using old business cards.
After the online class, I started to play with acrylics and different kinds of papers to find what I liked and didn't. That led me to purchasing my first Gelli plate. I'm so in love with this art form and the way to make collage fodder is endless!
For those who are curious about my mosaic making, no worries. I'll still be making them too. In a few weeks, around the time Spring has appeared on the calendar, I'll be back in the studio to make a few small mosaics for Etsy.
At some point, I'd really love to have enough collage art to sell. It seems I have found an alternative for those bad hand days using the tools to cut glass and tile and still be creative. I'm so grateful for that.
As far as where to sell them, that's a whole bothersome thing for me to figure out. Perhaps I'll open a second Etsy shop once I have enough art to make it worthwhile. My website doesn't get a lot of traffic and I've got mugs, totes and pillow covers available featuring my art and photography and haven't sold a thing. That's fine ... not every one can buy art or items for their home ... but that doesn't mean I won't keep creating. 😁
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| Sunflower By The Water Throw Pillow |
Meanwhile, I'm reorganizing the Purple Palace. I just got a lamp for the table (not shown here) and I've upgraded to a higher desk to work on. I used a small card table for years (now next to the desk on the right side wall) but my body wants/needs something more comfortable. A small computer desk fits nicely in this space. I obviously still have a lot to do. I could use some shelves or book cases to hold my supplies. Maybe by summer I'll have it all organized. 😅 Quite a few mosaics hanging on the right side were gifts I've received from other mosaicists over the years. They inspire me. 💜
All those boxes you see in this photo above are filled with supplies, stained glass and dishes. All should be on shelves and in clear containers for easy viewing. The budget for these things is minimal but possible. Slow and steady ...
Back to collage work: I've started a book with a collage a day for 100 days using papers I'm still making daily. I choose 5-7 papers and use them for 5 days. This is to learn what I like and don't like with textures and papers and designs. Once the 5 days are through, I add the combination to a large canvas panel.
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| Day 36/100 created 03.01.2025 |
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| First canvas panel |
So much color surrounds me these days. Happy me!
That's what's been happening here in my part of the world. I'll share more collage, more mosaics and doodles too in the months to come.
Enjoy the journey.
Cindy aka EarthMotherMosaics
https://artbyearthmothermosaics.com
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