In The Studio - Part One

I've finished up "Expect Miracles" and placed it in the ever growing "to be grouted" pile. I love it!

While waiting for supplies to arrive for the custom order, I worked on a cross and a switchplate cover. These too get added to the pile for grouting.

Now the peace signs and all the supplies for them have arrived! All the signs have been primed and are ready for mosaic magic! Yay!!

In this photo: 8 inch peace signs are primed, 10 inch wrapped up at the bottom waiting their turn.

1st peace sign (10 inch) - work-in-progress (ready for grout)

2nd peace sign (8 inch) - work-in-progress (love the stones I'm adding on this one!)

Now as the weeks progress, all you'll see mostly, is peace signs. But we all love them, right?!

The first EMM Monthly Newsletter went out on Monday and I'd love to have some feedback on it from those who have signed up for it. And for those interested, you can find the signup form here on the right.

It's time to also share the horrible "ouchie" I received from a worn out piece of equipment. When I started making the 1st peace sign, I grabbed an old nipping tool specifically for ceramic tile that looks like this:

Mine (now tossed away in the dumpster) wouldn't hold the spring --- something I wasn't aware was a big deal when I first started making mosaics in 2005-2006 when these were purchased. I tried to keep the spring in place but it just wouldn't stay. This has nothing to do with the fine manufacturers of this tool. I got a defective pair, which happens, and should have returned them had I known at the time. In any case, I tried to cut a piece of china with these a few days ago and the spring popped out at the exact time I beared down to nip the piece of china. The china popped away as well so what was left, in a mere instant, was my skin.

ow

As you can see, I had a good blood blister. Ouch. It is much better after caring for it for 24 hours. I was able to work again with very little adjustment in using my hand (I'm left handed) and all is right in my world once more. Almost.

muuuuuch better

Here's the lesson I learned that I've had to reteach myself, sadly. Listen to your gut when it comes to everything! I heard the voice tell me not to use the tool when I picked it up and I ignored it. After all, I only needed it for one piece of china, what could possibly happen?! I'm used to getting hurt a lot worse, actually, from glass and mirror, but never the hand tools. I will try to use patience with myself when it comes to really hearing my inner voice. I know it takes time to really listen to it. It's never wrong, is it?

Support Independent Artisans, Designers and Crafters for your gift-giving needs all throughout the year. Thank you!

Stay peaceful,

Cindy

In The Studio - Part One

The snow has arrived here in PA. Today the kids are home from school, extending their mini-holiday by one more day. Teachers have been busy with end of semester reports which gives the children they teach time off! Add in a holiday, Presidents' Day, and you've got a nice little break. They've had 6 days off now, one additional day due to the storm. Woo-hoo!!

As promised, here are photos of the Little Dude (7 years old) making his gift for his Mom. A mosaic Valentine heart.

As usual, one of our kitties must supervise and approve our work at all times.

Finished!

Happy Dude!

Grouted with a special card printed out just for Mom.

When he gave it to her, she said: "I LOVE it!" and he said: "I know!".

I painted an empty wine bottle covered in plaster cast strips while waiting for mosaic inspiration to arrive. It's bright and brilliant!

I think it's so cool! Makes me smile just to look at it.

Work has begun on a new plaque. This one: "Expect Miracles" is a favorite saying of mine and it looks like I'll finally get that blue I thought would be used for my Namaste' plaque.

And get ready, because the new EMM Monthly Newsletter will be headed out next week! I had planned on getting it out last week but a few more people signed up around that time so I thought it might be a good idea to wait a week or so. I have to say it's fairly light in content right now, mostly introducing where to find me and what's new on Storenvy. As the months continue, I'm hoping to fill it with additional information that is only touched on through social media and this blog. Sharing links where my items can be purchased is the main event for each one. Those who have signed up, let me know what you think of it's layout and what's included. Stay with me as I take a new adventure.

Support Independent Artisans, Designers and Crafters for your gift-giving needs all throughout the year. Thank you!

Stay peaceful,

Cindy