Wednesday - Art Table Madness!

It is madness here this week! My goodness there's so much going on ... many started projects in both the Purple Palace and at the art table. I'll keep it simple, though, and share just some of the completed or almost completed photos with explanations. No need to take you into the madness with me with the WIP's (work-in-progress). 

What fun to take an existing photo of myself and make it into an abstract. Honestly it was torture at first ... I just didn't want to do it because I didn't want to ruin it. Once I realized abstract is the best way to go and what happens, happens and to just be free thinking about it; don't take it too seriously, in other words, I was good to go with it. And go I did! Twice! I shared the other self-portrait here as well. Scroll down to find it. I did this one using acrylics, stamps, collage papers, Pasca paint markers in black and white and a white gel pen. I'm not in love with it, but I keep trying every so often to find my way around faces. Why not practice with my own?! Other than hearing myself say: "UGH" once in a while, I'm learning, it's okay to fuss once in a while. 

This is some paint textured with baking soda on deli paper. Fun process and feels like sandpaper. Lots of possibilities there with this technique. I am taking a favorite art print I recently did and gluing it on the paper which is on a wooden board and has a hanger ready to get placed somewhere in my room. 

This card just sort of evolved into pink things. I didn't used to like pink, but after using magenta for a while, I discovered it's a great color to use. This card is in an art journal created with an old greeting card, wrapping paper, collage paper, ribbon and stickers. 

Butterflies are making their way throughout my art these days too. Gotta love it, because I think of my Dad whenever I use one in my art. I feel he'd like that. This is the other side of the page in the same art journal shown above with a lot going on from my own art cut and glued, to a few pieces from a greeting card, a chamomile tea box, magazine cut outs, stamps, book pages, dots, stickers and painted papers. 

This one was really fun to do. I love the paper I used for the vase. I have no idea how I made it and I'm fairly sure I'll never duplicate it. I recently got some flower stencils through Amazon and just pulled them out to use here. Wow I love them! And I used the baking soda and paint technique here as well on the flowers, along with a few collage papers and part of a sun doodle. Another art journal page.

These are the roll-off papers I use when I'm painting or using the Gelli plate. I'm in love with the second one shown here, using some of the new stencils and my favorite circle stencil. Neither of these are getting used for collage just yet. I want to keep them as they are for now. If I make enough pages like these, I'll glue them together into a large sheet and then cut them down to a nice size. Eventually, they will get used.

Here's the second attempt of a self-portrait in an art journal as well and one I like much better than the first. I used watercolor, stickers and cut outs from books and word sticker quotes. My favorite is: "darling, you are a work of art". In this case, it's true! I cut out around the glasses, hair and hat and glued it over the photo I printed of myself to use to trace the face onto paper. Part cartoon, part photo. Pretty cool. 

More collage flowers in an art journal. I love the wonky look of these two pages. I can tell as I'm making journals, I have many going at the same time, that I'm finding a style I enjoy more than others. That IS why I have been making these journals, to practice different techniques and styles and see what speaks to me.

"Creativity Takes Courage". The latest card using the cut up sheets of painted papers I made recently. I added a flower stencil in white and a strip of deli paper that looks like a film reel were added.

 

Enjoy the journey.

Cindy aka EarthMotherMosaics

If you'd like to support the artist go to BuyMeACoffee and buy me a cuppa. It's always greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. 👄💝 

https://artbyearthmothermosaics.com

Mosaic Monday - Finding The Joy

 

Abstract Circles Wall Mirror

Stained Glass and Mirror

10 x 10 inches

$150 (USD only)

purchase through my website using PayPal & receive free shipping

“Finding The Joy” – Handmade Mosaic Mirror

I call this piece Finding The Joy. Bright, multi-colored glass, tiles, and mirror pieces form lively circles around a 10-inch mirror, creating a vibrant, abstract design full of color and positive energy.

Hang it in your entryway to catch a glimpse of it as you leave and return — a little reminder to carry joy with you wherever you go. Whether in a living room, bedroom, hallway, or office, this mirror brings both function and artistic flair.

 

It’s not just a mirror, it’s a feel-good piece of art:

- Abstract, colorful, joyful

- Etched stone with the word “Joy” included in the mosaic design

- A daily reminder to smile and find your joy

A Thoughtful Gift Idea:
Perfect for a best friend, yourself, or as a unique anniversary, birthday, or wedding gift.

Details:

- Mirror size: 10 inches diameter

- For indoor use only

Care:

- Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners or submerging in water.

Let this mirror help you discover your joy — every single day.

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

 

Happy New Year!

 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!

Using my old doodles, ink stamped papers and even paper towels used to wipe off paint brushes, I stumbled onto something not only easier on the hands but joyful to create.

 

 

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. 😁

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.

Day 36/100 created 03.01.2025

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

 

 

Mosaic Monday - Abstract Modern Mosaic

Abstract Modern Mosaic

 

 

 

Mosaic Stained Glass Wall Art in tangerine, metallic rust and orange sherbet stained glass. I have named this one "Back To Basics". At the time I created it, in April 2010, I wanted to make some art that was fairly simple in design but had a large visual impact. I believe this 8 inch wall hanging expresses what I wanted to achieve very well.

You should keep this one for yourself but if you must, gift it to the very best person you know who would love mosaic art as much as we do. Makes a wonderful wedding gift, anniversary present, birthday gift, retirement present.

Can be hung in any room, with almost any color decor and design as depicted in the photos I share here. This is meant to stand out and fit in, all at the same time.

Measures 8 inches, has a D-ring which is hanging hardware attached and is signed and dated. Wooden frame was handcrafted by my father who was in his mid-70's at the time.

Indoor use only.

 

 

$70.00 USD - FREE SHIPPING (USA ONLY)

To see additional photos of this listing and/or to purchase, click on the link at the top of this post. To head on over to my Etsy shop to look around at many more items great for any occasion, click here. This will take you directly to my shop.

Enjoy!

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

Theme Thursday - Abstract Art

We love abstract art! It is art that seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textures. It's what started my love of mosaic making and what still makes me happy when I create an abstract mosaic.

These abstract mosaics are all available from my Etsy shop. You can find them by clicking on the links above each photo. Enjoy.

Abstract Pear Mosaic Art

 

Mosaic Abstract Panel

 

 

Abstract Mosaic Wall Art

 

 

Abstract Circles

 

 

Green Mosaic Wall Art

 

 

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

 

 

Throwback Thursday

Because I'm working on the fruit basket based on a photograph I took, I figured it would be a good time to share once more the Groovy Pear I made in 2019.

Here is the photograph.

I painted the substrate, then put a mosaic over it. Same technique I'm doing with the fruit basket.

Shadows were something I never really did before. So that was a first here. It isn't perfect, but it's darned good as a first attempt.

Grouted and peace sign added, frame painted in black.

This is available in my shop on Etsy.


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

Tesserae Tuesday

Now that I've got almost everything I've been waiting for to get the muse back up on her feet, I'm the one dragging them. However, I do have the beginning of some magic going on here and thought I'd share. This will be shared tomorrow too, for WIP Wednesday. Hopefully you'll see a bit of progress at that point.

This is a photo I took quite a few years ago and altered with color. The glass shown here will be the basket and might possibly cover the entire surface or just leave it as a box like you see here.

I painted the sections with similar colors and noticed the box I drew around the fruit is slightly tilted. That won't make much difference in the end I don't believe. Using the glass that looks like the colors of the basket, might look pretty cool all around the fruit. I'll decide that when the time comes. Well, the muse will have the final say in it all, of course. ;)

Here's the glass I'll use for the fruits. I'm excited to make this one. By the way, the base is one of my Styrofoam pieces I covered in plaster strips and thin set. Not entirely sure how it will be finished. Hung or placed in a stand? But first, the magic has to happen!


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

Let's Go Shopping!

Mosaic Stained Glass Plate, Mosaic Art, Stained Glass, Stained Glass Mosaic, Glass Art, Abstract, Mixed Media, Mosaic Plate - 12 Inches
$86.25 USD
 

The title of this is "A New Horizon". Imagine standing toward the edge of a cliff where you see grass, hills, water, sand and rocks. It's a new beginning, a fresh start. An inspiration to begin again in one 12 inch mosaic stained glass plate.

When turned, it completely changes perspective. No matter how it's placed, it is quite beautiful.

Stained glass was all hand cut for this mosaic. The glass colors used are green/yellow, amber, white/light blue and aquamarine.

I love making mosaics on discarded items; transforming them into something beautiful and unusual. Such is the case for this mosaic. Very small hand cut pieces of stained glass were placed on a discarded 12 inch microwave plate and grouted, creating a work of art.

This plate is meant to be shown in sunlight. I have been known to call these plates sun catchers, but traditionally sun catchers are hung in the window. My plates are heavy and hanging is not recommended nor do I craft them for that purpose at the moment. They look fantastic sitting in the window in a display dish holder (not included).


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



Stay peaceful and Enjoy the Moments.
Cindy, Earth Mother Mosaics