In The Studio - Part Two

I finished up "Phases" the vase I was working on a few days ago and started on a new vase!

"Phases" waiting for glue to dry so it can be grouted.

Fun kitty-inspired vase

I mentioned last month that I was going to work on making a mosaic bra. I've put that aside for now, because I have a few supplies to purchase before I can make it the way I know it needs to be made.

Meanwhile, I was thinking about all the doodle art I have laying around here and how much I'd like to make some frames for them and get them listed for sale. Putting on the thinking cap and using only what I have available to me, without spending any additional money, can be a challenge. However, it's never stopped me from thinking about what I can do and how I can do it.

I have a LOT of cardboard boxes and pieces here in my small space. I know if I cover cardboard with plaster cast strips I can mosaic it. I've done it. BTW, I now have grout I can use to finish that little cardboard box house off with! I have a nice pile of things to grout this weekend. I think I'll add it to the pile.

Soooooo ... making frames using cardboard and plaster strips is the new project currently in the research & development phase.

I'm expecting a lot of trial and error and anticipate the first few will be "just okay". But meanwhile, trying to figure out exactly what to do and how to do it, is so much fun!

Top layer is cut out, middle layer has the doodle and glass and another layer under that will hold a hanger of some sort (still working on it but I do have an awesome idea, so fingers crossed it works!). My goal is to have all 3 layers become one piece, which means the doodle cannot be removed. The top layer will get a mosaic, the back will be finished in some way not yet sure what but it will have plaster strips on it too, so it'll have to be covered with material if not glass.

The holidays are creeping up on us fast! I have no idea yet what I'm making for the g-kids and extended family's children this year. I'd better think of something soon! Over the past few years I've had my grandson make gifts for everyone he knows (adults mostly) but this year I have an idea of my own to give my Dad and Step-Mother. In addition to something he may make them, I'm going to make something too. As soon as the vase is finished up, I'll start working on that.

I am still waiting on the customer to let me know how many switch plate covers they need so I can complete that order, but in the meantime, I have a lot to keep me busy! I just got a nice amount of 4 inch square coasters in MDF to play with. Yay!! New mosaic coasters will be created very soon!! Woohoo!!

REMINDER: If you are interested in ordering something custom made specifically for the holidays from my shop, do it now! There are only 2 more weeks to order something. I won't be accepting any orders for the holidays after November 25th.

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

Cindy

In The Studio - Part One

Inspiration has taken hold and I've been doing some work!

I've gotten a few new supplies in and started work immediately on the custom ordered vase.

Gorgeous colors. Life is easy when there's so much beauty around me!

The vase is sitting, waiting for glue to dry. It will take approximately a week, maybe longer, before it's ready for grout.

So I went next to a square vase because I've got a few designs in my head for vases and need to get it all out!

Two sides are finished so far. This is called "Phases". I have a lot of dark blue scraps in stained glass but not enough to cover an entire vase. So my solution was to use different shades, all in blue for the section above the orange and all dark purple for the bottom section (all the same on each side). I like it so far!

I'm still waiting for information and decisions to start on the switch plate covers for a customer, which means I get to play continuously with other things until those decisions have been made! Yay!

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

Cindy

In The Studio - Part One

It's been a little bit slower in the studio this week. I'm waiting for supplies to arrive so I can work on the custom ordered vase. I've also been able to get a few vases and some other cool glass things to put glass on in the months to come. That's always exciting!

I did manage to get a few things made and added to the grout pile recently. In addition, I am waiting for grout to arrive (I order it online) so I can get everything finished up that's in that rather large pile. Yay!

The muse enjoys these slow times to gather inspiration and energy for the busy times.

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

Cindy

In The Studio - Part One

What a great start to the week I've had! I made two sales! Woohoo! For those who make sales every day, this must seem like no big deal, but for me, who gets a sale if I'm lucky once a month (if that), it's a big thing. ANDDDD I have a few custom orders to do. Yay!! It is the time of year when people think of gift giving a little more and because of that, I'm positive it is why the sales I've had happened.

My very first sale from Handmade at Amazon was a holiday inspired mosaic tray.

My very first sale from aftcra was the mosaic star box with pendant I shared in my Promo Blast! post on Monday.

One of my favorite customers asked if they could get a gift certificate for their newlywed sister who just moved into a new home with her new hubby. He was thinking they'd like to get some custom made switchplate and outlet covers and a few other mosaic decor items. This same favorite customer saw this new flower vase I listed yesterday and decided he wanted one for himself with the same colors but not with a flower. Excellent!

Flower Mosaic Vase

Yesterday I spent some time ordering supplies for the shop and custom ordered vase. The newlyweds are still deciding what they want but I know they will be keeping me busy soon. I'm hoping to get a few more items to work on to rebuild my stock. I must keep the energetic flow moving. It's important to have what the muse needs when she needs it!

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

Cindy

In The Studio - Part One

What a great week it's been so far. Lots of activity from the studio. On the weeks when I do little but rest, I remind myself of these times. The rest is important to keep up with the inspiration!

I built two snowmen!

Snow Dude (LOVE his vest!!) above will have some embellishments added once grouted. Each will get a hanger of some sort so they can go up on a wall! Aren't they awesome?!

The muse is quite content this week. I grouted crosses and finished up a custom ordered peace sign.

During the grouting process ... 

Still cleaning up and getting ready to paint the last 2 items but they will be ready by Thursday!

To keep the artist happy, I got a LOT of color in my hair. My daughter is going to school at night for cosmetology and I am happy to be one of the lucky ones to allow her to practice her craft.

I couldn't get a focused photo but liked the unfocused one enough to share it. Look at the gorgeous colors! Amethyst with pinkish purple highlights. NO MORE GRAY!! Yay!!

Not sure what I'll be doing next but I'm sure it'll be fun!

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

Cindy

Promo Blast!

It's all about home decor this week. I'm working on some new mosaics for the home but wanted share some I've got listed on Storenvy now. Aren't these cool little pieces of mosaic art?!

You can find these and much more in the Home Decor section of my shop on Storenvy. Check it out!

Remember, I take custom orders all year long.

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

Cindy