Theme Thursday - Holiday Decor

It's a little early for me to even begin to think of holiday shopping but in a few weeks it'll be all I think about! Here are a few items from my shop that are holiday oriented. Just in case, like me, you're going to be looking for something unique and genuinely handmade with love.

 

Personally, I love the stained glass plate the most and am featuring it first.

 

You can find these and a few other holiday items listed so far in the folder marked: Winter Holiday Shop in my Etsy shop.

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

 

Let's Go Shopping!

This past month I've tried to show some of my favorites I've found on Etsy. It's been so much fun to share new shops, have these folks get to know each other and of course see what I do as well.

We are in the midst of a move and I'm packing a little bit every day (no studio time at the moment either) using the time I'd normally use for blog posts. Now until the end of the year, my posts will be hit or miss due to packing and I might not have internet access for a day, a week or a month.

Sadly, for the moment, dedicating time to virtual window shopping is at a minimum and writing posts may become more difficult within the next few weeks.

Having said that, I have made up a small collection of items from my own shop. I will definitely do more collections from other shops once more as soon as the dust settles after our move.

Click here to go to my shop. I will be stepping away from my shop briefly, not planning on putting it on vacation officially as I'd like to leave it open while we move. Do your holiday shopping now to assure you get your mosaic on time!

Let's connect!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Earth MotherMosaics/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EMMosaics

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/eart hmothermos/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/11 4891430568238927351/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artb yearthmothermosaics/

Blog: http://artbyearthmothermosaics .blogspot.com/

Website: http://earthmothermosaics.wixs ite.com/earthmothermosaics

Stop by and shop:

--- ETSY --- AFTCRA --- STORENVY ---

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

Stay peaceful,

Cindy, Earth Mother Mosaics
  

In The Studio - Friday

A little bit ago I was looking out the window at the beautiful leaves in the trees and realized how grateful I am to have an eye for color and design sense to at least a certain degree. My eye was drawn then to the stained glass vases sitting on my windowsill. This, in turn, made me look at my computer where I was editing some photos for my 2nd Storenvy shop which is dedicated to gift and decor items from photos I've taken over the years.

I decided since I'm not doing anything new since the last post from the studio, instead I'd share a pretty collage of items both mosaic and photo items available in my shops on Storenvy and Etsy. Like other collections I've done, use the links under the collage to take you right to the items I'm sharing here. If you like them, share with those you think might also enjoy seeing them.

Shower Curtain and Area rug set: $120 and up depending on size of rug.

Stained Glass Mosaic Coasters - set of 2: $25.50 + shipping

Stained Glass Mosaic Vase: $75.00 + shipping

Lumbar Pillow - Available in 3 sizes: $33 and up depending on size.

Sometimes working in the studio means taking and editing photos for a few days of the things I'm getting ready to list for sale online. Photography, creativity, art ... it's all wrapped up in a work day for me. Life can be so full of wonder! Look at the photo I decided was the most awesome from the photos I took of the leaves on my tree in the morning while the sun was shining. Isn't it amazing?

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

 

 

Let's Go Shopping!

I'm changing my Monday posts title, if you hadn't noticed, from Promo Blast! to Let's Go Shopping!

So ... let's go!

Last week I made a sweet collection gathering items from Storenvy but quickly learned many of the shops don't use social media as I do, and therefore, it wasn't easy to share what I found with all the shops nor let them know they've been chosen. Those I found, through Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, were shared happily! Not finding them all on these sites hasn't stopped me, however, from sharing where I can. Whether they know it or not, I love these items!

Here is the collection and the links to the stores. Enjoy!!!

Witchy Crescent Moon Choker in Brass sold by NecrologyShop

http://www.storenvy.com/stores/618284-necrology

Galvanized Tin Jack-O-Lantern Luminary sold by Suwannee River Merchantile

http://www.storenvy.com/stores/916730-suwannee-river-merchantile

Candy Heart Shades sold by MILK CLUB SHOP

http://www.storenvy.com/stores/367411-milk-club

Pink/White Lolita Bowknot Wedges sold by Moooh!!

http://www.storenvy.com/stores/100716-moooh

Aura Crystal Necklace // Rainbow Titanium Crystal sold by TOCCA JEWELRY

http://www.storenvy.com/stores/27886-tocca-jewelry

DUFFLE BAG - NATURAL sold by BLACK HOUSE PROJECT

http://www.storenvy.com/stores/110477-black-house-project

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

 

How To Make 4 Inch Mosaic Coasters Using Various Tesserae - Part Two

This weekly post will be dedicated to learning how to make basic mosaics. Come along with me as I show you how easy and fun it can be.

Not all the basics will be done using coasters. I have 3 good examples and easy ways to learn how to get used to the different kinds of tess. Making coasters is the most cost-efficient and gives you all a "taste" of how fun mosaics can be.

In this post I've shared the way to make two 4 inch coasters from start to finish using acrylics paint, glitter and tempered or crash glass. Please refer to the previous post to see how to grout: mosaic-coasters-part-one

For this project you will need:

1st part:

• Tempered glass (often called TG)
• PVA glue or MAC Glue
• Paint brush 
• Acrylic paint
• Glitter 
• Tweezers
• 2 MDF or wooden coasters

2nd part:

• Sanded grout
• Gloves
• Dust mask
• Wooden craft stick
• Newspaper or plastic
• Clean, dry rags
• Painters tape (optional)
• Felt pads (optional)
• String or ribbon (optional)

This project is recommended for older children 8 years of age and up due to the temperament of TG. Once it's in pieces, it continues to splinter and break, often causing tiny shards to form. It must be handled with care at all times.

Art Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Difficulty: Medium

Finding tempered glass is not difficult but might take some visits to your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Shower doors are made from tempered glass. You can find table tops and shelves there too. We have quite a few in our area and I'm hoping you can find one close to you. If you can't find one, let your friends and family know you are interested in this glass to try a mosaic with. If you know a local contractor who replaces shower stall doors, or a friend's car window or patio furniture table top break, you've got a lot of glass to play with if they remember you wanted it! Don't be afraid to ask.

I gave away a glass shelving system a few years ago to a family member. Over time, one or two shelves have broken due to kids and animals doing what they do so well and she sweeps it up and brings it to me. I've gotten quite a bit online from an office supply store when they have sales on tempered glass shelving.

Some TG has a green tint to it. You can't really see this looking straight on but if you hold it on an angle, you can see it.

Below are photos as to how to make these really pretty coasters. These would make great holiday gifts!

This photo above shows glitter, MDF coasters, tweezers and tempered glass. This plus acrylic paint and glue is all you'll need for this mosaic. I recommend using tweezers especially made for mosaic use. You can order tweezers like the ones I use above online. I suggest doing an search for them under "mosaic tweezers" to find the ones you think might work for you and your future projects. I use the ones offered by Mosaic Tile Mania.

Paint both sides of the MDF coasters.

Before the paint on the 2nd side is dry, sprinkle some glitter on it. Isn't this pretty?

I find it best to tilt the coasters to get rid of excess glitter before the paint is completely dry. I like to show a little of the paint under the glass as well as the glitter.

For this project I use MAC Glue as my adhesive. It is expensive as far as glue goes, but there is nothing better than using the right glue for the job. It lasts a long time and not much is needed. The amount I've poured out here is enough to cover one coaster. You can use a PVA glue (shown in the first "how-to" post) if you don't want to invest in this glue. If you think you might like to try glass-on-glass mosaics in the future, please consider purchasing this glue (Editor's Note: Buy during the summer months only - it does not ship well in winter months, especially if it freezes). For this project, the white glue I used for the first set of coasters can be used. That glue takes about a week+ to dry when using tempered glass. MAC Glue dries within 24 hours under all glass.

Find and carefully place pieces of tempered glass for your project and apply over the glue.

Only add glue to a small portion and take your time with this glass. Placement is important.

Let your mosaic sit for 24 hours or more (as explained above) depending on what glue you use.

This shows the tint in the tempered glass and explains why I like to use MAC Glue.

Once the glue is dry, you can tape up the bottoms of the coasters if you're messy with grout. I used white sanded grout for mine.

Pretty and functional.

I've added felt pads to the bottom, tied them up with some simple ribbon. I show how to do that and give sealant information in Part One at the end of the post.

Any questions? Please leave comments or send me a private message if you have anything you'd like to discuss.

Next week, Part Three is the last of mosaic coasters fun! That post shows how to use scraps of stained glass. Woo-hoo!

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

Promo Blast!

Stained Glass Mosaic Set, Single Toggle Switch Plate and Outlet Cover , Mixed Media, Glass and Mirror - $48.50

Add a bit of excitement to a small space in your home with these pieces of mosaic art on a switch plate and outlet cover. We love making scrap glass mosaics in all sizes and shapes!

These awesome mosaics will definitely brighten up any room in your home. Give any room a splash of color with this small piece of useful art. Who knew switch plate covers and outlet covers could be one-of-a-kind pieces of art?

Can be flipped either way and still looks great. Sealed. Screws are included.

Custom orders available. All sizes and switch types (toggle, rocker, outlet, single, double, triple, etc.). Great for a new baby's room, your bathroom, kitchen, living room, bedroom, dining room. Any room in your home will be brighter with an EMM switchplate or outlet cover. Please contact me with the color and size. Prices vary depending on sizes/amounts ordered.

Don't forget about the 15% off sale going on in this shop! Use the Coupon Code: FRESHSTART01 at checkout. 

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

Promo Blast!

Take advantage of the EVENT going on right now. I'm having a sale in my Storenvy Shop! That hardly EVER happens!

Mother's Day is coming. Father's Day is too!! Give the gift of handmade art.

Get 15% off all items (excluding instant digital downloads) by using FRESHSTART01 discount code at checkout. Share this offer with your friends. It's one more way to help me get closer to my goals. I need your help. Spread the word and thank you!

All items on sale at Storenvy
UPDATE: The center vase has just been sold! Woo-hoo!!

Be sure to use the discount code at checkout to take advantage of the 15% discount. Stock up on mosaic gifts for yourself, family and friends.

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

In The Studio - Wednesday

It's been a fairly uneventful week as far as organizing and "reclaiming my space" goes. Sorting glass was put to a halt when I ran out of glass jars and see-through containers! It should take another week to get a few more jars and then I can continue. There are other things I can do, sorting glass and broken china is not the only thing that needs to be done. One of the goals for this week is to get the area where the jars will be placed cleaned up. I'll share a photo next week when it is all cleaned up.

I absolutely wish I could close my eyes and blink and have it all clean and set up the way I see this room in my head. I struggle with cleaning and keeping things neat. I feel more free to create when things are on the messy side. However, I understand the need for some organization. I have let it go for too long and often get overwhelmed with what needs to be done before I do it. This will be a slower process than I imagined for those reasons. However, stay with me as I journey through it. And any encouragement you wish to share would be greatly appreciated.

This photo was taken last year around this time. This is the area (which no longer looks like this --- it's got a large pile of boxes in front of it now) that needs my attention and the shelving is to be used for the glass jars and some mosaics too of course.

Meanwhile, I finished the mosaic marker plaque for our beloved Trampy. It's ready for grout.

It'll get some wire for hanging on the fence.

I am working on my online shops, getting them updated with info. I left Instagram this week. I'm very sad about that but the photos I used to share on the site were horrific. I had to take a photo with my iPod of an existing photo from my computer which caused the end result to be grainy and often not even close to the original colors. This iPod is old, can't be updated any longer and has been replaced more or less by a Kindle Fire. Android doesn't support Instagram and the photos from the Kindle aren't much better than the iPod. In the end, I decided to let Instagram go. Should I ever get an iPhone (doubtful but you never know!), I will join up again as I've seen some wonderful photos using those cool devices. However, all my listings on all sites, websites and social media share the Instagram link. That means I need to change them all! I've decided to use my Google+ link in its place. I'm working on the storenvy shop right now and will probably need another week to get it all fixed up and to my liking. Aftcra is all set and ready for more items to be added soon. Yay!

I used to love making treasuries through Etsy. It was one of the things I enjoyed so much and still miss now that I no longer sell on the site. I've gathered up a few of my favorite things from aftcra and made a small collection similar to a treasury. I'm including the name and link associated with each item below the photo so you can head on over and take a look at all of the cool things in each shop. I might have to make these small collections a few times a month. I really enjoyed it! Let the love fest begin!!

They are listed here from left to right:

Canvas and Leather Bucket Bag by Beaudin
https://www.aftcra.com/beaudin

Brown American Leather Duffle Bag with Roll Top
https://www.aftcra.com/themadecollective

Toy Wooden Green Grasshopper Made in America
https://www.aftcra.com/mccoytoys

Baby Dragon Playing with Toys
https://www.aftcra.com/dakotamidnyght

Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Stave Bench
https://www.aftcra.com/KentuckyRustic

Wine Bottle Chandelier
https://www.aftcra.com/glow828

Reclaimed wood stand
https://www.aftcra.com/KJdesigns

Stained Glass Birdhouse - Orange with Copper Swirls
https://www.aftcra.com/DobbyStainedGlass

Personalized leather cuff
https://www.aftcra.com/JustKismet

And finally, I managed to grout a little bit this week. I'm happy and surprised I felt the pull to do it at all, so that's a great and wonderful thing from "In The Studio"!! Especially when organizing the space needed to grout properly doesn't exist. I grouted these while sitting on my bed!

Shown below, a pretty set of switch plates (which will be sold as a pair) and a new small cross. Everything was still wet from the grout when I took these photos. The grout color lightened up a bit now that it is dry.

Once sealed, this set will be given some attention and photographed then listed.

A 4 Inch Mosaic Cross Wall Hanging needs some paint around the sides and back before it gets listed.

I'm hoping these will all be listed by the end of the week! Yay!

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

Promo Blast!

Society6 is having a great offer! FREE SHIPPING now through June 8, 2014 - WORLDWIDE!! Use the link to take advantage of stocking up on gifts for the entire summer with free shipping. There's so many unique photo prints in my shop to choose from. Check it out!

Housewarming gifts, graduations, birthdays, weddings too! Mugs, pillows* and much more in home decor and gift ideas.

http://society6.com/EarthMotherMosaics?promo=69aad7

FREE SHIPPING! Promotion expires June 8, 2014 at Midnight Pacific Time. *Offer excludes Framed Art Prints, Stretched Canvases, Throw Pillows with inserts and Rugs.
http://society6.com/EarthMotherMosaics?promo=69aad7

Take advantage of FREE SHIPPING and use this link:
http://society6.com/EarthMotherMosaics?promo=69aad7

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

Stay peaceful,

Cindy

Trendy Tuesday

Doing a search for "ombre" gave me the Trendy Tuesday Treasury items. Below the treasury are a few items from my mosaics shop on Etsy that fit fairly well into this category as well. Click on the links under each photo to head on over to Etsy.

Freshen Up

Peach Pendant

Green and Blue Pendant

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

Stay peaceful,

Cindy

Weekend Wrap Up

Oh what a wonderful week it has been. The order went through for the 50 wooden cross ornaments all in blue stained glass. Which means as soon as they arrive, I am ready to go!

The most excitement was having so many sales that I actually had to print out a reminder of each process. I can honestly say I love having so many sales that I have to make a list to keep track. It is fleeting; it's special around this time of year for my shop because I do get a lot of attention. Holiday shoppers find me and like what they see. I don't blame them. Big grin. My handmade items make wonderful gifts.

Here's another look at some of what sold this week:

You may not think that's a whole heck of a lot, but for me, it's been a major sales event week!

I had a great week and am looking forward to another one. As the crosses arrive to be worked on, I know I'll be in the zone. I'm excited to get started on those ornaments! Yay!

As promised, I'm adding new photos to society6 today. Here's a few new ones that you may buy directly from society6's site.

Sun Shadows

The Nest

Mosaics were added this week on Etsy too. An owl, a cross and an upcycled mug. Flower Power was the theme for 2 out of 3 of them.

Pencil Holder // Candle Holder // Vase

Scrap Glass Cross

Flower Power Owl

I love the studio when it's busy. I love it when it's quiet. I love creating, I love dreaming about new creations. Life is filled with love. It's a wonderful thing.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. The grandchildren have left to attend a Halloween party today. Fun!

Stay peaceful,

Cindy, Earth Mother Mosaics