I had these milk cans for years in my cabinet. No design in my mind. I just let my hands do the work.
My Mom’s Old Sprinkling Can
I moved my 91 year old Mom in with our family permanently this year. She wanted nothing to do with cleaning out her house. I am guessing it was too painful. But I had so much difficulty deciding what to keep and what to pitch. This watering can was heavy but in fairly good shape for it’s age. I remember my dad watering his precious rose bushes with it. I think he would like it.
CLAWFOOT Bathtub
This piece was a real challenge. Three plans later after two failures, this was the result. Quite pleased. Tesserae includes hand cut porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles, mirror, china and glow in the dark stars at the flowers centers. Mucho thanks to my husband, Dennis and son, Mike who relocated it down the hill to the bottom of our yard. It sits atop pavers because of the weight. Sable brown grout utilized.
Last Outdoor Panel
24” x 36” panel which was installed on our outdoor fireplace. Edged in aluminum. Lighter weight than the other two which are edged in marble. Another learning experience including implementing the application of such edging.
Outdoor INSTALLATION
Two panels 24” x 36”. I made the flowers using the double reverse method which was a bit of a challenge. Initially, was going to be used on my outdoor bathtub but the application process was difficult. Tesserae includes ceramic tiles, marble, mirror, and china.
ACCOMPANYING Panels
Six inch square panels to Whimsical Tree to KnowWhere.
Whimsical Tree going Knowwhere
So this wall panel has been giving me fits. I started it December 2020 and I think it is complete. After finally completing the flower bouquets , the pice seemed flat, boring and interesting. So channeling Laura Rendlen , I scattered glass fusions atop. Still not pleased but better.
Because I Could not Waste the LEFTOVER Backer Board
These smaller panels are about 16” x 12”. Using whatever I could find in my studio. Again another learning curve. These are outdoor panels. I Had originally planned to set tesserae in a mortar bed but just had difficulty working with this method. Need to be grouted which I am sure will be adventure. I added green and Amber transparent glass tiles atop the red tile framed border which cannot be seen in this photograph. Plan to use a Wellbond wash atop so the grout does not bleed underneath.
outdoor Wall Panels in Process
Rather large, and heavy out door wall panels on backer board similar to Wedi which was unavailable. . Size is 36” x 24”. Utilized the double reverse method for the large flowers. Originally made for the tub project but did not work. Goal was to utilize what was in my studio rather than purchase any tesserae. Edging on two of the panels are white marble subway tiles. I rather like the L-bracket aluminum edging and will continue with it for any further panels as it adds less weight and is easy to apply. All need grouting as I await for more cooperative weather.
Tiles attached to Tub
I have to say this piece has been quite a learning curve. Two designs and application methods abandoned . After the try, some tears and frustration, I placed the last of the tiles this afternoon. Grouting will begin once the humidity decreases a bit.
Finally FINISHED and Ready to HanG
What an experiment with color theory and gray scale as per Bonnie Fitzgerald at Maverick Mosaics. So much planning went into this piece.
WIP Continues
Awaiting grout. Thinking sable-brown. Chipped out the tree in sections where there was an over-abundance of triangles and interstices being to close to surrounding elements. Size is 20” diameter.
Awaiting MAC Glue Factory rEstart
WIP . Plan is to place clear smalti atop tree for added dimension.
When Pigs Fly
I started this in the summer of 2020 but it was just NOT working. As usual, I let it sit on the table and revisited it on occasion. Glued a few pieces and kept thinking…… where is this piece going? I am learning to trust my intuition and not plow ahead so quickly. Gift for Baby Eleanor.
what to do with kiln Formed Flowers
After cleaning out my studio, I found flowers I had created in my kiln and was at a loss for what to do with them. Tried to make a mirror and than a mosaic wall panel. Design were just not working. I made an assortment of transparent wall panels.
Atop Transparent Irridized Bronze
Atop Transparent Green
Transparent Green photographed in Lightbox on a stand
Totally different appearance than when photographed against a white background. Light does wonderful things to glass.
Smallish Panel atop Transparent Gray
Appears olive but when held up to the light, the panel is gray
Another Smallish Panel atop Transparent Grape
Flowers are almond with dichroic accents
Salt & Pepper Shakers
I thought these salt and Pepper shakers looked like little vases. I Cut them In half with my tile saw and added jeweled bouquets. Size is 5”x 7”
A Step in my refined Mosaic Process
Not the greatest picture but it is quite gloomy outside today. This is the fourth step in my mosaic process for making half cups. First the board is treated. Next the edges are tiled. Next the border is applied. Here is what I completed in July-August. They are waiting to be grouted.
Experimenting with my Olympus
Just a few Pics
We have a camp in upstate NY, Sandy Pond to be exact. My husband, Dennis, and I favorite activity is to take a sunset cruise on the Pond and out to Lake Ontario. Watching the sunset evolve is never boring. I am learning it’s all about the light.
Pieces for Pierre
Large commission piece for a customer in California.
Size is 18” x 24”
Feeling the Pandemic
Yes, I also sew. This little corner is located in my laundry room in the basement. I have been sewing masks for the pandemic but am awaiting materials. I did not charge for the masks. Distributed to friends, family and organizations in need.
