Wednesday 27 February 2013

A Monday Mosaic

So do you want to see what I got up to on Monday? I shall show you anyway! Something completely new to me (except for a small tiled coaster that came as a free kit with a magazine years ago)... Mosaic. I tell you, those Romans knew a thing or two...
 
 
Last summer I had two lovely ladies visit my Open Studios... Enid and Terry. Enid is an embroiderer and Terry is a dressmaker who also makes the most exquisite mosaics. We chatted for ages and then met up again at Enid's house for tea later in the summer. I saw Terry again just before Christmas and to cut a long story short, I happened to mention I would like to try mosaic. We came up with the idea of a skills swap and on Monday Terry very kindly invited me over to her studio for the day.

 
I had no idea what I might end up doing and there were so many inspiring mosaics of Terry's around the house and garden that I didn't have a clue where to start. In the end I decided to make a plaque with a heart motif... and this is the result!

 
I had brought along a small bag of bits and pieces like beads, buttons and shells and was delighted that I could use this beautiful glass bead...

 
as well as this ceramic button.

 
I wish the photos could show you how pretty the tiles look, especially the pink iridescent glass tiles. I had said that I wouldn't use pink or red for my heart, but changed my mind when I saw these tiles. Terry was a very patient teacher and I spent a blissful day snipping and sticking. And if that wasn't enough, Terry also made me lunch... and cake!

 
I loved the fact that in terms of materials, it feels so far removed from handling textiles yet the idea of piecing things together is not so different. And although I can see from looking at the photos there is much room for improvement I am absolutely thrilled with the results. Thank you so much Terry!
Now... have I got room in my house and my life for another hobby? Probably not, but it is so tempting.

16 comments:

  1. love it Gina. love all the different shades of the same colour and how they mix in together highlighted by the bead and the button - another talent!

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  2. You've made a beautiful plaque gina, and what a lovely idea to have a skills swap. I have been very tempted to try mosaicing too but as you say, is there room for another interest? Mind you, it would be a lovely relaxation.......for you I mean :-)

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  3. This looks great and definitely has the Gina touch.

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  4. It looks like you have a smashing time doing that. It is gorgeous!

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  5. That's lovely Gina, have you decided if its to be kept inside or in the garden?

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  6. It's lovely Gina, I love the colours and the addition of the little bead.
    Do you know I think I made that same coaster from the magazine, that was my only attempt at mosaic!
    V x

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  7. Your plaque is beautiful Gina - no wonder you are thrilled with it. I love mosaics too and actually saved old pieces of china and pottery for ages with the idea of taking it up. No room or time for another hobby!

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  8. I like your pretty heart and what fun to try a different medium!

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  9. A skills swap day is a great idea. Your hearty plaque is gorgeous, such beautiful colours.

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  10. Hi just sat and caught up on your posts - it is great to see all the different things you can turn your hand to. The mosaic is lovely. You could make your own mosaic table tops for the cake shop tables!

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  11. You plaque looks very pretty and probably very relaxing to make.

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  12. I really like that plaque, especially the button, and I should think there is a lovely rhythm when making mosaics.

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  13. I love mosaic and you've made a beautiful object that will forever be associated with the special people and the fun you had on the day that you made it.

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  14. Ooh yes! More hobbies, more stuff, more materials! Years ago, a "mosaic lady" I met when doing a craft fair really liked some little things I had stitched and offered to set them into mosaic brooches. We lost contact after a misunderstanding about a bespoke machine embroidered bag, so for years I've been left wondering how to combine mosaic and machine embroidery...I'll leave that one with you to ponder!

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  15. Gina, was this heart plaque actually your very first mosaic? I am very impressed with the subtlety of your design and the skillful implementation, too.

    Many of our NYC subway stations are decorated with mosaic images in designs that connect with the station's locale, e.g., the Times Sq. station has lots of New Year's Eve revelers along its walls. The stations also identify the artists who designed the mosaics. I always enjoy looking at the intricacy of the various pictures, even if they are not up to fabulous Italian mosaic designs.

    Maybe you could think about a bench for your garden, a la Gaudi? xo

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  16. What a wonderful way to spend a Monday! Your tile is gorgeous xx

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