Mosaic Pot #2 Goes Classical

This one is for Dale. It will be a gift from my mom who picked out the colors. For the design, I decided to use a pattern I learned in Rachel Rodi's Tools and Technique class. Because the colors are so fun, I thought a structured design would compliment them well.

I knew I wanted to use key stones for the pattern but could not decide how I would incorporate the different colors into the pattern. In class we only used white tiles. I like this but something wasn't working.

I laid the tile like this to see if stacking the colors would make a difference.

And I tried lining the colors vertically.


Then I decided to mix it up (literally) and this is my favorite. I may still play around with the tiles a bit more but I don't think it will trump this one. I think this looks great and will read well on the 3d pot. Next ill start laying the tiles on the pot and make more keystone pieces as I go. That way if I decide to go in a different direction, I have not already processed all of my tiles as keystones.

Charley Visits

I am so excited that Charley moved back to the city. Last night I got to check out her awesome apartment in Noe then we scooted over to dinner and back to my place for some mosaic time! Charley picked it up quickly and completed her piece even faster. She got the hang of "back-buttering" so her mixed medium design would lay evenly for grouting.

Charley's sunburst flowers are really going to come together when we grout. I had a blast making these and can't wait to see them finished. I try and wait until I have several pieces ready to grout and then do them all at once.

Thanks for such a lovely evening Charley and I will see you soon!

Mosaic Pots Update

I finally finished laying the tile on Sandy's pot. I love the way it turned out and the fish look like they are swimming. I think choosing the right grout color will complete the piece because it will tie the fish together.

Letterpress Class

About a year or more ago my sister introduced me to Jordan Ferney's blog Oh Happy Day! and I have been a fan and follower since. She occasionally holds letterpress classes and I have wanted to take it for a while. And now I need business cards. And I want to make them with Jordan Ferney because I am such a big fan. During my volunteering I wished I had lovely cards to hand out. I am not sure if I made it into the class yet but I am keeping my fingers crossed (there were only a couple spots left).

Fresh Flowers

I like the idea of taking a standard still-life subject and bringing it to life. I want this. (From Oh Joy!)

Round Things

While keeping an eye out for inspiring ideas for a new mosaic projects I saw this series of "Things that are round" posted by Design*Sponge. I also like the designer's name 1canoe2 because besides my apparent affinity towards fish, I also like canoes.


I think a series would be an exciting concept for small, quick mosaics.

Assisted Work: Rock Fish and Silver Fish Sculptures

Yesterday I went up for my 5th day of working on the fishes. Next time I post pictures of these hopefully will be during grouting. If not, then when they are in their permanent home in the Ortega SF Public Library in Outer Sunset.

I am so thankful to have had the chance to work on these. Not only has working with Ene been a blast, I also have gained experience in working with 3D objects like these sculptures. Movement, surface-touch and light all play a part in the design decisions. It was great to work as a team and see Ene's vision come to life.

Here is a Chester, one of Ene's cats who I spotted in the grass right behind me.