Mosaic
A very wise therapist I know prescribed sharing a jigsaw to an estranged couple as a way to share an activity. I think that I find mosaics therapeutic because the process is very much like making a jigsaw except I often don't have a picture in mind. The choosing of colours, getting messy and the miraculous change when the pattern appears through the grout are extremely satisfying. The slow progress is a mindful meditation. If meditation doesn't happen there is always smashing things with a hammer!
There are no rules to mosaics and once you get hooked, you will find stones, shells, glass, crockery and pottery will inspire you on to new projects.
My kitchen has been tiled with the pieces of favourite items that have been chipped or smashed over the years that I found too precious to get rid of. Like a heritage quilt, it is a wonderful reminder of things past and a great method of recycling.
There are no rules to mosaics and once you get hooked, you will find stones, shells, glass, crockery and pottery will inspire you on to new projects.
My kitchen has been tiled with the pieces of favourite items that have been chipped or smashed over the years that I found too precious to get rid of. Like a heritage quilt, it is a wonderful reminder of things past and a great method of recycling.
The Pond Project
Stage 1
Started November 2010 when I had to move my huge collection of mosaic pieces and gourds to a new shed. As they all wouldn't fit, it seemed apprpropriate to sort pieces for a new project!
This is the pond wall in all its naked glory before I sprayed it with a chloride spray to kill the mould.
Started November 2010 when I had to move my huge collection of mosaic pieces and gourds to a new shed. As they all wouldn't fit, it seemed apprpropriate to sort pieces for a new project!
This is the pond wall in all its naked glory before I sprayed it with a chloride spray to kill the mould.
Stage 2
Choosing the colours and pieces.
I find it useful to scatter lots around and leave them for a while.
It soons becomes clear what 'works' and what doesn't.
A friend with an eye for colour was a great help.
I find it useful to scatter lots around and leave them for a while.
It soons becomes clear what 'works' and what doesn't.
A friend with an eye for colour was a great help.
On a vertical surface it is not so important to have all the pieces of a similar thickness so I can use part of my rock and shell collection.
I have also found a few feature pieces that I am not sure about using but will keep in mind.
I have also found a few feature pieces that I am not sure about using but will keep in mind.
