ETSY shop closed

My ETSY shop is closed at the moment . My 32 year old autistic son was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in January. Surgery on February 24 went well But still too many unknowns at this point. I am a bit overwhelmed. Add to it my 92 year old Mom who lives with my family, has just been a “slow fade” over the past few years. Never easy but you play the hand life hands you. I grab the moments to create when I can.

This is the dresser I used as a child growing up. Hubby reinforced the structure. First image is a completed drawer, front and side views follow. Grouting needs to be completed once all tesserae has been glued.

Etsy Shop

My Etsy Shop is currently on inactive, as are many of my mosaic projects. My oldest son, Patrick who is autistic, was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. He will be undergoing surgery February 25, 2022. So many uncertainties and unknowns at the moment.

Patrick doing one of the things he loves…… photography. At Longwood Gardens in December.

WIP Dresser

During the initial phases of the COVID pandemic I moved my Mom in permanently to our family’s home. Much to go thru. But this is a dresser that sat in my bedroom as a child. Hubby reinforced the wood to hold the mosaic. Top and one side completed. But what am I going to do with the front? One step at a time…..

Welcome Wyatt

Marathon session over the weekend between 24-26 hours of work. Smalti and rimmed with glass tiles. Image design credit: Caroline Pedler.

baby Gift

Progression of a piece. Size is 8” x 10 inches. 18-20 hours of work. Design from a greeting card welcoming the new arrival which will be given to the new Mom. Illustrator: Caroline Pedler for Papyrus Cards. I had drew the image.

WIP

I am at the tedious task of “fill” or background. Another side to go. The turquoise fill in this pic has taken almost two hours. Mosaics can be so tedious , yet rewarding.

TRANSPARENT Smalti

Large glass vase to be lit from within with fairy lights. Tesserae is transparent smalti. Started at the bottom and worked upwards. Worked on while I was waiting for glue to dry.

WIP

Large glass vessel to be filled with lights. Tesserae is transparent smalti. Right now I am asking myself WHY did I start this ? Tedious and fiddly.

Chest of Drawers

Current WIP. Thanks to my husband for reinforcing the wooden structure of this piece of furniture.

when Pigs Fly II

Finally complete. Baby present for my yoga instructor Laura Danner. Not what was planned but what evolved. I love working with smalti as there is such a multitude of color selection which sometimes can be overwhelming.

When PIgs Fly II

WIP not evolving as originally planned. Primary tesserae is smalti. Always a challenge for me but I love the plethora of color choices and no grouting needed.

Honoring RUth

This is my latest commission piece and a true labor of love. My client sent me a lovely description of her late Mother as well as a photograph. She also included her Mother’s jewelry and china, with specific instruction as to which pieces to be incorporated in her panel. I lit a candle and set an intention when I worked on these three bouquets. I tried to channel Ruth’s energy by trusting my intuition. My hands did the work while my mind was in another realm….. a MOSAIC ZONE!

Milk Can Duo

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.