Does anyone know where to find a pattern for this? I'd like to make one of those metal yard art spinners. I have not seen one except in pictures so can't figure out a pattern. I know it's made by taking a circle of thin copper and cutting some kind of compound spiral into it, then pulling it apart to "expand" the metal. I don't mean the kind that ends up looking like a corkscrew, nor the one that is concentric circles. The one I want looks like a sphere in outline, except you see "S" shaped metal strips connected to the top and bottom. Thanks!

Circuspeanut- thanks so much for responding. I really want to do soapstone, it was my very first initial desire even before I discovered this tile. But it didn't seem correct with the dark cabinets I had chosen. Then, when I found this tile, and realized the dark cabinets were not going to work after thinking hard about it. The kitchen really does not get good light and, even though I'm adding a sliding glass door into the room, I also have noticed that the rear of the house gets the least amount of direct sunlight during the daytime (I've been watching it because I'm also trying to plan a garden). So, I need to lighten up the cabinets which I intend to do, but have not chosen exactly what color yet. In which case, soapstone would be possible. I LOVE the idea of yellow tile near the soapstone. And, love the tiles you posted. It keeps the kitchen more in the Craftsman style, with just a hint of Art Deco - which would be more in character of the house. The house has elements of both, but overall is much more Craftsman and is more my style than Deco. My eye is very drawn to the first tile you posted, the one on the upper left, yellow and brown geometric. Like that a lot. I can see adding in some copper with the pulls/handles, perhaps the faucet, fixtures and if feasible, the sink. In fact just today, I noticed that some of the plates on the doors in the house have a copper tone to them. As for other things - my contractor was over today (finally) with his super to talk about gutting the kitchen. Some surprises were found, issues with the floor level, some piping from the bathroom above complicating the potential ceiling height (but he still thinks I can get in 42" cabinets), a structural beam and possible plumbing in an area which may shorten the run of my counter top (and has put me back to a 30" range), etc. Old homes - you have to just deal with the surprises, you know? But, he loved the old tile, and was all about keeping it. Said if worse came to worse, and it didn't work out no harm done and out it comes but he'll do his best to be gentle with it during demolition. I've known him for easily 15 years, or more and trust him and his team completely to do the right thing (I've been working for Architects for over 25 years, and know him from my last job). Anyway - will certainly keep you all posted as things go along. Demo was supposed to start tomorrow but it got pushed off until Monday, no big deal. I go back to the kitchen designer next Saturday - should have been tomorrow but I have to cancel since no point going until demo is done and I see exactly what that structural beam situation is all about for one thing, and some other minor issues. I want to be certain about the measurements before ordering cabinets!

Oh come on, leahcate - don't you want a lovely painting of a creepy vampire boy for a mere $69? Or (even better!) - "Is that a monkey in your pants, or are you just happy to see me?" for the low, low price of $120? (OMG, this is cracking me up! - and I have no idea what the artist really titled this piece!) I hear ya - there's a lot of amateur stuff out there that I wouldn't give a second glance to either. That's not to say it might not appeal to someone else, but I'm not so all-accepting when it comes to "art" that anything goes for me. So I do get where you're coming from. This conversation prompted me to try to look for artwork by unknowns that I consider to be quite decent and affordable and I've been having the best time this morning! Here are a couple of things I like ... (and I do hope this isn't highjacking the OP's thread too terribly much!) Key West watercolor, $199: Nice figurative - very evocative to me of summer vacations, $250: I love these little nests for $175 and $90, respectively! A couple of still-lifes by one of my favorite artists, Toni Grote ... $235: And $250: And now I have to stop this foolishness, because I'm really starting to want that last one I just posted. Anyway, I'm not try to be argumentative here - just trying to illustrate my own point that there's a lot of work out there that I would definitely live with that's affordable. But as we've already established, what appeals to one doesn't appeal to another, and I fully understand that art is an extremely personal thing. But haven't I had fun this morning! :-)

Thanks Rosie. That painting is a pleasure for me on so many levels - the crazy coloring, the "art" labeling, the primitiveness... I am way too constrained to create that freely. And then there is the personal - knowing all DH was going through at the time and his very surprising decision to try painting for respite. It inspires me. For the OP, reflect on what is appealing to you about those museum pieces you like. Crystalize that as best you can. Any gallery would be happy to help you discover works you love, for a price. If that price is prohibitive, try 'lesser' galleries, student art shows, resale shops, art fairs - just look and trust yourself to respond. Let yourself make a mistake or two, it's the only way to learn what you really love. And yes, framing can make all the difference.