Thank you all. Patty, the technique sounds awkward but is really easy. One reason to use the method is so that you can create the design in your studio, and then transport it elsewhere to install. Another reason is that, with a mosaic design on mesh, you can curve it slightly to install on, say, a vase or a pole. So, step by step, 1. Lay down a cutting board or other stationary flat object. 2. Lay down a pattern, such as a hand-drawn sketch or a picture cut from a magazine, and tape it to the board. 3. Lay down a piece of plastic such as a sandwich bag that has been cut and opened out to lay flat. Tape it in place over the pattern. 4. Lay down the mesh and tape in place, on top of the baggie. Dab glue on the back of each tile and press into position, guided by the pattern that you can see through the baggie and mesh. Let dry. Pull mesh/mosaic up and away from the baggie.

Cleaning... Things I don't do everyday... I'm having the Bible study here tomorrow and lunch. Taking a back hurting break right now...have to do that every now and then. After a few mins I can get going again. I really need to wash some throw rugs...but won't have a dryer until about 6:00. Our broke again...nothing big but Denny said he just not going to work on it anymore. The dogs drag in more dirt than all of my kids and grandkids together could have drug in ,in a life time. Arrrrgggh...so ready for them to all find a new home. patti

I'm finishing a restoration of a shelf clock mechanism that was built in 1830. That's just the mechanism, mind you. There's much left to do cosmetically on the case. This old clock keeps good time for a pendulum regulated clock. I could improve it designing a temperature compensated pendulum, however, it is good the way it is and is authentic in form and function. It was my wife's grandfather's clock. We estimate that the clock was 70 yr old when he acquired it. According to a note I found on the back of the clock face, it had been repaired in 1933. That repair included the replacement of a gear. I found a note inscribed on that gear that named both the repairman and the owner. This clock should be good for another 50 years.

HOUSE PAINTING TIP Sometimes it is difficult to visualize the appearance of house colors. What I found helpful is try different color schemes on paper first. If you have a drawing of your house, that's good if it is not too big. Make copies and color the copies.You can experiment: should you use 2 colors or 3? Try out both schemes on paper. When doing this, we found that too many colors was not good. You may find that 2 shades of the same color works for some elements. For example, suppose the prime color was blue-gray. Use a darker shade to outline the house and the lighter shade to cover the wide expanses bordered by the outline. You can play around with window trim. If you do not have a drawing to copy, make an outline sketch. Alternative, take a photo and use software to create an outline image. Convert the photo to black/white and play with the contrast and saturation to get an image that is mostly an outline. Print out copies for coloring.