frog pond

12 years ago

I had the good fortune of getting some nice glass tables from craig's list and am starting on the side table. I had some ideas while doing the last one and one of the owners of the Ciel gallery had asked if I might do another for their spring show... sooo

my hope is to create an illusion of depth by marrying several layers, ending up with 4 layers of glass, starting on a mirror. I want to have fish and frogs breaking through the surface... so I made a design to have one of the fish with its head up and a floating frog with head and arms up and a jumping frog with its head and arms going in. then I have one frog climbing out with just one foot in...

I had to do the design twice because the 1st try I had all the shadows equal (I was trying to cheat) but hated it,,, so I did a new tracing and placed the shadows according to how deep each thing was.

the bottom mosaic built on mirror will be epoxied to the bottom of the glass table top then I will mosaic the top of that. I am using a 2 part clear marine epoxy that has been well tested for clarity in mosaics and it's thick enough that it doesn't flow. My thought is that if I trap any bubbles,, it would be fine because its supposed to be water!

The table top is 1/4 and I checked to make sure the glass will look congruent when on top and bottom, they need very little overlap, about an 1/8 inch

I'm trying to finish my dolphin thingy before I go any further on this. but I did get the mirror made already, I decided I should get it professionally cut so the edges would be polished and sealed $$

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Comments (106)

Calamity_J
12 years ago
Zentangle the Hand!!! Are you talking mosaic zentangle?!!! O.M.G.!!! So back to this project...so it is going to be about 3/4inch thick when you are done? Zowie...I just figured out how to enlarge the pics!lol! Sheesh, I should just hang my head in shame! lol!
texaswild
12 years ago
WOW the ripples. How your mind works!!!!! I especially LOVE LOVE LOVE that little froggie that's diving into the water, and OH LOOK - the one coming up outta the water. This is an absolutely amazing work of art. Have you logged the hours involved in it's making? Remind us where this table w/find a home?
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Hi all - wow thank you for the input! For some reason a few of these comments never made it to me via email, so sorry for the delay in response. CHAS: I think I'm going to just go with a shorter stream, which will cut down on the height a great deal. I will wrap it around the pond (instead of going straight up the sloped ground) - which will make the head height less and also keep the flow calmer for froggies. I also decided that I will focus the main pond on fish; and I'm going to put a little, shallower pond tucked along the creek which will be just for frogs - with a pump maybe, but no filter or anything (my current frog pond has just a pump/waterfall, no filter, and the frogs are very happy and healthy there). Hopefully the frogs will natuarlly choose the little pond instead of the bigger pond, and even if they lay eggs in the lower pond, I can just move them up to the froggie pond. I at least will feel like I've done my part to provide a safe haven for them :) RSINGLEY: I had read a similar recommendation elsewhere of putting mesh and other media around the pump - I like the idea, though I do wonder what the negative effect of not filtering the larger particles will be? (seems silly to get a debris handling pump and then restrict the debris from getting in, but alas, the dilemma of tadpole lovers). FROGMAN4: You'd be right on the calculation but it's not all at a 3.5' depth, and it's an oval pond. If you picture an upside down oval wedding cake: the biggest layer is 16x13 but it's only about a half-foot deep (it's a rock shelf). The second layer is 14x11 and is 1 foot deep. The third layer is 11x8 and is 2 feet deep (so total depth at the bottom will be 3.5). I calculated each "layer" out as separate pond volumes; using the oval pond forumla of L x W x D x 6.7, the top layer is 696 gallons, 2nd layer is 1031, 3rd layer is 1179 = 2906 gallons. The third (bottom) layer will have sloped walls, too, which actually will cut down the gallons, but I'm fine with over-estimating. I have wavered back and forth a hundred times about going with a skimmer filter as opposed to an external mechanical filter. I still haven't hit the "place order" button on my pump/filter order, but I made up my mind last night that I was going to go with a Laguna max flow pump (2000 gal), pressurized filter (3200), and also have a waterfall bio filter at the top. Holding off on the drain for now, but I saw some that I can add later if the need warrants. Chose the external filter instead of skimmer because I didn't want to have to do 2 pumps, and I just felt that not having the pump at the bottom (which it wouldn't be if I put the pump in the skimmer) wasn't the best idea... which was my deciding factor. I hope what I'm choosing will be sufficient... weeks of research got me here, and I'm ready to just install all this already! :) MEGANMCA: Thanks for that link - it's very helpful! I did read that pipe diameter is important - I'm going to go with 1.5" and hope that's sufficient. My sister just installed the same pump/filter combo I'm using with 1.5" and it's a beatuful flow. Her waterfall is a little lower than mine, but I think it will suffice... If not, can add a 2nd pump but hoping I don't have to do that. Thank you all so much for the input - and as always open to any other thoughts/suggestions!
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nicethyme
Original Author
12 years ago
Good morning you two! Yes, Jane I'm figuring it to be about 5/8s when all is said and done. Slow, I tried to keep a log and it appears to be about 80 hours so far and approx 180 in materials (if you don't count the epoxy mix up...

I am hoping to get this table into the spring show at The Ciel gallery in N. Carolina. My sister can't believe I'm not keeping it but honestly I can't have something this valuable around, can you imagine a kidlet on a bike hits it or a branch blows on to in a storm,,, cripes I would sit and cry over the loss, better to sell it to someone who can buy art and handle that they have a table worth a thousand
nicethyme
Original Author
12 years ago
Lexel is some sticky chit! so I'm having a time of it, but it is clear!!!! and the bubbles are pretty cool too.

here's what the big frog looks like now
hosenemesis
12 years ago
I can't believe my good fortune- the first time I come to this forum, and this is the post I hit. I had no idea people could make things like this. Nicethyme, your ability to conceive and carry out such an amazingly complex design is inspiring. It's absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking. Unique! Words can't express. Thank you.
Renee
nicethyme
Original Author
12 years ago
wow, thank you Renee, welcome to the forum
mattie_2008
12 years ago
Amazing, truly amazing
nanatricia
12 years ago
Yep is Amazing!!!!
Calamity_J
12 years ago
I had to read the WHOLE thread over...AGAIN!!!lol! Keep seeing so much more! Reread about the duckweed(Love it!)...had to go look at that painting artist goldfish guy!wow!
texaswild
12 years ago
What RENEE said. Truly amazing and ..... the list could go on and on and on. WHAT AN ARTIST!!!!!!!!!!!
silvamae
12 years ago
I keep re-visiting this post. I love this so much. That froggy is da Bomb! I have forwarded these photos to a fellow mosaic artist and she is just amazed. Fabulous.
ernie85017, zn 9, phx
12 years ago
what will become of this masterpiece?
You have a large selection of glass colors. Mind if I ask where you shop? How do you know by mail order if it is truly the right color? that stuff is expensive!
There is something about the spotted fish, his 3 dimensions and the colors. The froggies are a great idea. How did you learn to do this?
nicethyme
Original Author
12 years ago
thank you all so much,,, I ran out of lexel with one piece to go so went for another tube. its all glued down now and I'm trying to set about the HUGE task of cleaning. the stuff is sooo sticky and I have alot of work ahead of me to get it ready for grout. and then epoxy...

Ernie I hope to sell this in a gallery show. I do identify and order particular favorites like the mottled Youghiogheny for frog skin. I love ordering glass I don't know, its such a fun surprise to open it! but we now have hobby lobby in the area so I bought a lot of this there. The 3D lessons came from a 3 day portraiture workshop with Carol Shelkin, where she teaches how to consider tones and color values in shading and how to decide the natural andamento of an object
Calamity_J
12 years ago
NT: This is the hand I made in Mexico at the course that changed my life(lol), it is about 1ftx1ft, and I gave it to a dear friend who says a snake in her garden curles up and basks in the sun on it!!!! How cool is that!!! ha! How does that saying go...a snake in the hand....;-)

I called it the KingKong Arthritic Hand!lol!
nicethyme
Original Author
12 years ago
LOL Jane!!! thats the 1st time I've seen that project finished - I remember the pics in PV when it was mesh - THAT is COOL! it does look like King Kong, fancy that snake is playing Fae Rae! lol
kiki_thinking
12 years ago
Hi! Quick question, what type of paint did you use to paint the shadows? It really looks wonderful! So many fun effects to look at!
toomuchglass
12 years ago
That is truly a work of art. It's just amazing !
nicethyme
Original Author
12 years ago
Kiki, it was glass enamal, but it really doesn't matter because i wouldn't give it the 24 days to cure anyways, being sealed in silicone under glass, any craft paint will work.

I grouted the greens and suffered some grout bleed so I have had to take off several pieces of clear, I cut them all down in size hoping there will be less bubbles. then I had to repaint the duck weed where I had scraped it clean..

uhhh 1 step forward, two steps back
kiki_thinking
12 years ago
Ive seen people use that blue gummy sticky-tack to block the crevices to keep the grout from leaking. You probably already know that though, but i thought it seemed to be a clever solution ; )
Calamity_J
12 years ago
Ohhh, that leaf looks awsome as do the swirls of the baroque!!! I remember your pc with the old truck and the trees and see how you have kept moving forward with that inspiration! Depth...at a whole new level!!!
nicethyme
Original Author
12 years ago
Kiki, that would be to prevent it from going into another grout line, bleed is actually when the grout finds it's way UNDER the glass. Its not acceptable when using transparents
Calamity_J
12 years ago
Sheesh, why do I have Alice Cooper singing in my head?! lol!
cathyscache
12 years ago
Absolutely STUNNING!!!!! I hardly have words...It's beautiful!!!!!
nicethyme
Original Author
12 years ago
so I finally figured I would try to avert disaster with the epoxy by making a mold to set it into, that way the edges won't empty out.

so I glued this foam with gorilla glue and coated it with silicone. I'll paint it with beeswax before I proceed
hosenemesis
12 years ago
Waiting with baited breath...
Renee
marquest
12 years ago
I cannot believe I almost missed this. Girl you are going to blow your own mind with this stroke of genius. Stop, Stop you are killing me. lol
nicethyme
Original Author
12 years ago
HAHAHAHAHA Marquest!!!!

well, everyone keep their fingers crossed

epoxy is poured, so far so good.. whew!
nicethyme
Original Author
12 years ago
omg it totally worked!!!! now I think it needs to get a mosaic edge and it will be done!

yes, thats the back - NOT COVERED IN RESIN AND TORN FOAM HAHAHAHAHA
texaswild
12 years ago
You l'il heifer!!! You're a genius. Congratulations.
toomuchglass
12 years ago
Flip that baby over !!!! LOL
kiki_thinking
12 years ago
So so so waiting to see it! I check back here more often than is right, lol.

Are the epoxy edges smooth? Can you trim it if it gets drippy?

Where do you find the nerve to try a new product at the end on something you have worked on for so many hours!

Amazing!
hosenemesis
12 years ago
What Kiki said.
Renee
nicethyme
Original Author
12 years ago
LOL at ya all... my inner terrier has got nerve!

because I was concerned about the resin spilling and pooling under the mirror I was on the cautious side over the amount I used. what little did seep under knocked off easily with a spackle knife. Which is good because I thought my only option would be to sand it off with the dremel and run the risk of damaging the mirror back.

the edges are not smooth and not good looking so I decided the best option was to edge it in glass. I had a sheet of a green that I had ordered for lilypads on the last table but didn't like it. Its swirlly with white and amber and has a quality that reminds me of Van Gogh's watergarden painting.. Worked my BUTT off the measure that all out into a grid and cut with a straight edge, tumbled them and mosaic the edge. all that's left is to grout it today.
Calamity_J
12 years ago
MORE PICS PLEEEAAASSSEEE!!!!!!! WOW! AMAZING! Redundant pat words...but just can't express how awesome this is!
nicethyme
Original Author
12 years ago
there I was doing the final cleaning when I saw a scratch, a deep scratch across 2 pieces of glass (a green and a clear). I decided to pull them out and replace them but all I had of the green were smaller scraps. Finally decided that I would pull another piece of the green (panels from a lily pad) and down size it so that I would have 3 smaller sections and hopefully it wouldn't look out of place. OK

then I broke that green piece

sooo new plan what can I put in place of the leaf???
texaswild
12 years ago
Looks like it was meant to be there. I ache for your problem. Can't figure out how you pull things out of the epoxy. Please explain how you did that. I've been wondering why we haven't seen the complete reveal. Bless your heart.
nicethyme
Original Author
12 years ago
My husband asked me that same thing (and he helped me with the epoxy job) these pieces were glued to the tabletop with silicone. It does look like it belonged there, the fish now looks like he's coming up to eat it... serendipity
Calamity_J
12 years ago
Looks fine to me...and when the epoxy covers it, it will fade away?
nicethyme
Original Author
12 years ago
no , not epoxying the top or I would lose all the lovely texture.

OKay, stick a fork in it I'M DONE! click this pic to see more photos
hosenemesis
12 years ago
Happy Valentine's Day, indeed! A work of art. It has been a pleasure to be along for the ride on this wonderful journey. The results are extraordinary. The frog's leg in the pond is brilliant, and the view of the water and the red fish's white fin through the lily-pad leaf is amazing. The bubbles!
So much to look at. Thank you.
Renee
nanatricia
12 years ago
Girl it is a work of art .I can not see any scratch in it .It is just fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
texaswild
12 years ago
Too speechless to comment anymore except WHAT AN ACCOMPLISHMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
silvamae
12 years ago
It's as if you caught the moment one second before the yellow fish whips his head to the left and captures that dragonfly! And I love the fish hiding under the lily pad. Lovely, original, beautiful work. What's next for you? I can't wait.
Calamity_J
12 years ago
LOVE the close up pics cuz they show a bit of that great baroque glass!!! What a Work Of ART!!!! Whew! All done...now I bet this will go for BIG bucks!!!
marquest
12 years ago
I have drooled all over my keyboard. Beautiful. I want it so bad. I wish I had your talent or the money to buy one.

Thank you for sharing the journey. It helps with my mood you cannot know how much you helped. It gives my mind something to think about and try to figure out what the heck you are doing. lol.
ernie85017, zn 9, phx
12 years ago
You have invented a new mosaic technique !
My favorite is still that red fish. So "dimensional" -- or something.
mattie_2008
12 years ago
You are so extremely talented! Thanks for posting all the pics and sharing your methods of achieving such a beautiful piece. Congratulations on finishing....can't believe you're not keeping it!
toomuchglass
12 years ago
It's like watching the Mona Lisa being painted step by step. It's a masterpiece !
nicethyme
Original Author
12 years ago
awww blushing now, ya all are too much. thank you all for your comments. they are all really appreciated, thank you
silvamae
12 years ago
I just showed my husband your masterpiece. He commented, and I quote, "That is the most artistic and realistic mosaic work I've ever seen, and the creatures are so lifelike. Beautiful mosaic art."