skip to main content

Stained Glass & Mosaics

Slurry is my new best friend

13 years ago

I've called him Mr. Sea. It's sort of a play on Mr. Cunningham for those old enough to remember the old Happy Days sitcom. All the kids called him Mr. C. Or at least, Fonzie did.

But anyway, Mr. Sea's cracks have been repaired, and he's now floating up out of a "pond" that will be tiled to look like water. Though the base added weight (I'm guessing he's about 50 lbs now) I am happy with it. He's much more solid now.

I also discovered slurry! Oh, I love it! This mortar has been sandy. I keep brushing sand off this guy. The slurry is like sealing him with a nice smooth coat of paint. In this instance, I used a slurry to bind the second coat of mortar to the first, but I think even when I don't have a repair job to do, I may slurry my pieces anyway. The finish ends up so much cleaner, and I have to believe it helps add strength.

Anyway, Mr. Sea will get a good rest for a couple weeks (and so will you! LOL). I'm still waiting for some additional tile samples to come in, then I'll need to place an order, so he'll sit under plastic and cure good before I get to the next step. In the meantime, I think I'm going to try fashioning some sunflowers on rebar stems!

{{gwi:288732}}

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

addiesue
13 years ago
OMGosh....that is amazing! I love him...NOW I WANT ONE! Please post more pics when you give him some color. Are you going to tile him or paint him?

I've never heard of slurry before but have started some garden projects so I will have to check in to that stuff. Is that what it's actually called in the store? Does it have a brand name? Is one better than another?

I'd love to see your sunflowers when you get them done also...that's my FAVORITE flower and am working on some for my garden as we speak.

Addiesue
texaswild
13 years ago
LORI: I'm still in awe of your project. Absolutely wonderful. Re your sand - you can sift the mortar to take out the larger aggregate, but remember - that's what the mortar IS - sand and Portland cement. ADDIE: Slurry is a thinned down version of the mortar - add water to your mortar to make a nice mixture that you can brush on w/a a paint brush. At least that's what I do. If you use the Mapei polymer modified mortar, it's even smoother. If you have access to silica sand, mix your own mortar - two or three parts silica sand to one part Portland cement. The reason I don't mix my own is the cement comes in a 96 lb. bag. I just use the mortar mix, and I sift out the larger rocks to make it smoother. Even when I don't add the slurry, I go over the whole thing w/a brush to smooth. LORI: Your finish is BEAUTIFUL. I LOVE what Mr. Sea sits on. Good job all around. Awwwwwwww - TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!!!
Related Discussions
My new best friend: P. cortusoides
Q
Comments (9)
P. auricula is not *quite* hardy here. There was one planted by the previous owners when I moved here 3 years ago, and it never had more than 3 leaves although it did manage to bloom last spring. This spring it was completely gone. I like them too though, even as an indoor pot plant.
...See More
I have lost my best friend, my dog Tweed
Q
Comments (32)
Our son's dog, Kate B. left us in her 12th year. She slept at my feet on the corner of the bed for so long that I automatically bent my right leg to make room for her even after she was gone. I told my DH that we had to find another friend. He said we could not replace her. I told him that was true but a new little friend would help to fill the void she had left (I boohoo'd for what seemed like weeks...my son could not believe I took it so hard). Six weeks later Tess came into our lives, all 1 3/4 lbs of her and she has been the best dog of our 42 year marriage. She loves us both, loves to talk to our grown son on the phone...hates his 4 huge cats! We just took in 2 black feral kittens we found under our house. I thought Tess was going to disown us. LOL She loves to tattle on what they are up to and with those two they are ALWAYS up to something (what was I thinking!). The good Lord shared a wonderful friend like Tweed and surely HE will send you another that will help you during the trying times you are dealing with. Much love from Tess, YoYo, YaYa, DH and me (((hug))) Peggy
...See More
Krud Kutter, my new best friend
Q
Comments (0)
I had a dull haze on my laminate wood floors, (at close range, and after a few different solvents, it was actually like a yellowish gunk, I got my metal spatula out and it came off after scraping it, like a glue almost....anyway, I tried EVERYTHING I could think of (as well as a few of the suggestions on this site) I had used Krud Kutter on a bathroom remodel to get up the stuck down glue...and it worked like magic...loosened up the glue so it could be scaped away.... SOOOOO, I sprayed some (100% solution) on my floors and initially with a sponge...I wiped it up...it removed a gooey film that was pretty yucky. and FINALLY my floors actually shine again. I'm determined that I will keep them looking good, I'm not going to ever use any commercial (grocery store or otherwise) cleaning products. I'll use vinegar and water and an occasional surface removal with Krud Kutter. It is an amazing product (I'm gonna contact them and see if I can get a kick-back ;) by being a spokesperson for them!! ha!!!
...See More
My Mother, My Best Friend, Forever in My heart...
Q
Comments (13)
Patricia, My Mother died the same exact way as yours. She had been suffering with a stiff neck for a couple of weeks. On Monday (June 4, 2007) she went to the hospital to get it checked. On Wednesday (6th) we found out she had liver cancer. It had spread to her adrenial glands, lungs and into her neck. On Sunday (10th) she was gone. She too went peacefully in her sleep. I know what you went through, she went really fast. Although this is all still new to me, I too feel your pain. Grieving is not easy for me right now. I smelt saukraut (sp?) the other day and thought it was kind of funny as I was driving down the road. I close my eyes and see her smiling face but yet I can not cry. Her services are this coming week end (17th/18th) and she is being buried on my son's (her grandson's) birthday. He is taking it so hard, but there is nothing I can do. I have talked till I was blue in the face and can not gt my brother to budge. I just hope I have the strength to go through this. With God's help we wil get through this. Here is a link that might be useful: Mother's Memorial
...See More
loribee2
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks ladies!

Addiesue, my plan is to mosaic him, though this step has turned out so much better than I expected, I may make other sculptures that just get stained. I like the idea of mosaic on this one because it really lends itself to water and scales.

My Lowes does sell Portland cement in 60 lb bags, so I mix my own mortar. I made my slurry with 2 parts cement and about 1 1/2 parts water.

I really appreciate the kind words. He's been so fun. I never realized how much I'd enjoy sculpting something with my hands. There's a lot of gratification in taking a pile of hardware and ending up with something beautiful. And I have to keep giving credit where credit is due. I'm pretty sure it was the nice people on this forum who told me I HAD to try armature. LOL You were right!
nanatricia
13 years ago
You have done such a great job!!! I love him !!!
Calamity_J
13 years ago
I have to say it again! Over The TOP!!!! He is fantastic! BRAVO!
concretenprimroses
13 years ago
He is wonderous.
Mr. Sea, is a good name too.
Kathy
texaswild
13 years ago
Oh you lucky duck - had no idea cement came in smaller bags. That WOULD make a nice smooth slurry w/no sand. You have done such a fantastic job on this. You've raised the bar, girlie. CALAM - guess we could take some lessons here, huh? I'll just bet we'll be seeing more amazing sculptures from you, LORI.

Related Stories

MIDCENTURY HOMES Houzz Tour: How Can We Get Invited to This Awesome Midcentury Home?

By Mitchell Parker

A redwood-clad gem in California’s Marin County features a dreamy outdoor oasis with an open-door policy for the homeowners’ friends

KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS Kitchen Counters: Concrete, the Nearly Indestructible Option

By Ivon Street Studio

Infinitely customizable and with an amazingly long life span, concrete countertops are an excellent option for any kitchen

DOORS The Art of the Window: 12 Ways to Cover Glass Doors

By Jess McBride

Learn how to use drapes, shutters, screens, shades and more to decorate French doors, sliding doors and Dutch doors

HOUSEKEEPING Baking Soda: The Amazing All-Natural Cleanser You Already Own

Battle grime, banish odors and freshen clothes with this common nontoxic cupboard staple

BATHROOM DESIGN Powder Room Essentials to Keep Guests Happy

By Nicole White Designs Interiors LLC

Set out these bathroom necessities (hello, hand towels) to make your company comfortable and your parties run smoothly

KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS Elephants of the Kitchen? What to Know About Concrete Counters

Concrete countertops are beautiful, heavy and cool — and have their own peculiarities. And a lot in common with certain gray pachyderms

ROOFS What to Know Before Selecting Your Home’s Roofing Material

By Matt Clawson

Understanding the various roofing options can help you make an informed choice

MODERN ARCHITECTURE Houzz Tour: A Concrete Box Home With Japanese Style

By Mitchell Parker

A love of Japan’s minimalistic style and the use of concrete make for a mystical experience in this Houston home

DECORATING GUIDES 11 Tricks to Make a Ceiling Look Higher

By Judith Taylor Designs

More visual height is no stretch when you pick the right furniture, paint and lighting

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Your Yard: Are You Ready to Lose the Lawn?

By Erin Lang Norris

Save time and water with good-looking alternatives to turf grass

Sponsored