What are you working on?

11 years ago

This board has been my home away from home for many years and I am sad to see it so slow ..... so, what are you working on?

I have done a large, round wall hanging, a space motif, (again) ! but it has yet to be grouted. I am procrastinating because I dislike using black grout - it's so messy - yet I love the look of it, so that's what I will be using. I have also made a charming little Italian birdhouse that is at the grouting stage also.

But I am side-tracked because I am making a brooch bridal bouquet for a friend and that's what I've been working on tonight. It's going to be gorgeous! If you haven't heard of them yet, Google it or go to Etsy and search "brooch bridal bouquet." She requested jewel tones and gold metal tones so that's what we're working with. It is so much fun.

School will start back up soon and I will have more free time to dedicate to mosaic work.

So tell me, what are you working on?

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Comments (120)

texaswild
11 years ago
I LOVE it. Tricky business to make all those different sized squares come out right. It's a GORGEOUS frame that should please ANYONE. Good luck on your Christmas sales. You must have a good market down there. I sooooo miss the Austin area.
Calamity_J
11 years ago
Looking good!!! Just LOVE the dragon fly one too!!!
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what are you working on?
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OK talked to GF. Other yard is called "Patton" You can go on Red Heart website & they have patterns if you go to Sashay" problem is I'm not much good at reading them. This is very simple tho. just get Sashey yarn-red is beautiful, I'm wearing it for Valentine's Day. Pull out end & tie in knot very tightly close to end of yard. NOW start to open up the yarn. Notice wide side has a silver thread that is outside edge & you don't mess with that. Take needle & go from behind the knot picking up a loop on needle then skip next hole & pick up next until have as many as you want. I am little over 100 lbs & small bones so I don't want real wide scarf,I found that 5 stitch(loops) on needle about right, if yarn or Starbella is holy use 6 stitches(loops)so with your 5 loops on your needle(that needle is in your left hand) take other needle in right hand & go under loop that is closest to end of left needle pull loop of yard over that right point & get back so you can now bring that needle on top & pull it off(probably knitted off 1 stitch)be sure you only use that outside row of yarn & just keep going until you like the length. My 1st 1 is 38 in. In brown,gray beige tones love it. Red one is 53 in. Perfect for me. Most people would want them 52-58 inches. That way they could tie it or throw 1 side over shoulder etc. Use all leftovers. Great for hair! Can use leftover for small 1for their daughter. Kids love them. About the knot when you started, We find it is easiest to sell them might want to stitch back & forth over it 6-8times to be sure it won't come out & then just work it up a couple of rows into the scarf as people tend to play with the end of scarf & could pull it out, happened to another friend at club. So when you have knitted length you want you now have to knit it off & finish with knot so do 2 stitches just like you have done but when 2nd stitch is over on right needle stick a cork on the left needle & take your fingers & pull the stitch closest to spool glued on needle over the top of the other stitch carefully & drop it off the needle then knit off next stitch doing same thing & when last stitch is on needle carefully get the 1 closest to spool over the top of the forward stitch & hang on to that last stitch if you don't whole thing can unravel) cut the yarn about 5 ins out & hopefully it is not pulled out of shape & you must pulled it through that 1 loop/stitch that you have left, I enlarge it so I can get it over my finger & make sure yarn is as thin as I can get it so I can tell that I'm getting it all through the 1 stitch, then knot tightly close to that stitch ,cut tail off, sew over it 6/8 times & push through up the next 2-3 rows so not hanging down so they play with it. Done! Hopefully not completely confused. Red Heart has a video which might help but we are challenged I guess & do it our own way which is working out well. I made them for DD, DIL, mom GrandD & me!! Made red 1 way too long. Carefully cut made knot up where I wanted & redid the cut part little so have neat matching thing for hair.
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WHY is this place so slow? What are you working on right now?
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Oh, good. So it wasn't just me! It's been too cold to do much work in my shop, and rainy. I'm really getting tired of the rain. I did manage to finish a mushroom and start another: Also, I do most of my GardenWeb browsing at work during my lunch, but for a while they started blocking Photobucket pictures. Grrrr. You definitely lose a lot not being able to view photos on this thread. But they have released the ban (maybe too many people complained). So I'm looking forward to catching up on everyone's projects! BTW, I'm thinking about taking a class in darjit at my local JC. Anyone heard of darjit? From the description, it seems to be pretty much cement sculptures using armature (a technique I haven't tried yet), but with a mixture that isn't quite cement. I'm thinking it might be fun to try armature with an instructor around, instead of going it alone, like I usually do. Here is a link that might be useful: my blog
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I've also been working on Christmas stockings: Snowmen Stocking--Here I used navy yarn with a blue filament for the "sky." The original pattern called for bright blue. I also added button snowflakes that have a shimmer. The snowmen are cluster stitches that pop out, giving dimension. Christmas Tree Stocking--This is my own design. I added button embellishments to add detail. Angel Stocking--Here I used navy yarn for the "sky." I also used a white yarn with silver filament for the wings to give some sparkle. The second photo is a closer shot of the angel. Holly Berry Stocking--I used the traditional Christmas red and green for this one. I still need to tuck the tails. <grin>
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Weilin & Rose ...... "..... what are your rules of cutting and relocating [positioning] branches?" There is a set of rules regarding tree ht in relation to trunk diameter, pot size, branch placement that if followed will produce a proportional and aesthetically pleasing tree, but nothing is carved in stone. Some trees break all the rules and still manage to look spectacular. I think new bonsai practitioners receive a pearl of wisdom when told it's best to know the rules before you break them, and the longer you practice bonsai the more comfortable you become with breaking them, but only when you've become practiced enough to be comfortable allowing your eye for esthetics to overrule the "rules" re what makes a good bonsai. * Planning ahead by wiring your tree's trunk/ branches while still young is important. Not all trees have branches that bend easily when they are wired, but almost all branches can easily be wired when young. * Except for trunks of trees grown in the formal upright style try to avoid straight trunks and branches. Branch movement (form) should be described as sinuous, moving in all directions - think of an elongated irregular corkscrew. the amount of movement in the branches should mimic the amount of movement in the trunk. If you're building a tree with trunk movement like you see in the Japanese maple below, straight branches or branches with only slight movement will look out of place. * In nature, you most often see trees with branches growing on the outside of a curve. Take note of how the branches are positioned in the chart of 'bonsai styles' in this post. * Usually, the front view of your tree/ composition is determined by what angle provides the most attractive view of the nebari (roots). Once the front is determined, you'll need to position branches (most styles) so the tree welcomes you in with open arms. * You can't see it in a 2D image, but the 2 lowest branches on this Korean hornbeam are like an open pair of arms about to give you a hug, and the apex/ top of the tree is politely bowing toward you in greeting. Notice how I positioned all branches on the outside of a curve except for the pocket branch on the right which provides the tree with visual balance. * Learn to use 'sacrifice' branches. This is a very young hackberry tree (2.5 years) from seed, and the image was taken just after its first wiring. It has at least 5 sacrifice branches, the only purposes of which are to A) create additional energy so the tree develops/ grows faster and B) to thicken the trunk. They are wired flat for a distance from the trunk, then turned upward at a 90* angle. That arrangement serves to A) prevent the sacrifice branches from shading out the branches that WILL be a part of the end composition, and B) branches growing vertically instead of horizontally get a much larger share of the energy/ food produced during photosynthesis, which means the branches planned as part of the composition will grow smaller, which means the leaves on those branches will be smaller and internodes shorter. "...... here are two photos of my jasmine. I have been thinking of a long time if I should cut off the biggest branch that comes up from soil on the left side. 1.if I keep it. the whole bush will looks wider and more full growth, more branches. 2.if I cut it, the trunk stand alone may seems a bit odd? I am not sure though. 3. if I keep it. I don't know where should it grows branches to match well with the main trunk. because I don't know what to do with this big branch." Try to avoid pruning after Aug 1 because the tree is storing energy that will help it get through the winter, and removing branches with foliage limits the amount of food/ energy the plant can create. Also, it's counter-productive in the sense that the growth put on during the winter will be long/lanky, something you don't want to retain as part of the composition. It's better to get into a rhythm of pruning hard in June. That way, you will be removing all the elongated rank growth, and retaining the tight growth the plant puts on during the summer months. ********************************************************************* Any advice on where and how to prune this thing? While images of your tree look better than the last images I saw, it still hasn't recovered to the degree I could suggest you do any pruning at all. Best to be patient and wait until next June to prune it, assuming the recovery keeps progressing. From the perspective of its well being, it's going to need all its food factories (leaves) to make it through the winter; and, from the perspective of esthetics, the same thing I said to Weilin applies: Pruning now would be counterproductive in the sense that the growth put on during the winter will be long/lanky, something you don't want to retain as part of the composition. It's better to get into a rhythm of pruning hard in June. That way, you will be removing all the elongated rank growth, and retaining the tight growth the plant puts on during the summer months. Al
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silvamae
Original Author
11 years ago
Finished the two mirrors today - changed my mind on the grout and used a sand color. I am happy with them - it's HIP to be SQUARE!

Here is a link that might be useful: Silva's latest (two mirrors)
nicethyme
11 years ago
ooh those are really great, I like the sand grout too and I wouldn't have guessed that but it works on these
texaswild
11 years ago
Beautiful mosaicing - lovely mirrors. The grout is PERFECT. I bought some yesterday for the little house I'm making. First time I won't be using charcoal or black for years.
silvamae
Original Author
11 years ago
Just finished this, a 3-part wall hanging. Checking to see if my Flickr link works.

Here is a link that might be useful: Silva's Flickr Mosaics
texaswild
11 years ago
What a nice hanging - so beautifully made. Doncha just love Dichroic glass. That stuff is out of sight expensive.
silvamae
Original Author
11 years ago
I know. I love it but I have to use it sparingly.
silvamae
Original Author
11 years ago
I did a weird looking piece of bark on a Wedi board and called it "Asteroid" and I love it but my husband thinks it's peculiar. I was asking his opinion of pricing before I took my stuff to the Open House yesterday and when I held up "Asteroid" he wrinkled his nose and said "I don't know -- $39?" I counted the dichroic cabs I had in the background and said "I've got $48 in these alone!"

I enjoyed the Open House tremendously, the lady whose house it was is the nicest person and so are all her friends and neighbors.

Only the small stuff sold; the highest pieces that sold were for $40.00.

To see something else I recently made (not mosaic) go to Conversations.
silvamae
Original Author
11 years ago
Click link to see my Transportation birdhouse . . .

Here is a link that might be useful: Transportation birdhouse
texaswild
11 years ago
It's darlin', SILVA. Love all the tess you put in it.
nanatricia
11 years ago
Yes it is so cute!!
silvamae
Original Author
11 years ago
Remember the "Out of this world" space mosaics I did last year? I took them to Michaels to be custom framed and they quoted $480 for the large one and that includes a 40% off coupon. I then took them to Aaron Bros. and am getting them framed there (same frame); $130 for the large one. I will post photos when I get them back. Later today or tomorrow I will post a photo of the round one that I framed myself, and you won't believe what I used to frame it with . . .

Here is a link that might be useful: Silva's Flickr Mosaics
nicethyme
11 years ago
wow that's a huge difference in costs. I can never bring myself to pay for framing, if i can't figure something out I just leave it frameless
silvamae
Original Author
11 years ago
This will be the first time I have paid for custom framing a mosaic . . . I usually buy framed prints at Goodwill or garage sales and use them to frame my stuff. This was just too large and it's going to look good with all three framed alike. This is probably the only time I'll ever do this.
silvamae
Original Author
11 years ago
I put the photos of the round Space Mosaic on my blog today with a description of what I used to frame it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Silva's blog - Round Space Mosaic framed
nicethyme
11 years ago
it looks great!!! love your solution
silvamae
Original Author
11 years ago
I got the three "Out of This World" mosaics back from Aaron Brothers custom framing shop and I am so pleased with their work. I'm going to try posting a picture on here directly, and I hope it's not Gigantic like they have been in the past. Here goes. To see all three, click on the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Silva's blog
texaswild
11 years ago
They look great, SILVA. You must have a huuuuuuuuuuge house to have a place for these side-by-side.

I bought a painting in PV - the artist, who's workshop followed ours - gave me a 4-hr. demo on his technique, and I felt it was mine, so bought it. He's shipping it Thursday. I have to take down several pieces in my l.r. to make space for it - huuuuuge.

I posted what I've been doing after returning from PV on the conversation side. Seems noone goes to that side often.
silvamae
Original Author
11 years ago
I don't go to Conversation often, but I did check it yesterday and I saw your post -- I commented on your Photobucket. Cool stuff - inspirational. Everything you do gives me an idea . . .
texaswild
11 years ago
I saw your comment and responded. I NEVER see/comment on Photobucket. Don't know why I don't get notices from them like we do on Flickr.
silvamae
Original Author
11 years ago
I want to work only on large things; guess I need to go into Outdoor Mode. I'm planning a mosaic stepping stones/natural stones combination walkway in the backyard next.
texaswild
11 years ago
WOW - that is big ideas for a big project - makes my back hurt just thinking of it. Way to go, SILVA. Can't wait for WIP pics on that one.
silvamae
Original Author
11 years ago
Go to the Conversation side to see the project I just finished.
silvamae
Original Author
11 years ago
I got sidetracked from my next project - stepping stones for the backyard - and I'm working on a "female Mongol warrior mosaic." It's a torso; so far I have a deer antler, a woven metal gold-tone belt from Greece for a bandolier, and a broken Japanese teapot for her breast plates and a broken bowl for epaulettes.

Here is a link that might be useful: Silva's latest WIP
nanatricia
11 years ago
That is going to be cool!! I have one like that I need to do but it has not spoke to me yet.
texaswild
11 years ago
REALLY gonna be a unique torso. Why doncha put it in it's own thread on this side, girlie? The website is slow to come up. Very interesting tess.
silvamae
Original Author
10 years ago
Ready to grout -- thinking pale brown for top half and black for bottom half -- what do y'all think?
barbfrizzell1955
10 years ago
No advice from me since I am grout challenged but I can't wait to see her all grouted up! Hope someone else chimes in with advice!
texaswild
10 years ago
Why not brown for the whole thing to save yourself some trouble. Brown is a very nice grout color, and since you have so much brown in the piece, it could be great..
silvamae
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you, slowmedown! That's exactly what I'll do. Why deal with the black? I am now looking forward to grouting it -- probably tomorrow since I'll be in town most of the day today.
silvamae
Original Author
10 years ago
Done!
texaswild
10 years ago
SILVA: You l'il heiffer. You may have just inspired me to get back into mosaicing. Congratulations on the completion of this nice project. This is just darlin', and so unique. I like the shoulders tess and the, oh rats, can't remember what you call the strap across her breast. Great job, girlie.

I have several torsos, and I need to DO SOMETHING w/them. I've been trying my hand at paper crafting, and have become very frustrated. Have spend hundreds of $s on art supplies, and still, I sit and stare and produce NOTHING. Think I need to grab a torso and plant the first tile on it. THEN, perhaps, I can find my way around this wall. Thank you for the inspiration.

Just got home from a John Conlee concert, and I'm wired - fabulous entertainer. Hope I can settle down and get some sleep tonight so I can get myself up fresh and get to the garage tomorrow morning to fetch a torso and get back to work. This block has gone on far too long.
silvamae
Original Author
10 years ago
I hear you! That's what I always have to do; glue a tile on something and go from there. This torso was a challenge. It is that heavy-duty white slick plastic that is so tough you can hardly put a hole through it. The ammunition belt thingie and the antler are anchored on with nails and screws, and I used several bits of Apoxie Sculpt to hold the antler in place. Then the base is covered with a thin piece of plywood that we cut to fit and stained. So she's got a lot of behind-the-scenes work on her.

Like you, I sometimes veer off onto paper and I start out with these ambitions to do something cool but I never get far with it and always come back to mosaics.

I'm ready to do a full-size mannikin now!
barbfrizzell1955
10 years ago
WOW Silva, she looks amazing!!!! I'll bet you are quite pleased with the way she came out and now you are ready to get busy making stuff for your open house!

A torso by you Slow? Do it please! I know you will come up with something exciting!!!!!
texaswild
10 years ago
Nice job, SILVA.

CRAFTY: I managed to pull one out and get it washed and ready. Also nipped up some red tiles - still have four plates and four cups to nip. As I sat there nipping away, I was trying to get an idea of how to begin. I also cut out, sanded, sealed and put hangers on four wooden hearts for a one-day workshop w/two ladies I met in PV who w/be here during CALAMITY's upcoming visit. W/continue nipping red tiles today while I THINK THINK THINK on a design.
barbfrizzell1955
10 years ago
I have a feeling that as soon as you start gluing stuff down, the design will begin to flow beneath your creative hands!
mfbpa
10 years ago
Hi All....
I'm a spring to fall mosaic'er as I work outside in a mosaic hut that my hub made me last year. I stumbled across some of Slo's work on Pinterest and have been hooked on her stuff since. Thank goodness you post photo's on Photobucket Slo, I love seeing the beautiful things you make! I thought I'd jump in and say hi and say that I just started my first project for this year. I'm covering an old mailbox to use for my garden tools.
Also while cleaning up the yard I was OVERCOME with a thought to mosaic the wall in the front yard. I'll take a pic tomorrow (it's pouring rain here today) to show you my blank canvas. I can't get the wall out of my mind! I'm sketching and trying to decide how to proceed with the theme etc.... I'm going to use the push and squish method so no grouting.
I hope to use all sorts of tessera for this project. Gosh knows I've been collecting junk for a LONG time and have some cool stuff. The house is very old, from the 1800's and I'd like to incorporate something historic too.
mfbpa in PA
barbfrizzell1955
10 years ago
Wow that sounds like a cool project to do! You should start a new thread for it though so we can follow your progress from start to finish. Can't wait to see your mailbox too! How nice to have tour own place to go to and create!
mfbpa
10 years ago
Here's an end view of my mailbox. I will call her Millie as I have to have a name for everything! LOL I'm also going to do as you suggested and start a new thread for my wall. I did load some pics on Photobucket too.
texaswild
10 years ago
Soooooooo glad you're back. Have wondered what you've been doing. Thanks for the compliments. LOVE your mailbox, and the wall idea is a knockout. Your home is so beautiful, and I know you'll do a fabulous job on the wall.
barbfrizzell1955
10 years ago
Millie is very cute!
silvamae
Original Author
10 years ago
Latest garden stone
Calamity_J
10 years ago
Great projects ladies!!!
texaswild
10 years ago
Very nice, SILVA. Have y'all seen Chris Emmert's stones on Flickr today? Her work is awesome. She must use miles and miles of ball chain. That stuff is sooooooo expensive. I've only bought one spool, and haven't used it yet. Gave a yard to DD in Dallas, and she LOVES it. She used it on a wooden mini-album she made.
silvamae
Original Author
10 years ago
I need to get some. That will be the next thing on my list to order. Black ball chain (large) would be great for butterfly bodies, and smaller size to outline wings. I have seen her stuff and it is beautiful.
silvamae
Original Author
10 years ago
More garden stones . . .
texaswild
10 years ago
Sweet. I envy you w/all those stones available.
barbfrizzell1955
10 years ago
Love these garden stones and I think you should have no problem selling them at the open house!
silvamae
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks, y'all. I love making them.

What are you working on?

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