Do you spend a lot on supplies, or no?

16 years ago

I love everyone's work that I've seen. You all have fabulous talent! My first project will be a rather large one (backsplash & above counter wall), and I've acquired some dishes recently from a trip to TJ Maxx (they have such cool stuff in there!). I had started to price tiles, and came away sick at the thought of how much a project could set a person back- especially if using "real" tiles as opposed to found objects and old dishes.

Is there a bulk supplier that I need to know about? I went to Michael's yesterday, and couldn't believe how expensive they were for the little tiny 5oz pkgs. I can't afford to do my "side projects" on that kind of cost. (Most of my budget is taken up with the "big" stuff like tractors & roto-tiller attachments ;) )

So...do you mind spilling your favorite sources? Thanks!

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Comments (12)

crackpotannie
16 years ago
buy a lot om my dishes from Marshalls...used to buy antique plates on e-bay but shipping got higher than the dishes,we don't have good GS or TS where I live. I buy my marbles from a place on line called Mega marbles but Hobby Lobby has 40 off a lot of the time too.It is an expensive hobby but we all love it so much ,we just keep collecting stuff.I never know when or how to stop!Annie
texaswild
16 years ago
Well, welcome to the club - I'll NEVER forget the shock at my first bill on little pkgs of tiles from HobLob/Michaels. Decided I could cut my own for far less, and that's what I did. Count the difference - one sheet of glass, oh, let's say under 10 dollars gets me 256 3/4" tiles and 576 1/2", if my math is right. I use the Morton Glass Pro System, and also the large cutting grid to cut my sheets into grids then break them apart. First ordered glass from ISGS and Delphi, then started stocking up on the sheets when HobLob puts their stained glass on sale for 30% off. And, every time I travel I look for stained glass shops and buy, buy, buy. If you want a better variety than Michaels offers on ready cuts, Mosaics by Maria has wonderful colored mirror tiles, and she pays for postage on orders over $60, I believe, and I don't EVER remember an order of mine being under that amount. Another place is:
cheap sheets
His prices on the full sheets are less than anywhere I've found. I also put a lot of junk jewelry in my pieces, and get those at garage sales. The $stores and Freds have dishes cheap, as well as Salvation Army and Goodwill. Just hound these places until you build your stash. I even pick things up off the street and in parking lots - rusty washers, whatever. For awhile I was "finding" more than "mosaicing", so I've quit shopping lately, and trying to use my stash. Happy hunting.
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klinger
16 years ago
I don't feel I spend too much on my supplies at all. All my dishes come from thrift stores, my tiles all come from the habitat for humanity shop, or the discount bin at the tile shop. Do spend a bit on my glass though . I've been lucky and had people give me glass scraps. Sometimes on craigs list or in your local paper you might find people who are selling their supplies for cheap.
Cindy
mosaicwench1
16 years ago
I'm with Klinger - other than some MUST-HAVE stained glass pieces, most of my stuff comes from thrift stores, home-improvement discount shops or scrap from stained glass stores (a buck a pound).

I get bowling balls and windows for free or very cheap at rummage sales (I carry cards with my name and number for those people who think their bowling balls are made of gold - I ask them if they'll take a DOLLAR for them after their sale is over and it didn't sell. You wouldn't believe how many call me to just get it off their hands!).

I had my house windows replaced 2 years ago (NOT CHEAP) but kept the old ones as substrates for glass on glass work.

My biggest expense is adhesive - no skimping there.
bamasusanna
16 years ago
I had been doing stained glass windows several years ago when I decided to try mosiacs to use up scraps.
Well now I do mostly mosaics! I'm still using scraps from my original stash, but I also buy at Hobby Lobby when its on sale. I used to cut my glass down with a ruler and cutter, but when SLOW told me about the morton system, I decided to try it. I LOVE that thing. I do a lot of geometric work, so it's perfect for fast squares and rectangles.
I guess I do have a lot of money tied up in it.. but I spend a little bit at a time, so it doesn't hurt too much.
mmqchdygg
Original Author
16 years ago
I think I better stay out of TJ Maxx. Just went there at lunch because it was right next to the PO...
I'm at work, so can't post pic, but found some AWESOME dishes with GREAT colors, patterns, designs & pix!!!
d3bbi
16 years ago
MM, welcome to mosaic mania! I love it but do spend a lot of money. I use mostly stained glass so that does increase the costs. I have purchased tiles from mosaic art supply and found them to be very speedy and responsive. I've also found kptiles to be one of the cheapest on tiles but not so dependable in service. But I too bought the Morton Pro system based on Slow's raving and it really works well to cut your own tiles. You also might check a local tile shop to see what their prices are if you want them for a special project such as your backsplash.
nicethyme
16 years ago
MM, make regular stops at GW and other thrifts for dishes. I probably spend 50-60 per order of glass and prefer to cut my own rather than do too many tiles but there are great online sources for mosaic tiles - never buy that stuff from Micheals - major rip off!

If you want sources, a search should bring up alot.
shrty411
16 years ago
My biggest problem is wanting all the tools LOL!!
I agree with everyone else. Look for closeout/ on sale tiles at the big boxes and tile stores.

GS and TS for plates.BUT think outside the plate ( so to speak),trivets coasters(I got a great set of blue and white tile "coasters" for .50),spoon rests can be used for unique focals! My first mosaic I used a toobrush holder and cup
If you want precut online is the way to go, even with shipping MUCH less than Micheals!

I live about 1-1 1/2 hr from Delphi, occasionally I make a "road trip". Buy a lot and it usually does me for a long while
Maria
fiddlekate
16 years ago
I've not been doing this very long... but it's amazing how quickly "stuff" accumulates! I visit thrift shops and garage sales also. Got my sailboat from a GS. Several months ago there was a thread about posting on CraigsList. So...I did it and didn't get any response... until just last week! A lady wrote that she used to do stained glass and had lots of small pieces and did I want them. Well.. yes I do! So I went over just recently and picked them up. She had LOTS of great glass! I'll put a pic. It's messy... and I have yet to organize and clean it up. But I've already used a couple of pieces. So.... keep at it... and let friends and acquaintances know also. My husband's ex even gave me some broken pottery! Folks are helpful!
Welcome to the forum! And I'm glad you asked the question... loved reading everyone else's answers. There are ideas EVERYWHERE!
(I have bought some 1 ft. size pieces of glass... and cut by the ruler and 'eyeball' it method. One day I'll consider the Morton system.)
Here is my CraigsList haul...
K.

Here is a link that might be useful: Craigslist haul
stjohnsgypsy
16 years ago
My biggest expense is stained glass.......however, the shop here in my town is "going out of business" and Ive been slowly buying..still expensive 30 percent off..but she has some of the most amazing unusual glass........I am lucky that a lot of stuff is given to me.....people hear that I use "anything" in my mosaics, and I have come home to bowling balls lined down my driveway, boxes of junk jewerly, broken china...good china, etc........even a coffee shop that I had never been to heard about my obsession and sent to the gallery a box of broken cups, etc. To me, however, the "hunt" is really great fun...love exploring junk shops, flea mkts, etc..looking for the unexpected next victim for my mosaics! I have picked up things in parking lots, on walks, etc.....always walk with my head down.......nothing is wasted.........oh, by the way...WELCOME~
mosaicwench1
16 years ago
Having others drop off stuff that might work is great fun for me. Or when my son says "mom - you could mosaic that" while rummaging or junking . . .

Or when my DH comes home with a bag of crash glass . . . .

Life's a hoot when you mosaic!

Do you spend a lot on supplies, or no?

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crackpotannie

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Do you spend a lot on supplies, or no?

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