Today I wanted to share my most favorite of all of my creations. Several years ago, before I got interested in fixing up old furniture and other junk, I decided I really wanted to create a mosaic.
I did a little research and then got started and this is what I ended up with.
Pretty ambitious for a beginner but I like to go big. (Now, I have to say this was not an original design – it is based on a mosaic I loved that I saw online.) This mosaic is around two feet by three feet and was created using vitreous glass tiles. Here is a close up that shows the shading on the tree trunk.
I have to tell you, this thing took me months to complete. But I really enjoyed the process. It was kind of like putting together a really beautiful jigsaw puzzle.
A year or two later, I decided it was time to create another. This time I came up with my own design based on a photograph I found of Big Sky Country.
This mosaic was created using various types of stained glass. I especially like the mirrored glass incorporated into the water at the bottom.
For some reason, these gems have been hidden away in rooms we don’t really use. But I decided that was crazy. So the Big Sky mosaic became part of my newly styled bookcases and the Tree mosaic recently came out of storage to preside over the mantle.
These might not be the typical DIY project I share here at Lovely Etc. But I wanted to share them because I really love them. And because making these taught me that if you really want to try something new, go for it. Figure out how to do it and get started already! You might just find a new passion.
What have you been secretly wishing you knew how to do? Painting? Photography? Furniture building? I definitely want to try reupholstering some chairs, but I gotta tell you – I’m kind of scared.
Anne says
gorgeous! and I love the colours in them!!
xox
Jen says
Those are stunning! And to think the tree was your first project – wow! My secret ambition is to learn how to blow glass. I could watch that process for.ev.er.
Diane Cayton-Hakey says
Wonderful artwork, even if you don’t consider it to be original… Just wonderful!
Renewed Upon a Dream says
Wow they are beautiful! Looks like a TON of work, but they are amazing :)
laxsupermom says
Wow! Those are amazing! You did an incredible job! Thanks for sharing.
RHome410 says
Wonderful! I love seeing this kind of project.
Jane says
Your mosaics are beautiful…I’m so glad that you are displaying them in your home. This is an art that I have always admired, but haven’t tried it myself. After looking at yours it makes me want to give it a try!
Given your talent, I’m sure you won’t have any problem with reupholstering some chairs.
AmyeToTheRescue! says
Love love love the trees!
Diane says
Both mosaics are stunning, Carrie! You did a fabulous job on them. Love how you achieved subtle shading…what a delightful talent. They look wonderful on your new shelves as well…so many great achievements! Love these!
Kit says
So creative, I love both of them, but you really outdid yourself with your second one and let your personality shine thru!
Creative Raisins says
Wow, what an impressive piece of artwork
HRH The Duchess of State says
Dahhling I think you are very talented..absolutely beautiful! You might consider placing them infront of a different color background, I am certian they will have even more visual impact.
Jessie Gunderson says
I did the same thing by just jumping into mosaic. It’s addicting. :)
Really nice pieces!
Exam Notes says
Wow! it is very unique art.
Love it.
Danni Baird @ Silo Hill Farm says
These are gorgeous! You had me at Big Sky! I miss Montana!
Anonymous says
absolutely beautiful!!! i’m impressed.
cathy
EmilyJean says
Those are beautiful! I love mosaic as well, but would never think to attempt something so ambitious. The tree is awesome!
citystitchin.blogspot.com
Robin says
Very nice, very original. What a nice surprise to look at. I love the colors and subject.
Jaime Lyn at Crafty Scrappy Happy says
ummmm this is beyond amazing. you are all around talented my friend!
Ohhh I want to do one! :o)
Jaime
Anonymous says
These are so beautiful! I’m looking at trying some mosaic pieces myself, do you have any tips? Did you just smash the glass? How do they all fit together so perfectly? Any help would be great! Thanks so much.
Karen says
I’ve been doing stained glass for years, and have done some mosaics and stepping stones. Looking forward to doing some benches with stained glass mosaics this summer. Love your mosaic tree, sorry love them all! Just beautiful. Tell me what did you use as the base for your mosaic? Plywood? And what glue?
Carrie says
Karen, Let me just say first that I am no expert, I just love to make stuff. For the tree mosaic, I used plywood but I wouldn’t really recommend it. The wood ended up bowing slightly – I am not sure if that is related to the weight of the tile or the moisture in the adhesive. You can only tell when you look at it from the side, but still, when you spend hours on something you want it to turn out great. For the Big Sky mosaic, I used tile backer board like what is used on tiled bathroom walls. It worked out much better. As far as glue, I just used a basic tile adhesive from Lowes.
Mary says
Carrie, These are just beautiful. My sister and I were just talking about doing a mosaic, but we don’t know where to start. Would you be willing to give us some tips to get us started? Thanks!
Carrie says
Thanks Mary! Before I made these, I checked a few books about mosaics out at the library to learn some basics which really helped. It has been awhile since I made a mosaic so I don’t know if I am the best person to give tips but I will try! You can get mosaic supplies at any craft store but the selection online is much better. The general process is basically like putting together a puzzle. Draw your design and then cut tiles to fit the design. To get a clean looking design, be sure to keep the spacing between your pieces as even as possible. If you choose to use stained glass for your mosaic, just remember that some stained glass is opaque but some is not which means you will be able to see the glue through the glass. If you have more specific questions, let me know – I will definitely help if I can.
Gwen Conchewski says
I love your tree mosaic. If you are still interested in mosaics, the best source of information, it gives the very latest products, hints, best adhesives etc etc, is the Facebook group Mosaic Mentoring. I am a member. The group is only about 1 1/2 years old and has thousands of members from around the world ranging from mosaic “newbies” to famous professional mosaic artists. It is a great source of information but is really way more than that. Come and take and peek, I suspect that you will love it!