ArtMosaicsCarolinas

I have been getting up close and personal with a few mermaids of late!
The Sirens of the Sea have fueled many imaginations throughout the centuries.
Dreamscapes by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law is a great resource book and it has been very useful when creating new designs.

My original renderings are created with Dragonfly software.  The Glass Eye program allows me to create a new one of a kind design and add colorful glass or stone to the design.  This is an extremely useful tool because my clients actually see the professional design and approve it so there are no big suprises.  It takes the guess work out of the process and while we all know that seeing is believing…it really does help to sell my work.  My clients love it!  We communicate through emails and this gives me an official record of the client’s approval.

The first step to begin building this mosaic is very simple.  The design is created in the correct proportion, then enlarged by the printer whon makes me a pattern.   This mermaid design is being done with the direct method and applied to 1/4 hardi-backer board.  The pattern is then transfered with carbon paper to the board for approximate positioning.  My style incorporates large stained glass elements and small cut pieces; the pattern is also used to cut the waves and mermaid to keep everything in proporation.  The outside is framed with glass tile.  This is where changes start to happen…I don’t like the dark glass for her hair so the combination a two lighter glasses work better! 

That crazy waving hair takes time! The long strands are cut with a diamond blade wet saw and the face wash is free!

Almost went with multi-colors of blue pebbles but decided to stay with clear.   The upper left hand corner has another change where opal glass strands where added to the mix of swirls for my sparkle.  The opal shell placed around her ear draws the sparkling opal white glass from the lacy tail fins to maiden’s face while multi-colored golden glass beads accents adorn her beautiful body and fins.

The two new shades of blue were done with a glass strip cutter, then nipped into smaller pieces to form the flowing motion of the water.  The eye is a glass bead cut in half with nippers and the lips are so small …well let’s just say I never give up!   

Yes, it does take time and patience but the sense of accomplishment when it all comes together is such an awesome experience.  Creation rocks!!!  How do you really feel when your project is complete?