Azalea Lakes Swimming Pool Mosaic Project_0001

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?

Jay’s style is free and easy…lots of geometric designs and creative accents with ceramic, glass, and occasional cut or broken china that add dimension to some of his work.

Enjoy mosaics by Jay Reese!

Comments are always welcome.

This elegant mosaic welcomes all guests and family to their ocean front condo and wonderful memories of Postano Italy are never far from their heart!  This commission ~ while very challenging and rewarding came from my heart and soul.  When our clients were over joyed with my efforts, that is the moment in time when …a Stone Diva was born!

Love to hear from you!  Comments are always welcome

Our elegant stone mosaic tapestry was designed to meet our clients wishes. The coordinating 6 inch border on the shower walls will also adorn the floor around the  marble tub.  This natural stone mosaic was handcrafted in my studio in Myrtle Beach, S.C. with Rojo Allicante, Dark Emperador and Crema Marfil Classico Marble. 

Matt and I have been traveling to introduce our business, Art Mosaics of the Carolinas LLC, to new distributors.  We constantly strive to reach more people.  We have to let people know how unique our Mosaic Design Studio is and they will come. 

Building a new business in this economy is a very big challenge…traditional marketing did not work for us.  Meeting people face to face is much more fun than putting time into print ads.  We both love meeting new people.

We have been concentrating on social media for the last month too. It is a bit overwhelming but I think we may be moving forward and one day soon the google search engines may rank our website.

Tweet, tweet, tweet… blog, blog and blog…back links???

 Have a wonderful evening.  Love to meet you…we are just a comment away!

Pique Assiette (shard art) is a very popular folk art style of mosaics. Recycled bits of broken china, ceramic tile pottery, porcelain, stoneware and found objects are used to make one-of-a-kind creations.  Fun, fun, fun and a great way to preserve a broken heirloom  you treasure!

Raymond Edouard Isidore a graveyard sweeper is known as the father of Pique Assiette. He adorned his home and courtyard with shards of found objects from the area.

 La Maison Picassiette, stands as his masterpiece and Legacy.  It attracts ten of thousands of visitors every year. 

If you love this ancient mosaic technique it is fun and very easy.  If you have any questions I am here to help. We can create a masterpiece together!      Have a great day…Andi

 Love to hear from you and comments are welcome.

 I have lived a lifetime of exploring art to unleash my creative spirit. Yet, this power to create mosaics has consumed my soul like no other media.

There are times when the end result astonishes me!

We all have the power to create…how do you use your powers of the universe?

Do you have moments when you amaze yourself with your creative soul?

I am sure they are heaven sent and I am thankful.

I say Y E A H …and hip, hip, hurray! 

The McDaniels Audi of Charleston Fall Polo Classic was held at Hyde Park Farm and Polo Club in Ravenel, S.C.  last Sunday.

Matt, my wonderful husband, turned this day into an event and included members of the Grand Strand Miata Club.   

This one of a kind oval mosaic of Polo pony in action with rider was inspired by my love of  the sport. It is an original design handcrafted with Black Absolute and Black Galaxy Granite, White Carrera and Green Marble, and Light with Dark travertine and measures about 19″x 25″.  Ready for installation in a walkway, floor, or wall.

A thank you gift to the family of Hyde Park Farm and Polo Club for bringing Polo closer to my home.   Tally Ho!

The mosaic is 10″ x 24″ and that size is great for an insert over your kitchen sink or stove. 

I can see this piece in a bathroom to jazz up the shower area…so many possiblities!

All mosaics are crafted onto a mesh that holds the pieces in place for easy installation.

The mosaic is not grouted because they are usually installed into a newly remodeled kitchen or bath.  The grout color should coordinate with the field or background tile.

This mosaic can also be grouted and placed a board to be hung on a wall. 

$295. 00. plus shipping ~ we ship nationally too.

All comments and questions are always welcome.

Thanks for reading my blogs, Andi

Todays project features Tiger Paw Onyx.  Orbs of varying sizes are combined with two shades of glass dots that compliment the onyx.  In the studio, our stone quarry is made up of 12″x12″x3/8″ tile.

While searching for inspiration, I came across some small pieces of Tiger Paw Onyx and this 8″x22″ new mosaic is now in progress.  A silver marker and a circle template are used to create the various sizes. The orbs are cut with a diamond blade wet saw.

Next phase is a pleasing layout of the onyx orbs and the glass dots.   This takes a few minutes because my eyes and brain function together until it looks right to me.

Almost there!  The field or background will be white onyx that allows the other colors to shine.

Part two of Orbs of Tiger Paw Onyx…make me purrr coming soon!

Love to know what you think when this mosaic is complete.