Splashy!

This is a slideshow of the kitchen back splash that I did. For glass, glue, and grout the cost was around $300. Time wise I would say at least 100 hours with an estimated 30 of just cutting pieces - it's a big kitchen. (Of course I can't really complain because I could have made the pieces bigger.)

Family and neighbors were involved in gluing and grouting spread out over four weekends. One of the reasons I think it turned out so well was that the outlets were mounted under the cabinets so the glass doesn't get interrupted. In case you can't tell in the pictures, it really does kick ass.

Earthy

I really love the brown color of glass from this piece, unfortunately, I haven't been able to find it again.

Measures 26" x 18"

Cement board is pretty handy stuff

So, there are a portion of you guys that don't comment but ask me questions via email or in person. I thought I'd answer one about the materials I use. The glass for the Martian tree mosaic is directly onto cement board. This is the same stuff you would use to tile a floor - you can buy it at Home Depot in 3'x5' sheets and use a utility knife cut to your desired size.

My trick for hanging is to drill two holes through the board and carve a channel for wire or string to lay in. You then feed the wire through and tie the wire off in the back of the mosaic. Because of the channel, you can mosaic right over the top so you basically have a hidden hanging system.

It is a great surface for not a lot of money - I'm a big fan.

My second ever mosaic project

When I started mosaicing about eight years ago (holy cow) I worked with tile before moving mostly to glass. This is the second thing that I ever made. My awesome Dad made the table and I did the mosaic straight onto a piece of plywood that we then dropped in and grouted.

The table is at the lake, hence the fish design (which I got out of a book). I can still remember how cutting the tile into specific sized pieces really hurt my hand because you had to use so much pressure with the tile nippers. I also remember my roommate yelling at me about the tile shards everywhere. She wasn't too happy when I moved to glass.

Disaster Recovery

So, this is my dud of a mosaic. I did the lime green “flow” and the background in the bottom right corner. After finishing that portion of the background I decided that it was just plain ugly. As a result all progress halted for about a year.

My plan for recovery is seen here. I used some scrap glass (read unsightly colors) to fill in the rest of the background and then grouted the whole piece. Phase two of recovery involves putting a new design over the background portion, grouting, and leaving the green flow to be slightly recessed.

We’ll see what happens. Stay tuned.

He's got personality

Chris is nice so no matter what he thinks he'll fake enthusiasm. But come on, I challenge you to find a better looking Martian tree than this one.

I actually think he's pretty cute - in a quirky, happy, goofy, kind of way.


Measures 13" x 15"

A tree limb seems to always be in the way

Here is my Martian tree. This guy is a little tricky because of the constant tight spaces. As a result, he is progressing a little slower than expected.

The delay could also be due to the fact that the weather has been so nice - who wants to be surrounded by glass and glue?

My new BFF Chris

So, I'm making a mosaic for Chris. Now, I know a lot of you are saying, "What, who is this guy, I've been asking for a mosaic for years."

Chris's pathetically empty cube at work has made me pity him, and the key of persuading anyone to act is to tap into emotion. As a result, Chris is getting a small mosaic using these four colors. Design of the mosaic is similar to Grandma's piece with what I would describe as a slightly alien/Martian twist.