Mosaic Mural; Corrales, New Mexico Style

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Kitchen Mosaic Back splash

 

A finished mosaic back splash is a perfect touch to a custom home, Corrales, New Mexico style.  Incorporating handmade tiles of barrel cactus, flowering Yucca, flowering agave, and flowering aloe, along with a Jack Rabbit, butterflies, purple cactus, a family of quail,gecko, hummingbirds, and the sun peaking through the clouds.

The project took two days to install.  The owners were so gracious to me as well as their 6 well behaved cats.  Since I never got around to Go Pro-ing the installation,  here are some still shots of the process.

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My travels back home with monsoons all around  me was such a treat to watch all the way.

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Dramatic!  Columns of Rain.

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Hatch, New Mexico where I stopped to pick up a yellow watermelon and Hatch wine!

Chili fields.

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My New Mexico Trip

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My trip  to Corrales, New Mexico is fast approaching. I have been hired to install a tile mural in a residence.  The tile is pretty much completed…fired and laid out.

Even though it’s a fairly small size mural, only 48″ x 24″ tall, the challenge is getting it to fit in an intermittent concave niche, sight unseen.  That means allowing for slight design changes.  I am positive it will all work out beautifully.

This is the basic tile layout with an aloe garden and hummers, flowering fence post cactus and blooming yuccas and blackbirds.  This is all handmade tile, glazed and kiln high fired.

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It is going to take me about 8 hours to drive up to Corrales.  So I decided to break up the drive by participating in a  pottery craft show along the way. The Clay Festival in Silver Springs, New Mexico.

I have heard about this show…..so I’m pulling out my tie dye and Birkenstocks! And splash on some essential oils for a stress free day!

There will be gallery shows and workshops  along with the Craft show.  Strictly clay of coarse.

http://www.clayfestival.com/

 

Welcome Mosaic with 3-d door tile

Featured Piece:                  Welcome Mosaic wall hanging

 

Arroyo Garden Mural

Pre Mothers Day Open Studio Sale

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Robin Chlad Designs 

 

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Agave Pottery Line                                                                     “wrap”  vases, tumblers, pitchers

 

Hi Folks,

I am holding a end of season Open Studio Sale.  April 23  from 9-1.  This is a private sale so you will have to contact me and  I can give you directions to my studio. robin.chlad@gmail.com  Or 5208828099 .  txt me.

I will also be collecting art supplies or money for the Gospel Rescue Mission Women and Children’s Center.  I volunteer/teach art classes once a month and we are always needing supplies.  The ladies really appreciate anything you can do.  You may remember last year we made Card books for Mother’s day.  It was awesome.

Here is a pic of one of the card/ books:FullSizeRender (6)

I will have  sale 20% off, selected items 80% off and I will have a free box too.

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Agave Tiled Arch Mural Wall Hanging Handmade Tile, grout, wrought iron frame

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Teal, Window to my Heart, “Joy” Ornament

 

Welcome Mosaic with 3-d door tile

Welcome Mosaic with Sculpted Door Tile and Overhead Light

 

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Oversized Ceramic spoon, wall hanging but also functional.

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Arroyo Garden Murals

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Last week was the completion of the tiled murals I was hired to make and install.  This is my first commercial job and it actually went pretty smoothly.  No different than installing for homes.  Well… maybe a little different.  It’s  a mans world in a construction zone.  Being one of the 3 women…everyone was very respectful and helpful.

As promised, I told you I would post pics of the project.  I didn’t have a Go-Pro.  I wish I could’ve had one but maybe the next project, which is coming up this summer.

I decided to have professional pictures done of this project in a few weeks. But here are some snap shots from my Iphone.  As you can see it is similar to the design of the mural I installed in Rocky Point, Mexico.  But A G  murals are totally flat whereas the Mexico mural has 3 dimensional birds, flowers and rabbits.  

Compare Here

You may see these murals and other art work at Arroyo Gardens Assisted Living in Green Valley, AZ.  They are having a Grand Opening May 12  11-2.    I am impressed with the place.  They really went overboard with local art and pottery galore.

I  also want to thank Sharon Hass, Interior Designer, who gave me the opportunity to be a part of this project.  She did  a fantastic job filling the facility with art, light, joy and life!

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Arroyo Gardens Tiled Mosaic Mural 1 & 2. Located in Green Valley at Arroyo Gardens Assisted Living

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Arroyo Gardens Mural 7′ long by 24″ tall

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Arroyo Gardens Tiled Mosaic Mural Cactus, quails, gecko, butterfly and hummers, lush succulents and wildflowers.

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Arroyo Gardens Tiled Mosaic Mural Jack Rabbits, Santa Rita Purple Prickly Pear cactus, Agave, dragonfly, blooming cactus

 

So my next project is my daughter’s home.  I am going to document that from beginning to end with sketches and the whole process.  I may even be brave enough to video me….eeeek.

My Facebook page Continue reading →

Lead by the Spirit

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Many things inspire me, all day long.

Here are a few Shadow Box  sculptures that were inspired by gardening, bird watching and nature with a bit of  whimsy.

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Hummer with Wild Flower Ceramic Shadow Box

 

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Dove on a Flowering Saguaro Cactus Ceramic Shadow Box

 

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Cactus Wren and Cactus Shadow box

 

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Pomegranate with Verdin Shadow Box

 

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Cardinal with Figs Shadow Box

 

 

 

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Adoring Peacock with Flower Vase Shadow Box

 

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Red Bird and Rabbit Shadow Box

 

 

 

 

 

A Month of Hearts

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Ahhhh, February 14.  A day for love.  A day for sweetness.  A day for affection.

Are you at a loss of what to get for your lovely love?  I have some ideas.

I love hearts.  I make them all year long.  Hearts with wings, flaming hearts, hearts with leaping rabbits, hearts with birds, hearts with pockets for cats to hide in, American Flag hearts…

So many to choose from:

These are available at my Etsy shop:   https://www.etsy.com/shop/RobinChladDesigns?section_id=6939494&ref=shopsection_leftnav_4

 

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Flaming Heart Ornament

 

As I announced in my blog back in January, I am enamored with Essential Oils and not just any essential oils. I love Young Living (YL)  Essential Oils (EO’s) because they are therapeutic grade,  they are healing and soothing.

I find the back story to this company fascinating   YL is a grass roots company and the oils are pure.  The overseeing of production from seed to seal is with utmost care.

How did I get into YL EO’s ?

It started with my massage therapist 3 years ago. She would use them on my back, a massage called Rain Drop Therapy.  It felt so wonderful but she refused to take the credit. Instead, she insisted that it was the oils doing the work.  She called them “living oils”.  It was a little earthy but whatever, I thought.

I didn’t really fall in love with them until I started following Dr. Joshua Axe, a functional doctor who specializes in leaky gut issues.  He really believes in them and encourages his followers to use them everyday.

They can be ingested, used topical or difussed in your home or office. I use them for allergies, RA and back issues.  I use oils like Frankinsence, Thieves, Peppermint and Lavender.   I had a terrible bout of crud in January and my oils came in handy.  I never had to take antibiotics and that was a success in itself.  But I used them in place of Otc (over the counter) drugs. And during this time of using them on a daily basis I have noticed my hormones are back in balance.   If you want to know more, please contact me. I will be happy to share with you what I have learned.   I am a distributor.

So why am I bringing this all up?

Dipping Bowls:

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Dipping Bowls and Essential oils

I designed some mini bowls a while back to mix my oils in to have on my bathroom counter ready to dip into when washing my face, or after bath moisturizer.

I also use the mini bowls for holding pink salt for seasoning at the kitchen counter.  I find these little bowls very useful not only for personal use but also for entertaining.  For those of you who follow cooking shows, you might have noticed little bowls the chefs use for their herbs, rubs and spices.

You can also use the bowls for sushi ginger sauce at your guest’s place setting. Or for olive oil if you plan to serve an Italian dinner for Valentines.

These little bowls come in very handy. They are made of kiln fired ceramic, with food safe glazes. EO’s and bowls would make a wonderful Valentine gift for your special person.

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Heart Ornaments, Heart Ring Dish and Essential oils

 

More Valentine gift ideas.  Hearts and Essential Oils.  Ring catcher or a wall decoration.

These are special handmade gifts and  original designs

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Essential Oils and Heart Dipping Bowl

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Teal, Window to my Heart, “Joy” Ornament

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Purple, Window to my Heart, bird Ornament

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3=D, Heart Ornament with white dove and wings, 14kt. gold overlay

As I said, you can see more at my Etsy shop.  You may purchase directly from there or if you live in Tucson, Arizona, you may contact me direct through the blog.

I also have a handful of galleries that you can find my work at:

Tohono chul Park, Tucson, AZ

Tucson Museum of Art, Gift shop

Tucson Botanical Gardens

Paloma Art, Tucson,AZ

Dos Corazones, Tubac, AZ

Tubac Center for the Arts, Tubac, AZ

Estaban’s in Tlaquepaque, Sedona, AZ

Zonies Galleriea, Sedona, AZ

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day.

 

 

 

New Work in the Old Pueblo

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So it’s February.  January flew by.  I feel I was only present for half of January because what ever was going around…..you name it, I caught it!  I am glad to see January ’16 leave. And good riddance.

Meanwhile, I have been busy with new designs for an up coming tile mosaic job I have been hired to create.  It’s always exciting to have a new challenge, a reprieve from the daily bread and butter.

I will give you a sneak preview…..based on the mural I designed and created for a Rocky Point, Mexico sea side residence over the summer/ 2015.  I apologize for the lousy photos.  The whole image was difficult to capture the perspective in the area it was installed.   A stair well.

 

 

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Cactus Garden mural 6 ft. x 2 ft. total 

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Cactus Garden tile mural

 

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Rocky Point Desert Landscape tile mural

 

The Saguaro flowers, Aloe plant and birds are low relief.  The mural is contour grouted.

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Cactus Garden tile mural

This is phase 1 of the project.  There are  more tiles to be placed above: sky/ soaring birds/ clouds/ sun and rays.

Once phase 2 is installed I will post more pics.

Installation for the new mural will be in April, if all goes well.

 

 

Clay classes for 2016 Jan-Mar.

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For inspiration, keeping things fresh and interesting, try taking a class!

Robin Chlad Designs

Happy New Year!

I am always excited to begin a new year. I have a long list of things I want to accomplish.  I personally will be taking other types of art related classes this year myself. And I am going to make more time to volunteer, dance and go to bed earlier!
Thank you all for your patronage and support throughout the year.  It was a good year, full of blessings.  My family is healthy and my pets are happy! I hope this new year is spectacular for you. Keep learning, keep taking risks, and enjoy the simple things.

Here is a 3 month class schedule:

January

Poppy Shadow Box class.
Wednesday evenings:, January 13, 20, 27. from 6-8:30 p.m.
This class is for beginners.
If you have no experience with clay,
it’s a step by step class that is easy.
All inclusive cost is $125.00
includes lessons, clay, 2 firings, tools, glazes.

February

Valentine’s Day Heart Shadow Box Class

Give a gift of a Valentine themed class!
Monday evenings: February 1, 8, 15, 6-8:30 p.m.
All inclusive cost, $130.00 includes lessons, clay,
2 firings, tools and glazes and trinket.

March

3- Dimensional Mosaic Tile Welcome sign

This class is involved but a lot of fun
Make your own mosaic tiles from raw clay
Creating a center piece 3-D tile Welcome sign,
preparing frame, gluing, grouting
Wednesday Days from 1-3 p.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Cost is $160.00* includes lessons,
clay, glaze and tools
*Some materials are extra depending on
your design.

Call or email me for reservations.  520-882-8099  or Robin.chlad@gmail.com
I am also available for private lessons.
I offer a flexible schedule with techniques
and glazes that I have developed over 28 years.
Email me for more info. Robin.chlad@gmail.com
Copyright © 2016 Robin Chlad Designs, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at my website or signed up at my shows.

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Robin Chlad Designs

556 E Calle Arizona

Tucson, AZ 85705

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Happy 2016 Back on Track

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Happy New Year Ya’ll.   I have many exciting goals and plans for 2016.

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My intentions are mostly to be healthier, peaceful and a bit more “out there”.

Healthier:  Eating better.

I started eating better last year but got off track during the holidays. I am still making my bone broth, my sauerkraut. and goat milk kefir on a weekly basis.  But cutting out the processed foods and sugar will help immensely.   I follow a functional doctor, Dr. Joshua Axe.  He is awesome because he works with gut issues. And I believe as he does that all disease comes from the gut.  For those of you that would like to know more click here.

Peaceful:

Being an artist full time has some great rewards but too much of anything creates imbalance.  My whole world last year was lived in a 5 mile radius, working at my home studio, teaching classes at my home studio, and Facebooking way too much.  Ugh!  I realized I was addicted to the comforts of my home and I am a control freak, (that’s not new news)  A little sad, I know.

Being in nature is always worth the time to get connected to beauty, inspirations and God.  I went for a New Years day hike with my lovely 6 years old grand daughter, Lola.  (She inspires me).  We hopped on rocks, we skipped stones on water and had a picnic in green grass.  I had a sense of calm and peace like it was the first time.  I am definitely doing more of that.

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“Out There”

Since being an artist is so isolating I must make an effort to connect with folks and develop good nurturing relationships.  I just signed up with a group of lovely, energetic, encouraging ladies who happen to love Essential Oils.  I am a very excited about EO’s and a little obsessed right now because I got a diffuser  and it makes my place smell like heaven.  I have been using them for almost 3 years, off and on.  There is something to comforting and healing, honestly, that I kept telling my daughter and friends about them and how they help me and others.  My daughter, Shauna suggested I sell them because I am so passionate about them.  I am especially interested in working with my 7 yr. old grandson who has Cerebral Palsy.  So, you will be hearing a little about my adventure with Young Living Essential Oils from time to time.

Christain

I also intend to champion a one women show for my art work.   I have been longing  to do this for a few years now but I haven’t had the courage and I haven’t saved enough worthy art pieces to have a good collection of wall art, such as shadow box mosaics, 3-d mosaics, and sculpted single shadow boxes (that tell a story like the one below).   Well, this is the year!  So watch for that too.  I give you permission to hold me accountable on everything I list here.

Three Spirits of the One.

So here is to 2016, may it be a rewarding and successful one for you all as well.  Whatever your goals, never give up.  Even if it takes 2 or 10 years.  Just never give up!

Happy New Year!

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Ceramic Heart Holiday Ornament workshop

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Why hearts this time of year?  I love making hearts that are different and thoughtful.  Hearts never go out of style in my world.  So I am offering a 1st time ever Heart Ornament class.  This is a great time to get started on those homemade gifts for the holidays.

The class runs 2 Mondays, Sept 14 & 21 from 6-8.  Includes instruction, clay, tools, glaze and firing.

The cost is a sliding scale sort of.  If there is only 2 people  that show up the cost is $75.00 per person includes up to 5 ornaments.  If 3 people show up the cost is $65.00 per person, includes up to 4 ornaments and if 4 or more show up it  is $55.00 per person and it includes 3 ornaments.  So grab a friend or two and join me next week.

The class is held in my home studio.

Contact me by email, Robin.chlad@gmail.com