I wanted to savor this moment and reflect on the past few months…that all began in late fall.  A project.  A custom order that is finally being sent off this week.

The project between two very busy parties, me and the client.

Honestly, I have never had a small custom order last as long as this did.  Through my busiest time of the year, we worked together bit by bit to see it completed.  (Remind me never to take a mural order again in October).

So I wanted to document and share the process from beginning to (my) end.

It is a mural that will be installed in a home in California.  But this project actually has 2 parts to it.  One is a mural that will be installed behind an oven. It’s the oven back splash.  The other part is 5 sculpted 3- D tiles installed on the kitchen island pony wall.

Of coarse it starts with a sketch….a loose sketch.

 

This is the whole mural together. I call it Two Tree Mural.  Can anyone guess where this  might be inspired from?  I have already given a clue. The image is of rolling hills with two trees at the top hill together.  The foreground is of  white Matilda poppies, blue lupine spikes, black-eyed susans ,a bumble bee and butterfly. Two lemon trees frame the scene with 3-D lemons and birds  with leaves and citrus flowers.  Full of nature and beauty.   God’s country!

Once all the pieces are put into place like a puzzle, I divided it into 3 sections, then glue it onto a flexible grid backed with plastic wrap so it doesn’t stick to the back boards.  Then I send the three panels to UPS to have them professionally wrapped and shipped.

This is my first time tackling a mural this way to ship out.  Normally, something this large either gets a frame and shipped in one piece OR  I usually do the install myself or I oversee the project while installers do the work.  But because of the miles between us, this is the best and cheapest way to go.

 

The second phase of the kitchen project is the 3-D tiles to be installed on the kitchen island.  I can’t wait to see it all installed. I will be giving you an update once completed and pictures sent to me

 

So, now I am able to see a glimmer of light,  light at the end of the tunnel.  I love making custom orders. This one made me get out of my box.  As you can see by the Two Tree mural, I don’t normally make tiled murals that fit together like a puzzle.  Why?  Mainly because the larger tiles can warp, or may not quite fit together after the firings.  My style is more free style.  Anyway, it was a challenge and I am glad it’s complete.  I am thankful for the opportunity.

On to newer projects from the heart:

A Custom order Mosaic with Quail Shadow Box and their adorable kitty.  This was a fun Welcome Plaque to put together. Very gardeny and whimsical.

 

 

“Through the Thicket” 3-D Bird and Citrus Mosaic.  A fun little wall art piece.  Click for here for more detail.

 

This weekend is the annual SACA Ceramics and Pottery show at Tohono Chul Park, February 28 & 29.  Free admission into the park for these days.  Come on by if you’re in town. You won’t be disappointed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classes and Workshops:

I’m still offering mosaic workshops.   These ladies had a wonderful time in the February workshop.  Go here for more info and to sign up for May 23rd.