| Author | Content |
SierraTigerLily
Boca Raton, FL
(Zone 10b)
July 22, 2008
11:25 PM Post #5305310
| My sweet hubby ok'd a summer project and let me add a mosaic to our courtyard. The piece is almost done.
It's inspired by my favorite mosaic artist, Sonia King, and based on the constellations over our house in Florida on the night my husband and I first met.
I'm a little worried about having used weldbond, but I think the thinset should sort things out. I'll keep you posted as I install it in the sheltered area above the bbq. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
July 23, 2008
12:20 AM Post #5305549
| That is certainly a spectacular piece of work. |
Sundownr
(Bev) Wytheville, VA
(Zone 6a)
July 23, 2008
9:30 AM Post #5306558
| I really like it!! You must have lots of have patience, looks like very tedious work there! |
jylgaskin
Williamsburg, MI
(Zone 4b)
July 23, 2008
10:31 AM Post #5306879
| It's wonderful! |
planolinda
Plano, TX
July 23, 2008
11:13 AM Post #5307109
| i was hoping someone else would ask so i wouldn't be the one to ask an obvious question but----------it seems like you made it in your kitchen maybe? how do you transport it to where you will use it? |
terichris
Naples, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 23, 2008
11:14 AM Post #5307114
| Extrordinary!!!! & romantic! |
Fish_knees
Phoenix, AZ
July 24, 2008
2:42 PM Post #5313096
| WOW! |
SierraTigerLily
Boca Raton, FL
(Zone 10b)
July 25, 2008
10:47 AM Post #5317701
| It's actually easy to transport. It's on backerboard in two pieces. I left holes so that I can attach it with screws to the wall above the outdoor kitchen. Once in place I will grout it and cover over the seams. The red dot in the picture is one of the spots where there will be a screw hole. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
July 25, 2008
11:30 AM Post #5317877
| Really beautiful. I'm curious about the 'streams' of what appears to be Pyrites. Since it hasn't the level surface of the tiles won't it be covered up by the grout ? The design and fabrication is stunning. |
SierraTigerLily
Boca Raton, FL
(Zone 10b)
July 25, 2008
1:40 PM Post #5318417
| I'll tape off the constellations before I grout. The pyrites (broken and suns) are the areas I'm most worried about, given that only glue will hold them in place. |
imapigeon
Gilroy, CA
(Zone 9a)
July 26, 2008
11:19 AM Post #5322477
| SPECTACULAR!
I've got a mural in my head that I want to do for a friend's garden, and you've given me some great inspiration. (Like I need more projects...LOL!)
Can't wait to see photos of it completed & installed!
|
SacValley
Wilton, CA
(Zone 9b)
July 29, 2008
8:28 PM Post #5340604
| Totally Impressed. It's a beautiful piece of work! |
digger9083
Dahlonega, GA
August 22, 2008
2:23 PM Post #5453018
| sierra , it's been awhile , are you finished ? we're waiting on pictures , please ! sally |
somersetsue
Portland, OR
(Zone 8b)
August 22, 2008
4:21 PM Post #5453423
| Yes Sierra...where are those picts...we have been waiting !!!! |
SierraTigerLily
Boca Raton, FL
(Zone 10b)
August 24, 2008
12:46 PM Post #5461298
| Sorry for the delay. School started again and I just had not had a chance to post. Here are the two sections as we attached them to the wall. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
SierraTigerLily
Boca Raton, FL
(Zone 10b)
August 24, 2008
12:46 PM Post #5461299
| Here's a close up so you can see the seam between the pieces. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
katiebear
mulege
(Mexico)
August 24, 2008
1:00 PM Post #5461336
| That is just beautiful. Amazing work.
katiebear |
SierraTigerLily
Boca Raton, FL
(Zone 10b)
August 24, 2008
1:03 PM Post #5461350
| Here it is framed in glass that matches the waterfall 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
SierraTigerLily
Boca Raton, FL
(Zone 10b)
August 24, 2008
1:17 PM Post #5461420
| You're so sweet Katiebear! It was the first time I'd ever really done anything larger than a tabletop. I'm still tweaking the design a bit. My husband added uplights to make the pyrite suns gleam at night. We're just both glad that the project is over in time for my return to school. Otherwise it would have been months to finish. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
SierraTigerLily
Boca Raton, FL
(Zone 10b)
August 24, 2008
1:18 PM Post #5461426
| If you really want to laugh. Here's a picture of the bbq and the same wall when we looked to buy this house. (The person in the photo is our lovely realtor.) What a difference, neh? 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
katiebear
mulege
(Mexico)
August 24, 2008
1:25 PM Post #5461456
| Decor like that could inspire a lot of bar fights.
Was the house sold because of a divorce? Hard to imagine living peacefully with that.
katiebear |
SierraTigerLily
Boca Raton, FL
(Zone 10b)
August 24, 2008
2:00 PM Post #5461645
| Too funny Katie! There is something to that color harmony thing isn't there?
Get this: the sponge treatment was not limited to the outside bar and cabinets, tthe former owners did it inside the house as well. In the living room they did an apricot sponge treatment ON TOP of the wallpaper. The guys who quoted us to remove it said it took three times more labor than they expected and was the most difficult removal job they'd ever done.
Happily, the owners were merely downsizing. They currently have a lovely condo and spend most of their time cruising. I can't speak to the interior decor of their new place.
Here's the whole courtyard 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
August 24, 2008
2:19 PM Post #5461725
| Outstanding work. What a wonderful improvement to the patio. Do you have plans for making more ? It is so brilliant and full of movement. |
imapigeon
Gilroy, CA
(Zone 9a)
August 24, 2008
2:29 PM Post #5461768
| Love the way you matched the frame to the waterfall glass (& glad you showed that photo, as I was going to beg for a shot of it.) That really is the perfect finishing touch!
But I can't imagine why you wanted to change a single thing about the house when you bought it...LOL! As my friend says "That's why there are more flavors than chocolate." I'm sure their unique paint technique must have seemed like a good idea at the time. Lucky for the sellers you had the ability to visualize its potential! |
SierraTigerLily
Boca Raton, FL
(Zone 10b)
August 24, 2008
2:34 PM Post #5461795
| Balvenie, next summer my sister-in-law volunteered to help me extend the mural across the entire wall to go over the hottub. If you notice, right now it only frames the bbq.
I'll see if I can get my hubby to take a photo of the waterfall at night. He did a great job of lighting it.
We bought the house despite many issues because of the courtyard shape. I love that when you walk in the "front door" you're actually walking into an impluvium which all of the rooms face.
Get this: when we moved in all of the outdoor lighting was done high voltage and with orange extension cords--run up through the roof drains! That's right, high voltage plus water. Don't even ask... |
Sundownr
(Bev) Wytheville, VA
(Zone 6a)
August 24, 2008
3:04 PM Post #5461964
| Very beautiful finish with the mural! I bet it's even more gorgeous up close!! Great job and attention to detail!
I feel like imapigeon, you've inspired me, too. I'll have to wait a while before I get the chance to do a project like that, even on a smaller scale!
Thanks for sharing! |
digger9083
Dahlonega, GA
August 24, 2008
3:07 PM Post #5461976
| i really like the little kitty setting on the bar . i would have told them the kitty stays . you've done a beautiful job of redo . one more thing on my to do ( learn ) list . sally |
pinkpoodlegirl
Rock Hill, SC
(Zone 7b)
August 24, 2008
3:19 PM Post #5462020
| The one on the bar or over the cabinet? LOL
Love the glass tiles in the pool area. We have them on the backsplash in out kitchen. Just love the look of the glass tiles.
|
digger9083
Dahlonega, GA
August 24, 2008
8:06 PM Post #5463048
| not the black panther , the little kitty on the bar . i'd love to have one just like it . adorable ! |
somersetsue
Portland, OR
(Zone 8b)
August 25, 2008
2:03 PM Post #5466025
| Thats one of the most beautiful things that I've ever seen...wow...what a fantastic job!!!
|
SierraTigerLily
Boca Raton, FL
(Zone 10b)
September 3, 2008
11:00 PM Post #5505744
| Thanks Somersetsue!
I was just in Portland this past summer. What a beautiful town. I just love the scale of the neighborhoods, it's so easy to walk everywhere. |
Zanymuse
Scotia, CA
(Zone 9b)
September 25, 2008
9:08 PM Post #5600044
| The mosaic is lovely and adds so much movement and interest to the area that I can understand your wanting to continue it. After seeing the before pictures it is obvious that you can see beyond what is there to what it can be. LOL A lot of people would take one look at that sponged paint look and never see the possibilities for the area. That was pretty scary! |
Spider07
Lilburn, GA
September 26, 2008
11:42 AM Post #5602033
| Lily,
can I be a bit nosy and ask you to give me an idea of the cost of the materials fot eh mosaic?
I am starting to do mosaics and I am finding it sooo expensive. Is there a way to get a cheaper price than Michael's and Hobby Lobby?
Thank you! |
katiebear
mulege
(Mexico)
September 26, 2008
1:04 PM Post #5602325
| I get my mosaic pieces at the local dump!! I'd suggest talking to local tile suppliers about broken pieces, discontinued samples and stuff like that. Or if you know or can find people who install tile, they often have leftovers when they're done.
Places like Michael's are an expensive way to go. You might also check ebay for places near you (keep postage costs down). You might find scrap glass for mosaics selling cheap.
katiebear |
Spider07
Lilburn, GA
September 26, 2008
1:42 PM Post #5602459
| Thank you for the tip Katiebear. Going to check the yelloow pages.
Lily, just noticed that I forgot to tell you how gorgeous your mural is! |
imapigeon
Gilroy, CA
(Zone 9a)
September 26, 2008
2:09 PM Post #5602574
| Also, if you have a local Freecycle or Craig's List, put in a "Want" posting! |
Spider07
Lilburn, GA
September 26, 2008
2:20 PM Post #5602614
| Hi Pigeon,
that is a great idea! |
somersetsue
Portland, OR
(Zone 8b)
September 26, 2008
2:42 PM Post #5602680
| Hi Spider...try going to your local Re-Store (its for Habitat for Humanity) its all excess materials that contractors, or the general public donates. Its a great place to get bags of grout for like $2.00...!!!! cheap, cheap, cheap. You can also ask contractors maybe working in your neighborhood...they just throw it away. |
Spider07
Lilburn, GA
September 26, 2008
2:52 PM Post #5602723
| thank you for the tip, Sue:o) |
katiebear
mulege
(Mexico)
September 26, 2008
6:05 PM Post #5603383
| Also, watch craigslist.org under free stuff. I've seen tile pieces. stained glass scraps, mirrors and tempered glass - all great for mosaics. And the occasional piece to be mosaiced.
katiebear |
pinkpoodlegirl
Rock Hill, SC
(Zone 7b)
September 28, 2008
2:58 PM Post #5609834
| also check your local stained glass store and ask if they would save the small scraps of glass that they usually throw away. They may do that for a small fee... the worst thing they will do is tell you "no". Nothing ventured nothing gained is my motto. |
Spider07
Lilburn, GA
September 28, 2008
3:58 PM Post #5610000
| thank you girls! I will check the yellow pages for places to ask.:o) |
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
September 29, 2008
3:55 PM Post #5614083
| I agree with Pinkie's comment regarding going to a stained glass shop, if there is one in your area, to get 'scrap glass'. Even a 'home artist' would be a source as we always have lots of scrap. The shops around here sell it at $1.50/ lb. and there is quite a good variety. |
SierraTigerLily
Boca Raton, FL
(Zone 10b)
September 30, 2008
9:33 PM Post #5619659
| Hey Miss Spidey,
Yes, it wasn't cheap, but only the pyrites suns were really expensive ($20-30.) I found most of them through fosil shops and a few through ebay. They could have been cheaper if I was willing to settle for smaller ones. The background tile, on the other hand, cost $1.19 per sq. ft. from Home Depot. I tried to balance out the materials to balance out bang for the buck.
It's hard to say exactly how much everything cost, as I have a lot of material for/from other projects as well. I would guess that the project ended up costing $70 per square foot if you include tools as well as materials.
I have limited time to get projects like this finished, otherwise, I would have spent more time (and less money) collecting materials. I know someone who is getting all of his materials from contractor discards. |
SierraTigerLily
Boca Raton, FL
(Zone 10b)
September 30, 2008
9:36 PM Post #5619680
| And I can't recommend the backboard enough. Spider, it's cheap stuff and it does the job. It was easy to cut, and it's standing up to our Florida weather beautifully. |
Spider07
Lilburn, GA
October 4, 2008
11:38 AM Post #5632657
| Hi everyone,
thank you very much for the tips. :o)
Lily, what do you mean by backboard? Is it wood?
|
imapigeon
Gilroy, CA
(Zone 9a)
October 4, 2008
11:39 AM Post #5632660
| I think she's referring to cement backerboard----available at Home Depot, etc. |
Spider07
Lilburn, GA
October 4, 2008
4:26 PM Post #5633297
| Thank you Pigeon.:o) |
