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May 23, 2004
Desktop Mosaic
I have a table in my home that I've stared at for a long time. It was given to me by a friend, and at one point or another I thought of throwing it out or giving it away. About a year ago I decided to paint the table white, and then I was bored with it. The table needed something to jazz it up a bit. The top is removable from the base, and I decided to cover it with some cloth which provided hidden storage space underneath. That get-up became boring as well, and after moving the furniture in my home around (something I seem to do every six months out of boredom,) I decided to tile the tabletop.
My original idea was to use ceramic tile, the same type used in showers or countertops. After pricing them and not finding color combinations that would work, I opted for glass tile used in mosaics. While out of town a few weeks ago, I came across packages of glass mosaic tile that fit my budget and color preferences.
The last time I worked with mosaic tiles was in high school. When I decided to give up my dream of pursuing a career in art, I tossed my entire art portfolio and art pieces in the garbage. The only item salvaged is a mosaic tile piece that resides at my mother's house. She uses it as a cover for an old radiator she has in her kitchen. This one valuable masterpiece from my teenage years is all that is left. It's not exactly an ideal location for one's art pieces, but I suppose it's a better location than the bathroom.
One of the things I neglected to do before glueing and placing the tiles was design. Design, one of the main components of the mosaic tile process, became an afterthought for me. I'd begun to place tiles in rows, and before my internal alarm system yelled STOP, you have NO design, -- well, it was too late.
Overall, I think it took some 2000 glass tiles to cover the entire tabletop. Despite the lack of design, I'm pleased with the result.
Cindy
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Comments
wonderbra! i have a friend who uses broken mugs/coloured gass etc and she has made a beautiful surrounding for her bathroom mirror.
your table looks bee-u-t-i-full :)
Brain matter deposited by: zed on May 23, 2004 3:27 PM
Oh yes - that's gorgeous - you just let your inner artist take over!
Brain matter deposited by: Wendy on May 23, 2004 7:56 PM
I like the wall in the first shot as well as the table.
Brain matter deposited by: Ozguru on May 24, 2004 12:21 AM
Of course I have to admit that the best thing of all is the powerbook :-)
Brain matter deposited by: Ozguru on May 24, 2004 12:22 AM
Thanks Zoe, Wendy :-)
Oz, the background in the first photo is not the wall but a canvas I use when I feel like flinging acrylic paint. I think I've
changed its design about 5 times so far. :-)
Brain matter deposited by: Cindy on May 24, 2004 8:59 AM
I love it. :0) Sometimes when you're feeling creative the best thing to do is to just move forward rather than over-thinking. Good job.
Brain matter deposited by: Kat on May 24, 2004 12:16 PM
i have things at home i sit and stare at.
unfortunately they dont change, no matter how long i sit and stare at them.
sigh.
maybe i'm doing something wrong, eh?
Brain matter deposited by: mr. helpful on May 24, 2004 10:42 PM
That is very cool. I wish I had some creative talent.
Brain matter deposited by: paul on May 25, 2004 3:09 PM
Greg! LTNS! Where have you been? I've been feeling so helpless without you around! :-)
Kat - thank you!
Paul - I'm sure you're good at other, more interesting things. (wink, wink)
Brain matter deposited by: Cindy on May 26, 2004 12:43 AM
I'm wondering what zed's friend eats to produce coloured gass? Sorry, I'll get my coat...
Brain matter deposited by: Daisy on May 26, 2004 5:10 AM
Beautiful table btw, it's making me itch to have a go too.
Brain matter deposited by: Daisy on May 26, 2004 5:10 AM
Love it!
I have a table here that I need to strip and do something with. Maybe tiles??? You can help when you come visit. HINT HINT HINT
Brain matter deposited by: Da Goddess on May 27, 2004 2:22 AM
Very nice!!!
Brain matter deposited by: Ted on May 27, 2004 9:47 PM