Supplies

Thus far, I would say the biggest challenge to starting this whole thing is obtaining the supplies. Everyone has a different opinion on what you need and trying to sort through that is a bit daunting. Once you figure out what you need, you must also find the places to get said supplies. Living in the big city that I do, I was hoping for a one-stop shop for the basics (grout, tile nippers, etc.), but it was not to be. Thus far I have been to three Ace Hardware stores (each store tends to carry different items based on demographics), Michael's, Goodwill and Target. I've finally got everything I think I need, except for those handy wooden paint stirrers for the grout. Hopefully Home Depot will be awesome and hand over a load for free.

Since there isn't a "perfect" list of everything you'll need and want, its going to be a game of finding what works best. Should be fun!

Grandmother's Urn

After doing a few practice pieces, my first real mosaic is going to be making an urn for my grandmother. She died in 2000 and my mom has been carrying her ashes around ever since in a plain, boring box. I've already found the container and I am in the process of finding some odds and ends I want to put on it.

Her favorite color was red, so that will be the color theme. I need to find some china or something with roses on them. There will be parts of crochet hooks (one of her favorite hobbies) and some other stones, etc. representing her life in Mississippi and Minnesota.

I'd really like to put a photo of her on there. I wonder if one of those clear frames that go on refrigerators would work? Obviously it'd depend on the size and thickness.

In the Beginning

Welcome. First, a little about myself; my name is Lisa, I am married to a wonderful guy and have two lovely children. Between the whole mother-wife bit, I am sometimes an individual. These times are slim and rare, but I take them when ever possible.

In order to get a little more "me" time in and to get some semblance of creativity back in my life, I decided to start mosaicing (you'll have to excuse me if I make up any words, I find it a wonderful past time). The reason I chose this particular craft is because I love, love mosaics and collages. I like seeing little things make a bigger picture or pattern. It makes me happy. I used to make my own collages back in the day and recall it being an excellent creative outlet.

This blog is going to be the record on my newfound art; the place where my motivation is listed, ideas for projects, work-in-progress updates and photos (assuming I can get our camera working), and hopefully finished works! All I ask for is a little patience and some guidance if you have it. I'm most definitely a beginner here and this will be a learning process.

Wish me luck!