Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Candles, stained glass mosaic wall hanging

First, a framed print from a thrift shop. I removed the back and discarded the print and replaced the mat and the backing using a tool that shoots points into the frame. I used GE Silicone 2 clear for windows and doors and working from the front, I siliconed the glass to the frame. Next, I will mosaic directly to the glass, again using the silicone as an adhesive, then grout, then seal, and voila, I will have a piece that is already framed and has a hangar on the back. I am using some of the special Vancouver, WA glass for the candles and background, and a translucent vitreous glass tile nipped into halves for the blue border. Right now, I am tumbling all the glass and tile for about 45 minutes in the rock tumbler, just to smooth the sharp edges a bit. I will probably use pale brown grout and will probably paint over it with metallic paints.



5 comments:

Helen said...

This looks like it will be really good. I'll be watching to see how it turns out. You have inspired me to start working with glass instead of broken dishes for a while. I'm curious, you say you put the pieces in a tumbler...do you cut out everything and then tumble and then have to find the spots for them again? I have noticed the practice pieces I've done so far are kinda sharp. Thanks for the inspiration!

Unknown said...

Yes, Helen, I cut them all out and put them in the tumbler and then have to figure out how to place them! Just 45 minutes to an hour takes off the sharp edges. You can tumble things for days if you want to; it gives a different identity to the tesserae. For instance, you can have a piece of stained glass that has streaks and swirls and after being tumbled for days, it has a matte finish and looks like stone. Fun to play around with!

Helen said...

Ok I'm going to have to get a tumbler or some other way to file down the edges. This will be a whole different way of working for me. How do you ever remember where they go? I suppose you could take digital photos and keep track that way. This will be interesting!

cconz said...

What a Great idea. I'll have to keep checking in on the results. Maybe give it a try myself. Thanks for the new idea.

Lori R. said...

Love this art! I have done several pieces this way, but I grind each piece as opposed to tumbling. I have so much fun with it! thanks for sharing and can't wait to see the final piece.