The Cow Jumped Over the Moon

Had to come back and include a closeup. Left-click once on the picture to enlarge.

Space Mosaic Done

Three panels, totaling 7 ft x 2 ft. (Left-click on pic for a larger view.)

Space mosaic - WIP 6-11-11

(left-click on image to enlarge and then left-click again to enlarge further)

Here's what I have on mesh and ready to install, an area about 2.5' x 3'. I estimate that I have about half a cow's worth right now, and next I plan to work on the Earth, Mars, Saturn, and a large comet.

To explain how these pieces will be used: A mosaic on mesh can be trimmed into any shape that's needed. Right now these pieces are 12"x12" squares, but the goal is that, after installation, there will be no hint of individual squares, but rather, the mosaic will be blended into one harmonious whole. A mosaic on mesh can be installed on a flat surface, or onto a moderately curved surface, such as the body of a fiberglass cow for the CowParade. I am toying with the idea of several separate pieces, such as a triptych, and what I am really interested in is stretched canvas, in the shape of 3 triangles, each framed with black metal.

Hand-poured stained glass, Swarovski crystals, vintage costume jewelry, glass beads, pearls, 24K plate rims, pique assiette

Glass Tumbling for mosaic project

Today I began tumbling glass for the big outer space mosaic project. I have cut round shapes for planets and ground the edges smooth. I nipped bits of glass and 24K plate rims using Leponitt glass nippers. I loaded one barrel and tumbled the glass for 35 minutes. It came out great, shiny with smooth edges. I was concerned about the iridescent glass and the 24K gold-plated porcelain but it was fine. This first load was a test. I loaded up another barrel and started it, noting the time. I got busy with supper and granddaughters, etc., and suddenly realized that the tumbler had been going for almost an hour. I dropped everything and ran out to rescue the glass. It was still in good shape; the iridescence was still there and so was the gold.

These pieces will be used to mosaic galaxies and nebulas and comet tails. I decided today that I will write a Hubpage giving detailed instructions on how to tumble stained glass. When I publish it, I will come back here and post the link. I am having a great time, putting together all the tess for this large and wonderful project!

Still haven't heard from the CowParade, but if my design is not selected, I will use all these pieces in a large wall hanging with the same theme. So either way, I am anxious to get started!

Purple mosaic guitar, bumped up

Favorite of my mosaic guitars; looking at it makes me want to do another one. The textured stained glass, stars, the wings, the dichroic strings ... a few of my favorite things. I am waiting to hear that my cow design is approved. I have started cutting circles of stained glass to represent the planets and today I am creating the comet's tail on mosaic mesh. I ordered 40 sheets of mesh last week, enough to cover a life-sized cow. I love the fabulous look of outer space and I recommend the link to the Ministry of Space Exploration at the right -- fantastic photographs and a mind-boggling video called Epic Voyage Through the Universe.