mud pies and more weekend goodness

We had a busy weekend, full of fun. Saturday morning started with the last of my mosaic classes, and the class was devoted to grouting our finished projects. The grouting process was probably the most fun, and was a lot like making mud pies as a kid! Although we haven't had great sunshine for a couple of days, I attempted a photo of the grouted mosaic:

and here's a close-up of the letters:

I don't know how well you'll be able to tell in the photo, but there is quite a bit of irridescent glass that gives it a luminous quality. My only complaint about the mosaic is that there isn't enough contrast between the pink background and the yellow and white leaves. I couldn't find any "bubble gum" pink glass locally, and had to settle for relatively pastel pinks. Like quilting, contrast and value are pretty important for mosaics. But, despite my criticisms, I'm still pretty happy with it as my first mosaic.

After class, we went to a birthday party for Grace, and friend of Brynne's. They had rented a jumper for the kids, and Brynne had a blast:

Grace's grandmother is quite an amazing cake decorater, and she made this great lion cake (also see cupcakes to the left):

We got home after the party and I was thrilled to have a package from Fiona in my mailbox! She sent this lovely assortment of fabrics, vintage buttons, yummy Swiss chocolate, and the latest Donna Hay magazine!

Thanks Fiona! I love it all!

Comments

[Hanna]

I love that mosaic. Sooo beautiful!

[amy k.]

score!

[bellablue]

Wow! Your mosaic is completely lovely! I've wanted to do that for years but have never found the right moment... how cool that you can take a class!

[hannah]

your mosaic is so cool! i think the letters turned out spectacular, and i love that you wanted bubble gum pink glass. too cool. i wonder how much it costs to rent one of those jumper things, because it would be a surefire way to keep eliot busy for a solid hour! brynne loves it! very scrumptious package of goodies indeed!

[Jan]

Lovely mosaic. Have you seen Kaffe Fassett's mosaic book? It is quite an inspiration, for any type of multicolored craft.
And I totally agree with your statement re: contrast and value. Highly underrated but, in my opinion, usually the determining factor in most successful multicolor pieces.

[amanda]

Your mosaic is just lovely! I was thinking of that the other day, and wondering how your class was going. I'm sure it will be so beautiful hung in your home! Do you think you'll do more?

[Camilla Engman]

Beautiful mosaic! I love the pinks.

[elizabeth]

oooooh, your mosiac is gorgeous! i luv the color combination and you can so tell that some of the glass is irredescent! great job!!

great mail day too! that magazine, is it locally (from the sender) type of magazine? i've never heard of it before and from what i can see it looks very real simple/martha stewart (which is right up my alley ;)

[Lily]

Gosh your mosiac is beautiful! i always wanted to make one too! i love your stuffed peach too that is the cutest thing i've ever seen, wanna swap? i have some vintage buttons, lace, trim, fabric and or knitting needles, let me know!

[Melanie]

The mosaic is beautiful!

[Maggie Cotant]

That is a beautiful mosaic! I do know what you mean about finishing and feeling like there should be more contrast but I think yours is just right-the iridescence of the pink has yellow in it that may make for less contrast but it also has the colors playing off one another. It's really fabulous. Bubblegum pink is a tough color. Try mosaicsmalti.com-though the only glass they have is tiles but the pink smalti is beautiful and you have lots of pinks to choose from. Again, I just love this...one of those pieces I see that gives me ideas and inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
Maggie