My Ocean Awareness Project...A river of trash

The design for my mosaic began with the idea of how all of this trash travels to the ocean. 

I grouped the plastics into color groups first and then into a flowing river pattern.  Trash can travel hundreds of miles from inland cities.  This is something that I think most people don't even think about as they toss something into the gutter.

I had originally used white at the end of my river, but as you can see in the next photo I left it out. I'm saving the white plastics along with any others I gather for future mosaics.

My favorite part of the river is the broken sunglasses. By using my "signature eyes" behind the lenses I think it adds a bit of whimsy...which if you know me...I love!

The background will be filled with various shades of blue tessarae to make up my ocean. I'm currently waiting for a custom ceramic piece to arrive for the "Save Our Oceans".  I can't wait to get back to work on it!

Breaking Free...the finished piece

"Breaking Free" is my own personal mosaic that I made during the summer as my life took a major turn.  Each piece of tessarae has a story behind it and the "marriage" of all the broken bits join together to become one piece of art that now hangs in my studio. As a mosaic artist I'm used to putting things together in a new way...so  now I will work on putting the broken pieces of my life back together and like mosaic art I hope it will be beautiful :)

My Work In Progress "Breaking Free"

It's a big year of change for me...my heart and soul went into this piece. I'll be adding more chains to my heart...some broken, some still attached. Moving on to the next phase of my life, where my heart will be surrounded with bright happiness, peace and joy! I'll post pics after grouting.

Indie Artists Unite to Help Haiti

Hearing about the devastation from the earthquake in Haiti, broke my heart. I wanted to help. Etsy sellers tend to have big hearts and I wasn't surprised to find "Hearts For Haiti" opening shop soon after. This is a collective of donated items from hundreds of Etsy shops to raise money to rebuild Haiti. 100% of the proceeds go directly to Doctors Without Borders

I have donated my mosaic heart, you can purchase it here on Etsy..."Hearts for Haiti".

To date...in only four days, this shop has raised over $3,000!

If you would like to help, please visit this shop and purchase a wonderful handmade item. Shipping is free (all sellers will take care of this for you). New items are constantly being added, so check back often to find a lovely item for you, while helping Haiti recover from this horrific event.

Turning trash into art

I am not a wasteful person, I try my best to keep my regular trash can empty and my recycle can full. My eco-awareness spills over into my art. If I can find a way to make something new, you can bet I will.

Remember Iris, the old broken clock? Or her offspring...who used to be croquet balls?
My latest art pieces both are an example of upcycling.

"Freckled Legs" came from an old 70's coffee table I found one day while driving down the street. The top couldn't be saved but I salvaged all four legs. A bit of sanding and filling in the holes where the screws once were and they were on their way to a new life. A few coats of black paint finished off with white "freckles" and voila! At the moment they look stunning on my mantle but if you really want them visit my etsy shop they're for sale!
"Thirsty" came from my collection of plastic beverage lids I had started awhile back. I played around with different ideas and designs and decided to go with a simple pattern with a black grout. As one twiiter friend described as "not pop art, but lid art"!
"Thirsty" would look really cool in a modern decor, it's also for sale in my shop.
What's next??? The kids are soon back in school so I'll have more time to create new things in my studio...stay tuned!

Palm Trees grow in Georgia

I've been making mosaic Aloha signs for quite awhile and am always searching for the perfect focal piece. Last summer I received a surprise gift package in the mail from Atlanta. I love surprises and was thrilled to find the box full of beautiful "California inspired" ceramic focal pieces! You may wonder who is the artist behind the palm trees and surfboards?





My Etsy friend and fellow mosaic artist Kathleen of Artsyhandpaints. Here is my first finished piece using her "Georgia-grown" palm tree. I can't wait to get started with the rest of them! If you are looking for the perfect focal for your next mosaic, head over to Kathleen's shop where you'll find these beautiful handpainted flowers!

Spreading my wings

Spring has a certain energy about it...time for new life in the animal kingdom, new blossoms in the garden and a new shop for me! I've been eyeing 1000 markets for awhile and have been thinking about putting my art in another handmade venue. I adore Etsy and love being a part of it but sometimes I feel that my shop gets lost in the crowd. 1000 markets has a different feel to it, like a small town vs. a large city. Each individual market is unique and original. The photo layout is nice on the eyes, and the people are welcoming. One of my favorite features is "the wall" where you can post comments. I also have a blog in my shop where I'll be posting, so take a stroll on over and say hello!

Thank you kindly neighbor!

Mosaic Kitty
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

While driving down the street a few months ago I noticed this wooden cat dish holder sitting next to someone's trash cans. I drove past a few times that day and finally decided that I really needed to rescue it. I'm so glad that I did and I wanted to send out a big thank-you to the unknown neighbor that had a second thought about discarding this into their trash. So next time you have some old junk that you think has no use whatsover, please set it on the curb on trash day...there may just be a mosaic artist lurking in your neighborhood who would love to have your junk for their next project!

Hearts!

I'm usually a last minute person but this year I've decided to be a bit more organized so I'm making fun new things for Valentine's Day! I'm so proud of myself!

Here's my latest heart titled, "Our Love is Not Black and White".

Here's just one of the many heart cards I've added to my new shop, smashgirl cards. I love finding interesting and pretty colors in old magazines.

Now, I must try to be organized in all aspects of my life!

What's new in the smashgirl studio?

My Bahama Bowl sold as I was listing my new Bali Bowl. The bowl was a garage sale find, I just added a touch of drama to it using these beautiful floral plates and finished it off with black grout.

Mega Rock Star is the plus-size version of my little rock star. I love working with rocks and pebbles! Sea Star is a mini-star embellished with sea glass, some pieces gathered this summer from the beaches of San Clemente!

Bubblegum is a fun wavy vase covered in clear and colored glass gems.

What's next? A few new things for Valentine's Day!

Table Transformations

I'm driving down the street through my neighborhood and out of the corner of my eye I see it...that old discarded table sitting on the curb. Quickly I pop the trunk and send my kids out to heave it into my car...and as I head for home I start thinking of the makeover this table will receive. A little sanding...some paint...and of course a mosaic on the top will make it beautiful!

The thing that attracts me the most about a table are it's legs. I love the funky shapes and styles from the 70's. My recent find had really attractive legs but the table itself was beyond repair. I decided to take the legs and use them for my next project. So I'd like to thank everyone who leaves their old junky tables next to...not inside...their trash cans. You are a mosaic artist's best friend!

Eye have an idea...

WIP
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

I dug into the 129 eyes that Jennifer sent me and have started working on the offspring of Iris (my Why mosaic). I grabbed some old croquet balls that were headed to the trash and had an "aha" moment. They were just perfect for my new creations! This is my first one, I've named him Ivan. In the works are his siblings, Ivy, Issac, Irene, and Ida. Time to rub some grout in my eyes...eye'll be posting finished pictures soon!

I think I hear the Ice Cream Man!

One of my fondest childhood memories of summer is that magical tinny sound of "Pop Goes the Weasel" coming around the corner. My brother and I would dash through the screen door at lightening speed to shake out some change from my Mom. Our biggest fear was that no kids on our street would flag him down and we'd run outside only to see the back of his truck turning the corner. It seemed like the end of the world as kids!

These days my neighborhood has no stickered singing trucks driving through and I feel a little sad for my kids that they don't get to enjoy the thrill of the Ice Cream Man. Where did he go? Did he trade in his truck and start working at Cold Stone? Maybe the price of gas shut down his business? Does he still come to your neighborhood?

Perfect for a Mermaid

The Mermaid Mirror
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

Living in California near the beach certainly inspires me. Seashells are so beautiful so I thought that I'd use them for my first mosaic mirror. I used a layered style and set the shells on top of one another. I really love the feminity that the shells create. The Mermaid Mirror is currently for sale in my Etsy shop. More shell creations coming soon!

Don't miss the "Yart Sale" going on now until Friday June 20th. Selected mosaics are 20% off and I have a special "10 Dollar Sale" section also. Search "Yart Sale" on Etsy for all participating shops!

The Story of Stella

You'd think it would be easy being "The Lady in Red". You're beautiful, people stare at you, and someone even wrote a song about you. What could be wrong? Why is "The Lady in Red" so depressed and drinking alone in a bar? Stella(her real name)can never get away with wearing any other colors. The paparazzi would have a field day if she was seen in the grocery store wearing blue! Men are afraid to even approach her and ask her out for a date. Life can be pretty lonely when you are a legend...will Stella ever meet her man?

Will Stella go home with Stan and live happily ever after, or will Stan and Stella both go home alone? Well it's up to the buyers in my Etsy shop...will they buy one or both???

To be continued...

The Story of Stan

The End of the Day
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

The End of the Day

Stan seems to have it all. He's a successful business man living the good life, or so it seems. He lives in a beautiful penthouse full of only the best things. He's charming and a snappy dresser. At the end of the day, he ends up here drinking alone. Then he goes home each night to an empty place. Something's missing from his seemingly perfect life. Stan needs love. Will Stan find the right woman to fill the empty void?

To be continued...

Work in Progress

Wip of the parisian clock
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

This is turning out even better than I had envisioned! I'm bringing out the funky side of me. I've finished adhering all of the pieces and now it's time to grout! Stay tuned for the finished pictures!

Cupcakes!

Kyle's cupcake
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

My cupcake mosaics are now featured in Cupcakes a go-go's gallery and gift shop in Sarasota, Florida. If you're a cupcake lover and live near here then you should visit Lorrie and tell her smashgirl sent you! She makes custom "real" cupcakes and is quite an aritist!

http://www.cupcakesago-go.com/

More Aloha

Finally finished!
I like the way it turned out and love the texture that the seashells add!

My addiction

Recent donations to smashgirl
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

Being a mosaic artist is a little like having an addiction,...you can never get enough dishes! My family and friends always think twice before throwing out that chipped mug or broken plate. They walk into my house with a cardboard box and my little "plate senses" perk up. What will be in the box this time? They hand over the stash and I feel like I just hit the Mega Jackpot in Vegas. If you're reading this and are a mosaic artist yourself then you'll understand. It's an addiction rarely discussed. I need help...need intervention for my plate obsession...I'm a plate junkie looking for her next fix...what do you have for me?