Irene

Meet Irene...my latest eyeball mosaic. She currently sits atop my mantel awaiting adoption. To learn more about her visit my Etsy shop!

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!

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!

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!

My Upcycled Studio Space

My studio
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

When I first started making mosaics I used to use my kitchen table. As my supplies multiplied I really needed a space of my own. Tucked away in my garage I've managed to carve out a niche for myself. In California garage space is at a premium, we have no basements and outdoor toys such as surfboards( 7 or so), sports equipment, (two active boys), bikes, and the laundry area are all crammed into one spot!
I'm very proud to say that everything in my studio has been made from recycled materials. The main storage unit with the drawers started out as an old hand-me-down dresser that my husband had in his apartment when he was single. When I had our first son, he painted it to match the baby's room and we used it for both of the boys. It now houses plates, nippers, glue, and many other things I use all in one spot.
The drop down work area was once a desk top in my son's room. We used door hinges from our old front door so it can be pushed up and out of the way when I'm not using it.
That big comfy black office chair belonged to someone in the neighborhood and was sitting out on the curb calling out my name!
Look closely and you'll see my "The End of the Day" mosaic while it was a work in progress. Some day when my kids go off to college I'll move my studio into the house, but for now this is a great spot!
Click here for a more detailed picture!

Why did I name this Why?

The name simply comes from the shop in Paris where it was bought! A funky little gift shop in Les Forums De Halles. A must visit shop if you go there!

Another Tie for Father's Day?

Recycled Tie Art
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

Sometimes all I need to do is look in my closet for inspiration! With Father's Day around the corner my shop was lacking any masculinity. I needed to make something manly! Several years back, my husband had to wear a tie to work each day. Then his company adopted Friday Casual Day. He was thrilled! A few years after that, it turned into casual week. So I've had this frame that I've wanted to do something with and I asked him if I could have a few of his ties for my next art project. He generously said, " Sure, take what you want"! I picked my 4 favorite ones and started cutting away. What will I get my husband for Father's Day? Well, it won't be a tie!

Headed to the trash?

Headed to the trash?
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

No way!!! My son bought this clock in a Paris gift shop a few years back. The hands have fallen out and the clock no longer works. This is now my next mosaic project. I love the modern design and shape! I'll be posting wip pictures soon!