catch up time

Time to catch up on the last year or so. Mosaic installed and grouted but awaiting finishing touches plus frame around it. aaaaaaa9The blueness in the photos is just reflected colour). Have been knitting and gardening more than anything and managed a jumper for Greg's birthday. I now have the knitting bug! Have also found the perfect partner for Pulcinella Coffee Pot...Red Hot Chilli Girl...you have to agree Nik, she sure fits the bill!!

Rainy days and Sundays!

It's been a while since I added to my mosaic, but it's getting there! I laid out the various panels on the hearth just to make sure it's all going to match up and voila! I'll hopefully get it finished this year!

close up of cicada where I've introduced some subtle colour - fiddly but fun

mosaic progress

Rained in! out of coffee and out of white tiles so no further progress beyond what you see!

Bird of Paradise

It's been a while coming but at last the new project takes shape. The hearth. After viewing all those amazing mosaics in Italy in July I'm trying to blend traditional style with contemporary design and here's the effort thus far. I have to make it in sections as the fireplace makes it a tad difficult!




Phase 1: the bird









Filling in the surrounds










Detail of bird













The right hand side (backside - the bird will face the stove) of the hearth. Now for the otherside! the middle bit is simple - just border and white. I have to work out how best to place a cicada and a bee. I thought of a March fly, leech or a bush turkey but refuse to give them such status!!!!

and here's one of my dear green friends watching me hang up the washing!!

Finally completed and installed. Note the smug look on the face of the best dressed pig, Valentina, on earth!!!
Now for the next project. looks like being an ambitious one!

The grouting: the seat's really starting to take shape!

et voila!!! so thrilled by the final result, but in between time managed to create a little something to take to Nik for her birthday