Experimenting with mosaics

While brainstorming for my real big project (eventually the tree) I started playing around with buttons. I was just going to test out the glue and grout. While making my design, which turned out to be a rainbow I decided to make it a mini project. I got a glass candle holder from home and decided to glue the buttons on the exterior all the way around. It turned out to be very easy and the glue worked very well. When I finished I thought about grouting, I mixed a small amount of white grout. However I found I couldn't get the right consistency, it was either too chalky or thin. I decided not to grout for the fear of ruining my project. It also seemed unnecessary due to the fact that the holes were very small and the glue was already white. 

First stages of mosaics

I set a small outline for my trunk and left the rest of the board bare, ready for experimenting. I enjoyed using the stain glass and found it very easy to work with, it was easy to break. At first I started off with mostly green leafs and then started to add colour. I found the tree to pop more and look fuller. Then using the white backs of old plates I filled in the space below the tree. I was thinking about doing mirror instead but, I thought it would take away from the tree, which I wanted to be the focal point. 

Mosaic thought process

I ended up going with neither of my ideas from Pinterest (world,flower,and castle). I came to the conclusion that I would need too many square and straight cut pieces. I didn't think I had the tools or time to do this, so I started looking for more ideas. I ended up getting inspiration from Pinterest once again with a tree design. I thought about how I could make it my own and what materials I would need, and if they would be available. I found old plates I could use at first but, after seeing the stain glass mrs.rose brought in I thought it would be better. Most pieces had vibrant colours, some even textures. I then found a square piece of board I could use to put the mosaic on. After gathering all my materials and made my plan I began to experiment.