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- art & mindfulness
- Art philisophy & debate
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- Artful Living
- Artful resources & links
- Arty crafty tutorials & ideas
- Celebrating
- Community mosaics
- Creating & nurturing community
- Creative blogging
- Deep thoughts & reflections
- Developing as an artist
- For aspiring artists & creatives
- Home rhythms & organising
- Lists and Links
- Loving nature & the planet
- Make mosaics with children
- Meaningful rituals for soul-full life
- Mosaic debates & controversy
- Mosaic exhibitions
- Mosaic Loving
- Mosaic materials & tools
- Mosaic resources & links
- Mosaic supplies
- Mosaic tips 'n tricks - beginners
- Mosaic tips 'n' tricks - advanced
- Mosaics by others
- My mosaic workshops in action
- My mosaics: made & in the making
- Noteworthy artists & art events
- Nurturing creativity in children
- Online Courses
- Others workshops & e-courses
- Press & publicity
- Recycling in mosaics
- Relaxation for a tired soul
- Soulful family life
- Soulful Life
- Soulful quotes
- Soulful resources & links
- Studio lovin' & organisation
- Stuff about me
- Transforming life
- Uncategorized
Behind the Glass
An online exhibition of the inner world of mosaic artists Scroll below to see this online version of the original exhibition (held at The Sound …
Mindfulness and mosaics…a beautiful partnership
The thinking (with head and heart) and preparing is done. The class is full. The first Mindful Mosaics class is in full flow. And… …loving …
The art of noticing
There is a connection between art making and the development of our capacity to be aware, awake to detail and present in our everyday lives. …
Starting out…inspirations
Friends, Finally, after an 18 month break while I undertook my MSc at King’s College London, my classes are starting again! I’m picking up …
What’s in a year?
Friends, A whole year has passed – one whole lap around the sun – since I last wrote. In 14 years since I began writing …
Behind the Glass online is live!
Thanks for all the wonderful submissions to the online exhibition… Behind the Glass : the inner world of mosaic artists A wonderful array of work …
‘Behind the glass’ mosaic exhibition: call for submissions
Behind the glass: the inner world of mosaic artists We live in a time of art and craft revival, where people are re-discovering the …
Possibility…
I started a thread of inspiring quotes a while back. Time to resume with this nugget… If I were to wish for anything I …
Large mosaic wall emerging…
This is a repost from nearly a year ago with an update because… …drum roll… …I finally started sticking the mosaic to the wall (*takes …
Mosaic & mindfulness nuggets (1)
Regular readers of this blog will be aware of my journey in bringing together art, mosaics and mindfulness as tools for well being and recovery… …
Returning to study…what about you?
August is in full swing and soon… …the new academic term will be with us. This threshold was always one I savoured as a child …
How much fun can you have..?
(This is a re-post as I just re-read it and it makes me smile!!) Or asked another way, how much fun do you allow yourself …
Work in progress…
This is a very precious piece, based on a drawing made for me when I was a little girl, by a cousin who meant the …
A new mosaic and some thoughts about the web…
Hi friends, Here is one of my latest mosaics – a small one of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, where I ran some mosaic workshops …
Flowers
Me and my girl… a spontaneous mosaic making activity today… I let her be in charge – colours, shapes of petals and where each flower …
Newness…
A new month…and I love April! Yesterday at our allotment, we were greeted by fruit trees in blossom. We bought home some branches from our …
Mosaic gatherings
It was this little idea that I had many months ago, to gather students I have met through my Glittering Shards mosaic workshops and classes. …
Therapuetic mosaics – an invitation to you…
I have mused for years about why mosaic making is so therapeutic an art form. Having recently undertaken the process of applying for a Masters …
News…on mosaics, art, mindfulness and neuroscience…(phew!)
Hi folks Excuse the little blog silence – half-term holidays kicked in and those quiet moments for blog writing have been filled with the sound …
Elaine Goodwin’s new mosaic exhibition
The contrast with the biting cold January evening was apt. I stepped out of the bustling London street into the gallery space filled with Elaine …
New online learning opportunities
Hi Friends, I have been a busy little bee, creating a range of online learning opportunities for people who want to start or deepen …
My mosaic work at super fast speed!
Happy New Year Friends! I am sure many of you are having a good old sort out to start the year. So far, I …
Mosaic stars
Take some air drying clay, a rolling pin and a cookie cutter… Add some gold paint…. Then some PVA glue and blingy glass, glittery …
A mosaic feast in the North of Italy – part 2
In this second installment of my mosaic tour of Friuli (part one here) I have a treat for you Roman mosaic lovers… Aquileia, the most …
A mosaic feast in the North of Italy
With the cold beginning to nip our fingers and toes, it feels good to remember the summer holidays which for me included a ten day …
My mosaic studio…
For the last 7 years, this has been my creative haven, my workplace, a learning space for hundreds of students, a refuge of relaxation away …
Mosaics, art and the brain…my journey so far.
Ok folks…look above and you will see that there are two new tabs on the main menu of Glittering Shards. Firstly, “Art & the Brain” …
Mosaics at the Garden of Discovery
Myself and one of the lovely people I have trained in mosaics, Kirsteen, have been working this spring and summer with Spilimbergo graduate, Michela Ippoliti, …
The post summer glow…
The summer has come and gone. For me, it was a time for a slower pace, for family, relaxation, a bit of house sorting …
A mosaic motherhood moment
My girl is growing so fast. I love her creativity. She knows what she wants to make, what colours she likes together. She goes with …
Mosaic Garden of Discovery…prelude!
I am going to be a mosaic tease… The Glittering Shards gang has been filling a community garden with mosaic all spring and it is …
Looking forward…
Its been such a rich time, friends. One of those periods where you put everything you are doing on the table, examine and ponder. It …
Mosaics connecting us all
For years, I have had the idea to use mosaic as a way of nurturing a feeling of community and belonging. I feel passionately that …
Our beautiful allotment in full bloom…
It’s been a labour of love for the last 3 years, but oh so worth it. This little patch of land has given us so …
The next big mosaic project…
This is an exciting one…unleashing my inner child in the creation of a mosaic fairy garden on a large outdoor wall…glee! Here is where it …
Some pics of what’s going on…
Soon… Soon there will be space to write… For now, some mosaic pictures… few words (maybe that’s ok?!) of all that is going on round …
In the garden with mosaic friends
A week with the family in beautiful Scotland with cherry on the cake visit to Katy Galbraith’s exhibition, In The Garden With Friends, at The …
The other love of my life…
Sweet children and dear husband aside, my love of mosaic walks hand in hand with my love of the soil – and for the last …
A new mosaic world in London
The labour of mosaic love of the last few weeks is almost almost finished – just the installation and final pieces to be stuck and …
What is our work about?
(Some re-posts of my favourite past posts for new readers…life is busy – good, mosaic, creative busy – and the pics will come soon…) I …
New mosaic publications hot off the press…
A nice thud landed on my doormat this week, a double edition from BAMM (the British mosaic association) with lots of lovely mosaic eye candy, …
Soulful quotes: what are you being today?
“People should not worry as much about what they do but rather about what they are.” Meister Eckhart I wanted to remind myself of this…one …
On my bedside table…
…a few of the things by my bedside table of late… Fascinating, well researched and totally compelling – The Brain That Changes Itself …
Mosaic art by a whole community!
The Mosaic Kite trail has got its wings! It’s an idea I had years ago – to start a mosaic trail that becomes a map …
Mosaic tree radio interview!
Hi Folks Thanks to the lovely Mel Burnell at Artists Info for this radio interview. The Cultural Review Show produces audio programmes that mix music …
Mosaic toucan or butterfly anyone?
We were walking home from school one day when my son announced “I would like to make a mosaic toucan for my room mummy!”. “A …
New Mosaic Drop-in classes start February!
Do you want to get started on a new mosaic – be that your first or your 50th? Want some support on a mosaic you …
Mosaic workshops and chimneys…
Exciting times here at Glittering Shards HQ! Teaching others mosaics is one of my loves…and 2014 is the year when I am dedicated to developing …
May I introduce you..?
…to our little Misty! He joined us in November and is just the sweetest addition to our family. He even joins in my mosaic courses, …
A Christmas Angel…
An angel to bring you wishes of… peace joy love laughter Merry Christmas from …
New Mosaic Art (part 3)
Getting Christmassy now..! Mosaic Lantern large lantern for sale With a touch of the Mondrian…
New Mosaic Art (part 2)
Recently off the mosaic makers bench… “Tweet Tweet!” 30 x 40 cm – for sale Indulging my love of silhouette… And playing with a crazy …
New mosaic art (part 1)
Mosaic art that has been rolling of the Glittering Shards mosaic bench of late. I shall post more pics of new mosaics this week… “LOVE” …
What’s going on…
Life has been going at a pace here in South London…a pace that I am not particularly fond of. All good things, just that …
Learning mosaics and winning awards!
Hi folks! Its been a great few weeks here at Glittering Shards. A fantastic commission to restore a beautiful and historic mosaic fireplace made …
Mosaic of Morocco
A few weeks ago, I was invited by one of the worlds oldest travel agencies, Cox and Kings, to be part of a group of …
Being….
I am trying to take some moments to just ‘be’ in the middle of all the busyness…this week I have been working on my piece …
The making of the Topps Mosaic Tree
Ahhh.. the wonders of technology! I prepared a presentation of how the Topps Mosaic Tree was made, to show to people who came to the …
Topps Mosaic Tree Launched!
Here it is! The huge feature wall mosaic is now in its home in the Topps Tiles HQ in Leicester. It was wonderful to see …
Do you want to experiment with art…?
Firstly, a big thanks to all of you who commented on the blog and on FB with feedback on the Topps Tree. It is always …
The wonderful Topps Tiles Mosaic Tree!
It starts with a possibility… …a concept…celebration, growth, the passing of time, establishing roots, a support system, growth bursting out, celebrating the beauty and history …
Nek Chand’s mosaic world in London!
I always tell people who come on my mosaic workshops about the wonderful work and world of Nek Chand. His work appeals to me for …
Sneak preview…
Friends… …not enough time for words…working all hours, every weekend for the last 5 weeks, on a very large commission… …so I shall rely on …
Mosaic for a Global Talent Search…
Hi Folks Sooooo much going on here…I am knee deep in an enourmous commission that is totally exciting …will share more pics soon… In the …
Mosaics in the fast lane…
Folks, I feel like a neglectful blog mummy…its the longest gap in blogging since having children (and I promise I haven’t been..!) There has been …
Art, community and belonging
For ages I have had this idea of using mosaics as a way of promoting a sense of community and belonging… The idea has rumbled …
Happiness is…
I said to Toby “The recipe says knead the dough for 10 minutes”. And so he did… …humming to himself for the whole time. Now …
Meet Tink!
Once you have had a gap of pet-loveliness carved into your household, it is hard to leave it empty for too long… Meet our little …
Mosaic garden scuplture
Have I shown you this? It is the first of a a range of 3d pieces that I have had in my mind to do …
Mosaic in the bloggy silence
Hello friends an unusually long blog gap for me – Easter holidays combined with a stream of wonderful visitors and house guests meant that blogging …
Mosaic feelings & a little competition…
One of the things I teach in my class is to embody feeling in your mosaic. Of course, you do this partly by your choice …
Make mosaic eggs and crosses
We have been enjoying making these little mosaic beauties to celebrate Easter (mummy has been using her two little ones as guinea pigs for the …
Mosaic adventures
Running my mosaic classes and workshops is so fulfilling – watching people discover this amazing art form and their own creativity within the four walls …
How to spot a mosaic artist…
You know you are a mosaic artist when you find bits of broken tile in your clothes at night… You know you are a mosaic …
Make an at-a-glance planner for sowing and planting!
It is our second year of being allotment holders. Any of you who are veg growers will know that its time… Time to get the …
Living from your heart? A gift for you…
Look what landed in my inbox this morning! This free e-book, put together by the lovely Louise Gale as part of the heART …
Paper mosaic heart (or whatever takes your fancy!)
Paper mosaic making is a great activity for children and grown-up’s alike. I just did it with a group of 30 adults at Crafty Pint …
Learning mosaics – workshops in action!
Goodness, I have just checked and its been 9 months since I did a round up of my students’ mosaic art work. So its about …
How to see the world…
How lovely to stumble upon inspiration from my children’s favourite authors (both book sets were happily received for Christmas !) “Watch with glittering eyes the …
Inspiring women create community mosaic exhibition
I have just finished a wonderful 4 week series of mosaic workshops, teaching a group of total beginners, in the “jump straight in and mosaic” …
Art giveway winner (and some little goings on)
Thank you all of the many people who entered Experimental Art E-Course Giveaway! The winner was selected using a random number generator and number 33 …
Art E-Course giveaway!
Hello friends! My blog buddy, Amelia, runs an exciting Experimental Art e-course that you can take part in wherever you are in the world, …
Mosaic making galore…
Life (and blogging) has been interrupted somewhat by our kitchen-dining room (where we spend most our time) being out of use for two weeks, at …
Mosaic lights and candles…
It’s that time of year… Time for candles, light in the darkness, snuggling in, warm and cosy. Better to light a candle than to curse …
British Mosaic Forum in London
The annual day out for British Mosaic Art last weekend, held at the exquisite V&A in London proved to be a veritable feast for the …
Lists & Links – supplies for mosaic artists & lovers…
This is the first of several new pages that will pool resources and ideas for mosaic artists and makers, creative living enthusiasts and and lovers …
Art through the eyes of a child….
I have been overhearing my children talking about arty things – making me smile as I catch what they say about the difference between 2 …
For those who need to know they are not alone…
Apologies for those outside the UK who may not be aware that our country is currently engulfed in an enormous scandal and exposure of unchecked …
Watch and see…
I made this mosaic mirror for my daughter 3 years ago. “Watch and see what I become…” The phrase came into my head …
How to be an urban earth mother – part one
Over the years I have turned into an urban hippy. I didn’t set out to do it – no master plan. It just happened, slowly, …
The many facets of one mosaic…
It has Swarovski crystals in it (five of them) but those are not the only facets in this piece. Having lived with this piece of …
My newest piece of mosaic art…
“If music be the food of love…” Our first kiss. Our first dance. The slow, swaying embrace to gentle music as I whispered in your …
This moment…
{this moment} – A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want …
Frolicks in hay bales and glens..
Yes, that has been us in the last two weeks! We started off on the southern most tip of the UK, amongst the hay bales …
Children’s bedroom mosaics
We were walking back from school a few weeks ago, discussing our plans for everyone in the house to move bedrooms – us back up …
On being present…
I read “Cry Pain Cry Hope” by Elizabeth O’Connor many years ago, a beautiful gem of a book. This story has stayed with me and …
‘Mosaic Memories’ virtual exhibition part 2
The Mosaic Memories exhibition is just finished – what a wonderful event it has been. As there were 13 of us, we each took turns …
A mosaic feast for you! Virtual exhibition part one.
Ah…what a wonderful evening we had last Friday at the Private View of the Mosaic Memories exhibition. The sun came out, the Pimms flowed, the …
Mosaic memories…
Ladies and gentlemen… …today is the launch of a brand new collective exhibition by 13 mosaic artists all living in South London. If you …
Topps Tiles Mosaic Award success!
Last Thursday was a little bit special. It was my usual mosaic drop-in class here in South London and two of my lovely regular students …
Time for broken hearts…
At last, some time to make my mosaic hearts. I love these mosaic heart brooches and pendants, don’t tire of making them. They are high …
Things that get in the way of art making….part 1
1. Distractions (they will always be there, too many to mention…) 2. Fear of failure (or fear of not being perfect….) 3. Lack of time …
Job done!
The lovely community mosaic project is done…6 very large (60 x 60) paving stoned and a giant ‘Welcome’ soon to be installed in the local …
Some questions…
…from a blog friend, Zeynep, from Istanbul but now living in Vitenam (so adventurous!). I answer her questions and then I get to pose my …
Mosaic Weather Tree Update!
We are nearly 5 months into our family mosaic project to make a mosaic weather tree depicting the weather for every day of 2012! There …
More community mosaics in the making…
I am currently facilitating another wonderful community mosaic project at St Nick’s Children’s Centre in Bedfordshire. What a lovely group of people to be working …
Camping with children – the pros and cons explored…
For those of you new to Glittering Shards, this site explores mosaics, art and soulful, creative living. My blog posts are categorized in this way …
London mosaic classes unleash mosaic magic!
Its been a while since I did a round up of work from my South London mosaic workshops – so its about time I showed …
At last…mosaic insects on the wall!
The culmination of a 3 month mosaic marathon…the sun shone, the sky was blue and the insects arrive to their final home. Big smiles… You …
And so it begins…
One big mosaic project draws to a close just as another begins…with some overlap that makes the task of managing motherhood, art and business a …
The outdoor mosaic insect commission…finished!
At last, all done! The mosaic marathon was slightly interrupted this week by disappearance of Chloe the Cat. She is a breed that is knicknamed …
A magical mosaic in the making…
This is the 4th in the series of large outdoor mosaic insects for a local school and it is an absolute beauty . I love …
Mosaic butterflies, caterpillars and bees!
Ok, its about time I posted pics of the finished mosaic butterfly (now that we are all getting over our ikky sicky bug!) Its …
Waiting, waiting…
…for spring to come. This week, we have all been struck by nasty viruses. It is the part of parenthood that nothing can prepare …
A close look at an outdoor mosaic in the making…
I have been a busy bee. This is one of 5 new pieces I am currently making for a commission to go into a school …
Experimenting…
…with my camera. Other blog posts are in the process of being written (deep thoughts on blogging…the process of making 6 new mosaics..) but no …
Mosaic weather tree for January
Our family mosaic project for the year is to make a mosaic tree – 12 branches and 365 leaves – each leaf depicting the weather …
My latest mosaic art
My latest mosaic piece is for a forthcoming exhibition organised by the British Mosaic Association, that will run through March 2012 at The View Tube, …
Published!
The second issue of the gorgeous new Stampington Press magazine, Create With Me, landed with a thud (its thick and luscious!) on my doormat yesterday …
There is a light…
…that shines in the darkness. On this shortest day, we are lighting candles, that eternal symbol. It reminds me of that precious, soulful, quote that …
Giant insects land in south London!
The sun shone as we installed the giant mosaic insects at the Wandsworth Years Early Years Centre – the culmination of a wonderful community mosaic …
Make a magical mosaic decoration with a secret heart…
Shhh! Don’t tell Granny & Grandad! Isabella and Toby have been making a very special mosaic decoration as a gift for them. Not just any …
Giant mosaic insects – together at last!
There is so much to say about the community mosaic project with the Wandsworth Early Years Centre…like how amazing, dedicated and enthusiastic the kids, parents …
Soulful Quotes
Quotes have been a regular feature of this blog and I am feeling the desire to find and mull on wisdom regularly – to use …
Flying mosaics..!
My latest mosaic commission is finished and flying to their new owners. I have loved working with these colours, combining vitreous goldlink tiles, glitter mosaic …
Mosaic & that special something….an opportunity for you!
There is something special about making mosaic art. If you have already been captivated, you will know what I am talking about. If you have …
Mosaic heart & art course winners & community mosaic fun!
Normally I blog at least once a week, but I hope you will forgive me for the longer than normal gap….it has just been so …
Call yourself an artist?
Picture this. I am exhibiting at the weekend. My mosaic art is on display as part of the annual “Artsists Open House”. The sun is …
My mosaics in new Stampington mag!
This weekend has seen me doing the Wandsworth Artists Open House whilst the capital basked in this most bizarre but lovely 30 degree heat. …
Origin contemporary craft…or is it art?!
Please excuse the silence on this blog. I do aim to post at least once a week, but sometimes life takes its own twists and …
Must see…!
What an amazing treat. An invitation to the private view of the most delicious collection of mosaic sculpture here in London. I walked in the …
On autumn resolutions…
“It seems to me that January resolutions are about will; September resolutions are about authentic wants…. The beauty of autumnal resolutions is that no one …
Mosaic exhibition pictures galore!
On Wednesday we went to see the mosaic exhibition at Fishbourne Roman Palace. Here’s some pictures. Photos never do mosaics justice and the lighting in …
Being absurdly delighted…
A quick little pit stop to say hello as we are in the midst of washing piles of laundry after a beautiful week camping on …
Summer in the City
This week, being a tourist in our beloved London. Houses of Parliament from the Abbey Gardens (free to enter, very quiet and peaceful place) Despite …
New (he)art work…
Some stuff comes from deep within… Here is my latest offering to the world. It’s 51cm x 77cm and made from vitreous and porcelain tile, …
A HUGE welcome!
Truly huge! About 3 1/2 metres long… Last week saw the launch of the mosaic Welcome project I facilitated with Wandsworth Social Services, here in …
View from a mosaic maker’s bench
Just flying by to show you that I am busily working, nipping away in my south London mosaic workshop, making new art work for forthcoming …
Mosaic scatter paintings for you to try!
I read in Elaine Goodwin’s Encyclopedia of Mosaics about a mosaic technique that involves freely scattering mosaic tiles over a substrate prepared with mortar – …
One fabulous launch and an amazing work of the heart
The Hospital Mosaic Project was launched last Thursday – unveiled by internationally renowned mosaic artist, Martin Cheek (photo left) and Philip Holmes (photo right) to …
Organising a small studio or home working space
My quest for re-organising my studio is complete (for now!). Here’s some pictures and tips, some of which can be applied across disciplines, as well …
A season of ‘unveilings’
Well, friends, my April, May and June have been a busy old time, doing two community mosaic projects here in London. Now they are both …
Our Father’s Day gift tradition (& our new venture!)
It was a whim of an idea three years ago that is now a solid tradition. Just before Father’s Day, the kids draw a picture …
My South London mosaic workshops round-up – a look at what is possible…
…with a little time, Julia’s first mosaic patience, Kevin’s first mosaic some tiles Johnny’s first mosaic and nippers, Rah’s first mosaic glue Nicolle’s second mosaic …
A shiny top tip from a magical mosaic creation…
…one of my favourite creatures, the ever-magical dragonfly. Helped along in its glittery, shiny path by a top mosaic tip that I have used again …
Exploring the making process…silversmiths & mosaic artists speak
We often explore why we make. But what about how we make? I’m not talking about technique but about the process. How does that something, …
Turning garden slabs into mosaic paving stones.
This is what it was like before…. Here’s how it looks now…. There are more involved ways of creating mosaic garden pavers, involving the reverse …
Make your own champagne in 5 easy steps!
Now, I wasn’t planning on making champagne this weekend – I didn’t even know the possibility was available to me. Yet, I kid you not, …
When art and community meet…pics and top tip!
You are never to young or old to make mosaics. And here is the proof. These are pictures from one of the mosaic community projects …
Together
A new mosaic commission, made for a 40th wedding anniversary, has flown all the way to South Africa to its happy new owners. Together Made …
A little loving ritual for mama’s (& papa’s!)
Every year, on the eve of my sweeet babes’ birthdays (after the cake has been made and the birthday table laid out) I plod upstairs …
Organising your mosaic studio – part 1
Its small, sweet and perfectly formed. Its at the bottom of my garden, so a short amble to work every day. It comes complete with …
Something a bit different for Easter
Excuse the silence blog friends…the school holidays arrived, and with them chicken pox. One of our little ones has now gone through it and we …
Some very sound advice…
Get Slow Leave your watch on the bedside table. Check email only twice a day. Take the scenic route. Light candles before you start …
How to become a mosaic artist…
I was walking my daughter to school yesterday and she asked me about what work I was doing this week. I told her I was …
A new mosaic with a different kind of ‘grout’
The British Association for Modern Mosaic’s next exhibition is fast approaching with a delicious theme – all things ‘Gothic’. Now…for years I have wanted to …
A week of firsts
Its been a busy ‘ole week here in Glittering Shards land. We have had dear friends visiting all week and this weekend too. I have …
Do you kiss your work goodbye?
I finished my ‘Circles’ mosaic for the London Hospitals mosaic project – mosaic artists from all round the world producing a 20 x 20 cm …
Free toys – love and fun included!
This is Sally. She was made with a lot of love by my little boy, Toby (with some help from Mummy). Component parts: an empty …
The limits of words
We are specks of dust on a revolving rock. This rock which is our home in the universe shuddered last Friday and the lives of …
Have I introduced you to….
…Chloe, our new cat? She was given to us by one of my lovely mosaic students because their family could not keep her. And …
Home organising and rhythm setting
There is something about my personality and life experience which means I need a sense of rhythm to my life. Since becoming a parent, that …
A peek at some making action!
After the mosaic making frenzy that was the lead up to my solo exhibition in December, Christmas came (and went!) and January became the month …
Children’s mosaic tea light holder (& tip for 3d work)
Carrying on the series of tutorials for making mosaics with children (that is good for very little ones as well as bigger kids), here is …
Experimental photography fun!
This pic of the girls taken by Moyra from Creating My Life Here’s some images from a great afternoon out on London’s Southbank with a …
The greatest thing you will ever learn…
…is how to love and be loved in return. (still learning)
My South London mosaic workshops round up…(and a note about garlic!)
Welcome to my regular round-up of work by my mosaic students! As always, I am relishing the buzz of seeing people fall in love with …
Is it art and are you an artist? A new way of looking at things…
I have followed the ‘ what is is art?’ debates for several years, often with bemusement from a non fine-art trained person such as myself. …
Follow your path…
Creative souls… we are on a journey. To create art and beauty. To become ourselves. To help bring about a better world. It is a …
Clever, recycled, & cheap mosaic frames & bases
A few months back I did a post on a mosaic made almost entirely from recycled materials – a little bit of a passion of …
Changing the world…
My sweet firstborn is 5 years old today! I still look at her and am full of awe at how this little human life IS. …
Rhythm setting
My resolution to live more rhythmically is 10 days old. I have been spending some wonderfully rich moments writing down all that has been in …
Snow play and Finnish ice lamps…
Could this be our first ever white Christmas? It is snowing as I type. Our usually, dull, grey, damp London is looking like something out …
On crafting, mosaic exhibition prep and snowy London!
Snow is coming to South London tonight – the first time in decades that we have had snow in November. Just in time for the …
Sneak preview at glittering mosaic beauties
My dear blog feels rather neglected – I have lots of ideas and blog posts being written in my head but I simply do not …
My Mosaic Exhibition in London…and online!
I close my eyes at night and see tiles dancing. It feels as though every waking moment not devoted to my children is currently devoted …
Your footprints in my soul…
A dear friend of mine is pregnant with her first baby and sent me her first scan pic the other day. Got me indulgently reminiscing, …
London Mosaic Workshops & Exhibition…its all happening!
Apart from my dear family, ALL else except my mosaic world is being very neglected in the last few weeks (including writing and reading in …
Tree glitter pictures…from the archive
(We did this last Autumn and it was a lot of fun! Since the blog readership has grown a lot in the year, I thought …
A very special commission…
I must have looked strange, armed with a step ladder, a camera and two children in tow. Standing in the middle of a cemetery, …
Art making and The Big Silence
I have been art making all week…tired, happy and frustrated as I always think I can achieve more in a day than I actually can …
Mac love & a round-up of things on the web
I will start this post by announcing, ehm… (clears throat) that I am now the proud owner of a MacBook. After much research (along the …
A peek at mosaic making frenzy…!
My solo exhibition is 6 weeks away….I am making, making, making, all household duties woefully neglected. Here’s how its looking. So much more in the …
A creative space…near you?
I was contacted a few weeks ago by a lovely lady, Debra, who runs a place nearby in East Sheen, called the Artyard, asking …
Mosaic hanging decorations and jewellery with recycled lids!
A recipe for children’s jewellery and hanging decorations Take some lids, the kind you would normally throw away (milk & juice bottle, jam jar…) Buy …
Mosaic art from the heart
You Catch My Tears and Keep Them in a Bottle Again she cries alone Tears fall like diamonds Into the nothingness Her heart lost, unknown …
Eco Workshops, Inspiration and a bit of Oooooh!
Giving a quick shout to my friend Janine, who is starting an exciting new series of eco workshops, embodying recycling, re-purposing and thrift with creativity …
Make mosaic cement foot prints and hand prints
This is a great activity which creates wonderful memories of babies & children’s footprints at various stages of life – you can go to town …
What is it about art?
When did the creativity bug get you? Or are you an onlooker, seeing ‘arty’ people and wondering if the creativity gift has passed you by? …
Mummy, I found a rainbow!
The evening sun, pouring into the house, catching glass… “Mummy, I found a rainbow!” A reflection onto the cupboard door in the hallway… Twenty minutes …
A weekend of making
The Greenbelt festival… – made my first ever print at the Greenhaus Art School (a venue at the festival)…using ‘Intaglio’ and ‘Drypoint’ (gosh that …
Festival weekending
Hi ho, hi ho, its off to Greenbelt we go (tent, food and frying pan packed, wellies and mac at the ready). Have been going …
How to be an entrepreneur
This poster has followed me around all my workplaces for the last 10 years and is now on the door of my studio. I bought …
Carve out your bliss
We were at ‘our’ farm again on Saturday (yes, it now feels like ourfarm, owned by the community of people who are working the soil …
Me + Anthropologie = creativity!
I spent a glorious hour in Creative Beadcraft in Soho today looking for just the right gemstone for my teardrop mosaic which currently in progress. …
Fun, Farms & Crafternoons
Just a few pics of our last few days… Stems of the chard we harvested from our community farm where we go every Saturday to …
Moonscape recycled mosaic…& free mosaic material for you!
Moonscape is a commission which I have made almost entirely from recycled material. The base and background is made of tiles in the local Tile …
The power of starting…and a new technique discovered!
My biggest achievement and reflection on the past week is the pure energy released by just starting something. I have been brewing several pieces of …
Crafternoons!
I love making. I love making with my children. I love it because it’s fun and appeals to my inner child. I love it because …
On tiredness & motivation…
Moonscape – ready for grouting I am realising that how I feel internally is not necessarily related to how much I achieved (or didn’t) or …
Mosaic giveaway…and some quick mosaic projects in the making!
I do believe my heart rate picked up just a little when my dear husband’s hand went into my daughter’s brown hat to pull out …
Inspiration
This is one of my favourite pictures. I took it at the Lavender Fields in Banstead last year. The lavender is now in full glory …
My South London mosaic workshops – emerging art…
New to the planet…emerged and emerging mosaic art for you to peek at! Lorna’s seascape coming to life Caroline’s 2nd mosaic! (yup, only her second!) …
Things that make you go ahhhhhh….!
Thank you to Amelia for prompting me to think of a list of things that make me happy. Inspired by reading Amelia’s list, hubby and …
My mosaic stones featured on Crafty Crow
Have you experienced the Crafty Crow yet? I just love this blog. It is the hugest archive of creative projects for children (big and little!) …
Art biz musings & fruits of a mosaic workshop…
We are in Wales this week enjoying beaches, coves, caves, castles and LOTS of ice cream. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy beach combing …
Crafty suncatchers, emerging butterflies and an amazing mosaic loo!!
I like all things glittery and shiny (had you guessed?!) and hanging pretty things in trees just does it for me. Here’s a quick crafty …
Daddy portrait t-shirts
This little craft project didn’t go up before the event, so that sneaky eyes could not see. I am not sure where the idea came …
One life, six images & a question…
One life. My client asked me to mosaic 6 images that represent the life of her husband, father to their two little boys. Six …
Pebble mosaics, guerilla art and flying lessons…
Phew…there is so much going on. All good stuff I hasten to add. Not sure if I’ve mentioned, but I am taking the beautiful Kelly …
Enjoying….Artists Way, Artist Dates and Morning Pages!
I am doing the Artist’s Way at the moment…slowly. Morning Pages (3 pages stream of consciousness) are being written most mornings for nearly two months …
Community mosaics and commissions
I’m not sure I ever properly posted pictures of the beautiful, and very large community mosaic I was involved in making at our local parish …
Mosaic stones and hanging mosaic tiles
In my quest to make mosaic a toddler friendly art and craft I have used lots of different materials that have no sharp edges (I …
Handprints revisited
Recording the hand prints of our wee ones is such an impulse, don’t you find? I guess most of us have done the almost obligatory …
Mosaic Making Workshops
I started running mosaic workshops in my small studio last summer. The current course is nearly at an end and I am just having a …
I did it!!
Yay! I did my first ever 10K run! Here’s the moment when I crossed the finish line. Despite being woefully under prepared thanks to viruses …
Paper art and lovely spring blossoms
Here’s another of the activities on the great experimental art e-courseI am doing…making art from paper, anyway you want to. Ripping, sticking and in Isabella’s …
International Postcard Swap
Just a quick post this morning as I am rushing around trying to do 10 things at one (its a little boy’s 3rd birthday this …
Mother and daughter doodles
I have just started on Amelia’s Experimental Art E-Course– fun, inspiring exploration of making art using different mediums. Week one. Me and my daughter sit …
Our community farm has arrived!!
Back last June, I wrote in a blog post about how we had spent a gorgeous weekend with our dear friends, the Dougherty’s, in the …
Rooster mosaic & grouting top tips
I love this moment…hours and hours of cutting, placing and sticking are over… Before grouting, I cover the slate with masking tape to stop it …
Perot Family Land Art Part 2
‘We will make a Family Picture’ declared our beautiful artist child. And so we did. By now, the sea will have taken it away. Happily, …
Being a mother and artist- passing it on
A brief hello to you all from our south coast holiday where we are reveling in the arrival of spring – blue skies, 16 degrees …
Isabella’s Land Art
Have you come across Land Art? A few years back, I discovered a book by Andy Goldsworthy and sat for ages enjoying this delicious feast …
Easter happenings…
Since my post several weeks ago about how many bugs and viruses we have been battling with, I have struggled and struggled to kick off …
Experimenting with art
I want to introduce you to my first sponsor and new friend, Amelia. One of the things that I love about blogging is meeting new …
Spring rubbing pictures
I bought some cheap plastic organisers from the pound shop the other day but they did not serve my purpose of getting more admin efficiency …
Our budding photographer
The other day I took a little leap of trust and placed my precious camera in the hands of my insistent 4 year old …
Enjoying the fruit of our vine!
Today we drank the wine from last autumn’s grape harvest and it was very drinkable indeed. We achieved this interesting feat by joining our local …
Listen while you work
What do you listen to while you work? Music? Silence? Talk Radio? Yesterday, I ventured into my studio to carry on the beautiful mosaic work …
Small moments of ordinary magic
This is it. I inhale deeply, the air runs into my lungs, expands my soul. Its here. People, please forgive my melodrama. Spring has arrived! …
For the Artist at the Start of Day
This piece of writing is from “Benedictus: a book of blessings”, by John O’Donohue (see Amazon widget on the right). John is a most …
The rough and the smooth
It’s bug city round here. Our home must have been put on the bug hotel map cos them little viruses just keep on coming. I …
A little visitor
Just popping in quickly to show you a new visitor to the neighbourhood. This little cat (who looks too well fed to be stray me …
South London mosaic workshops and top tips
I know I go one about this a lot, but beautifying our surroundings (homes, public places, workplaces) is a big motivation for me in my …
Running with a purpose
Have I mentioned that I have been running 2 or 3 times a week since January? I have been running in the snow, in the …
Hanging wedi board and other happy things!
I have finished my latest piece. When I look at this piece it makes me feel…happy. The simple shapes, muted colour palette, mixed materials (I …
Orange Peel Mosaics
My lovely friend, Freddie, suggested putting citrus fruit peel on top of a radiator to release the zingy smell and the end product, dried peel, …
How to nurture creativity in children
I love lists. It is a matter of much amusement to those who know me well. I love them a lot, too much maybe. I …
Caught in the act of mosaic making!
Here are some works currently being made by me and three of my students – two more students are just getting going so will post …
A giant flower tutorial to hurry spring along!
Over the Christmas period, a shelf in our house was given over to a nativity scene (you can see it here). Once Christmas was over, …
The Vandalism of Beauty
I met with mosaic artist, Gary Drostle yesterday to talk about helping out on this amazing, 50 foot mosaic project he is doing for the …
Gratitude
I had a moment last week of deep, deep gratitude towards someone for their loving care, their choices that were liberating and conveyed such deep …
Creative life, creative hands
This blog straddles two distinct but intertwined aspects of my life – being a creative parent, mother and home maker and being a “Creative” – …
How quick was that?
It does not seem like a year since I was busy preparing for a certain little girl’s birthday celebrations, yet here we are again (for …
Heavy Heart
As with most of the world my heart is heavy at the thought of the human devastation in Haiti. Since I heard on Tuesday I …
‘Trusting the process’ & design choices in mosaic making
The weather is happening to us. It always does, I know, but when its this dramatic, you realise that the weather just happens to us. …
Milestones
It’s back! My mosaic coffee table (incidentally the first mosaic I ever made, about 9 years ago) has been returned to its place in the …
Intention
Resolution is a funny old word, so overused and then berated at this time of year. I like the word intention. In my mind it …
The story so far…
How has your Christmas week been so far? Ours has been a mix of the beautiful and the exhausting. Beautiful: parties, people, food, gifts, mystery, …
New Entertainment Company send special message on Christmas Eve!
Toby and Isabella Entertainment Inc. are sending this special Christmas message to bring you some Christmas cheer and jollity – click below! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EwI8oRxERE May all …
All I want for Christmas…
This year, more than any I can remember, I am just sooooo excited about having two weeks with my lovely husband at home and all …
Awe and gratitude of an immense kind
Four years, almost exactly to the day, this picture was taken by my friend Salli. I asked Salli to do this photo shoot because I …
Children’s Art Gallery
For over 3 years I have been adding the kids artwork to the dining room wall – from the first scribble and brushstrokes to handprints, …
Mosaic picture frames for kids to make
This year I have been focusing on finding mosaic actvities for very young children to do – for fun and to learn some of the …
Children’s Christmas Mosaics
Here’s a simple children’s activity for making some pretty decorations with a mosaic theme. I did this activity at an art and craft fair at …
What pulls you?
One of my pieces for the art fair this weekend has sold! This is very wonderful but I have to get my skates on and …
A life well lived?
The mosaic making fest continues and I have popped in for lunch – one of my favourite meals of nice cheese and crackers (crumbs all …
Mirror, mirror on the wall
There’s a stream of work coming in preperation for the art fair at the Brix in Brixton. Here are two mirrors I have just finished. …
Hands that make stuff
One of the downsides of what I do is that my hands look pretty rough – tiny cuts from handling glass, skin dry from grouting. …
Values, pricing and the safety of community
I spent a lovely evening with some of the other BAMM South London members a couple of nights ago and, yet again, I was struck …
New workshop, new work
Here’s a new piece – my obsession with sun and moon continues! This is a small, ungrouted mosaic, 20cm x 14 cm, made of vitreous …
Creative learning
I have been doing an e-course run by the lovely Marisa at Creative Thursday, which came to an end as I sat in bed, convalescing …
Still in bed
I thought this morning would have me bouncing up out of bed and off to the British Mosaic Forum day. But, oh no, the shivers …
Putting the brakes on
I am in bed, under the duvet with a themometer in my mouth, trying to convince myself that I don’t have flu (and very grateful …
Crazy patchwork and mosaics
I stumbled on this lovely new place last Saturday. It is a shop dedicated to patchwork and quilting, called The Wandering Line in Purley, Surrey. …
Pine needle jewellery and pretty things
When I was a child my mother taught me how to make necklaces from pine needles. Our recent holiday in the forest bought this back …
My new studio!
Walk with me… Through the door… See my new table where I will create… Here are some of the pretty tiles… And the table at …
Studio love and ‘being the best’…
I am a tired bunny. Tired by wonderful stuff but tired nonetheless. I was so encouraged this morning to flick onto the international Contemporary Mosaic …
Urban Grape Harvest
Our little grape harvest At the weekend we took part in our local urban grape harvest. This is a fantastic community co-operative organised in our …
Motivation
I am currently part of an online creativity course called “In the Fishbowl” and in two weeks, I have been prompted to think (more than …
Oh so quiet….
My workshop being insulated – looks a bit like a space ship at the moment! Its been a quiet little bloggy here for the last …
Foraging in the woods today
If you live somewhere rural, please excuse the indulgence of me going on and on about being in the trees. Us urbanites are tree deprived. …
Grateful in the forest
I am technologically challenged today. I have a most gorgeous picture of my two bunnies, cuddling up in a bike trailer as we cycle through …
Dragonflies and fairies
Dragonflies are really rather special, don’t you think? So delicate, so ethereal in their colouring and see-through wings. They do appeal to my inner child …
Painting…toes
Yesterday morning, Isabella and daddy were in the bathroom getting ready for the day and (for some bizarre reason) a discussion about toenails ensued. It …
Mosaic Memory Garden
There is a beautiful place, two minutes from Waterloo station, perfect for relaxing, enjoying beauty and being in touch with the broken reality of life. …
What a great saying
“It’s ok to remove a fly from a friend’s forehead, but don’t use a hatchet”. Chinese proverb, source unknown. Love it.
Object graveyards
I am clearing out the ‘shed’ part of my workshop so it is no shed and all workshop! Amazingly, almost everything that was in the …
Honestly….
It was a ‘mama melts down’ day. My resources low, a child who whined soooo much and protested at any attempts by me not to …
That was the week that was
Nearly bedtime, nearly Friday…and I am looking forward to some downtime with my two sweet bunnies tomorrow. I have had a week of a topsy …
Launched!
The evening sun shone, catching the glass and making it shine. People came, lots of them. The sangria flowed. Then the moon came out, full …
Ooooh, ahhhhh, wow!
There was a lot of oohing, ahhing and wowing today! At the gallery, 7 of the band of 10 mosaic maniacs gathered. We unwrapped our …
Colour colour colour
The long weekend is over and all the little tasks of preparation for tomorrow’s hanging of the exhibition are underway. Grouting, cleaning up, naming and …
Eco-dying your own fabric in 5 minutes!
One of the famous Liberty Print fabrics Last Sunday we went to one of our local ‘beauty spots’ that we go to lots. Merton Abbey …
Making mosaic suncatchers
This is a lovely toddler mosaic method we have tried out that has produced a beautiful suncatcher. Like the other mosaics in this series, it …
Make seashell mosaics with easy clay ‘push’ method
This project involves replicating the idea of cement adhesive to push mosaic pieces (tesserae) into. Instead of using cement, we used air drying clay (‘das‘). …
Passing it on
Friends kept asking me to run a workshop to teach them how to mosaic – this is something I have thought about doing and the …
Getting ready for the exhibition
The group show I am organising with a group of other south London mosaic artists is fast approaching and there has been a lot of …
Creative Evenings
For the last few months, several local mums and I have met in my workshop to sit and ‘make’ together. Everyone just brings something that …
Wage Peace
Wage Peace Judyth Hill Wage peace with your breath. Breathe in firemen and rubble, breathe out whole buildings and flocks of redwing blackbirds. Breathe in …
Introducing Mod-Rok sculpting wonder stuff
One of my big motivations is finding use for things that may otherwise get thrown away. In that spirit, here is a new project I …
Pre-schooler mosaic stars finished!
Some of you have been following the ‘Mosaics with Children’ series I started a few weeks ago. There will be more to come in the …
Oh I DO like to be beside the seaside
Picked from our friends garden on holiday and made into crumble (yum!) Back from our week at the sea. I needed more faith – the …
Face painting
There will be radio silence for the next week as off on holiday (to the British seaside, God help us! Macks, wellies and windbreak are …
Top tips from mosaic school
Here are some of mine and Nathalie’s (fellow course member) top tips from the West Dean course (there are many more!): 1. Put PVA glue …
Slow progress
Back home and so happy to see the kids and Neil. Lots of hugging especially from Toby who jumped all over me! Very very wonderful. …
Mosaic School Day Three
End of day three Can you see what I did today? I added a whole line of vermiculatum round two elements of my image. I …
Making mosaics with children – mosaic in a frame!
Activity Four A technique discovered by Isabella last week as she made a mosaic for her Godmother, Charlotte, to take with her back to Sri …
Mosaic making with children – shapes
One of the things about making mosaics is that you need definition to the pattern or edge of a picture you are making. This is …
Materials for making mosaics with children
In this series of posts, I am hoping to show a progression of activities that can help young children have fun and get a grasp …
Making mosaics with little children
I am exploring with Isabella (3 1/2) and Toby (2) ways of making mosaics with little children – slightly different to school age and older …
In praise of slow…
Life has really slowed down for me in the last couple of weeks. I’m days off being 40 weeks pregnant (waiting, waiting…..). I have been …
Deep thoughts about…carrier bags
I was in a large DIY store last night, shopping for paint samples and varnish etc… We are in the middle of DIY ‘heaven’ at …
Unseen art & the one-eyed monster
On Sunday we went to see a comedian performing his show called “Britalia”. I spotted it in Time Out and thought “yeah!”. The theme was …
Community & urban life
Community has been a word close to my heart since my late teenage years and a subject that my husband, Neil and I talk about …