Plate Smashing/Mosaics

Back in October, my friend Becky and I took a Plate Smashing/Mosaics class and were able to create beautiful picture frames! The class met two times for two hours each. We started off by breaking plates - literally taking a hammer and smashing up dinner plates and various china (what fun!). It was quite therapeutic I must say. After choosing 2-3 plates that inspired us, we broke them and got started. A thin layer of glue is placed on a picture frame and the tiles are then added onto the frame starting with the outer edges. This portion of work took up the entire first class. After getting the tiles places just right so that they could fit (and with a little bit of cutting) we had finished off our first class. The frames had to dry for 24 hours and then we went on to grout during the second class. Grouting is also quite fun, it has the feeling of an archaeological dig. The first step to grouting is to cover all of the tiles with grout making sure that it is evenly spread throughout the frame and in every creavise. After that you take a sharp picking took and start to uncover the tiles, sometimes finding tiles that you didn't even know where there. This is the final product!

Becky and I were so inspired by this class that we started up our own Plate Smashing business and have each made dozens and dozens of frames! We will be selling them at the Ashland Farmers Market this summer so be sure to look for our table. These frames make a great gift - and the best part is that they are all very different and unique!

Halloween Decorations

In an attempt to make Jack-O-Lantern that couldn't be destroyed/eaten by the squirrels, I decided to make my own! For this project I took small mason jars and painted them. I started with two coats of orange (acrylic) paint to give off the vibe of a pumpkin. After, I decided to use black paint to make the design. In this particular jar, I decided to pain "Jack Skellington" from Nightmare Before Christmas. Although, it is hard to see from the photo, I used sparkly paint on the spaces inside of the black lines so that it would look bright. After I finished the designs I went over the whole jar with a clear glossy finish to hold in the paint, waterproof and prevent chipping. I just dropped a tea light in and think that my jars were a success. They were very bright and created even more light than a typical Jack-O-Lantern. I placed these on my steps on Halloween so that the kids could see them while trick or treating! I hope this project inspires you to make your own - they can also be great for Hanukkah. I made them with the children that I Nanny for and they basically made their own menorahs and lit them up each night.