Kelly Aaron Mosaics

Mosaic Silver Plated Pitcher

2012-01-26T13:34:00.001-08:00

I've had this silver plated pitcher for awhile now and love its intricate detailing on the handle and feet. I'm building my inventory for the Country Living show in Austin, Texas in April and decided to turn it into a mosaic piece.

I got this sweet frozen Charlotte doll on a recent junkin' trip.

Same with the cold water faucet handle.

After gluing a large piece like that, I did a single switch plate. Love this chunky skull bead I got from my buddy, Elle.

More Mosaic Hearts

2012-01-25T15:11:00.000-08:00

Here are the last of the handmade giveaway items I did on Facebook. I made Robin this cute lil' heart with a doggie, complete with his own leash.

Lisa got the skull.

And girlie Lanette gets pink. This was really fun and hope everyone enjoys their little mosaic somethin's!

Welcome to the Lark Family Lake House

2012-01-24T15:08:00.000-08:00

The Lark Family Lake House is my latest birdhouse. Packed full of fish, rocks, sticks on the roof, lots of love went into this one.

This fishy was a garish gold portion of a trophy. I primed, painted, antiqued and distressed it to make it blend better with the house.

Little Mosaic Somethin's

2012-01-24T13:28:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago, my friend Evie posted an art giveaway on Facebook. The first five to comment get a home made somethin' from Evie, and I'm lucky to have gotten a spot. I did the same on Facebook and here is what I made for her.

Cute little doll arm . . .

A key . . . I think Evie will like it!

Jill commented on my post and is a lotta bit country, a little bit rock and roll. Here's her somethin'.

And Jody didn't give me any color or style ideas, but I think she's a K State Wildcats fan, so here you go.

I still owe Robin and Lisa their somethin's and those will ship out this week as well. Thanks for playing!

Salt Lick

2012-01-24T12:16:00.000-08:00

This plaque was a collaborative effort. Thanks to Nina for finding the salt shaker while on a recent junkin' trip. Thanks to Scott for the caption "salt lick". Thanks to Cherie for advice on how to place the shaker in the plaque. Rarely serious is my motto, after all.

My latest double switch plate would look perfect in a bathroom . . .

The Finished Product

2012-01-17T14:39:00.000-08:00

In my last post, I talked about a mosaic party I did for an 8 year old girl and her sisters and friends. These girls did an amazing job on their pieces! I am digging the birthday girl's rock and roll heart.

I've had dozens of mosaic students, all adults with the exception of just a few children around 11 and 12, so this was new to me. I brought pre-cut dishes organized by color and lots and lots of jewelry, buttons, and beads. After the girls glued their pieces, I took them home to grout. When I asked the girls who wanted glitter, they all shouted, "Meeeeeeee!!!!" If you're in the Kansas City area and interested in information about a mosaic party, please call me at 913.302.0690.

Mosic Par-Tay

2012-01-15T19:27:00.001-08:00

I had the pleasure yesterday of doing a mosaic party with my friend Lisa's eight year old and her sisters and friends!!!

Kate with her star . . .

Zoe with her heart . . .

The girls had so much fun digging through the buttons, beads, keys, jewelry and broken dishes.

Lisa's parents, Paul and Carol.

I've been friends with Lisa for well over 20 years and it was so much fun coming to her home and having this party. Pictures of finished pieces coming soon!

I Heart Doll Arms and Legs

2012-01-11T15:51:00.001-08:00

That's why I put some in my latest cowgirl/cowboy boot. For sale now in my Etsy shop on the top left of my blog.

This tiny heart plaque is on Etsy as well and measures only a few inches long. So cute.

Yummy

2012-01-06T00:51:00.000-08:00

Whipped up this yummy mosaic cupcake for my cousin's daughter. She and her fiance just bought a house and I'm happy to say my cupcake will hang in their new kitchen.

A few new pieces on Etsy including this little duckling heart that's about 2.5" wide and 4" tall. So tiny and cute!

And of course my favorite, switch plates.

Woof

2011-12-30T20:55:00.000-08:00

My first shot at mosaic dog bones. This one is about 12" long by 8" tall.

These are tiny brooches, about 1.5" long by 1" tall.

Dream

2011-12-16T15:35:00.001-08:00

Got a custom order from California yesterday that I had to knock out to take to UPS. "Dream".

And "XOXO".

M is for Maleficent

2011-12-14T08:47:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my long time friend, Anita, for my latest custom order. I had done a Maleficent mirror awhile back and this switch plate will go to one of Anita's friends in San Francisco.

Nina and I finished painting Elle's studio yesterday. I had a giveaway on my blog and Elle won this switch plate - it looks perfect in the room and I got to put it up: the cherry on the cake of the project!

She picked wonderful colors of creamy lilac . . .

And soft blue. The trim and ceiling are a nice toasted cream.

What to paint next? I've been thinking about going thrifting for some new furniture painting projects.

LEZ and Other Mosaic Brooches

2011-12-11T16:09:00.000-08:00

I was at the River Market dealer party last night, where pics of the fabulous locale can be found HERE. Mel suggested I make a "LEZ" brooch, so here you go. I even splashed a little glitter on there as a shout out to my femme friends.

Finished off what I had with these. So much fun making these little bite sized mosaics.

Bacon Bracelet

2011-12-11T15:59:00.000-08:00

Whipped up this cute lil' mosaic bacon bracelet today. (SOLD, thanks so much for your business, Denese and Jess!)

Let's Not Mince Words, Okay?

2011-12-11T12:48:00.001-08:00

Got the Blues

2011-12-11T07:37:00.001-08:00

I'm really diggin' this Victorian hardware I picked up a few weeks ago in Lexington. Next, I'm incorporating it into a funky birdhouse.

More Bite Sized Mosaic Brooches

2011-12-10T08:39:00.000-08:00

More tiny brooches, not much bigger than a silver dollar.

(BAKED is sold).

Custom plaque headed to Denver for a girl who likes a lot of sparkle.

Mosaic Brooches

2011-12-09T15:11:00.000-08:00

I got started on some tiny mosaic brooches today. I'll have a batch shipping out to California soon.

And I glued a fab custom mosaic heart I'm very excited about. Pics coming tomorrow.

Let's Roll

2011-12-01T01:22:00.000-08:00

My latest custom mosaic switch plate, heading to Denver for Christmas.

And I finally used a piece of the Victorian hardware I bought in Lexington. Pretty cool.

The Perfect Cupcake

2011-11-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

My latest mosaic student - our friend Michele! Michele has been watching Dash for about five years now and loves creating things, so when she asked me to teach her how to mosaic a cupcake, I jumped at the chance.

And what a perfect cupcake it is!! She was thrilled!

She loved digging through the dishes, buttons and beads to find just the right pieces.

And here are some perfect cupcakes of a different kind - my niece's yah yah made them for her birthday - yum!!!

Photos by Patrick Binder

2011-11-30T08:50:00.000-08:00

I'm finally working on some new mosaics, but those will be coming soon. I wanted to share some photos by photographer, Patrick Binder of Kansas City. I hired Patrick to photograph some of my work in hopes of doing some shows.

Patrick took my oldest son's senior pictures recently (as his band was performing - what a great concept for the otherwise boring senior pics!). I think he also did a great job with my mosaics. Here's a display example.

Thanks again, Patrick! And if you are in KC and need an awesome photographer, you can find Patrick HERE.

Tres Chic

2011-11-19T13:03:00.000-08:00

God love my friend, Monet, in Denver. At this point, just about every switch plate in her house is decked out with a custom mosaic design. Here is the latest for her daughter, a hip girl with a style all her own.

The black flowers are a little goth.

A girl after my own heart - I love the skull and crossbones, too!

And an "S" to top off the personalization.

The plate for Monet's son is currently under construction.

ADAM AND STEVE Mosaic Heart Plaque

2011-11-12T05:28:00.000-08:00

My latest mosaic heart plaque includes this great milagro. Thanks to my friend, Scott, for brainstorming with me about captions and coming up with this one on our shopping trip to Jerome, Arizona.

Vintage hot water faucet control . . .

Losing My Religion

2011-11-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

And one that is totally unrelated!

Yes, More Magnets

2011-11-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

New Magnets

2011-11-07T19:06:00.000-08:00

Skull Series Mosaic Heart Plaques

2011-11-06T08:17:00.000-08:00

These little 4" by 4" mosaic plaques feature skull beads recently given to me as a gift from a good friend. Just got them Friday and I was obviously excited about using them! Now for sale on Etsy.

Rexall Denture Adhesive Powder

2011-11-04T08:40:00.001-07:00

You really CAN put anything into a mosaic.

INSPIRE

2011-11-04T06:55:00.001-07:00

This one's headed to Denver for a fund raising auction. My thoughts are with the sweet, cheerful woman who keeps on smiling despite being dealt a really tough hand.

Zombie Bait

2011-11-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

Our Love Will Never Die

2011-11-03T05:04:00.000-07:00

I love to make this heart. I've done lots of them over the years - a mosaic that includes the words, "our love will never die", and is packed full of cockroaches, buttons, beads, vintage jewelry, and of course, lots of broken dishes.

Also features a silver plate bowl and a caster.

Maleficent, Disney's #1 Villain

2011-11-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

My latest custom commission was a blast to dream up. My friend Andee, in Denver, who has commissioned me to make many pieces, asked me to put together this mosaic mirror for her sister who is a HUGE fan of Disney and fairy tale villains.

But her favorite is Maleficent, that evil, black hearted sorceress from Sleeping Beauty. Here she is with her "pet".

These black metal flowers are fitting for this evil piece.

Shipping out today!

Itty Bitty Birdhouse

2011-11-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

Tweet. This birdhouse nearly fits in the palm of your hand at only about 4" tall and 3" wide.

Despite it's small size, it's packed with all kinds of goodies including a white bird, this watch face . . .

round coral-like discs . . .

seed beads, a die . . .

And a key! For sale now in my Etsy shop to the left of this post.

I love mosaic hearts. This one is the perfect "naughty" gift for that special someone.

Rock and roll-like with lots of silver, black, and white dishes.

Home Sweet Home

2011-10-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

7" by 7" plaque packed full of goodies: doll parts, metal flower, stork bottlecap, vintage brooch, old key, meat extract jar lid, and of course, plenty of broken dishes, buttons and beads. Dig.

This Place is a Zoo

2011-10-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

Nuff said!

My latest "buttah" dish.

And I snuck in another switch plate.

All on Etsy.

Today's Goods

2011-10-27T14:24:00.001-07:00

My latest mosaic chalkboard now for sale in my Etsy shop.

With a creamer for the chalk holder.

Old ink jar.

Some kind of metal wedge thing.

And of course, lots of broken dishes, buttons and beads.

"Princess" switch plate.

Gold-toned pieces on cream in this single switch that's sure to make a statement in any room.

"Let there be light" Jesus double switch plate.

SEX POT

2011-10-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

My latest mosaic cowboy boot is a little sassy. SEX POT says it all - express that confident, irreverent side.

As usual, it's packed with lots of goodies, including this little bottle . . .

and a skeleton key.

Also finished today, my latest mosaic skull featuring a vintage MUM deodorant jar.

And one more cupcake. All posted on Etsy today.

Outlaw

2011-10-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

My first mosaic cowboy boot can now be found HERE on my Etsy shop.

Loved the old tintype - doesn't he look like Jessie James? That made the caption easy: OUTLAW.

My friend, Jo, says my mosaics are "chunky home style" and this one is no exception with an old ink bottle . . .
a window sash . . .

And plenty of buttons, beads, and broken dishes.

One Hot Cupcake

2011-10-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

Newest additions to my Etsy shop:

Fresh from the Oven!

2011-10-18T11:33:00.001-07:00

Getting ready to post my latest goodies on Etsy HERE.

Naughty Cupcake, indeed!

With a hint of red glitter.

"I DO"

"Lick Me"

XVI Jornadas Del Comic Villa De Aviles

2011-10-18T11:16:00.001-07:00

I made this heart to commemorate the fabulous XVI Jornadas Del Comic Villa De Aviles convention we attended in Spain last month.

Lots of comic related references, of course!

I found this key in an antique shop in Aviles.

And the one I'm sending the heart to will definitely understand this reference!

Holy Batskulls!

2011-10-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

On their way to . . . Spain!

Kick It

2011-10-15T01:53:00.000-07:00

Just finished my latest pair of mosaic boots.

This one will be heading to Spain for a friend.

I just love old tins.

This one will be the first addition to my Etsy shop found HERE. I've dabbled on Etsy before, but it's been a long time and I think I can take a better picture now, so we'll see how that goes.

Old bottles with liquid still in-tact make for interesting pieces in a mosaic.

I Can Mosaic Anything

2011-10-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

I don't get many requests for mosaic outlet covers, but if I can glue a plate to it and grout it, I'll make these all day long. They've been mailed to California and how fun that boring outlet covers are getting such a dramatic makeover.

This bright, tropical mosaic chalkboard is also on its way out West.

Such a cheery and fun chalk holder.

Chalkware parrot salt and pepper shakers I got from my good friend Nina's booth in the Metro level of the River Market Antique Mall in Kansas City, MO. If you've never been, you're missing out!

And a lil' Halloween hanging mosaic plaque.

The ghost is made of polymer clay.

Bat Skulls coming soon.

Mosaic Therapy

2011-10-08T03:47:00.001-07:00

My brother commissioned me to do a frame for his wife and wanted me to feature this picture of my nephew, so needless to say, this was a pretty fun project.

"Amma" is mommy in Malayalam, one of the languages spoken in southern India where my sister-in-law's family is from. I have a real appreciation for people who are multilingual and I think it's very cool that my nephew is exposed to more than one language. (While in Spain, I hung out with a 14 year old beyond her years who speaks four languages!)

And I wanted this frame to be from Kiran's point of view - playful and lively. I found this lizard on a shopping trip this week with Nina.

And the way the marbles cascade down the side of the frame is very child-like.

Doesn't get much cuter than this!!!

Northland Art League

2011-10-07T03:02:00.001-07:00

I was contacted months ago by Joy Loesch of the Northland Art League asking me if I would speak about and demonstrate my mosaic art to their group. Fast forward and that's where I was tonight.

This was a really cool group made up of people of all ages, including a young spray paint artist named Robbie whose work can be found HERE. I got lots of great questions from the crowd and one member took a particularly strong interest. I sent her home with some grout and suggestions about where she could go to find dishes she could break!

I did a grouting demo on a cupcake similar to this one and member, Sandra, won a drawing I held for it. Sandra brought some of her beautiful stained glass pieces to the meeting and it was fun to talk with her about how she put them together.

Thanks to President Wanda Green for having me. You are doing some really great things to promote art in your community and to support local artists!

Love is in the Air - and in My Mosaics

2011-10-07T02:01:00.000-07:00

I've been behind with my mosaic work, but am catching up. This heart will ship out tomorrow to New York to our friends Mark and Jeanine who will be married later in the month. Best wishes to them!!

I wanted to do something really special and personalized for Mark and Jeanine. They are getting married at Housing Works bookstore in New York and I incorporated that into the mosaic. The center piece is actually the RSVP postcard that I cut down to fit right in.

This is an earring and if you look close, it features a dancing couple. I used the matching brooch in a piece not long ago.

And if you flip it over, I papered the invitation itself onto the back. Okay, how cool is this, a Velvet Underground quote on the invitation. If Jason and I were to have had an event for our wedding, this would have been right up our alley!

I'll keep the details private, but here's another view of the back.

And yes, more love in the air. Right after the awesome comic book convention that Jason and I attended in Aviles, Spain last month (great photos on my other blog HERE), our new friends Juan and Lola tied the knot. I made this frame for them and will be shipping it to the U.K. tomorrow.

More customized pieces coming soon. I'll also be building my inventory for an Etsy shop. I have people ask me about it and it's time to give it a try!

Chirp Chirp

2011-09-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make Melinda Gebbie something special in exchange for the wonderful sketch she did of me while we were in Aviles, Spain. This birdhouse is inspired by her graphic novel, The Lost Girls.

Lots of flowers and color.

Dorothy, perhaps?

Roof.

I love incorporating old hinges.

Hope it makes it to England in one piece!

Thanks again for the wonderful sketch, Melinda!!!!

My Heart Belongs to Spain

2011-09-13T04:36:00.000-07:00

Jason and I are in Aviles, Spain and will be heading to Barcelona in a few days. While here, we'll hang out with RM Guera, the incredible artist on he and my husband's book, Scalped. I whipped up a couple of custom hearts for Guera's young daughters.

Barbie boot.
Teddy bear.

When Guera and my husband were in NYC a couple years back, Guera was kind enough to bring me some goodies and I wanted to return the favor. Now - off to a three hour Spanish lunch!!!

Boots

2011-08-31T20:49:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with the red boot I did a few posts back, I ordered more forms and made some more.

My sister-in-law bought this one for a friend. The brooch encases a dancing couple.

And my sister-in-law bought this one for herself. Thanks, Kavi!!

Trying to figure out what my next two boots are going to look like. Maybe some chalkware parrot salt and pepper shakers???

Torso

2011-08-27T15:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween a Little Early

2011-08-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Halloween is my favorite holiday. I don't dress up before I go to work and I don't live in a place where I get hoards of trick or treaters, but I love to decorate my house with fun and slightly creepy adornments. Hairy rats, witches hands, and my friend, Cynthia, thought my chalk kewpies were for Halloween but they aren't; those are out all year.

I just made a chalkboard that's slightly reminiscent of Halloween. This fab knarly doll head is perfect!

This one isn't so Halloween-y, but kinda fun with the purple and black accents.

And a couple of custom switch plates heading out to California.

This Boot is Made for Walkin'

2011-08-21T11:14:00.001-07:00

Bathroom Art

2011-08-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

Make room in the bathroom for some art - these switch plates feature vintage aluminum soap boxes.

A Cornucopia of Mosaic Chalkboards

2011-08-19T18:34:00.001-07:00

Got up at 4:00 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep so I tuned to my Stan Getz station on Pandora and knocked out another chalkboard.

Had this cherry cornucopia vase for a long time. Sometimes it takes awhile to find the right spot. It makes a great chalk holder!

I love old perfume bottles and would never think of draining them - they look so fun as-is!

I Heart Mosaic Chalkboards

2011-08-17T15:28:00.000-07:00

I took a much needed day off today and knocked out some chalkboards.

I've had this clown forever and he finally made it into this board as a chalk holder.

Cute lil' rusty tin cup.

These are heading to Frank, a great little shop in Los Gatos, California.

Eat Me

2011-07-30T18:42:00.001-07:00

My latest mosaic cupcake, headed up to my friend Becky in Wisconsin. Peace, my vegan sweet pea sistahhhh!!!!

Flower Power

2011-07-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

Dig it - I've got my second wind with the skulls.

And another switch plate going to Monet in Denver!

Sparrow and Sons, We Buy Junk

2011-07-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

My latest mosaic birdhouse is packed full of old tools, gauges, rocks, and of course, dishes.

I've never done a roof quite like this before.

Between the Acts; More Mosaic Switch Plates

2011-07-27T22:02:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles Custom Mosaic Skull

2011-07-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

Marcy is spreading her wings and moving from Kansas City to Los Angeles. I made her a custom mosaic skull to celebrate the adventure.

Good luck, Marcy! We'll miss seeing you every Friday night at The Stump!

It's Raining Switch Plates

2011-07-18T17:55:00.001-07:00

I just filled a HUGE switch plate order for my friend Monet in Denver. Monet and I are kindred spirits in our love of all things old. Understanding that, it was really fun to pick the ingredients for these plates!

This Co-ed Shoe Dressing lid is so fun. I had never done a quadruple switch plate before!

And I put together some singles, too. Including this one with the bake lite finial.

Frozen Charlotte heads - Monet was really excited when I told her I'd incorporate them somehow!

Personalized with a "S".

Got this great cameo in a kitchy shop in Jerome, Arizona.

Las Vegas ash tray from the Cowtown Mallroom!

Snuck in a doll arm . . .

These should be arriving in Denver any day now! Thanks, Monet, for supporting my art and for incorporating so many funky plates in your home!

Pretty Bird

2011-07-13T20:02:00.000-07:00

Custom heart for a very sweet, new little baby. I love the little parrot figurine!

Red Red Wine

2011-07-11T10:10:00.001-07:00

My latest custom switch plate makes me wish I was on the deck with a glass of wine . . .

It's on it's way to a cabin in Loch Lomond, California, the perfect setting for a glass or TWO of vino.

It was fun mixing the wine and Italian themes for a truly unique and one-of-a-kind little piece of art for a cabin. Enjoy, Lisa!

Go Ask Alice

2011-06-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

I went to Denver last week and came home with a bunch of custom orders. This frame was a blast to make.

It's for a baby who will born in September. Her father is a bit of an Alice in Wonderland fan and her name will be Alice Carroll after the book and the author, Lewis Carroll. Awesome!

So thrilled I got to make this piece! My initial vision didn't come together like I thought it would, but this was perfect - I wanted it to look like it was tumbling down a hole.

This represents the potion Alice sipped on that changed her size.

White rabbit, duh!
Gotta have some mushrooms.

2011-06-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

Just put the finishing touches on a birdhouse that will soon be on its way to Scottsdale.

Pennies for the roof and I got the cool brass finial recently on a flea market trip.

Plastic brooch.

And of course, lots and lots of broken dishes!

Holy Belt Buckles!

2011-05-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

Tiny, Rusty Tins

2011-05-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

I love all things miniature. I also love rusty tins. Put the two together and I'm really happy. Check out the tiny, rusty tins used as focal pieces in my latest mosaic belt buckles.

Less Than Serious . . .

2011-05-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

If you're in the market for some serious, stuffy art, you're in the wrong place . . .

More Mosaic Belt Buckles

2011-05-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

More mosaic belt buckles I'll pack up today and send to Frank, the great little shop that sells my stuff in Los Gatos, California. This one is made with a tiny bottle filled with who knows what.

This one features a glow in the dark saint that I picked up on my recent trip to Jerome, Arizona.

Funky fuse box.

And a custom Captain Jack Sparrow skull sans braids going to San Mateo, California - me likie.

Can I Get A WOOF?!

2011-05-02T18:28:00.001-07:00

I wanted to make something special for Scott and Jeff to thank them for hosting my fabulous visit to Arizona. I decided when I was there on a frame - now, if I could only get Connor and Kayla to sit still long enough for a picture. Scott had to help.

An understated "woof".

Complete with dog bones, paws, and a fire hydrant of polymer clay.

Mosaic Belt Buckles

2011-04-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

I traveled to Scottsdale, Arizona over the weekend to see my fabulous friends Scott and Jeff. While there, I picked up some great mosaic ingredients from an amazing, spirited mountain town called Jerome. The focal points from these belt buckles came from Papillon Antiques at 107 Main Street.

Imagine my surprise when I found out that Michelle from Papillon was from Kansas City - no way!!! Check out the chunky pink and red brooch in the center of this one . . .

And Scott is responsible for the text in this one . . .

Most of my pieces are tongue-in-cheek and this focal point is no exception.

I'm running on only a few hours of sleep after arriving in town very late last night, but I could not wait to put together these buckles. More coming soon!

Introducing . . . Captain Jack Sparrow

2011-04-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

My latest mosaic skull is inspired by none other than Captain Jack Sparrow.

I debated about the bandanna - cloth or mosaic. I settled on mosaic. And thanks to Georgia at work who suggested the earring - the perfect touch.

Mostly gold teeth, one black one. Jack didn't have time to see the dentist.

And I couldn't forget the eyeliner.

What's next with the skulls? Maybe bad to the bone, another great idea from a friend. Comment me with themes - this is really fun!

Mosaic LUV

2011-04-17T07:13:00.001-07:00

I found this great new heart form recently and love it for its fat, whimsical shape. It measures 12" across and about 10" tall.

I found these fabulous metal letters yesterday at Donny Volkart's booth in the River Market Antique Mall. They're really heavy and the "L" and the "V" have screws coming out of them.

Cool.

Also picked up some vintage keys in Gail Tritten's booth on the second floor. I just love her stuff.

Black and white plates at a reasonable price are hard for me to find. I found a nice set with the black heart pattern at a thrift store for only $.49/ea so I could afford to chop a bunch up to encircle this piece.

I Heart the University of Kansas

2011-04-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh . . . a custom heart that happens to be themed after my own alma mater: Rock Chalk Jayhawk KU!

What an exciting time in life - just finishing high school and heading to a great school in an amazing town - sweet!

Another Custom Skull

2011-04-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

Just mailed off another custom skull. This one's going to Monterey, California. He'll be in good hands.

A Bit of the Ultraviolent

2011-04-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

The latest skull in my Mosaic Skull series is based on Stanley Kubrick's, A Clockwork Orange.

Next up: I hear Jack Sparrow is in town.

Hitchcock

2011-04-04T11:02:00.000-07:00

This latest skull in my Mosaic Skull series is inspired by The Master: Alfred Hitchcock, and his 1963 horror film, The Birds.

Fresh from the Oven

2011-03-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

Completed mosaic cupcake.

Sweet

2011-03-27T17:20:00.001-07:00

Just glued this 2-D wood form cupcake. Sweet.
I don't do much glitter, but maybe just a touch will be fitting.
Thanks to Jeannie LaBelle over at The Gilded JunqueYard for nominating me for a Liebster Blog Award. This award is designed to turn people on to great blogs that don't have thousands of followers. As a recipient, I can name a few of MY faves:

First up, Andrea and Bryan Ring of Amuck. Andrea and Bryan were participants in last year's Etsy's Ring a Day Challenge and designers of fabulous jewelry found in their Etsy shop here. One of my all time favorite necklaces is by Amuck - http://amuckdesign.blogspot.com/

Next, Hollyhock Garden Antiques. Jamie Johnson collects outhouses and has a pink kitchen. What more is there? Great pictures of concrete urns and lush gardens make this one of my sites of inspiration. http://hollyhockgardenantiques.blogspot.com/

Don't miss Brandon Woline of House Things. Brandon shares a space at Sister's with my bestest blog buddy, Sharon over at Sweet Repose. Brandon's great eye for styling and design make me swoon and I love/share his passion for all that is creme and gray - http://housethingsstyle.blogspot.com/

The next time you're in Kalona, Iowa, stop in at Sister's Garden and Bloom. Barb carries a great mix of new found treasures and well loved antiques. I had the pleasure of visiting Sister's back in November of 2009 and I still dream about it. Also, thanks Barb for carrying my mosaics at your shop. I just received a really nice letter from one of your customers - http://sistersgardeniowa.blogspot.com/

And take an international trip to Maison de Lin. This great French blog features inspiring photos of rolling hills, castles, and gardens that will make you wish you parlez vous Francais - http://mamaisondelin.blogspot.com/

Take a trip to these blogs, leave some comments, and enjoy the journey. For those who made my list, feel free to pass it on for blogs with less than 300 followers.

Finished Skulls

2011-03-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

Got all the skulls grouted today and loved working on them so much, I ordered 20 more forms! Here's the blue custom skull for Dawn.

Girlie skull.

"6".

Rock n roll skull.

Here's the back of Rock n roll skull.

We went to see Daddy today at Planet Comicon. I have to say that it's still a little weird to see people waiting in line nervously to talk with Jason and to have him sign books. As I left, I heard one guy telling him that Scalped was the best thing he had ever read. Makes me really proud, but like I said, a little surreal.

There are always lots of fun characters at the con.

Lindsay Wagner was there, too, and she just looked pissed.

I got started on my mosaic boot and some cupcakes but I may have run out of steam for now; those skulls were a lot of work.

Rock n Roll Skull

2011-03-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

Complete with harmonica.

Grouted skulls coming tomorrow. I've already burned through the five of these that I ordered and I think I'll order up more. Too fun!!!!

"6"

2011-03-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

Girlie Skull

2011-03-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

Mosaic Custom Skull Goodness

2011-03-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

Made for Dawn with love:

I'll post the grouted piece tomorrow but I couldn't wait!

Orange Crush II

2011-03-26T05:35:00.001-07:00

My first skull is now complete. I don't usually do forms like this with all the detailing, like around the eyes, nose, and teeth, but it was really fun.

It's just not a complete piece without finishing the back. Here's the back of my little Orange Crush.

Sometimes I get a vision and it works out, sometimes it doesn't. My biggest fear with these forms was that you wouldn't be able to tell they were skulls after the mosaic was applied, but it all came together pretty well.

I'm excited to get started on some others, including this great platform boot. It's about 11" tall and I'm thinking about red with a black sole.

Cute little cupcakes.

I love this new fat heart. It's about 10" across.

It's supposed to be about 38 degrees in Kansas City today - a perfect day for staying inside and knocking out some mosaics.

Orange Crush

2011-03-24T20:51:00.001-07:00

I couldn't wait to get started on my mosaic skulls. I got the giant orange keychain flower at the Cowtown Mallroom a couple weekends ago complete with blue key.

I had so much fun putting this skull together.

Already thinking about the feature piece for the next skull. I do love an old tin.

I got started on the second with this great "6" that will be done in blue and cream.

Here's the back.

This weekend is Planet Comicon and Jason Latour, artist extraordinaire, is staying with us for awhile. Here he is spinning the Hulk for Dash.

My Jason made a comment that it was like a commune in our house tonight with different art happening in this room and that and alternative sleeping arangements; that is, the two Jason's in Dash's room with Thomas the Tank Engine spreads on the various twin beds.

Skulls for My Sweet

2011-03-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

Got these babies on Ebay this week and I can hardly wait to get started gluing some broken dishes to them!!!

Can you picture a pink one with a big, gawdy brooch afixed like a bow to the top of her head? Me, too!!!!

Mosaic Skulls for YOUR Sweet coming soon.

Oh, Baby

2011-03-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

Frozen Charlotte

2011-03-18T04:34:00.000-07:00

I love broken and grazed frozen Charlotte's. This one is missing some limbs but doesn't she look right at home on this double switch plate?

I used my last asymmetrical heart form in the last post and went frantically searching for more on Ebay this morning. It had been several years since I had purchased them but was able to look through my records and bingo! Whew. I also found a large fashion boot form, skulls and some cupcakes. It's really fun to mosaic on these flat, wooden forms. Many ideas swirling and I can't wait to get started!