Mika - Mixed-media mosaics: techniques and projects using polymer clay tiles, beads & other embellishments

MIXED-MEDIA MOSAICS TECHNIQUES AND PROJECTS USING POLYMER CLAY TILES, BEADS AND OTHER EMBELLISHMENTS LAURIE
MIKA
NORTH LIGHT BOOKS
CINCINNATI, OHIO
www.artistsnetwork.com
Mixed-Media Mosaics. Copyright 2007 by Laurie Mika. Manufactured in the United States of America. All rights reserved. The patterns in the book are for personal use of the reader. By permission of the author and publisher, they may be recreated, but under no circumstances may they be resold or republished.

It is permissible for the purchaser to make the projects contained herein and sell them at fairs, bazaars and craft shows. No other part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote a brief passage in review. Published by North Light Books, an imprint of F+W Publications, Inc., 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236. (800) 289-0963. First edition. and
Europe by David & Charles
Brunel House, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 4PU,
England
Tel: (+44) 1626 323200,
Fax: (+44) 1626 323319
E-mail: postmaster@davidandcharles.co.uk Distributed in Australia by Capricorn Link
P.O. and
Europe by David & Charles
Brunel House, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 4PU,
England
Tel: (+44) 1626 323200,
Fax: (+44) 1626 323319
E-mail: postmaster@davidandcharles.co.uk Distributed in Australia by Capricorn Link
P.O.

Box 704, S. Windsor, NSW 2756 Australia
Tel: (02) 4577-3555 Mika, Laurie. Mixed-media mosaics : techniques and projects using polymer clay tiles, beads and other embellishments / Laurie Mika. p. cm. eISBN-13: 978-1-60061-215-2
1. eISBN-13: 978-1-60061-215-2
1.

Mosaics--Technique. 2. Handicraft. I. Title.

To my children, IAN , EMILE , COLIN and CORINNE , thanks for being so easy to love and for making my job as a mom almost effortless. How did I ever get so lucky? You are the jewels that make up the mosaic that is my life. Acknowledgments Kudos to TONIA Davenport (tile nipper extraordinaire) for her easygoing nature, her unending patience and for making the entire experience of writing a book fun (at least for me)! Thanks to CHRISTINE Polomsky for her enthusiasm and for her ability to makeevery shot seem special. Many thanks to AMANDA Dalton for her creative input and design ability to really capture the look I was hoping for. An amazing effort. Special thanks to all of the behind-the-scenes people at NORTH LIGHT who contributed to the magic that is this book.

Many heartfelt thanks to the incredible ARITIST and friends along the way who have inspired me beyond measure. Lastly, thanks to all of my GAL PALS , for always being there (not just at coffee).Youre the best! CONTENTS Raised and Recessed
Shapes from Stamping Flecks of Silver
(Pennant Necklace) Fit For a Queen
(Earring and Pendant Set) CREATIVE EVOLUTION To think it all started with a button... T his is a true statement: The mixed-media mosaic techniques that are revealed in this book all began with a button! This book is the story of the evolution of that button. My art background is in painting on canvas and this evolved into painting on washed canvas, which led to painting on fabric. About fifteen years ago I had a line of hand-painted dresses that had a Byzantine look. To further embellish the bodices, I started playing around with polymer clay to make buttons for the dresses. I found that if I used white polymer clay as a base, I could paint it to match the colors in the fabric.

This method was a fairly radical departure from the traditional uses of colored clays to create millefiori canes, in the polymer clay world. However, with my passion for painting, my brushes were always at hand. The dress thing got old... really old! However, the button thing continued on its evolutionary path and my buttons morphed from round to square, like tiles. I found that these little, uniquely painted tiles needed to find a life beyond that of the button, and soon they were embellishing boxes and becoming mosaic tabletops. With time I felt the need to create art pieces in addition to the functional art I was doing.