Chrissie Grace - Tiles Gone Wild: New Directions In Mixed Media Mosaics

Tiles

Gone

Wild

NEW DIRECTIONS IN
MIXED-MEDIA MOSAICS

Chrissie Grace

NORTH LIGHT BOOKS

CINCINNATI, OHIO

www.mycraftivity.com

Tiles Gone Wild. Copyright 2008 by Chrissie Grace. Manufactured in China. All rights reserved. The patterns and drawings in this book are for personal use of the reader. By permission of the author and publisher, they may be either hand-traced or photocopied to make single copies, 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.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Grace, Chrissie.

Tiles gone wild : new directions in mixed-media mosaics / Chrissie Grace. -- 1st ed.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN-13: 978-1-60061-081-3 (alk. paper)

1. Mosaics--Technique. I. Title.

TT910.G695 2008

738.5--dc22

2008006566

Editor: Jennifer Claydon

Cover Designer: Marissa Bowers and Cheryl Mathauer

Interior Designer: Guy Kelly

Production Coordinator: Greg Nock

Photographers: Christine Polomsky, Ric Deliantoni and Jim Carchidi

Stylist: Nora Martini

www.fwpublications.com

Metric Conversion Chart

DEDICATION

Photo by Chrissie Grace

This book is dedicated to my father, who was unconditional in his love and support for me. This book is dedicated to you Dad:

Bob Mervine

March 14, 1947-October 16, 2007

Rest in Peace
I love you.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank Tonia Davenport and North Light Books for choosing me to become a second-time author for them. I would also like to thank my editor, Jennifer Claydon, for many things: her endearing enthusiasm, her never-ending patience, her quick wit and sense of humor, her constant supply of afternoon chocolate and great taste in restaurants. Thanks for everything, Jenni! Last, thanks to Christine Polomsky, who I had the pleasure and privilege of working with again, and designers Marissa Bowers, Cheryl Mathauer and Guy Kelly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photo by Chrissie Grace

Chrissie Grace is a mixed-media mosaic artist and author of Wild Tiles, published by North Light Books in 2006. In addition to being a full-time mom, she is also a full-time artist. Chrissies work is licensed in the stationery and gift industries, and she teaches workshops across the country.

Chrissies work focuses on the whimsical and colorful aspects of life and shows the expansion of her creativity and her need to test limits. Her work is colorful and full of texture and substance, centering around inspirational themes.

Chrissie lives and works just outside of Orlando, Florida, with her lovely family. To learn more about Chrissies work, visit her Web site at www.chrissiegrace.com. For daily inspiration, check out her blog at www.chrissiegrace.typepad.com.

Contents

Introduction

When I wrote Wild Tiles two years ago, I was an elementary school art teacher. Although I loved teaching, my heart ached to become a full-time artist and writer. With the support of my family and friends, and a big dose of courage, I took the leap of faithand I have not been disappointed. Believing in myself strengthened my determination, expanded my creativity and widened my audience. I now have a career in the art licensing industry, and I love working for myself.

As I wrote this book and created projects for it, I aimed to break the boundaries of traditional mosaic work. I took a fresh approach to mosaics to create projects that will inspire you to try new things. Whether you are a seasoned artist with years of experience or a novice looking for inspiration for your first attempt at making mosaic art, the projects in this book are suitable for you. Several of them use traditional mosaic materials, such as tile, glass and smalti. However, many projects go off the beaten path, and I encourage you to experiment with paper, clay, bottle caps and handmade tesserae in your work. In mixed-media mosaics, when it comes to materials, the sky is the limit.

Aside from techniques, inspiration is the most important ingredient in making mixed-media mosaics. Inspiration comes to me in many forms; my childrens laughter, a brand-new box of crayons or a favorite quote can move me to create a new piece. I also find so much inspiration from other artists, and the high-quality Web sites and blogs provided by artists today bring that inspiration straight to my home. Even the passing of my father last year, while very sorrowful, provided me with inspirationto enjoy life to the fullest, to laugh more, to love more. The loss of him inspires me to make the most of every day.

Inspiration is what provides us with the innate desire to create. I believe that everyone has the desire to create something, whether it is a novel, a delicious pie, a comfortable home or an innovative product. If you are reading this book, then you must have the innate desire to create art. I urge you to record your inspiration; try writing down your thoughts, making lists of things that you are grateful for and sketching out ideas. Claim a space for yourself, even if its in a closet or small corner, where you can create. Hang up a bulletin board and turn it into an Inspiration Board. Hang photos, quotes, magazine articles, fabric swatches and anything else that sparks your imagination. Have faith in your inspiration. Many people tell me that they come up with great ideas, but cant seem to execute their mosaics as they imagined. I always remind them: Its the journey that counts, not the destination. Dont be disappointed if a piece doesnt work out as you planned. You will learn something with every project you tackle. Everything in life is a work in progressincluding you!