Finally ~~ a day I feel like doing something productive. I decided it was time to tackle the mosaic birdbath I gathered plates for LAST Spring. I know, I procrastinate. But it is a huge undertaking and once I put my hand to the plow, there’s no looking back.
For years I wanted to try my hand at a mosaic, so I simply refused to throw away broken platters and figurines. I have roses, butterflies, birds, frogs, pebbles, shells, marbles..all sorts of baubles to use to add interest to my projects. Just writing this makes me feel like Ariel… “I’ve got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty…I’ve got whozits and whatzits galore..You want thingamabobs? I’ve got plenty…”… I feel like a mermaid…;)
A couple of years ago, I decided to mosaic my first birdbath. My inspiration came from my grandmothers’ old dishes and quilts. I collected plates with roses on them and florals similar to plates I remember from my childhood.
I won some floral chintz china tiles from Ebay that were already cut into usable sizes. I was careful to choose colors that went with the look I wanted. I was especially pleased with how it turned out. Now when I see it, I’m reminded of happy times at my grandmothers’ houses.
This little fellow came along to inspect my work…
So here I am ready to tackle my second mosaic birdbath…Last year I gathered the colored plates I needed. I even broke them all up into semi~workable pieces. Today I broke them into useable sizes and laid them out to make sure I have enough. And guess what? I do.
For this project, I decided to mosaic a huge poppy-like flower design in the center of my birdbath. Then I’ll place the birdbath beneath my hummingbird feeder. I’m thinking maybe a big RED flower would help the little creatures find their way to our home every year. (As if they need my help)
Poppies have black in their center…so I’ve been on the look out in junk stores for a black plate. Last Spring, my husband and I were riding past a yard sale one Saturday morning and I said to him, “Let’s stop here, I need a black plate”…you won’t believe it…They had several black plates..I bought them all…;)
I use old cracked or broken plates to mosaic. But sometimes they’re not old..I just need or want a particular design. If you decide to make a mosaic, I suggest you start your search for interesting plates at yard sales, flea markets and junk stores. If you are looking for a specific design, check out Ebay, too. And be sure to tell your family and friends…they may have plates you can have!
Keep in mind that at the end of a holiday season you can find discounted prices on seasonal plates and figurines. I found orange plates after Halloween last year to use in my poppy design and red ones after Christmas! The small sunflower plate was found at a flea market just a few weeks ago! It will be perfect to use for the center of the Poppy. I’m sure there are pastel ones after Easter every year. Not to mention figurines of bunnies, frogs, ducks and birds.
Decide on a motif or theme for your mosaic and start gathering plates and interesting things to use. And don’t forget the baubles…
In the next few weeks, I’ll explain how I do my Mosaic Birdbath…..but in the mean time get started collecting…it’s half the fun.
