If you haven’t been following the process I’ve been developing to create the micro mosaics on the Watch Me Create Blog, here is a quick pic update for you (click images for great detail shots):
Each tile is almost 1.5″ square. The last tiles were set in polymer clay and I’m still kicking around in my head how to finish them in a higher end setting. Currently on the drawing board is Bronzclay.
The good news is that I have everything I need to make that happen. The bad news is, that little thing called a learning curve. I’m going in with the attitude, “how hard can it be?” After all, I’m certified in precious metal clay. Did I mention that that certification was in 1999 and I haven’t done anything with it since? I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it is meant to be and that it will come as easily as this process shockingly has.
This one still needs to go through the kiln process but I think it’s pretty nifty. One thing I like about these pieces are the designs. Just like with polymer clay caning, it isn’t as easy as putting color down. Notice all that black outlining? That is key to the designs. The black lines are rows of tiny tiny tiny black stringer a fraction of the size of the color chips being used. Crazy, I know, but I. JUST. LOVE. IT.
The main benefit I’ve experienced is reclamation (is that a word?) of time. I don’t get sucked into mindless surfing which means I have more time to do other things that I enjoy and ARE productive…like making things both in the studio and the kitchen. I also don’t feel rushed because I’m not trying to squeeze more time in because I wasted it on Facebook or the internet.