Mosaic Switchplate workshop coming to Auburn in March 2014

Last spring, my daughter's friend asked me if it would be possible to mosaic switchplates.  You know, the plastic covers that fit over light switches; usually that bland "cream" color, and purely functional.  I wondered why it had never occurred to me to decorate my own switchplates.

Well, for one, they are plastic, and plastic is not an ideal substrate for mosaic.  A mosaic artist would not normally work on a plastic surface.  However, switchplates are small and hard, so there isn't much flex in them.  I started experimenting with adhesives and designs, and began, one by one, covering all of my own switchplates in mosaic.

I made very simple designs:

By cutting glass pieces into random quadrangles, with a "fiesta" palette, I was able to make this quick and easy cover within an hour (not including grout.)

This switchplate is framed with ball chain and filled with various quadrangles in a simple pattern, which looks stylish and elegant.

I also tried making a picture on a switchplate:

This took a few hours and includes a fused glass bird and flower and leaf beads, as well as seed beads for the flower stems.  This would be very difficult for a beginner, and I would have to charge too much to sell them.

I eventually found a happy medium, creating patterns that are fairly simple for me to cut and assemble, yet result in a lovely, unique design:

I think this one is my favorite.  It is in a small bathroom painted bright blue, green, & teal.  The black and white patterned border sets it off, and small millefiori beads are cute accents.

My living room is in these colors, and this came out looking a bit art deco, which I love.  But the cuts and design are quite simple for someone with experience.

This is another simple pattern.  I sold this one at an art show and benefit.

Ball chain and beads, along with a striking color combination, make this switchplate extra pretty.  I sold this at a show.

I wanted to go with a monochromatic palette on this one, rather than bright colors.

I can't get the colors to render properly in this image, but it is another favorite.  It is dark red, opalescent teal, pale pink & purple, shimmering gold, and yellow-greens.

This is just a selection of the switchplates I've made, and I've learned a lot by trial and error in the process.  So, I'll be teaching my technique at a workshop in Auburn, WA on March 15th.  The workshop will cover how to prep the base, appropriate adhesives, creating pattern, introduction to cutting stained glass, and a grout demonstration.  I'll send students home with grout to finish their projects.  Tools are not included in the cost of the class.  Beginner students can get by with wheeled nippers (search online, or go to Home Depot's flooring department.)  But, to make custom shapes with glass, you'll need a glass scorer (toyo glass cutter is my choice), breaker-grozier pliers, and running pliers.  A full set of tools should cost about $45.  If you would prefer, order them from me up to 2 weeks prior to the class (to give me time to get them for you.)

The skills learned in the class will apply to most small mosaic projects, as well, so it is a great introduction to mosaic.  To register:  http://www.auburnwa.gov/things_to_do/arts_entertainment/art_classes.htm

More good news for the Art Zone!

Last week, an article was published for the Society of American Mosaic Artists newsletter, Groutline, about my art program.  When I wrote it, it was still just getting started.  By the time it was released this past week, the program had grown (as chronicled in previous posts.)

Before I even opened my Groutline, I had a couple of emails asking how people could help.  And when I got to school yesterday, there were two boxes of donated materials waiting!  One was a very large box of glass tile from Patricia Bryant, and the other was a box of beads and ball chain ordered for us by Virginia Lucas.  When I brought out the boxes and explained to the students that people around the country are sending donations for the program, their jaws dropped.  I think the fact that there are people out there who care enough to contribute makes them feel valued, and more committed to the program.

I also had the pleasure of announcing that the students and I will show our work together at Hot Toddy as part of Olympia's Spring ArtsWalk festival.  And my husband will be entering some of their work into a school district art show.  They plan to create work for sale to raise funds for the Choice Cat Club.  We are going to start working on stepping stones and plant pots for spring.

We have a lot of clear and nearly clear glass, so many of the students add images under glass.  This is WA State with Bruce Lee (buried here).  Donnell has a stylized signature, which is the symbol on the left.  If you look closely, he also has a little Seattle skyline in the upper left.

I'm also working on organizing a field trip to tour the Spectrum Glass Factory and visit the Museum of Glass in Tacoma.  All of these things are very exciting.  The district is impressed with the level of participation in the program, and have found some funds for me to use.  I'll be using these for the field trip, to purchase some bright glass colors from a local glass company, and I have a district Home Depot card that I'm going to use today to buy grout, sponges, hanging hardware, a little broom, buckets, and all of those other little things we have been doing without.

It is so exciting and heartwarming to see my students getting this kind of support.  My position is funded by a grant through the McKinney-Vento Act, which serves home-insecure teens.  Many of the kids who participate qualify under the guidelines of the act, but it is open to everyone.  Most of the students at Choice High School are there because they don't fit in at a traditional school, and can be described as "at-risk youth."  They each have faced, and are facing, major obstacles.  This program goes a long way toward empowering and supporting these young people, and gives them new tools to cope with difficult situations.

Thanks, Everyone!