Glass Mosaic
I create mosaic in several different ways.
Glass on Glass
Glass on glass. I glue colored glass onto a window or the glass from a frame with a clear glue in a pattern. Once the glue is dry the frame is taped off and grout is applied to the spaces between the glass pieces. Once semi-dry, extra grout is removed and cleaned off with sponges. After final cleaning once grout is completely dry the mosaic is ready for a window.
Pet Portraits
Colored glass is snipped with wheeled nippers to desired shapes. I work from an image that shows the eyes as that is where you see the personality of the pet. I place glass with tweezers until I like the way things look. Once glass is placed, tape is applied and the entire piece is flipped over. I apply thinset to MDF (fiber board) and apply to the back of the glass piece. Flipping it again and letting the thinset dry and it is ready to grout. Colored grout is applied to the mosaic and once dry and cleaned up it is sealed and framed. Typically pet portraits are 12” x 12” so that I can give the most details of the pet – they could be larger as well.
Glass on Mirror for the Garden
Colored glass is applied to mirror with silicone so that it can be placed outside. Once the silicone is dry, I grout with swimming pool grout so that it will be waterproof. Mirror pieces are then attached to a stake that can be placed in the garden.
Mosaic Tools
Wheeled nippers – allow me to clip glass in curved shapes that work well for most of my work. They work great for creating petals/leaves for flowers, pet hair, and most natural life.
Glass cutter – this allows me to create straight lines for use in buildings or non-living subject matters.
Grout – I use the same grout as you would find in a tile floor. I use a colored sanded grout depending on the project. Adding water and letting the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then applying by hand with gloves. Once the grout starts to dry I wipe it down with a sponge removing any extra grout. A final cleaning and it’s ready to go.
Sustainability is very important in most of my work. The glass I typically use is purchased from several different avenues. I also receive glass from folks that used to do stained glass and no longer create and don’t want to throw it away. I originally purchased glass from a couple young men that when their mother passed, they were going to throw the glass in the dumpster. The windows I create on also are rescued from the landfill as well. I re-glaze and paint them before I create on them. I love to re-purpose all sorts of things. Colored bottles and old mason jars can be found in some of my work.
Mosaic work takes lots of time. Design, gathering and cutting glass, letting glue dry, grout, clean up – it all takes time. The bigger the surface, the more intricate the design and the smaller the pieces of glass all affect the time required to create. Most pet portraits take about 40 hours to complete. Full sized windows take about 2 weeks. Small 5x7 or 8x10 frames take a couple days to complete.
Glass mosaic work. I do take commission glass requests for both glass on glass and pet portraits. All work is as my schedule allows. Contact directly at karen@wildcloverweavingandmosaic.com to inquire on timing, price and subject concepts. Most commission work takes a minimum of 1 month from concept to completion. If you have an idea or photo you would like to work from, please email or text it to me at karen@wildcloverweavingandmosaic.com – 802-258-0088 (text)
Hanging instructions
Full sized windows I recommend to screw in hooks in the upper window sill and screw eye hook into the top of the mosaic window. These are meant to hang in front of an existing window
If you are looking for a mosaic that will go directly against an existing window I can create on a piece of glass leaving a space around the piece for molding to apply to secure in place. For example, a transom or a non-opening window.
Smaller frames – 5x7 or 8x10 – I typically create on wooden frames. I suggest screwing a hook into the frame and hanging with chain, wire or fishing line from above. You can also just lean them on a windowsill. I do not suggest the suction hooks on windows. The mosaics are too heavy for that.
From Our Customers
Gift Certificates are available!
Gift Certificates are available!
Gift Certificates are available!
Gift Certificates are available!
Mosaic Options
Window Mosaics
Glass on glass of an existing window. Several sizes available depending on what size you are looking for. These can also have zero panes, 2 panes or 6 pane. I also can have specific frame sizes custom created.
Mirror for the Garden
Glass attached with silicone and then grouted with pool tile grout for weather proofing. These are attached to a metal stand that can be stuck into the ground in a garden setting.
Christmas Ornaments
I create Christmas ornaments on thin wood frames typically in shapes of trees, stockings, mittens or stars. Glass is glued onto the shape and sealed.
Mosaic Magnets
I create magnets on a thin wood shapes by gluing colored glass onto the shape and sealing. Strong magnets are applied to the back.
Small Frames
Typically 5x7, 8x10 or 11x17. I typically use a simple black wood frame.
Pet Portraits
Typically 12x12 or 11x17 I create very detailed portraits of your pets. These pieces are not transparent to light so that I can utilize the intricacies in glass for shading. They are grouted with up to 3-4 different color grouts and framed typically in simple black floating frames.
Micro Mosaic Pendants
I create micro mosaic pendants with tiny pieces of glass and beads pressed into apoxie sculpt into a metal bezel.
Possible Future Mosaic Projects
Lanterns, jewelry dishes, small table tops, coasters, bathroom mirrors and jewelry box tops and mosaic on cattle skulls.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Glass Mosaic
-
I am much better than when I started but occasionally, I do get sliced on glass. You learn how to handle glass quickly.
-
I love them both. They use different parts of my brain so it is a good balance. The weaving is more math based where the glass is more free form. I enjoy both as well as lots of other crafty things.
-
Mosaic is less structured than stained glass. I don’t have to foil or solder in mosaic. I typically do glass on glass so I am gluing colored glass on the glass of the frame/window, then grout with tile grout. I can utilize smaller pieces and can be more freeform.
-
I purchased a lot of glass from a gal here locally but I also buy glass online from several sources such as Riverhouse Glass, Delphi Glass and Ed Hoy’s Glass. I also purchase glass on Facebook Marketplace or even Etsy. I also receive donations of glass from stained glass artists that are scrap glass to them but useful to me.
-
Typically, I use a pair of wheeled nippers to clip glass in curved shapes. I also have a glass cutter for straight lines. When I utilize mason jars, I use a cordless Dremel cutter with a diamond tip cutter under running water – always wearing safety glasses.
-
All the time. Whether it is a full-sized window, a specific size to fit a window or small 5x7 frames I am always looking for new creative ideas to create a one-of-a-kind item for your home.
-
Unless made specifically for outside – they should stay out of the elements. When I create for outside, I use silicone for adhesive and swimming pool tile grout. Special care should also be considered when placing a mosaic in a humid room such as a bathroom.
-
Depends on the type and subject of the mosaic. Nature, flowers and glass on glass work typically goes quicker that the pet portraits as they are less detailed. The pet portraits take me about 40 hours to create from beginning to end.