Mosaic lamp project

So I started this mosaic lamp project this week.  I used to make them regularly but haven't in a while.  I thought this would be a good chance to take pictures and show the process.  Maybe!  First of all, my pictures were all oriented the wrong way after down loading.  I took them with my Ipod but have done that before and didn't have any problems.  Maybe just the computer gremlins.

I start with old lamp bases I pick up at the thrift store.  I try to get ones that work otherwise I have to replace the socket and cord.  That's not really that hard now that I've done it a few times.

Premixed tile adhesive and grout glopped on with a toothbrush.

Broken pieces of my pottery. Smashed with a hammer and  broken up with tile nippers. I like to think of it as pots that have found a new life!

Tile adhesive waiting for pieces of pottery

I use these flat marbles to fill in  hard  to work with places like around the bottom and just for added  color.

Added to the base

This is after grouting with the same tile adhesive.  Smeared on with a toothbrush and after letting it set up, I wipe it off, wipe it off, wipe it off, scrub it off until the pieces are clean.

 

The lamp shade is a whole other project.  I do them after the lamps are done so I know what colors of papers and bead trim to use.  I use mulberry and tissue paper applied with Mod Podge.  Wear gloves or your fingers will be peeling glue for days!  For that matter, I wear gloves for the whole process!




And this is the finished result.  I used mostly earth tones and greens on the pottery pieces, greens, beige and textured mulberry papers with green fringe bead trim.  The bead trim satisfies my inner hippie!  It took about 5 days from start to finish.  I think it turned out nicely.

What I've been doing and boy, I'm tired!

We gave my daughter-in-law, Keshia, a baby shower last Sunday.  I cooked and cleaned and bought presents.  My daughter, Amanda, came to help.  We decorated the house with all kinds of cute pink and purple decorations.  We're having a girl!  Her name will be Kendra.  It was a nice turn out with about 20 people.  I found the banners at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCaterpillarsDream.  She was so helpful with the custom order for the name.  I had no idea the amount of shower decorations that can be found.  Diaper cake?  What the heck is that?  Well, now I know. Not a real cake but looks like one made from diapers with all kinds of handy little things mixed in like pacifiers, rattles, baby care stuff.

I made a special mosaic lamp with a custom lamp shade for the nursery.  That was fun.  Using all kinds of flattened marbles, jewels and beads with a custom lamp shade mod podged with tissue and mulberry papers with a fringe of purple.

Most everything has been stored  until they are ready to move in Oct.  It will be a mad rush to get where ever my son is stationed, moved in and ready for the baby at the end of November.  The 27th is the date but Amanda is hoping it will on her birthday which is the 29th.  Whenever it is, we'll be so happy to have this little girl with us!!

The cutest banner made by
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCaterpillarsDream
It says "Oh Baby" on top and
"Kendra" on the bottom

A diaper cake made by a friend.  I had no idea what a diaper cake was until I started searching on Etsy.

A pink tub with all kinds of baby lotion, shampoo, oil, stuff.

Pink and purple was a theme

We had so much fun decorating

I made this mosaic lamp with flattened marbles, jewels , pink grout and
all kinds of papers for the shade with some purple fringe.  I'll probably do another post about how I made it.  It was sooo much fun to do.

Isn't this cake adorable?  Keshia's cousin made it!
It was yummy!