Snow Day Minnesota

Today almost all of MN had no school today due to a blizzard that roared through our state yesterday afternoon throughout today. 1 ft of snow later the thought of spring is non-existent and more cold weather is on our way. As much as I love winter and the extra snow we got I still felt like painting something fun and bright to make it seem like spring could come some day.

Not my usual taste in color, but I love the bright and fun it is!

COLOR!

Painting number 2 and it's a 2-for-1

Now this feels like spring and summer!

Shall we eat out side tonight?

Mosaic Picture Frames

As much as I love my job... I don't mind a day off from work! On these days it's always my goal to make some of my own art. Today's artwork included glass and picture frames! 

I got into glass art and mosaics when I lived in Duluth, MN. Duluth has a big glass warehouse and many glass artists. I even had the opportunity to teach stain glass while student teaching!

Making mosaic glass picture frames: 

Materials:

Cheep frames

Adhesive glue for glass

Glass chipper 

Glass or mirror

Grout 

Ruler

Newspaper

Old brush that can get full of glue

Old rags

Here is a photo of all my materials and what you'll need! 

1. Trace the photo size in the middle of the photo paper in the frame like I did above with blue. You will not put any glass in this area.

2. Find the glass you like and clip it with the glass clippers to the size you prefer.

3.Using the brush, paint some glue onto the glass cover or onto the piece of glass you are adding.

4. Keep adding glass until all the area outside the traced area is full.

5. Let the mosaic dry for at least one day.

Part 2: Grout

6. Mix a cup of grout, and rub over the glass trying not to get grout in the traced area.

7. Let the grout dry for a few minutes and wipe it off using old rags.

8. Wipe glass pieces with a clean rag.

9. Let grout dry completely an add your photo in the frame!

Finished!! Check back in to see my finished mosaic frames from today. I'm guessing it will be a while since I have no grout at the moment.

Color + Wine

Monday was a snowday... aka a cold-day! Most of MN was experiencing -40 to -60 wind chills. I took it upon myself to try and stay inside... and that was a challenge! I started with a big pot of coffee and some painting. 2 hours later I created another painting! A few weeks ago I created a painting for my friend Kristen, to give to her friend as a gift, she wanted a wine themed painting. I started playing around with vibrant colors and movement, the style I love to paint in, and came up with this (above). I loved the look so much I wish I could have kept it for my own kitchen. My goal for this cold-day was to create another variation of this theme. Here is what I created, and I absolutely love it!