Some helpful hints from me: The frames I buy for my mosaics come with flat sheets of good quality cardboard. I keep them, and use them as work surfaces to protect my table--they don't tear like paper does, or slide the way plastic tablecloths do. Lots of things from Amazon will have good-sized pieces, too. I swap in a new one when the old one is too messy with dried mortar on it. They will slip behind shelves and cabinets while waiting for their turn. I keep all my smalti, stone, trasparenti, gold, and other materials in those stacking plastic drawers for the office, and put the drawers I'm using on my work table, then put them back when I'm done. I put labels with the smalti numbers on the outside of the drawers, even though I can see into the drawer--saves trying to remember exactly which shade is which, or having to drag out the sample boards when reordering. I think I counted about 150 of them not too long ago! Because I try to preorder frames that are premade (American Frame for great float frames) to save on shipping, I hang them in the closet on wide, strong bungee cords so they don't take up floor space or shelf space. I attach the cords to hangers, which go over the rail; the cords slip through the frames. Leave the wrapping on them and they won't bang into one another. To mix black mortar in bulk, I use 2 gallon heavy-duty zipper bags (wear your mask!), so I can turn and turn and massage the black into the white mortar. I store it in the zipper bag, but transfer part of it into a quart container to keep in the studio. It makes a mess, so I do it outside when there's no wind. To get true carbon black powder, go to Mosaic Arts Online and order. I also make my own grey mortar this way, with just a touch of carbon black in white, as I have little extra storage space. Tracy Hodson
Thank you for such detailed videos.. so inspiring . I just finished my first glass mosaic project, I am not happy with the white grout. Is it possible to paint the grout to compliment the glass colours ?
Don't feel bad white grout is often a go to for beginners including myself and is rarely a good choice. Yes you can paint the grout. Use only acrylic paint. Some people use a product called Rub and Buff. Instead of going forward on future projects with your bag of white grout and painting I recommend choosing the appropriate color for your project. Yous can learn more here: th-cam.com/video/JfOq4LjRzrY/w-d-xo.html Painted grout tends to look unnatural. Hope this helps!
Some helpful hints from me:
The frames I buy for my mosaics come with flat sheets of good quality cardboard. I keep them, and use them as work surfaces to protect my table--they don't tear like paper does, or slide the way plastic tablecloths do. Lots of things from Amazon will have good-sized pieces, too. I swap in a new one when the old one is too messy with dried mortar on it. They will slip behind shelves and cabinets while waiting for their turn.
I keep all my smalti, stone, trasparenti, gold, and other materials in those stacking plastic drawers for the office, and put the drawers I'm using on my work table, then put them back when I'm done. I put labels with the smalti numbers on the outside of the drawers, even though I can see into the drawer--saves trying to remember exactly which shade is which, or having to drag out the sample boards when reordering. I think I counted about 150 of them not too long ago!
Because I try to preorder frames that are premade (American Frame for great float frames) to save on shipping, I hang them in the closet on wide, strong bungee cords so they don't take up floor space or shelf space. I attach the cords to hangers, which go over the rail; the cords slip through the frames. Leave the wrapping on them and they won't bang into one another.
To mix black mortar in bulk, I use 2 gallon heavy-duty zipper bags (wear your mask!), so I can turn and turn and massage the black into the white mortar. I store it in the zipper bag, but transfer part of it into a quart container to keep in the studio. It makes a mess, so I do it outside when there's no wind. To get true carbon black powder, go to Mosaic Arts Online and order. I also make my own grey mortar this way, with just a touch of carbon black in white, as I have little extra storage space.
Tracy Hodson
Great tips! Thank you. We should make you a TH-cam star!
@@MakeitMosaics No, thanks! But I love seeing you guys, and if I have something to add, it'll all be in one place.
Thank you, Ladies!!! Great tips!!!
You are so welcome!
Quick find 10 more.Great
Great to see you back.
a lot of life’s challenges last year, glad to be back!
Thank you for the great tips and reminders 😊
Thank you ladies! Its great information
Great tips👍🏼
I just discovered your channel, and I have to say you ladies are great! I absolutely love your videos, and your tips are very helpful. ❤
Great tips!
There are always a few new things to learn! Thanks, Bonnie and Kim!
Our pleasure!
Thanks so much for sharing!! Really enjoy your videos!
Great tips! Thank you.
Thanks for being a fan!
Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
You are very welcome.
Such great tips! Thank you!
Thanks for being a fan!
Great tips! I have Bonnie's book and I love it. Thanks for all the great info you both share with us... have a happy new year!
Thanks for being a fan!
Thank you for such detailed videos.. so inspiring . I just finished my first glass mosaic project, I am not happy with the white grout. Is it possible to paint the grout to compliment the glass colours ?
Don't feel bad white grout is often a go to for beginners including myself and is rarely a good choice. Yes you can paint the grout. Use only acrylic paint. Some people use a product called Rub and Buff. Instead of going forward on future projects with your bag of white grout and painting I recommend choosing the appropriate color for your project. Yous can learn more here: th-cam.com/video/JfOq4LjRzrY/w-d-xo.html Painted grout tends to look unnatural. Hope this helps!
Great tips! Thank you so much!
You are so welcome!