New Mosaic Cross ~ Rachael's Cross

Can you believe it?! Two blog entries in two days. If you don't watch out, I might actually meet my New Years' Resolution of posting 3x week. Scary.

Anyway ~ here's a picture of my latest mosaic cross. The specs: 9"x13" (medium cross base); lavender stained glass, deep purple glass beads and a transparent glass cross bevel. Oh ~ and white grout. Didn't it turn out beautiful?!


And the detail shot:


The cross is for my clients' nanny. They settled on this design after seeing this mosaic cross on my website (visit the site at www.marymakingdesigns.com):

Title: Calm My Anxious Heart
Size: 7" x 11.5"
Materials: Transparent glass, Delica seed beads, transparent bevel, crystal beads and dichroic heart

I addressed the issue of recreating one of my original mosaic designs in a previous entry and Rachael's cross is a perfect example of what I said in that entry:

. . . when I'm inevitably asked to recreate my previous designs, I tweak them to suit each individual client. I change the colors, the glass I use, the number of bluebirds, the shape of the cross . . . I add new elements, new symbolism. I truly try to change something so both clients ~ the original client as well as the new client ~ have a unique creation.

I enjoyed the opportunity to work with this design again and love how Rachael's Cross is similar to yet different than Calm My Anxious Heart. In fact, I'm already thinking of how to tweak the design again. LOL!

In Him ~

Mary
www.marymakingdesigns.com

A New Mosaic Plaque . . . & Random Thoughts on "Random" Art

I finished a new mosaic plaque this week. It's called ~ Rock Series #1. Creative, I know.

The specs ~ 4" x 4", rocks and marble on wood. No grout.

The picture ~


The story ~ I made this piece as an experiment. I wanted to work with some rocks I had in the studio and a bit with marble. This piece is the result. It's what I affectionately call "random art" . . . it's art that I create on my own . . . not for a client. I always have so many ideas swimming around in my head but not nearly enough time to actually sit down and create them. When I get the opportunity to just experiment, I learn so much (and have alot of fun!). It's very gratifying, inspiring, motivating . . . and alot of other -ing words. : )

I hope you've found time to pursue the desires of your heart. It's good for the soul.

In Him ~

Mary
www.marymakingdesigns.com

A New Mosaic Cross ~ Faith & Love

Here is my latest commissioned mosaic cross:


It was commissioned by my client for her sister and brother-in-law. Their marriage has been through some rocky times but they have recently renewed their vows as well as their commitment to God.

Detail of the ichthus, symbolizing the couple's fresh commitment to God:


Details of the double wedding bands, symbolizing the couple's new commitment to their marriage:


This mosaic cross is a perfect example of why I feel so blessed to create my artwork. How awesome to be a part of such a wonderful story . . . and to create a piece of artwork for them that will hopefully become a physical sign of their faith and love for the rest of their lives. I am truly blessed.

In Him ~

Mary
www.marymakingdesigns.com

Just Rambling

It looks like I already broke my New Year's Resolution to post a new entry 3 times a week. I can't believe it's already been a week. Time flies . . . or something like that. I am going to recommit though ~ 3 times a week. Be sure to check back. And if I'm not posting regularly, please post a comment to me and tell me to get on it!

In business news ~ I'm really excited about the art marketing classes I'm starting on Wednesday. The classes have been at the top of my wish list for awhile now. I'm taking them through this website . . . Art Biz Coach. The topic of the first class is: Exhibiting Your Art. It's a topic I actually know very little about and need to know alot about. I will also be taking Getting Organized (goodness knows I need to regroup and reorganize after the Holidays!) and Promoting Your Art. I'll give y'all updates along the way!

As always ~ I'm working on alot of new pieces. My local art league's show is mid-February and I plan to enter several pieces. I am also steadily working on client commissions. I feel so blessed to work with such wonderful clients who ask me to create unique and meaningful artwork. It brings me so much joy.

That's it for today. Check back with me on Wednesday to see if I keep my resolution. HA!

In Him,

Mary
www.marymakingdesigns.com

Happy New Year!

Happy 2007!

I hope you had a wonderful Holiday season . . . time to spend with family and friends, time to reflect, relax and regroup . . . and just time to be you!

The Holiday Season is always hectic here. Between Christmas orders, my children's activities and my son's birthday, life gets crazy. In a good way. I'm ready to get back to "normal" and a routine though!

But first ~ a bit of reflection on 2006. What an awesome year for my business! My artwork didn't progress quite as much as I would have liked . . . but I was blessed with alot of orders and tons of interest. At last count, I shipped artwork to close to 30 states and had orders from 4 countries. I don't have the exact count but I made approximately 150 new pieces of artwork. And I booked my first show!

Looking forward ~ I know 2007 is going to be great! I have so many great ideas for new pieces and I look forward to working with clients ~ both new and old ~ on custom designed work. I never know what direction God is going to take my artwork . . . but I always know the path and result will be worth it!

Here's to a beautiful, joyful and prosperous 2007! I look forward to working and sharing with you.

In Him,

Mary
www.marymakingdesigns.com