Category Archives: Mosaic and other crafts

Trying again…

16 Monday Feb 2026

Posted by in Daily Life, Food, Mosaic and other crafts

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Work has been busy and stressful, so I got away from it for awhile by trying to make a cake in the bread machine, again.

Last time I tried, a few weeks ago,  it was inedible.  Well, I ate it anyway.  I can eat anything if it toasted with butter.

I realized I had put double the amount of flour last time, so this time I read the recipe carefully.

The result was better than last time, but still was not a success.

  • “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” — Henry Ford

Once a window, now a table.

26 Monday Jan 2026

Posted by in Daily Life, Mosaic and other crafts

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As you all well know, I am cheap.  Well, I mean, I am frugal.

During the building renovation we had to have a window replaced.  It was under warranty from the prior owner, so we didn’t have to pay for the window.  But we did have to pay for a boom lift to the tune of $900.00 to replace the hurricane window on the 3rd floor.

When they came to install it, it turns out that the window that had been delivered weeks before was the wrong size.  So, everything had to be rescheduled so that a new one could be delivered.

They didn’t want to take the wrong window back and said we should throw it away.  I can never throw anything away.  I always need to find a new home for it.

After checking with neighbors and acquaintances and having no takers, I decided to make it into a table top.  We got a small little wooden table and put the very heavy glass on top.

The sides didn’t look finished, so I decided to glue some marble beads on it.

It is not for everyone, but it fits my whimsical side and goes with my whimsical rug 🙂

And if I grow tired of it, I can try different tiles and colors.

“To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it.” ― Osho

Aleijadinho, Brazilian sculptor

25 Wednesday Sep 2024

Posted by in Daily Life, Mosaic and other crafts, travels

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Antonio Francisco Lisboa, better known as Aleijadinho, was a famous sculptor in colonial Brazil. He got the nickname Aleijadinho, which means “little cripple” because of a degenerative disease that caused immense pain,  and his body to be deformed. He lost some fingers and his feet.

His work can be found in many churches around Ouro Preto and the neighboring towns.  The churches that I was able to visit are gorgeous.  Unfortunately, some of the main ones that I wanted to visit were closed.  

Santuario do Senhor Bom Jesus de Matosinho

Santuario do Senhor Bom Jesus de Matosinho – an UNESCO recognized construction

In front of the church there are 6 chapels, and inside each there are sculpures describing the Passion Walk. The sculpures are done by he famous Aleijadinho and his team. at Santuario do Senhor Bom Jesus de Matosinho

In front of the church there are 6 chapels, and inside of each there are sculptures describing the Passion of Jesus Walk.

The Last Supper by Aleijadinho, inside one of the chapels

The Last Supper by Aleijadinho, inside one of the chapels

Church of Saint Francis

Church of Saint Francis

Churches in Mariana

Churches in Mariana

2023 in Mosaics

19 Friday Jan 2024

Posted by in Daily Life, Mosaic and other crafts

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In 2023, I didn’t go to the mosaic studio as much as I did in 2022.  Therefore, I didn’t make as many pieces as in 2022.  I also lacked inspiration and motivation. I am happy that I completed every piece and didn’t abandon them, just because it didn’t go as planned.

I promise, they all look much better in person.

Here is all I did.  Some I may have posted before.

I did this one for my sister when she became a US citizen. It is meant to be funny and not a real likeness.

I did this one for my sister when she became a US citizen. It is meant to be funny and not a real likeness.

A star, not as intended, but still a happy star

A star, not as intended, but still a happy star

Either a chicken or a rooster, but a very colorful and happy fowl

Either a chicken or a rooster, but a very colorful and happy fowl

Fashionable dog. This one was done at home, with whatever materials I had.

Fashionable dog. This one was done at home, with whatever materials I had. After this picture I grouted and then applied resin to it.

A peaceful flowery cow

A peaceful flowery cow

A mirror in various shades of blue

A mirror in various shades of blue

A mosaic vase made to look like stained glass

A mosaic vase made to look like stained glass

A cigar box turned into a jewelry box. My sister loved it so much, that I gave it to her.

A cigar box turned into a jewelry box. My sister loved it so much, that I gave it to her.

Another attempt of making a little dog.

Another attempt of making a little dog.

Tray or hanging fixture. I almost didn't post this, as it is not like I intended at all. But I am happy I finished it.

Tray or hanging fixture. I almost didn’t post this, as it is not like I intended at all. But I am happy I finished it.

I don't have a photo of this one finished, as it is in NY. It is missing the grout on this one. This one I made for Michael. The first couple of times we went to the beach here we go we got ice-creams from the truck that drives up and down the beach.

I don’t have a photo of this one finished, as it is in NY. It is missing the grout on this one. This one I made for Michael. The first couple of times we went to the beach here we go we got ice-creams from the truck that drives up and down the beach.

A cow in love… with blue flowers

19 Wednesday Apr 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Dating, Finding Me, Mosaic and other crafts

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“Open the bloom of your heart and become a gift of beauty to the world.”  ― Bryant McGill, Simple Reminders: Inspiration for Living Your Best Life

Life progresses likes waves in the ocean, with highs and lows. As the spring flowers blossom, so does M and I.  We continue flying high, so excited to have found each other and so eager for a future together.  

Unfortunately, at work now is a low point.  My co-worker will be having another surgery on Monday, to deal with cancer.  Fortunately, she thinks that it will be an easier operation this time. Is there anything easy about cancer?  I am bracing myself for another 3 months without her.

As she is leaving to have surgery, I am leaving for Brazil.  I am still trying to figure out how to do her job while in Brazil, without driving myself insane.  This time I am unwilling to take it all upon myself.  I have done that for over 20 years at this job.  Everything has always been seemingless and perfect no matter what the circumstances were.  I am not willing to do it anymore. Some people here will have to step up.

In the meantime, the mosaic studio continues to be my happy place.  There, I often do more talking than creating.   The ladies there look forward to hearing about the latest news about M.  They are so happy for me, as you all are.

This cow is the latest piece I finished.  It is a cow that is in love and sees flowers all around.  She was going to have legs, but it seemed too complicated so I just put her behind some bushes. 

              

“Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it’s not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?”, here’s an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it’s not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!” ― Frank Kaiser

Mirror, mirror on the wall

10 Monday Apr 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Mosaic and other crafts

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“It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.” ― John Joseph Powell, The Secret of Staying in Love

M. came to spend the Easter weekend.  He is leaving tomorrow.  I will be posting about it in the next couple of day.  In the meantime, here is a mirror I made at the studio a month ago.  I forgot to take pictures at the beginning and along the way.    “Every man carries with him through life a mirror, as unique and impossible to get rid of as his shadow.”
― W.H. Auden, The Dyer’s Hand and Other Essays

  

“For I do not exist: there exist but the thousands of mirrors that reflect me. With every acquaintance I make, the population of phantoms resembling me increases. Somewhere they live, somewhere they multiply. I alone do not exist.” ― Vladimir Nabokov

   

“Mirrors,’ she said, ‘are never to be trusted.”
― Neil Gaiman, Coraline

“Why on earth do you carry a mirror around with you?”
“It’s purely a defensive device. We seldom quarrel, and this is one of the reasons. Can you imagine yourself getting all worked up and contorted and illogical and then coming face to face with yourself, looking at yourself exactly as you look to everyone else?”
― Theodore Sturgeon, Venus Plus X

 

 

 

Just a dog with flowers on his hair, unfinished

14 Tuesday Mar 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Daily Message, Mosaic and other crafts

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“It’s just the most amazing thing to love a dog, isn’t it? It makes our relationships with people seem as boring as a bowl of oatmeal.” ― John Grogan, Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World’s Worst Dog

I was asked by my friend Andi (from https://coffeewithandi.com), if I make all my mosaics only at the studio or at home.

I make most of them at the studio.  It is easier there.  The materials are all there.  L. is there.  L. is the owner of the studio and the master of all things mosaic.  She is always ready to give her advice and direct us when she knows something should be done in a different way.

I have done some at home, before I found the studio.  I don’t have a lot materials at home, but it is fun being resourceful with what I have.  Most recently I have made the one of my sister.  Here: https://blessedwithastarontheforehead.com/2023/02/01/here-is-my-sister-well-something-like-that/

And just last week, I finished the little dog below.  Everything I did with this one is wrong, starting with using canvas.  It is a great lesson, in mosaics and in life.  We have to start with a good base, with firm ground.  Building on shaky ground may result in failure.

I had used canvas before but it had a frame around, so it was a bit more sturdy than this.  Of course I knew I shouldn’t have, but this stubborn Aries thought that she could get away with it.  I didn’t get away with it, as you can see.

As a result the grout keeps cracking.  Then I tried to use resin in middle, but didn’t have enough to cover it. It turns out that mosaics cannot be as forgiving as I thought.

Lesson learned.  I will attempt some corrections, but still, I am in love with this little dog.  It makes me smile when I look at him. 
 

 
“You can say any fool thing to a dog and the dog will just give you this look that says, ‘My GOSH, you’re RIGHT! I NEVER would’ve thought of that!” ― Dave Barry

“They [dogs] never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation. ” ― Jerome K. Jerome

“Don’t accept your dog’s admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.” ― Ann Landers

   “They [dogs] never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation. ” ― Jerome K. Jerome

“I’m suspicious of people who don’t like dogs, but I trust a dog when it doesn’t like a person.” ― Bill Murray

    “I believe in integrity. Dogs have it. Humans are sometimes lacking it.” ― Cesar Millan

  “Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.” ― Dean Koontz, A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog

  “Slowly, Anna put up a hand to his muzzle and began to scratch that spot behind the ear where large dogs keep their souls.” ― Eva Ibbotson, A Countess Below Stairs

“The dog’s agenda is simple, fathomable, overt: I want. “I want to go out, come in, eat something, lie here, play with that, kiss you. There are no ulterior motives with a dog, no mind games, no second-guessing, no complicated negotiations or bargains, and no guilt trips or grudges if a request is denied.” ― Caroline Knapp

Why did the chicken cross the road?

03 Friday Mar 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Mosaic and other crafts

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“I dream of a better tomorrow. One where chickens can cross the road and their motives remain unquestioned.” ― Anonymous

I am not sure if I made a chicken, a hen or a rooster.  It didn’t come out as I intended. But then again, most of my pieces never do.  They always end up very different from my original idea.  Still, I love them all.

 

“Roads are no place for naive chickens dreaming of nirvana.”
― Shalom Auslander, Hope: A Tragedy 

“She entered with ungainly struggle like some huge awkward chicken, torn, squawking, out of its coop.”
― Arthur Conan Doyle, The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes

“Alvin smiled back, and kissed her. “People talk about fools counting chickens before they hatch. That’s nothing. We name them.” ― Orson Scott Card, Alvin Journeyman 

“If I didn’t start painting, I would have raised chickens.”
― Grandma Moses

“Ah, that is interesting! Are there chickens?”
“No.”
“Nothing is perfect,” sighed the fox.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

 

A star, not on the forehead

05 Sunday Feb 2023

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“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Happy Sunday everyone!

I go to the mosaic studio twice a week, so I am always working on something.  Often, even before I finish a project, I already have an idea of what I am going to work on next.  This time I didn’t.

Looking around the studio I decided to do a star.  But the star shapes we had there didn’t appeal to me, so I decided to use a square frame and draw a star.

Very often, the end project is very different from my initial intention, for a variety of reasons.  Sometimes my initial idea is too ambitious (not in this case), sometimes the materials are not doing what I need them to do, sometimes I lose interest and I just want to get it done to start something else.

It is easy to dream up something… getting it done is the hard part.

I love doing mosaics, and the studio is my happy place,  but there are times that I only focus on the result and not in the process.  Mosaics is a my constant reminder to enjoy the journey and to stop focusing only on the destination.

I am, and forever will be, a student of mosaics and life.

Here is the star I made.  It is done with colored glass, and some small mirror tiles. I used black grout, instead of something lighter, to make more of an impact.  In the end it is not what I initially had in mind, but still I am happy with it.

“I know that I am mortal by nature, and ephemeral; but when I trace at my pleasure the windings to and fro of the heavenly bodies I no longer touch the earth with my feet: I stand in the presence of Zeus himself and take my fill of ambrosia” –  Ptolemy, Ptolemy’s Almagest

Here is my sister! Well, something like that…

01 Wednesday Feb 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Finding Me, Mosaic and other crafts

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“But the love of sisters needs no words. It does not depend on memories, or mementos, or proof. It runs as deep as a heartbeat. It is as ever present a s a pulse.” ― Lisa Wingate, Before We Were Yours

My sister became a U.S. citizen in November and I wanted to mark the date. While I don’t have the skills yet to do something more flattering, I came up with the piece below.  My sister has long curly hair and round glasses.  I think I have captured her essence, in a fun/funny way.  She liked it.  She cannot look at it without laughing.

I want to start doing more mosaics at home.  I get great ideas and advice at the studio, but I am really interested in what I can come up with without anybody’s input and with the material I have at home.

For the record I adore L., the studio owner.  She is the best and does the most amazing things.  She has helped my love for mosaics flourish.

I have also finished two other project at the studio, that I will be posting next.

 

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it may be necessary from time to time to give a stupid or misinformed beholder a black eye.” ― Jim Henson