Saturday Smiles

I am having fun with glass tiles.

I bought a bunch of glass marbles at a garage sale this last summer.  I had seen this really great tutorial over on houseofjoyfulnoise.com, and I wanted to try it.

And I did!

I wanted mine to look like something you would only ever find once, like nothing you'd find in a chain store. I think I've achieved that goal; however, I'm not done with them just yet...

The tutorial I read suggested Diamond Glaze, but I was using multiple papers and a few items with dimension- the ribbon, thread and glitter- so I used a Mod-Podge style glue to seal everything.

"Fly"  Collage marble

First I layered the papers and images using regular Elmer's white glue.  Then I added words and accents with Sharpies and some ink stamps.  After those were dry, I added the glitter glue and the ribbon and thread.  I waited another night until everything was completely dry and added any final touches to complete the tiny collages.  And then, I glued them onto the marbles, again using the Mod-Podge.

"Dream" Collage marble

I waited another night and then sealed them with Mod-Podge again. I admit I was shocked at how long the project has taken so far.  I think my favorite aspect of these pieces is how the marbles each add another layer to the collage.  The "Fly" pendant is clear, while the "Dream" one is so cloudy and iridescent... And the "Once Upon A Time" pendant is rather blue with a bit of shimmer to it.

My intention is to take these marbles and bezel them in my metal-smithing class this semester.  Probably with silver, which I hate using...  (I prefer the look, feel and cost of copper.)  I'll have to take them to the shop and see what looks best with each piece.  I hope to reveal the final pieces soon.

I want to do more!
I think I might just be addicted.