Category Archives: DIY Crafts

Glass Class

Months later … okay almost a year … along with my biggest fan and brain-trust Rober’  we finally finished my “Glass on Glass” instructional video class.

Available on Vimeo @ learn more

Glass on Glass Vintage Window Art

Creating an instructional video was much easier than writing a book.  What book you ask? …  once upon a time, a publisher contacted me to write a book about my found object/pique assiette mosaic tile artwork.  The book took almost a year to write and photograph, was a great experience and a ton of work. The next time I write a book, I’m going to make darn sure that I get to name it and choose the cover image … mostly over it … not really.

The book is forever in the Library of Congress and is sold on Goodreads and Barnes & Noble, to name a few.  It’s been reviewed by some happy people, who encouraged me to keep gluing, while others posted some really mean reviews that at first made me very sad, then mad and then finally really bad for the people who wrote them. People need to be nicer and smile more.

Happy Life Mosaic © mara lee

Overall, I give the book a B+ … which was always acceptable in my world, especially in math.  The book is good, not great but I finished it and survived everything that came along with it like the realization that I’m good enough, I’m smart enough and gosh darn it a few people loved it.

Giving my DIY Glass on Glass video an A+ out of celebration that I knocked the class out – unscripted – in 3 takes, didn’t cut myself once and Rob was not harmed when he pushed the publish button.

Hope you’ll check it out.

Glass Class with Mara Lee … Learn more …..

Glass on Glass 10 Pane

The 10-panel vintage window survived the trip from Orange, California to the Midwest.  It’s a pretty big window at 5′ x 2′ ft … which meant this piece would take a huge bite out of my vintage glass collection.

The vintage windows I look for have to be sturdy, with clear glass that doesn’t wiggle or show separation (rotting)  from the frame … not even a little bit.

I use a clear adhesive to glue the glass to the glass, in a well ventilated room, with a wheeled tile cutter, a small hammer – on a sturdy surface – wearing safety glasses with a first aid kit near by … but not children or pets.  Safety First – Always wear safety glasses when breaking or cutting random glass dishes, cups and/or glass objects. Depending on the type of glass they can and some will shatter in a bazillion pieces … maybe more. Be careful.  

Learn How to DIY with a Glass Class with Mara Lee 

This window was probably hung the wide way over an old store front somewhere.

Clean the window with a vinegar & water mixture – a couple of times – and let it dry.  Glue glass pieces into place filling in with cut glass pieces, clear glass gems, marbles and the like …

Learn How to DIY with a Glass Class with Mara Lee 

You don't find inspiration. It finds you.

Learn How to DIY with a Glass Class with Mara Lee 

Perfect first pass and not a single piece glued.
Perfect first pass and not a single piece glued.

Glass on Glass – 10 Panes – Private Collection

Learn How to DIY with a Glass Class with Mara Lee 

glass on glass
10 panes © mara lee

Mosaic Tile Garden Art

terracotta pot crafts
Sealed, loved and lost. Que sera sera.

Mosaic tile garden art works best using a concrete base … not terracotta.  Even if you waterproof terracotta pot, moisture eventually seeps in causing the pieces to fall off while the pot turns to dust.  It’s not a pretty picture…. and if you live with winters, it’s a really good idea to store mosaic tile garden art during those months.

If you can’t find concrete pots … click here to learn how to make your own concrete planters

  • Mosaic Tile Garden Art – Pots
  • Patience is the key, when you’re tiling a pot, it’s on a curve … chillax. Slow and steady wins the race.
  • Thinset is the adhesive of choice and is easily found in most, if not all, home improvement and tile stores. Read and follow the directions on the bag or box or … talk to a human in the department for their expertise on Thinset and Grout or again … you could just read the directions on the package.
  • If the pieces you’re gluing to the pot won’t lay flat, and that’s what you want them to do, cut the pieces smaller until they do.
  • Let the Thinset dry for a minimum of 24+ hours, before grouting.
  • Choose a sanded grout color, read and follow the directions on the grout bag or box and mix to an oatmeal consistency.
  • Grout on. Grout off. Grout off. Grout off … until the grout lines are smooth and the pieces are clean and shiny.  Continue to buff the piece with a soft cloth, as needed.
  • Once the grout is dry (minimum 24 hours) Seal the grout with grout sealer that can be found at home improvement and tile stores.
  • To extend the life of mosaic tile garden art  … reseal with a waterproof sealer, at the beginning of each season.

Totem Pole

 

garden-mosaic

 

box of tile tools © mara lee
box of tile tools © mara lee

all rights reserved copyright © mara lee. please do not copy, distribute, duplicate or create derivative works using my original designs and photography. thank you very much!