Mosaic Mountain Arts: Fine Handcrafted Originals in Glass and Porcelain Mosaic
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Mosaic Mountain Arts


Q and A
Don't go to pieces!

 



Q: Do you do all the mosaic work yourself?
A: Yes, I handle all the design work and piecing. Depending on work load, a studio assistant may help with surface preparation, grouting, and finishing. Every piece produced in my studio is signed and dated and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Q: Can I get one of your studio designs in a different size or color palette?
A: Absolutely. Opaque stained glass is available in a delicious range of colors, solid or streaky. Mirror sizes can be adjusted to your dimensions.
Q: What about custom projects?
    A: Custom projects are my specialty and run the gamut from one-of-a-kind mosaic art, to custom sizing and coloration of existing mirror and table designs, to unique mosaic signage or wall murals. Please contact me to let me know what you have in mind. You can provide fabric swatches, paint chips, and photos/renderings of your space. During an initial consultation we will discuss preliminary design concepts and materials. Complex designs generally require a separate design fee to cover thumbnail sketches or scaled drawings, whichever are appropriate. This design fee is not refundable but is applied to the project total once the project is greenlighted. I will provide a proposal with a cost estimate, along with a contract. Once I receive your deposit (one-third to one-half, depending on the size and scope of the project) and signed contract, I schedule you into my production calendar. You will sign off on the final design and materials (color chips can be sent) and will be able to see the work in progress, either in person (if you live close enough to the studio) or via digital photos. When complete, I deliver or ship your piece UPS, insured. The balance is payable prior to shipment, and any shipping charges are billed at cost.
  Q: Can I see your work at art fairs and craft shows?

A: I exhibit throughout the year at various regional juried craft shows and art festivals. Click here for a current listing. Please check back frequently for updates to this list.

Q: How heavy are the pieces?
A: An 18 x 24 mirror weighs approximately 20 pounds. All mirrors are fitted with heavy-duty D-rings and are wired for easy hanging. If you are not nailing your mirror hangers into wall studs, I recommend using anchors or molly bolts.
Q: Can pieces be shipped safely?
A: All pieces are protected in layers of bubble wrap and/or foam crating and shipped UPS Ground, insured. I haven't had a mishap yet!
Q: How do I care for my mosaic art?
A: Care for your piece as you would for any work of art glass. Handle it carefully and maintain its glow by polishing it occasionally with a soft dry cloth. The grout has been protected with a commercial sealer to protect it from staining, but use reasonable care. Tabletop spills should be blotted immediately. If you are using a glass cleaner (such as Windex) on the mirrored glass, I recommend you spray the product on your polishing cloth, not on the mirror, to avoid staining the grout between the tiles.
Q: Can I use my mosaic pieces outdoors?
A: Although the glass and porcelain can withstand the elements and I use a waterproof adhesive, I don't recommend it, particularly if you live in a climate with temperature extremes. If a hairline crack develops in the grout, water can seep in, freeze, expand, and loosen some tiles. You can certainly use your mosaic pieces in a protected indoor-outdoor setting, such as a screened porch.
  Q: How do you prevent cutting your fingers when you work with the glass?
A: You have to be safety-conscious when you work with glass and broken dishes. The tools I use break the glass in a way that creates a smooth, though sharp, edge. The biggest hazard comes from tiny glass splinters. By the time the piece reaches the customer, all exposed edges have been filled in with grout.
Q: Do you do mosaic countertops, bathroom floors, or wall murals?
A: Opaque stained glass is not recommended for hard-wearing surfaces, such as countertops and floors. Wall mosaics (such as backsplashes and fireplace surrounds) are possible, depending on size, setting, and base surface. I can create the mosaic on sturdy Fiberglas netting, in sections, for easy installation. I recently designed and installed the Zippy pattern as a fireplace surround. Another recent project was an eight-panel mosaic mural designed to hang along the stairway walls of a two-story foyer. The mural featured a shoreline scene: the grassy bluff, the beach, the sea, and the sky. Each panel was framed in natural maple, the largest 24 x 54, the smallest 24 x 24 -- almost 55 square feet in all! Talk to me about what you have in mind.
 


Specializing in limited-edition, one-of-a-kind, and custom mosaic art and mosaic accents for the home, office, or business:
mosaic mirrors, mosaic tables, encrusted furniture, decorative accessories, signage.

All designs © 2001 - 2008 by Mosaic Mountain Arts





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