Saturday, January 23, 2021

Valentine Mosaic Ball


Valentine Mosaic bowling ball
Mosaic Ball: View 1


I have a collection of bowling balls.  How many people can say that? 

Mosaic bowling ball
Mosaic Ball: View 2

I don't even bowl.  My collection of bowling balls are picassiette mosaic covered art objects.
(Picassiette, or the French "pique assiette", are mosaics made with broken bits of china.) 


Mosaic bowling ball details
Mosaic Ball: Detail showing five red and white patterns


The colors for this mosaic ball were going to be black and white and red all over.  (There are so many jokes that start that way...)  But, alas, my red and white dishes "read" as pink.  (That means the visual effect of the red and white appears pink from a distance instead of red)


mosaic bowling ball
Mosaic Bowling Ball and Bird Bath Base in Garden

When it became apparent that the red would not be prominent, I decided to embrace the pink effect and intentionally mix in pink.

Mosaic bowling ball
Mosaic Ball Detail: Two styles of Pink and White china was used

I was able to use two contemporary orphaned pink dishes I loved.

Mosaic bowling ball
Mosaic Ball: View 3

The six black and white patterned dishes used in making this ball came from contemporary china found in resale shops.
I was wondering why most black and white china is contemporary.  Older vintage and antique china embraced color more.  Perhaps our ancestors valued the bits of color during the long white and gray winters. 


Mosaic bowling ball
Mosaic Ball: View 4

Today, people see so many colors everywhere - in print and on-screen viewing, in fabrics and objects.  My ancestors, and many historical cultures had a lot less color in their world, especially in harsh winter months in Northern climates.  (We can't all be descendants of tropical people, or those that had colorful silks and dyes.)  In long snowy winters, whites, grays, browns and blue (skies) would have predominated.

Valentine Mosaic bowling ball
Mosaic Ball: View 5

I attended an art lecture where the speaker noted that black and white and gray were calming to city collectors in places like New York City, where the noise of the urban environment made people want to come home to neutral spaces.  Maybe that is why styles changed to include more black and white, vs. the colorful china in the past.


mosaic bowling ball
Mosaic Bowling Ball and Bird Bath Base in Garden


Some notes: The birdbath base (above) is one of my earliest large projects, made more than a decade ago.  It was sealed and has been outside since then, holding up surprisingly well. 

I mentioned in this note here that I like to learn from my projects. Here is my tip from this project: DON'T use the concave and convex bends in china, or the thick sections from the bottom. I made a mosaic tip graphic below. It doesn't look as sleek as I would like, but it took a lot of time and at least my "mosaic tip" is done!

mosaic tip





Click on the images to see them enlarged.

I blog for fun and my blog is ad free.  Comments encourage me, and I sometimes need encouragement. Please leave a comment if you have time!  Anonymous comments are allowed.

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hutch display
Click here for an Incredible Mosaic Collection!

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If you enjoyed this post you might also enjoy:

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Flower Mirror
Glass Flowers 2
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Valent Hutch 2
Valent Hutch 1



Button Heart
Button Love
Mosaic Birds
Japan Blossoms
Italian Garden
Travel Memories
Mini-Album
Mixed Media 1



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I am linking up to these parties:

Create with Joy: Inspire me Sun 471 (m Entry 83 of 178.)
My Random: Anything Goes 270 (Entry 13 of 66.)
Good Random Fun: Good Fun Mon 4a (m Entry 31 of 45.)
BNOTP: Metamorphis Monday 6a (s Entry 24x of 54x.)
Uncommon Slice: Inspire Me 119 Mon 2-4p (m Entry 11 of 76.)
* Stroll Life: Inspire Me 576 Mon 3p (l Entry 3 of 119.)
Common Ground: All About Home Mon 6p (l Entry 10 of  121.)
Loulougirls: Fabulous-party 356 Mon 6p (l Entry 31 of 132.)
Anitaojeda: Inspire Me Mon 4p (s Entry 30 of 43.)
Poinsettiadr: Classy Flamingos 138 Tue (l Entry 6 of 36.)
Mersad photography: Through my Lens (Entry 13 of 28.)
Our World Tues: Our World (Entry 35r of 70.)
Image-in-ing: Weekly link up (Entry 2 of 82.)
Zucchini sisters: Celebrate story 266 Wed 11a (Entry 66 of 69.)                    I was featured here!
Nicholasjv: Travel Tuesday 272 (Entry 15 of 15.)
Across the Blvd: Beautifully Made 147 Tue 8a (Entry 11 of 74.)
My world Thru My Lens: My Corner Wed (Entry 33 of 81.)
Peabea: Pictorial Tuesday (Entry 13 of 18.)
Jesh studio: All Seasons Tues (Entry 26 of 26.)
Thistlekeylane: Tuesday Turn 84 About 5p (s Entry 4 of 159.)
Also My Wee Abode: Tuesday Turn About (s Entry 4 of 159.)
Ducksnarow: Happiness is homemade (s Entry 127 of 129.)
Lindas lunacy: Making-a-home 200 Tue 9a (m Entry 7 of 46.)
LeCultivateur: Wonderful Wed (m Entry 185r of 204.)
Stonecottageadventures: Tue with a Twist 405 Mon (l Entry 42 of 55.)
Lets Add Sprinkles: Keep in Touch 184 Tue 4p (m Entry 1 of 47.)
Gingersnap crafts:Wow me 489 Tue 7p (Entry 3x of 131x.)
Girlish Whims: Whims Tues 8:50p (Entry 7 of 87.)
Applestreetcottage: Party in  PJs 343 Wed (Entry 26 of 117.)
Flusterbuster: Creative Muster 421 Wed (l Entry 51x of 116x.)
Chic Shoestring: Flaunt it Friday 487 (m Entry 22 of 22.)
French Ethereal: Share Your Style 291 Wed 6p (Entry 8 of 56.)
Imparting grace: Grace at home 410 Th a (Entry 63 of 101.)
Artsy mama: Artsy party 239 Th 7a (Entry 13 of 88.)
My Slices of Life: Hearts+Home Handmade Th 6a (Entry 21 of 109.)
Pieced Pastimes.gr: Saturday Sparks Th 8a (L Entry 91)
Eclectic Red Barn: Thurs Favorite Things Th 7a (Entry 129 of 207.)
Also KatherinesCorner: Th 7a (Entry 129 of 207.)
Also Follow the yellow brick: Th 7a (Entry 129 of 207.)
My Thrift Store addiction: Vintage charm 269 (m Entry 57 of 63.)
Life beyond Kitchen: Creatively Crafty 260 Th a (Entry 54 of 88.)
Kathleen: Bloggers Pit Stop 255 Th 8p (L Entry 7 of 96.)
Coastal Bohemian: Funtastic Thur 317 8p (i Entry 3 of 128.)
Shelbeeontheedge: On the edge 230 (Entry 56 of 75.)
The Painted Hinge: Farmhouse Fri 189 (L Entry 62 of 79.)

Firemanswife: Fri at the fire station (gone 1 month)
Cottagemarket: A morning cup of joe (L Entry 35 of 89.)                                   I was featured here!
Shabby Art: Create-grow-gather 455 (L Entry x of 122x.)
Busy Being Jennifer: Fri Favorites 120 (m Entry 58)
Our mini family: Our mini party 315 (s Entry 8x of 68x.)
Funkyjunkinteriors: DIY Salvaged 561 Fri (Entry 16 of 22.)
** Eye Love Knots: Snicker Doodle 370 Sat 5pm (m Entry 7 of 157.)
Pams Party: Dare to share 453 Fri (m Entry 24 of 71.)
Creative Mom: Craft Schooling Sunday (s Entry 31x of 41x.)
Find Silver: Silver Pennies Sun 6a (last one?)
Life and Linda: Dish it Dig it 81 Sun 2p (l Entry 1 of 134.)
April Harris: Hearth and Soul Sun 2p (Entry 15 of 166.)

Faeries and Fauna: Waste not Wed 198 (l Entry 90x)
Pennys Passion: Fri Favorites (Entry 58 of 64.
)

Love my cottage: Little cottage 88 Mon a  (Entry x of 92x.)


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Tuesday, December 29, 2020

New York Christmas Memories

NYC Rockefeller Center Christmas tree New York
Rockefeller Center Christmas tree 2018 New York

2020 is winding down, and I sit at home after one of the quietest Christmas's in my life.  (Thanks, Pandemic.)  Since I traveled little this year, I'm sharing more photos from my 2018 New York City trip. I loved the Christmas decorations and window displays I saw.  It was the only time I had been to New York City in December.

New York Ornament Display
NYC Liholts Pooley Pool Ornament Display

The Liholts Pooley Pool / fountain on 6th Ave (Avenue of the Americas) gets decorated each December with oversized ornaments, and is located near the Radio City Music Hall. 

New York Christmas Ornament Fountain
New York Ornament Display near Radio City Music Hall


The 5+ story tree decoration up the side of Radio City changes colors, changing the reflections in the water as well.

New York City Light Display
New York City Light Display

Another light display near the Radio City Music Hall featured 3 blue Reindeer.
(Notice the Radio City Sign at the far right)



2018 NYC New York Saks Christmas Decoration
New York Saks building Christmas Display

One block East on 5th Avenue the Saks building has a beautiful multi-story light display.  The designers create a different castle "look" each year. 


2018 new york ny saks
New York Saks building and Angel

The lights and colors on Saks castle change quickly with a light and sound show coordinated to music...


2018 new york christmas display saks
2018 Saks Building and Angels


A line of Angels decorates a pedestrian corridor between the Saks building and the Rockefeller Center ice rink where the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stands.  
(This shot was taken after a rain around 11:30pm, shortly before they turned off the lights on the Rockefeller Center tree to make people go away.  Photographers-be aware of the timing.)

NYC Rockefeller Christmas Tree and Angels
NYC Rockefeller Christmas Tree and Angels

This photo looks down the center of the pedestrian walkway towards the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.  


2018 New York Bergdorf Goodman Window Display
Rockefeller Center Christmas tree 2018 New York

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree above the ice Rink glows brighter than this photo shows, and the entire area seems filled with energy.

NYC Rockefeller Center Christmas tree New York
Rockefeller Center Christmas tree 2018 New York


The photo above of the top half of the tree is my best attempt to recreate the colors and impact of the actual tree.  (Yes, this shot is now overexposed.)

NYC New York Rockefeller Christmas Tree
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree day before Lighting

The evening before the Rockefeller Center Tree lighting ceremony I was able to take this photo over the ice rink, but I wasn't able to get this angle once the tree was lit.


2018 Anthropologie Christmas Window Display
Anthropologie Window Display


The nearby window displays where stunning as well.  The Anthropologie window display was just beautiful.  It used 3D paper craft to create a forest scene with birch trees, evergreens and forest animals. 

2018 Anthropologie Christmas Window Display
2018 Anthropologie Christmas Window Display


I loved the way the woodland animals and birds were drawn. 

2018 New York Bergdorf Goodman Window Display
Anthropologie Christmas Window Display Fox Den Details


The simple paper cutouts for the foliage were fantastically assembled.


2018 New York Bergdorf Goodman Window Display
Anthropologie Christmas Window Display Details

The paper artist in me was entranced by the simplicity and the impact of the designs.

2018 New York Bergdorf Goodman Window Display
Anthropologie Christmas Window Display Details

I hope to use the ideas I saw to inspire some of my creations.


2018 New York Bergdorf Goodman Window Display
cAnthropologie Christmas Window Display Details

Look at the beauty of the simple line art above and be inspired.


2018 FAO Schwartz Window Display
FAO Schwartz Window Display - JOY


A nearby FAO Schwartz window display sparkled with seasonal JOY.  Again, simplicity can be stunning.


new York Christmas Window Display
New York Christmas Window Display

Another Christmas Window display referenced the Chrysler Building's Art Deco lines.


Free Christmas Screen Wallpaper
Free Christmas Desktop Background Screen Wallpaper

Above is a free Christmas desktop Background / Wallpaper I made using the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.  Enjoy!


NY City Christmas Decorations Ornaments
New York City Liholts Pooley Pool Christmas Ornaments Display


One more view of the Liholts Pooley Pool Ornament Display.


Merry Christmas
and a
A Very Happy New Year !

 


(This is the 4th post in my series of Christmas Windows and Decorations in New York City from my 2018 NY trip.  See Part 1 here; Part 2 here; Part 3 here; and Part 4 here.)


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If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy...

NYC Windows 3
NYC Windows 2
NYC Windows 1
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Japan Memories
Dogs of New York
Canada Autumn
Italian Garden
Yellowstone

Chicago Xmas
Gr Canyon View



El Capitan

Washington DC




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  Other Christmas posts post you might like:

christmas china hutch
Xmas Tree Sweater
christmas china hutch
Christmas Hutch 2
Window
Angel Window
Window
Madonna Window





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I am linking up to these parties:
Poinsettiadr: Classy Flamingos 134 Tue (l Entry 5 of 31.)
Mersad photography: Through my Lens 272 (Entry 31 of 32.)
Our World Tues: Our World (Entry 57 of 61.)
Image-in-ing: Weekly link up (Entry 57 of 74.)
Sharon Wagner: Sharon's Souveniers (Entry 5 of 7.)
Nicholasjv: Travel Tuesday (Entry 9 of 11.)
My world Thru My Lens: My Corner Wed (Entry 34 of 61.)
Peabea: Pictorial Tuesday (Entry 15 of 16.)
Jesh studio: All Seasons Tues (Entry 24 of 24.)
Thistlekeylane: Tuesday Turn About (s Entry 1 of 131.)
Also Blue Sky at Home: Tue Turn About (s Entry 1 of 131.)
** My Random: Anything Goes 268 (s Entry 8 of 72.)
Lindas lunacy: Making-a-home Tue (m Entry 43 of 46.)
LeCultivateur: Wonderful Wed 49 (m Entry 67 of 152.)
Stonecottageadventures: Tue with a twist 402 (l Entry 41 of 54.)
Lets Add Sprinkles: Keep in Touch 181 Tue 4p (m Entry 1 of 49.)
Gingersnap crafts:Wow me 486 Tue 7p (Entry 9x of 109x.)
Girlish Whims: Whims Tues 8:50p (Entry 12 of 44.)
Applestreetcottage: Party-in-your-pjs 340 (Entry 11 of 93.)
Flusterbuster: Creative Muster 417 Wed (l Entry 22x of 90x.)
French Ethereal: Share Your Style 287 Wed 6p (Entry 32 of 52.)
Imparting grace: Grace at home (Entry 10 of 118.)
Artsy mama: Artsy party Th 7a (Entry 27 of 52.)
My Slices of Life: Hearts+Home Handmade Th 6a (Entry 55 of 100.)
Pieced Pastimes.gr: Sat Sparks 407 Th 8a (L Entry 8 of 95.)
Eclectic Red Barn: Thurs Favorite Things Th 7a (Entry 77 of 146.)
Also KatherinesCorner: Th 7a (Entry 77
of 146.)
Also Follow the yellow brick: Th 7a (Entry 77
of 146.)
Life beyond Kitchen: Creatively Crafty Th 4p (Entry 30 of 52.)
Kathleen: Bloggers Pit Stop 252 Th 8p (L Entry 19 of 94.)
Coastal Bohemian: Funtastic Thur 313 8p (i Entry 22 of 59.)
Shelbeeontheedge: On the edge 226 (Entry 19 of 44.)
The Painted Hinge: Farmhouse Fri 186 (L Entry 42 of 72.)

Firemanswife: Fri at the fire station (not yet jan23)
Ohmyheartsiegirl: Fri Feature 239 (s Entry 111 of 115.)
Cottagemarket: A morning cup of joe (L Entry 42 of 66)
Shabby boutique: Create-bake 452 Fri 8p+ (L Entry 24x of 93x.)
Busy Being Jennifer: Fri Favorites 113 (m Entry 18 of 46.)
Our mini family: Our mini party (s Entry 16x of 50x.)
** Eye Love Knots: Snicker Doodle Sat 5pm (missed)
Pams Party: Dare to share (m Entry 40 of 74.)
Weekend Reflection: reflections (Entry 22 of 25.
)
Life and Linda: Dish it Dig it 78 Sun 3p (l Entry 1 of 114.)
April Harris: Hearth and Soul Sun 10p (Entry 23 of 129)

Faeries and Fauna: Waste not Wed 198 (l Entry x) 
Franca: Keep Calm and Carry On (Entry 12)
Create with Joy: Inspire me Mon 468 (m Entry 139)
My Random: Anything Goes (Entry skip)
Good Random Fun: Good Fun Mon 4a (m Entry 11)
BNOTP: Metamorphis Monday 6a (s Entry x)
Uncommon Slice: Inspire Me Mon 116 2-4p (m Entry 46 of 99.)
* Stroll Life: Inspire Me 573 Mon 3p (l Entry 67)
Common Ground: All About Home 73 Mon 6p (l Entry 58)
Loulougirls: Fabulous-party Mon 353 7p (l Entry 53)
Anitaojeda: Inspire Me Mon 4p (s Entry 7)


Cool Related Link I found: Manhattan Holidays
Cool Related Link I found: Cloves NYCNYC Rockefeller Christmas Tree
 

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Here is a fun puzzle game of my New York Photo: