Our Mosaic Pathway ~ Work in Progress ~ Part Two

We just finished off another section of our mosaic pathway, so I thought it was time for another update.  We had to take a bit of a break from it over the winter, although Mr K has added a few sections since I last blogged about it.

I thought today I would share a few do's and don'ts that we've learnt along the way.

DO plan your design before you begin.  Even if you want a random pattern, you need to know what you want and have everything ready to go.  Once that concrete is mixed, there's no time for mucking around.

DON'T use quick set concrete mix!!!

DO accept help to get all those pieces into place before the concrete sets.

DON'T forget to explain your design to your helper before you begin, especially if your design is supposed to be symmetrical!

DO check the weather forecast.

DON'T try this if it is too hot or too cold!  If it's too hot, your concrete will set faster than ever.  If it's too cold, your concrete won't set, and this is the result:

(Yes, I'm picking the bits out with a screwdriver, but only because I didn't want to get dirt under my nails!)

DO put all pets and toddlers somewhere where they will stay out of your hair!  Preferably in their hutches (that's for the rabbits) or down for a nap (that's for the toddlers).

DON'T use shells.  They will break.

DO use your favourite plates that got a chip.  All those special pieces of broken china will make your path all  the more wonderful.  If you are even thinking about maybe making a mosaic path "one day" start saving your broken china now!

DON'T be too ambitious with your design.

DO have fun!!

There you have it!  Do give it a try some time ^_^

Our Mosaic Pathway ~ Work in Progress ~ Part One

Many years ago, when I was on my Big OE, I stumbled upon an antiques and junk shop somewhere in California (I can't now remember exactly where I was) that had absolutely stunning pathways, all made of broken china mosaics.  I absolutely loved them, and wanted to make one of my own.  Years later, when I had a house that needed new pathways, I set to work on my first little bit of mosaic path.

For this mosaic, I used coins that I collected from my travels, and some old New Zealand coinage, as well as broken china, off-cuts from our kitchen tiles, and stones from our stone pit which was swallowed up by extensions to our house.

The path has grown slowly over the years.  This little section is outside my sewing room window, so I wanted to do something that would look a bit like a quilt.  It's a bit rough in places :)

It's a family project...Mr K and Miss Missy have also made their own bits.

A lot of our inspiration has come from the mosaic garden at The Giants House in Akaroa.

We've learnt a lot along the way...some things work better than others... and we are still learning :)