Flickr: AMOSAIC

At a young age my hobbies were collecting unusual things, such as fossils, rocks, buttons, crystals, and leaves. I always seemed to have an eye to find unusual objects and would keep them in a secret box. I remember saving small mosaic tiles and polished rocks, knowing I would use them at some time in the future.
I feel that I have had 3 different stages in my life. The first of course is childhood, which I do not remember much about unless I see a picture to bring back memories. The second stage is raising 3 children as a single mom. Sometimes I do not know how I did it, working full time, taking care of everything in the household, and trying to provide for them. It was difficult but rewarding. The best years of my life!
The empty nest is what brought me to mosaics, after the children were gone I had to find something to keep me busy.
Now, six years later I am hooked on mosaics.
I am a self taught mosaicist since October of 2004. My first project was a mosaic table, made from broken floor tile. I designed and created several tile tables after that, then discovered stained glass mosaic and began to work more with hand cut glass. I have been commissioned to do logos for several businesses, and donated various items for fundraisers and auctions. I love to mix materials to create a piece of artwork that will complement any décor, from contemporary to rustic. There are endless selections and many vibrant colors of stained glass, beads, ceramic tile, millefiori, smalti,and other mosaic tesserae that can be used.
The art of mosaic is a type of therapy for me and I find it very relaxing. I have met so many wonderful, artistic, kind people through this site. It has been a true blessing!
We have now organized a group of Missouri Mosaic Artists and will be starting a group here on Flickr.
I feel like there is so much more to do, I hope I live long enough to get it all done! I want to do Mission work in 3rd world countries, to help out all the less fortunate people and hope to incorporate Mosaics in some way, maybe by teaching or getting the community involved. Lots to do!!