STEPS TO JERRY
Just hover over each image and click to see what was being done. I had to build the snake to fit the plant stand and then I created the 'scales' on mesh instead of applying each one directly to the substrate. He liked to roll and curl a lot (dang snake) so it took awhile to finish the scales.

JERRY STARTS TO TAKE FORM
I applied the mesh 'scales' to the snake substrate (top first; then bottom) and then grouted. Notice what a dramatic difference the grout makes. His eyes are actually buttons.

FINAL STEPS
Attaching Jerry was the toughest part because I FORGOT to drill bolt holes in him before I tiled and grouted. Sorry Jerry! I had to pop off a few tiles to drill and place bolts.

LASTLY
I mosaicked the plant holder, stained the wooden areas with teak oil, and reattached it to the stand. I sealed the grout so everything is ready for the outdoors.

Not shown: Small green leaf loop at top for hanging the gourd. Also, repainted that green area under the roof to beige to match the grout.

This was a piece commissioned by Cox Communications here in Tucson for Earth Day 2019.

Unless I sell the bird house, I'll be mounting it in my back yard on a metal perch off the patio.

I wanted to build something useful while I was learning to use all my tools. The project let me use all the features of my new band saw (stART grant). However, I also used a jig saw, the versacut saw, and my drill, plus wood glue, nails, screws, and hinges. Thanks, Pam, for helping me learn to use all the tools (safely)!

As usual, I used plenty of re-purposed materials to complete the project. My friend NJ gave me the brass letters; the roof 'tiles' were metal samples used by a sales rep.

I recently received a stART Grant from the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, funded by the City of Tucson and Pima County. Part of my grant was applied towards a band saw.  I started learning how to use it today, making holiday tree substrates for my December mosaics class, "Using Found and Personal Items."

What, you ask, was my inspiration for this one? First, I had a lot of silver and dark bronze or black bling. I had a lot of flower-like pieces, as well as tear drop shapes. The challenge was that I had square and oblong tesserae (very non-organic looking) and just as much round (more organic) bling.

So, I decided I needed to have sky, rain, clouds, and then flowers and a garden. But what about all of that rectangular bling? Ah, a building! Then I remembered from MANY years ago my visit to Central Park in New York. What was next to the park? Awesome art-deco style buildings! Thus was born, "Spring Rain, West Central Park"...a bit cool and a bit warm, all at the same time.

The Associated Asset Management team recreated their logo as a tapestry mosaic. This was part art class and part team-building activity. Remember, I am a former corporate trainer and instructional designer. I do these types of events, customized, for any local group or business.