good for something

 

Thanks so much for the comments about our Mo...how sweet they were to read and to share with her. I'm a little behind here with deadlines, but I ran across this project- just right for a spring cleaning collection. In my book, Mothers and Daughters at Home, there is a project like this that we created on a jug and a lamp. That was fun, but this one is easier because the surface is flat. I made it a long time ago with all kinds of little messages and trinkets in it about the family. Once featured in Romantic Homes (summer, 2003?), it's actually a memory collage inside a small cocktail tray table. We keep a glass top on it which rests on 4 corner letter cubes (like dice) the same height. Getting ahead of myself though.

You need a table or tray with a recess or rim- this one is about 12" square. Also a tub of premixed wall tile grout from the hardward store and a spackling knife. Collect a bowl full of junk or treasures....that's what happened to the rest of my heart-shaped rocks, right in front of me. Forgot I used them here! Try to stay with pieces that aren't too tall (certainly not taller than the 4 corner cubes). Plan the arrangement on a separate piece of paper- similar in size to the table/tray top. Spread the grout about 1/4" thick on the table or tray and stick the junk in it as planned. Let it dry overnight. Tips-- you can add acrylic paint to the grout if it's white and you want a different color. I like the grey putty color. Use damp cotton swabs to clean stray grout off the tops of junk- before it hardens. And definitely make the 4 corners the same height so you can add the glass without a wobble. Get a professional glass cutter to cut a 1/4" plate glass top to fit and polish the edges.  My glass cost about $15.     xoC....A, E, M and M

Comments

[Maggie]

This is so cool, I have always wanted to try one of these. I collect...oh everything! I'll save this for a summer project. Thanks for the info!

[Ellie]

I love this! What a great way to show off all of your treasures. Thanks for the directions!

[clarice]

This is a wonderful family idea and a perfect keepsake. Clarice

[suzi finer]

Okay, so now I'm ready to break out my old game pieces because of you! Thank for the inspiration (again!)

[Rachael]

Oh this would be awesome to make with my neice for her mums birthday present. I'll have to organise an overnight stay between now and then.

[Nonnie]

What a great idea for using up all the collected treasures that don't always find a home. They look lovely all collected together like that. Thanks for the instructions.

[jenny b harris]

Thank you SO much! I've been wracking my creative pea-brain for an idea like this. So simple and fun. Now I'm off to dump out all the boxes of miscellaneous treasures/junk I've been hoarding!

[norththreads]

Yes, looks like a great way to savor those treasures! Stunning!

[Renee]

A very clever idea, so practical and it looks fabulous. I have been away so am just catching up on some posts, love the little firefighter - so cute! Renee x

[Vicki in Michigan]

Thanks for sharing Mo with us. What an inspiration she is! To find something you can care so much about, at such a young age, and to pursue it with such persistence and passion.... To know you are making the world a better place, every time you are called out.....

Wow. My hat's off to you, Mo!

[Heidi]

I saw this in your book and really wanted to try it. But I never found the grout! Guess I need to go to our local tile store. Small towns! Things are more difficult to find around here. Thanks for sharing this, I really want to try it!

[barbara brandeburg]

Great buttons! And I'm noticing those scrabble tiles popping up in all sorts of creative places lately. Perhaps I should go whack something with a hammer and give this a try!

[Karen]

Oh...this is wonderful! Love the heart-shaped rocks in it.

[Michelle Legler]

Very cool mosaic Charlotte!

[Ulla]

How fun, and I love that its personal and family oriented! Just wonderful!!!

[Mizsmoochielips]

I LOVE this idea!!