About the Artist
Becky lives in Shawnee, Kansas with her husband. She has been designing mosaics for decades and has honed her skills using glass and ceramic tile and other repurposed objects for her unique designs and wonderfully colorful treasures.
She enjoys reading, crafting, hiking, biking, gardening, and the great outdoors as well as spending time with her family - her husband, four children their spouses and seven grandchildren.
The majority of my mosaics are made from cut glass tile. Although care is given to make sure your art is safe to touch, please handle with care when hanging or dusting.
The colors you view on this website may vary slightly from the original piece due to the difference in monitor or screen settings.
Steps in the creation of a mosaic piece
The first step…..The creation of a design, which is usually generated from a memory, a story or experience, a photograph or picture that resonated with me to the point of wanting to study its formation using shapes to make the whole.
Finding the backer board that fits the design and the mood of the piece. I love repurposing frames, pieces of wood, spindles, trays, rocks, edged table tops, etc. to create the framework of the piece. The feeling tone of the piece starts with how the subject is displayed. There are times when it is just the board, and the frame choice isn’t decided until the tile work is complete. Any painting, staining, hanging hardware or care related to the piece beyond the tilework is usually addressed during this step.
Sketching the picture/design on the backer board.
Deciding color patterns, glass cutting styles, possible beads and other pieces as well as envisioning the grout lines and how they will accent the final product. Putting this together is very much like watching a quilter pick out fabric — it can be an all-day affair!
Cutting and piecing the project together one piece at a time. I like to adhere each piece with Weld Bond Adhesive. This is the most fun, yet laborious part of the project.
Once fully pieced, it sits for about 5 days so the glue can cure while I ponder grout color.
When the glue has cured the project is ready to be grouted. I use powder grout and hand mix my own batch specifically for each piece. I allow the grout to fully cure 3-5 days before I do a final buffing and polishing of all the individual pieces.
I’ll apply a grout sealer that protects the grout and helps to prevent moisture from working its way into the grout and under the tiles. I allow the sealer to dry for 24-48 hours between coats (depending on humidity) and usually do at least 2 applications of the sealer.
I’ll do one final buff and shine to get it all sparkly!
The final step is to hand draw my “Mama Bear Mosaics” logo on the back of the piece. She is slightly different every time but she is always bright-eyed and sporting some beautiful flowers. She is my signature that says “I am finished” — I did my best and I am ready to share this piece with the individual that wants to enjoy it every day in their own home!
Mike Savage is a wonderful artist from Kansas City who has a quote that I literally recite to myself through my entire creation process. When I first read his quote it was like a heavy stone of judgement and self-insecurity was lifted from my shoulders…
“Art is simple. Either you like it, or you don’t.”
Mike Savage