Dream it.
It all begins with inspiration. A vision. A dream
Design it.
Determine style. Is it fine art to be hung, set on a stand, or built-in? Desired size? Materials to be used? Finished or ready to be built-in? Framed or unframed?
Fabricate it.
My unique process is described on this page in detail with videos to illustrate.
Install it.
I prefer not to trust most pieces to the postal system, and hand-deliver them. I’m happy to hang the art for the client. If built-in, I can hand off the art to a tile expert or install it myself.
Inspiration picture and work in progress.
Using wet band saw to carve out details on this horse.
Cutting stunning piece of cosmos granite in half because it was too thick.
Using my Rotozip to cut out green granite background so can inset carved pieces.
Cutting out marble background to inset the Jay and tree.
Jay and tree inset, ready for grouting.
Finished Grey Jay on gloomy-day background client picked.
Sample letter of specific materials used and their energetic properties.
Theresa sourcing rare granite, marble, slate etc from stone fabricator scrap pile.
Finding the perfect green tourmaline needles for pine needles at the Denver Rock and Gem show.
Searching for inspiring stones and rocks for various projects in Slate River, Crested Butte CO.
Fabricate it:
Cut, shape, and fit materials together as if creating a jigsaw puzzle.
Carve and sculpt pieces to give them more detail.
Inlay to make a picture (Opus Sectile tradition) or glue them directly on a background stone.
Grout them in, and, if the design calls for it, glue semi-precious stones and crystals on (Pietra Dura Methodology).
Loving the energetic properties of semi-precious stones & crystals, I use them in most projects.
Finishing Touches:
Built-in as a backsplash or accent piece.
Create a custom stone frame.
Grout edges for a simpler look.
If to be hung, install a French Cleat hanger that not only safely holds heavier artwork, but if planned beforehand, works well in tiled areas so that it’s possible to easily take your legacy art with you and repair the wall afterwards.
Apply a high-quality enhancer and sealer to bring out the natural beauty of the stone and to protect the art.
Glue on my glass ladybug signature, that is discrete and brings good fortune and prosperity.
Sign and date. Prepare a letter detailing the specific natural materials and their energetic properties that radiate positive vibes into its new home.
For larger/heavier/delicate pieces, I will personally hand-deliver my art most places throughout the continental USA, so I’m confident it reaches it’s new home in pristine condition.
My process has been time-tested over the past decade, making me confident in the quality of construction, installation, and durability of the materials and my work.
If you’re interested in commissioning a custom work, I’m delighted to craft that legacy stone mosaic you’ll treasure.
Videos detailing my process and how I use a wet tile saw.