What Happened???

I made my first mini fiber mosaic after returning from a trip to Israel in 2012. The mosaics there were inspirational, both the ancient ones and the modern day ones. My first view of a mosaic was leaving the airport. I was smitten.

I was told to visit the town of Acco to see a synagogue, Or Torah. It was an Amazing Race adventure. (If you ever meet me, I'll be happy to share the story. )  The entire inside of the building is covered in mosaics, inspired by biblical stories and Jewish history. 

I met the wonderful man that was responsible for these mosaics. Although he only spoke Hebrew and French, he gave me a tour of this building that was his inspiration from a Tunisian synagogue - his home. Some how we communicated. What was obvious was the pride he had taken during this 50 year project. 

This was the first one I made when I returned home. It measures 5" x 7". 

I have continued working on these over the years. They are made from tiny pieces of fabric, about 3/8" square. I love the mixture of all the different patterns in the fabric. It gives it such depth and interest. I have been working on a very large piece for several years that I'm not ready to share yet. 

Since I am teaching this technique at the Daytona AQS show, it has rekindled my interest and I've created a few new ones. (Click HERE for class info. )

Here's some of my newer mini mosaics and they are mini. I use a tweezer to place the fabric pieces!

For me, it's a relaxing project that I can work on while watching tv or a movie or chatting with friends. 

Recently, I thought I hurt my hip, but it turned out to be sciatica plus other assorted ailments. I was sidelined and started another mini mosaic. I decided to use Bailey as my subject. 

Everything was going quite well. It really was starting to look like her, but somewhere in the process, I lost my way. I abandoned my "map", lost the look of her and lost her hair sprigs on the top of her hair. To me, that's what makes it look like her. 

I also used a different stabilizer. I tried rinsing it out. The batting shrunk, squares of fabric floated away, and now not only did I have a dog that didn't look like my girlfriend, it wasn't flat anymore and not the look I wanted. I do still love the pattern varieties in the fabric. 

The experimenting is good for teaching. It's not always what you should do, but sometimes it's what you shouldn't do. 

A Mosaic Temple

I have fallen in love with mosaics, especially those in a town called Acco (or Akko or Acre) in Israel at The Or Torah Synagogue. 

I have also befriended a man called Zion Badasche, even though we have trouble communicating.  He speaks Hebrew and French.  I speak English and the tiniest bit of French.  He came to Acco about 60 years ago  from Tunisia with a mission to create a synagogue covered with mosaics.

Behind us is a mosaic of the town of Acco.

Some of the mosaics depict stories from the old testament.

There are lots of mosaics depicting flowers, birds, animals and fish mentioned in the bible.

Viewed from a 2nd floor balcony.

 and different Israeli cities.

Not one wall , section of floor or stairwell was left uncovered.  And Mr.Badasche told me that I should practice speaking Hebrew 1 hour a day and when I return next year, we will be able to communicate in Hebrew! (I'm not sure that will make it to my to do list.)