Tuesday, January 13, 2009

A Special Mosaic: Glass on Glass for the Garden

From In the Garden


Glass in the garden is something I really go for in my garden. It is shiny, bright, colorful, does not rot, rust, or have to be messed with in any way once it is placed. One caveat though, glass can break so if you have young children be sure to keep glass away from areas that they play in. I have a young grandson and all glass objects in my garden are safe for him.


So what do you do with glass in the garden? Well there are as many creative expressions as there are creators, but in this creator's garden I have used glass for bottle trees, mosaic signs (sea glass), and 'mushrooms'. Now I have a new use for glass; a Glass on Glass Mosaic. We affectionately call these mosaics our 'Twin Towers'.



I acquired shower glass doors from a fellow Freecycler last spring. I initially had intentions of using the shower doors over my coldframe, but the doors sat and sat and sat and that plan never came to fruition. So here it is the dead of winter and what's a gardener to do? All of a sudden it came to me that perhaps I could make a glass on glass mosaic with the shower doors. I could get the doors out of storage in the garden and instead display them in a fun and useful manner. A plan was hatched and off we go on this adventure of making the mosaics out of the glass shower doors.

The first order of business for my new project was to build frames for the glass doors. Shower doors are fairly sturdy in the shower, but would not safely hold a lot of weight consisting of glass gems and grout. Mr. Fix-it was enlisted and jumped in with gusto. He is a sheet metal trained fabricator for the Army, amongst his many other jobs (such as the special duty of recruiting) .

The job of creating a frame for the glass doors was so purrfect for him! Mr. Fix-it generally helps with one big project per year. Last year it was my little
wheelbarrow, this year he has really outdone himself. He went to the local metal store and bought some square iron. He then measured, cut, welded, primed, painted, and mounted the glass doors to the frame. The frame allows mounting of the glass mosaic in the garden, as well as prevents flexing of the doors so the mosaic would not crack. While grinding the joints on the frame, Mr. Fix-it got a bit of metal in his eye. He had to make a trip to the emergency room for a metal removal and eye patch on his very sore eye. The things he does for me! He is okay now and his eye will heal.


I initially set up shop in the garage with my part of the mosaic. I spent a LONG five plus hours hand gluing all glass beads on this first door. I had to do it in two sessions. You can see it to the right all ready for grout. The glue I used was liquid nails silicone adhesive. I actually liked this glue because it dried clear and held fairly well, though the gems were able to be flexed that was not a problem once the grout was applied. I used a special mosaic glue on the second door and was not as happy with it. This glue did not dry clear and came loose when the grout was applied. Do your research on the glue and use what will work best for your purposes. Not all glues are created equal.


Once everything was glued in place I decided to bring the door into my living room. The Jimster had to help me carry it in as it is quite heavy. Now on to the grouting.


The grout was a major issue. I have only grouted once before, and this was on a small plaque I made for my garden out of sea glass. I never knew it at the time, but the pre-mixed grout I used on that plaque was for interior use only. I found that most pre-mixed grouts are for interior use only, and you also have to seal them. Fortunately I did seal my little outside plaque and in the 5 years it has been outside, it has held up well-a good thing. But using interior grout on this large piece simply was not going to work for me. I want an exterior grout.


I initially purchased interior/exterior grout at a craft store. I purchased two seven pound buckets of grout. It completed just under half of the door. Oops! Need some more grout! I knew the craft store was out of the grout, so I ventured into my local orange big box store where I found the exact same kind of grout at a much reduced price compared to the craft store. The caveat with the exterior grout is that I had to mix it myself. I am no stranger to mixing these types of things because of all the concrete I mix up and use in other garden projects, but this grout was a mess!!! First of all, make sure to wear a good dust mask. Most grouts (at least exterior) have warnings due to the silica content. I wore a good dust mask. Next, clear an area that will not be harmed if you get some grout on it. This grout happens to be a black color (charcoal) and once it gets on something it is stuck there. You must never clean up the grout in your kitchen sink either. I dumped all the water in an area of my yard that I want hardened off due to Mr. Fix-it using it as a driveway, then washed all buckets and bowls outside under the tap. This I did in the incessant rain. Might as well get really wet when we get wet-right?


Mixing the grout was only half the problem. Once the grout is mashed into all nooks and crannies (not difficult at all with my gloved hands), it then had to set up a bit before I could wipe off the excess grout. This was the problem! The black quickly saturated my sponge, my bucket of water and everything! I had to continually work to get the grout off from the glass gems. It was time consuming and frustrating to me. I must say though, that after the first batch, the second batch went much faster as I learned from my mistakes with the first batch-wait until the grout is quite hard before wiping off the haze. Keep checking for readiness. The picture to the right shows the door from the grouted side. The picture below shows how the door looks from the smooth side looking toward a light. It does not look quite as I expected but I am ever so pleased with the whole thing. It kind of reminds me of a stained glass window.

There are tons of types of glass gems in this door. Some were the glow in the dark kind (not a good thing since the glow in the dark material is painted on the gems and quickly separated when I grouted them in), there are stars, rectangles, opaque, all kind of gems as I described above. My intent for the whole thing is to have the sun shine through the door and light up the garden and to provide color in the winter. But also when visitors come over (especially young kids and hopefully my grandson when he moves closer) I hope they'll enjoy a treasure hunt in the door.


From In the Garden

GLASS MOSAIC

And walah! Here is the finished piece. Well, almost finished anyhow. It still needs to be mounted in the garden (completed for both doors and they look great in the garden!).
If you look closely at the first picture you can see shadows from the dividers in the house windows. The shadows are gone now that the 'Twin Towers' of Glass are placed in the garden in areas where they get the sun coming and going. I find the transparency of the glass doors the biggest attraction. Even at night the 'towers' make a colorful statement when back lit with low voltage spotlights. 

This is not a project for everyone but one that is certainly doable by anyone. I think if I had to do all over again I may have tried a smaller window first before undertaking these 5 foot by 2 foot doors. The project was immense and I know we spent a good 20-25 hours working on both of these doors. The reason I went this way was the quick availability of the doors I already had on hand that I received from a fellow Freecycler. It turned out reasonably well and should be an enduring piece of a 'one of a kind art'.....

in the garden....

PLEASE! Do not take the pictures from this blog and repost elsewhere! Feel free to use the idea and create your own shower glass door but the pictures belong here only. 

Words and photos property of In the Garden Blog and are NOT to be copied, lifted, or fed to another website. Thanks. 

61 comments:

  1. Tina, a very ambitious project. It turned out lovely. I wondered with the black grouting how it could brighten your garden, but the last picture shows how very well.

    Great tutorial. Thanks for sharing the pictures ands the info.

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  2. Absolutely beautiful!! What a wonderful hubby you have--and the talent both of you have..wow! I would love to see the sun shining through. Great job!!!

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  3. Hi Tina, this may be the best post EVER! I love everything about it, especially the large photo at top. Your doors are so gorgeous and you have done a masterful job in telling the pitfalls and how to go about making them. Thanks for the tip about the glue too, And a medal for Mr. Fixit for being wounded in the line of duty, hope he is okay.
    Frances

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  4. Tina,
    Your results are stunning! Just wait until they can be in the sunshine of the garden.

    Thank you for the step-by-step, although I'm not sure I can tackle a project so large as the doors (although those doors would make fabulous screens around our outdoor shower).

    Cameron

    I've seen the Chihuly photos with Comos and Rose and they are stunning.

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  5. Good Morning Everyone,
    Tina that was superb. Thanks for all the tips on a job well done. It's gorgeous & I too would like to see the sun shining through it.
    Thanks to Mr Fixit for all his help. Hope his wound will be ok.
    I hope everyone has a lovely warm day.

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  6. So cool!! I have seen the glass stones in stepping stones, but this is fabulous!

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  7. That is really cool. I would have difficulty deciding to keep it in the garden. I might be inclinded to put it back in the shower so I could see it every morning.

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  8. Hi Tina,

    Really excellent job on the glass on glass! I love it! It is really lovely and will look fabulous in the garden! Glass on glass is loads of fun. You can now mosaic your bowling balls if you want to!

    This to That (http://www.thistothat.com/) is a go to site for all questions about gluing anything. I used marine Goop on my g on g projects.

    Gail

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  9. Tina that is BEAUTIFUL!!! I just love it --it does remind me of the stained glass windows in church:) Great job and glad to hear Mr. Fix-it is going to be okay --what a great guy I tell you:) Supposed to get pretty cold here the next few days --ciao!

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  10. Tina, I agree with Frances, this was a really great post. I appreciate the do's and do not's. Where did you get all the glass stones? I wonder if this could be done with broken glass like from colored bottles?
    Marnie

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  11. Wow! Nice job! I winced at the thought of your husband's experience but at least he'll be OK. Great idea for those shower doors!

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  12. Tina, what a great project! Those glass doors are going to look spectacular in your garden. Kudos to you for tackling such a big project. I appreciate all the little tips about what not to do as well, but if I were to try this, I know I'd start on something very small.

    Thanks for the link love; this project is the only glass art I can afford:)

    I know Skeeter's husband is the Saint, but I think Mr. Fix-it deserves that title today, too! Hope he is doing better.

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  13. Oh, wow! That is incredibly beautiful! I loved reading how the whole process of creating it happened. I imagine it will bring much beauty to your garden with the sun shining through it. Stunning!
    Karrita

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  14. Hi Tina and thank you for making this post from your mosaic shed.
    What a project, the result it beautiful, it must be heavenly when the sun comes through the different colour glass.
    xoxo Tyra

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  15. Tina, my friend, you and Mr. Fix-It have created a masterpiece! Just beautiful and a wonderful reclamation of discarded doors. Now I know you are settling in there for a good while. It would be quite an undertaking to move an art work like that.

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  16. Dawn, Thanks! It is lovely in the garden, you would just not believe how much it adds.

    Beckie, Very ambitious! What was I thinking?? Now that it is done-yeah!

    Linda, It really looks super in the garden. Sun shining and all. I'll pass along your compliment to my wonderful hubby. He is a trooper. At the eye doctors right now as a matter of fact.

    Linda, Thanks!

    Frances, So glad you love it! I knew you would as you are very ambitious in the garden too-what with that lovely mirror you made. I am still drooling over it.

    Cameron, Funny you should mention an outdoor shower. I thought that would be IDEAL for them! When in Iraq we had outdoor showers so it got me to thinking of doing the same here. Either way, they do make a good screen. Fortunately I have planted enough privacy things that can be purely decorative. One is in a daylily bed, the other next to where a new patio will go (with garden of course)>

    Lola, Thanks! Mr. Fix-it is such a good guy. He will never forget this project for sure.

    Janet, Glad you like it! It is pretty easy if you have an old wood frame window around. Not as many glass and grout required. A good thing. Try it out sometime.

    Les, My teenager is quite upset I put them outside so he would agree with you. He truly thinks they need to be in the house. But there is no way I can block my view to the garden so outside they had to go.

    Gail, I wished I had that website prior to starting this project. Glue is very important in these as you know. I was a newbie so had to struggle. It is working okay though with the grout. A very strong thing. I would love to see your glass on glass! I know you are quite the artist. I do plan to mosaic the bowling balls-with mirror pieces though and maybe glass gems as I had some left over.

    Anonymous, Stop over sometime and see it. I bet Sidekick would have fun finding all the gems. I can think of tons of games for kids with it.

    Marnie, Thanks! Not sure on the good post or not, but this is one of my biggest projects not including gardens since I began blogging. I collect the gems from thrift shops and flea markets. Usually I can find gallon sized ziplock bags for about $3. Pretty cheap. I did have to buy more gems though at Hobby Lobby. They are not too expensive. Yes, it could be done with broken glass no problem. You would make sure to glue firmly and kind of seal it so the grout didn't get under the broken glass then you would have the same thing with lots of character. I actually debated using broken glass. The thing with these gems is there is a flat side. My other mosaic I did was with broken sea glass and it actually worked well so it also work on glass too.

    Dave, Thanks! It was an experience for Mr. Fix-it. He is still complaining but not so much. He's a good guy.

    Rose, Thanks! Yes, my dear hubby is a super great hero in my book. For all the little things he does. He is my third husband and I would owe 90% of the great success of our marriage all to him! Too much info huh? Anyhow, when making these I thought of Chilhuly's art and the price it must cost. These were not too pricey to make, but priceless to me as I KNOW they are one of a kind art. The most important thing to me-and made by me. Suppose I can one day sell them?? Ha! Not likely-too busy making my own fun stuff.

    Karrita, Thanks so much! This was a fun project that would fit right in with you no problem. The sun does look great coming through them. A friend of mine used to do stained glass and has some panels mounted in her garden. I tried to emulate it in my own way. Love the sun and color.

    Tyra, It is very much a shiny and colorful project. A fun one that I am glad is done now! A panel like this would look great by a greenhouse I think.

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  17. A massive project to take on Tina, but they look wonderful! I can't wait to see them in the garden next season. :) I'm glad Mr Fix-it will be okay.

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  18. Mom, Thanks! It was so much fun but I am ever so grateful it is done. I can see a window or two like this at your place too. I'll work on it at some point for you. Okay?? Wouldn't it look nice in the living room facing the west sun?

    Walk2Write, Yup-we are definitely settled in. It would take an Army to move me...shhh...shouldn't say that too loud with the Army still in our lives huh?

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  19. Racquel, Thanks! They are splendid and I'll be sure to include some pictures of them with flowers all around. Mr. Fix-it is quite the guy I tell you.

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  20. What a great project and it turned out so pretty. I bet they look great in the garden.

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  21. Sarah, You still have an open invitation to come visit anytime-you can see them anytime. Bring the boys too. Another month or so and there will be tons of plants blooming-just call or email me.

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  22. Poor Mr. Fixit! Get that eye back to 100% because Tina will have another project for you soon! :-) The things we get our Saintly Hubby's into huh Tina?

    This is one big project and I am impressed as to how quickly you completed this glass on glass project and in this cold weather too! This was a wonderful idea and great way of recycling! Be sure to let your fellow freecycler you received the doors from see your new doors! They may want them back though. :) You just keep adding new things encouraging another "in person" visit to your garden! I cant wait to visit your garden again and see those beautiful doors glowing with the sun shining through!

    Wouldn’t 6 of those look great beside our boat shed? If you lived closer, I would have to contract you to make some for me! Color in the garden year round, how cleaver! You have such an imagination with recycling. You Rock Woman…

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  23. Very, very beautiful, Tina!! I'm going to start looking for some small windows in thrift shops, garage sales, etc. I would like to try this on a smaller scale. How creative!

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  24. omg, Tina, these doors are FABULOUS! Well worth the time you spent to create them. I can already envision how gorgeous they will be with sunlight streaming thru them. Stunning. You are very creative to think of that use for shower doors! It would not have entered my head!

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  25. Skeeter, I worked pretty fast on this one as I knew what I wanted to do. I am glad to get them out of my living room! Yes, I think these would look good as a pseudo wall next to your boat shed. Think the Saint would go for it? Not so sure, he sure doesn't like the bowling balls....

    JGH, Small windows are so easy to find. I have the best luck at yard sales. One of my good neighbors sold me 11 wood framed windows for like $5! I was in shock. Not like I needed that many windows but I bought them all. I do several crafts with them. Good luck. Can't wait to see what you come up with. It is a fun project.

    Kathleen, Thanks so much. Every now and then I get some good ideas. Now keep in mind it only took me about one year to figure out a use for those doors. lol That's okay. Sometimes ideas just need time to 'bake'. I like your saying "Tardy to the party"-do you know I have never heard that one? Great fun.

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  26. That's gorgeous Ms. Tina! I'd love to have one or two strategically placed around my garden. And I'm familiar with Chihuly's work. He had some on display at Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh when we visited last year.

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  27. Mom, Those are beautiful. I would love some of those to hand below my deck. I just love them and it would be wonderful to look out from the patio beneath at such beauties. I am sure they look fantastic. Liz

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  28. TC, Thanks! Lucky you to see Chilhuly's work.

    Liz, I'll see what I can do to get one then! Glad you like it.

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  29. Tina, The Saint loved these and I think he would go for them by the boat shed! I mentioned it to him and he did not give me that "Are you crazy?” and “Only in your Dreams" look. lol but then again, he knows I would never take on such a large scale project and you are too far for me to contract the work. Dont think they would fit in the Impala and our truck travel days are over with the better gas mileage. I am on to him. My parents had a shower door replaced a while back and our new windows this past year. What a shame….

    Liz, I see a wonderful Wedding Gift.... :-)

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  30. I love it! I know that your grandchildren will love that game. It is the stuff from which dreams are made. Can you make two more and what is the price? LOL :)

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  31. Oh Tina! I have been saving marbles and little colored pieces of glass and digging them out of the garden, so eventually (when Robert finishes inside) he can use them outside in the cement of the walkways or something. I had never thought of something like this! It's absolutely beautiful! You could sell these, girl! I'm forwarding this on to him.
    Brenda

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  32. Tina-- very cool. My wife does mosaics and I make stained glass.

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  33. Skeeter, Tell the Saint I am truly touched that he accepts my newest artwork. Truly! Even if he knows one will not wind up down there:)

    Layanee, Ha! I wish I had the time to make them and sell them! A fun job I can really get into.

    Brenda, So glad you like it. I bet one would look great right outside your new French doors. Sounds like you have a head start on your own mosaic. Would love to see it. That Robert is really something.

    Wayne, You guys could combine the mosaic making with your stained glass and have your own combined masterpiece! It would be a fun project for you. I'd love to see your work.

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  34. Want. That. Door. Must have. (goes out in barn to see what old doors are hanging around. Makes note to self to go get some glass beads.)
    Seriously, Tina, that was utterly gorgeous and inspiring, and it will look fantastic in the garden.

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  35. so beautiful, that labour of love.
    i can't wait to see it in your garden. what a really unique piece for your garden and all will know you put your heart into that one.

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  36. Mom- The glass work looks fantastic. I love that sort of stuff in the garden or otherwise on display. They add so much color and creativity.

    So, Army wise we are FINALLY being picked up by our receiving company. I am already in their quarters they are just finally taking us over. I should know my address already but have been to lazy to write it down. Classes still won't start for a little while yet, like 2 weeks. Boring. Love you.

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  37. Wow, that is sooo beautiful!! Simply love it!!

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  38. My little family, Thanks so much!

    Jodi, You are so funny-seriously or not I love your comment!

    Marmee, It was a joy to complete.

    Christine, I am so glad you have access to the computer. It may change once you start school though. You take care. You will for sure see the glass when you next come to visit. lots of love.

    Kanak, Thanks so much!

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  39. Tina, what a fabulous idea! Once everything is mounted and your garden starts blooming again, please post more photos.

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  40. Dear Tina,
    This is beautiful. Your gardens are incredible. Adding your art is fantastic. Lots of work but worth it. Wow!
    Sherry

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  41. Susan, You bet-lots of amateur photos (someday perhaps I'll get better and get a camera newer than 5 years and counting)on this blog of flowers and art in the garden. Stay tuned for more of the doors. They seem to be a hit.

    Sherry, It was tons of work for sure. But fun. What else can I do? Gotta reuse it somehow.

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  42. This will look terrific in the garden--I can just picture it with the sun coming through the glass and casting amazing rainbows on everything around it! Just be sure not to upstage the plants!

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  43. Thanks James, Too late on upstaging the plants-this will win each time I think:)

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  44. I am still in awe of the beautiful doors!

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  45. Your projects are fantastic. You must have a very beautiful garden full of light.

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  46. Hi Pam and welcome! That was such a kind thing for you to say. Yes, I think my garden is wonderful and these mosaics are the crowning touch. As you know mosaics are special, not my specialty but I manage to pull off a coup for the garden occasionally. Thanks for dropping by to see the mosaics.

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  47. That is gorgeous! Your Garden is lovely too.

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  48. Thank you Jodi! Glad you like it. I like your artwork too-very creative. If you make one of these glass on glass mosaics, do let me know, I'd love to see it. And thanks on the gardens too. Have a great day!

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  49. I really enjoyed this post. I have done one mosaic piece and this has perked my interest in making another one.

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  50. Leedra, This has been one of my most popular posts and projects and I am glad you like it too. This project is most easy and makes a big impact in the garden. Have you posted on your mosaic? I'd love to see it.

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  51. I really like your doors. I enjoy doing mosaics and I'm hoping to find a free door so I can try this. I made a mosaic bird bath a while back and posted about it. Check it out. Back to your doors, I see you have rectangular pieces of glass where did you get those? Great post, Thanks!

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  52. What an eye-catching project. I'm sure you get a lot of pleasure out of it.

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  53. Injuries of the eye are among the most painful but mercifully quick healing. So sorry. You should do nothing for the rest of your life but create and sell these for thousands of dollars. I want one for my shower!

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    1. Becca, You have my husband and I cracking up at your comment with us thinking of me just spending my life making these! I only wish! You can make one for your shower so very easy and I hope you do but if you are nearby I'd surely make one for you for a cool thousand!:) Some would say they are well worth it!

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  54. I just wanted to let you know I smile each and every time I look at this piece. Well done.

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  55. Oh, kisses and hugs to you and whoever put this on FB. I have had an old shower door laying around for 5 years and also have much left over glass from doing stained glass projects. Now I have a purpose for both.

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    1. You are welcomed Anonymous! I am now wondering what happened to that post on FB? I can't seem to find it now. If you still have a link for it could you please leave it here? Thanks!

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