Tuesday
Jun142011
Mosaic Flower Sculpture, Supply List
Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 6:08PM
I have had so many requests from artists who want to learn how to make a mosaic flower sculpture. The large sculptures we did last year are complex and difficult to write out instructions for. Thus, I created a smaller flower that is easier to construct and a lot less expensive. This process can be used for any flower design you like. I will set about giving you all the instructions bit by bit. If you have questions as I go, please feel free to comment and I will assist you along the way.
Look at images of flowers for inspiration and choose a flower with simple petals. I have been making lilies and hibiscus blossoms. Also, consider creating an art flower made from your imagination. I will create an art flower to serve as a tutorial work as we go along.
This blog post serves as the first in a series on how-tos for the flower sculptures. Follow along each posting (2nd Tuesdays of the month) to create your own work and let me know how you are doing.
SUPPLIES:
14 gauge steel galvanized wire. This is available at your local hardware store in rolls of 100 ft. or more.
24 gauge steel galvanized wire. Also available at the hardware store in a 250 ft. roll.
AMACO brand aluminum wireform mesh 1/16", 10 ft roll. Available at some hobby stores or on-line.
1 large package plaster wrap (Rigid Wrap is one brand name). Available on-line or at hobby stores.
1 roll epoxy putty for metal. Available at your local hardware store.
a flexible thinset - check with your hardware store or supplier for a thinset with additive. In the US, Home Depot sells FLEXBOND in white or grey. MAPEI also makes a very good product available at Lowes. And, Laticrete is always an excellent choice.
TOOLS:
wire cutters
scissors suitable for cutting aluminum mesh
disposable plastic gloves
pallet or putty knife
needle nose pliers
Gather your materials and we will begin construction on the next posting!
Look at images of flowers for inspiration and choose a flower with simple petals. I have been making lilies and hibiscus blossoms. Also, consider creating an art flower made from your imagination. I will create an art flower to serve as a tutorial work as we go along.
This blog post serves as the first in a series on how-tos for the flower sculptures. Follow along each posting (2nd Tuesdays of the month) to create your own work and let me know how you are doing.
SUPPLIES:
14 gauge steel galvanized wire. This is available at your local hardware store in rolls of 100 ft. or more.
24 gauge steel galvanized wire. Also available at the hardware store in a 250 ft. roll.
AMACO brand aluminum wireform mesh 1/16", 10 ft roll. Available at some hobby stores or on-line.
1 large package plaster wrap (Rigid Wrap is one brand name). Available on-line or at hobby stores.
1 roll epoxy putty for metal. Available at your local hardware store.
a flexible thinset - check with your hardware store or supplier for a thinset with additive. In the US, Home Depot sells FLEXBOND in white or grey. MAPEI also makes a very good product available at Lowes. And, Laticrete is always an excellent choice.
TOOLS:
wire cutters
scissors suitable for cutting aluminum mesh
disposable plastic gloves
pallet or putty knife
needle nose pliers
Gather your materials and we will begin construction on the next posting!
Reader Comments (4)
[...] Check out Katrina Doran’s blog on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for a step by step tutorial on creating large flower sculptures: http://katrinadoran.wordpress.com [...]
I take it, the copper tubing is used for the large TEX Fair ones...what is the supply list for those BIGGIES:)?
Mosaic Lover in Michigan!
Hi Kathy, the large flowers are quite a bit more work, including the materials. I do not have the time to send you a list of those materials and how they fit together right now. If you are willing to experiment, think 1/4" copper tubing, chicken wire, and ways of tying all the pieces together securely. Thanks for your interest. Good reference books on sculpture construction can be found in your local library. Sherri Warner Hunter is one of my favorite authors. http://sherriwarnerhunter.com
Thanks for the timley reply...I'll try to experiment and look up the gals books...
Have a Merry Christmas!
Kathy