SkySeaSand

This paper mosaic started with the goal of using as many of my blue scraps as possible. I realized that my blue scrap stash could be divided into subsets of dark to light and different shades of blue-green. This began to suggest a seascape, where the blues of sky and blue-greens of the ocean are dominant.

Unlike my previous versions of this same design where I started with the larger sections, I knew I wanted the interior lines to embody the "sand" portion of the theme, so I went ahead and completed them using lighter-hued scraps in my "neutrals" stash.

Then I laid out scraps from the various divisions of my "blues" to start to envision the colors I wanted to use in each section. I'm never completely sure of my choices at this step, but I have to remember that once I start laying down the pieces, it always looks better than the random scattering of my test shots. I usually start with the color I feel the most certain about so I can make minor adjustments as I go along.

The finished piece is approximately 8.5 inches tall and 6 inches wide, shown here with an 8.5 x 11 frame.

In a detail shot, it's easier to see the bits of the greeting card art. I always prefer fragments that have a little bit of texture, either physical or visual, rather than solid colors, though a few of those interspersed are fine.

I have to say this is one of my favorite iterations of this design to date. And while my blue scrap container is no longer overflowing, I still have plenty in store.

May 2021 Update: I loved this combo so much that it inspired another set of coasters (see https://www.glorianewton.com/post/if-you-can-t-play-with-your-food for the whole story). I made them for a friend in Santa Cruz, thinking the color scheme fit well into that beach town context. Below are a few photos of the set. Even though the s-curved line is a feature of all the sets of this version, it works particularly well for a the sea reference. (My friend was thrilled, by the way!)