Friday, February 18, 2011

Broken China Mosaic Birdhouses and Design Inspiration

Hellooooooo bloggers and bloggerettes! Lovely to see you! So sweet of you to stop by for a visit! I hope that all is well (and warmer) in your world! It's been raining so much here in the SF peninsula, might need to build a boat! ha!

There is always a lot of talk about inspiration here in the blogosphere. We also have lots of before and after post.

For this post, I thought it would be fun to show you the inspiration behind the broken china mosaics I created.

I was looking for some inspiration for my mama's 75th birthday present (she will turn 85 this year). Since we are Russians, I thought it would be fun to create a design in the spirit of Russia.

Here, the inspirations...


The Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia

and


Russian dachas

the birdhouses resulting from the inspirations....



Mama's Winter Palace Birdhouse






and Mama's Dacha






They sit on the pass-through from the dining room to the kitchen.

broken china mosaic


The perfect spot because we can enjoy the front and the back of the design.

It's hard for me to be impartial, I know the flaws and what I'd like to do differently. Even still, they are very pretty to look at. Just like their respective inspirations.

I have posted some tutorials at my How To blog for creating vintage china mosaics here.

Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking the time leave me your sweet thoughts!

Have a lovely, safe, warm (and dry) weekend!

Cheers!




I'm linking this post up with the following fabulous hosts:





Being Creative @ Gorgeous and Fun Things

109th Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on The Porch
at

43 comments:

  1. Honey at 2805February 18, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    As soon as I saw the Winter Palace, I had to see what you were posting! So sweet of you to use these as inspiration for your Mother's Birthday!

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  2. ginger@bearbitsFebruary 18, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    These birdhouses are absolutely gorgeous! The inspiration for them makes them all that much more special and I especially love the colors. Great results for a nice gift - just beautiful.

    ~ginger

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  3. middle childFebruary 18, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    Flaws? Are you kidding me? I am not into crafts but this? This is a masterpiece! My question is,...how long did it take to make just one of these.

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  4. Self SagacityFebruary 18, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Amazing bird house! If I was a bird, I would feel like a QUEEN! Wow, I would squeeze in there if I could. Happy PS>

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  5. Light and VoicesFebruary 18, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    Lovely, just lovely bird house and the inspiration is unique. Proudly they stand. Happy Pink Saturday.
    Joyce M

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  6. Anne FannieFebruary 18, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    These are beautiful! I love the soft blue china plates and the beads!
    Happy Pink Saturday!
    Ann

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  7. UnknownFebruary 18, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Thanks so much for your sweet comments!

    Middle Child, for both, it took about a month from start to finish, with no time off in between.

    Cheers!
    Tina

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  8. AnonymousFebruary 18, 2011 at 9:28 PM

    Always love when you post you new creations Tina! These birdhouses are fabulous!! Love the bead trim detailing-

    Thanks for the wonderful Russian pictures- they were fun seeing!

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  9. GailFebruary 18, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    Tina, your work is fab. Love your composition, I know your mom just loves her houses.
    Happy PS
    Gail

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  10. Sue@Uniquely ChicFebruary 19, 2011 at 5:06 AM

    Ohhh so pretty. I love the blues and the beading really makes it. You are so creative! Did you add the platforms that the houses sit on or did they come like that? Have a great weekend~Sue

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  11. SusanFebruary 19, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    Hello Tina...Your birdhouse palaces are unbelievable. Oh, how magnificent it would be to live in such a place. You have immense talent and I am in awe of your intense, masterful creativity. Thank you so much for sharing such enchanting pieces. Susan

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  12. stefanieFebruary 19, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    oh, they are gorgeous!!! you are sooo talented!

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  13. Jil~Say It With RosesFebruary 19, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    Enchanting! No other word will do for you beautiful birdhouses! I love the blues, so restful and pretty with all the pinks we use, too!
    HPS!
    Jil

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  14. The Sewing and Knitting LoftFebruary 19, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    Lot's of thought and planning there...the birdhouses are beautiful.

    Barb

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  15. CharFebruary 19, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Tina, I am just speechless. Those are so beautiful and I think you found the perfect inspiration. I know your mother is so proud. What a treasure created from the heart!! Char

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  16. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageFebruary 19, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    Oh, Tina, that Winter Palace is fabulous! What a gorgeous building! And I am absolutely swooning over your mosaic birdhouses! They are stunningly beautiful! My parents have done some mosaic work and so I learned from them but my dear, it's hard to get good material here where I live! I've been wanting to do a birdhouse myself but haven't gotten around to look for the china. Anyway, love yours! Gorgeous work! Thanks for your visit and Happy Pinks.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  17. Regina February 19, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Happy Pink Saturday Tina dear.
    Wow truly fabulous! Thank you for sharing.
    Have a great weekend.

    Regina

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  18. GratefulPrayerThankfulHeartFebruary 19, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    These are so unbelievably beautiful! Just so lovely!

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  19. Kelsie from Our Country Home and Studio PhotographyFebruary 19, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    What amazing pieces of artwork...I love them and they so capture the inspiration perfectly...OH and the color theme is just my cup of tea ;)

    One day I hope to have a birdhouse this pretty for the cottage garden of my dreams.

    Blessings Kelsie

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  20. Marina CapanoFebruary 19, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    Hi!

    Your work is terrific, congrats!

    Happy pink saturday!

    xoxo

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  21. DonnieFebruary 19, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    That is so lovely and the colors are perfect.

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  22. TaniaFebruary 19, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    Oh Tina these bird houses are just amazing, I just love them, You are so clever.

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  23. Stephanie Suzanne DesignsFebruary 19, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Tina,

    I love the inspiration for your birdhouses. And your mosaic work is beautiful. I do agree though...those of us that create are our own worst critic. I think that's why it's so important for us to support and encourage one another. ♥

    Thanks so much for coming over for a visit.

    Happy Pink! And I hope it quits raining soon. I'm just so happy it's quit snowing.

    Hugs,
    Stephanie ♥

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  24. AmishaFebruary 20, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    I absolutely love your creations!

    I would like to invite you join my blog party "Being Creative" starting today. I hope you join in!

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  25. MariFebruary 20, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    HELLO TINA AND HAPPY PINK SATURDAY :) OH MY WHAT FLAWS!!! I SEE ONLY BEAUTY :) I LOVE IT ALL :) THERE MAGNIFICENT :)

    XO~MARI

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  26. Jillian's Bella Rosa AntiquesFebruary 20, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    Gorgeous! The colors in the buildings can take your breath away. The birdhouses are amazing!

    Jillian
    Bella Rosa Antiques

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  27. strawberrygirlFebruary 20, 2011 at 11:26 PM

    Gorgeous and very creative you have given me lots of insperation to do something with my birdy house ,cheers Tracy

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  28. UnknownFebruary 21, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    Wow, those are fantastic!! I can't believe the work you put into it and I love the china plate mosiac style. I would love it if you link up to my party, A Marvelous Mess. I will be picking one project to feature on the sidebar of my blog for a week!! Here is the link:
    http://marvelouslymessy.blogspot.com/2011/02/marvelous-mess_20.html

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  29. Dandelion and DaisyFebruary 21, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    So beautiful! Your choice of plates makes the houses look so soft and sweet. I've tried that type of mosaic....it truly is not as easy as it looks. You may see the flaws but to others it looks perfect!

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  30. Jane@Cottage at the CrossroadsFebruary 21, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    This is my first visit to your blog. I came via BNOTP. I just love the bird houses and your mosaics are incredible. They make me want to attempt one.

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  31. BohemianFebruary 21, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    Your birdhouse is amazing and that first picture of the Russian dachas took my breath away and I immediately saved it to my favorites! Such fabulous detailing... and I'm all about the details! *swooning*

    Dawn... The Bohemian

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  32. {Bellamere Cottage}February 21, 2011 at 10:41 PM

    Beautiful job Tina! I love them.... so soft and pretty...

    Huggies,
    Spencer

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  33. CarolynFebruary 22, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    I love the birdhouse- so beautiful!

    Carolyn

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  34. Amanda@RelovedRubbishFebruary 22, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    Tina, your birdhouses are magnificent! I love the pale blue and white with the crystal trim.

    Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving me a sweet comment.

    Amanda
    xoxo

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  35. Tatum @ Tatum's TakeFebruary 22, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    Wow, I am impressed! You must be a patient woman lol. Such a great job, and the inspiration images are also beautiful.

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  36. KarenFebruary 22, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    Oh my gosh!! You should start a business selling these!

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  37. CandyFebruary 22, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    Ms. Birdie can be heard singing, "In all the world my nest is best." Artistic wonders to rival anything in Russia. You are a master with the porcelain.
    Thanks for stepping over to see my shoe post.
    Tuesday evening Blessings to ya ;-)

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  38. AnaMarch 1, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    Oh Tina,
    Beauitful as always...Thank you for sharing your tutorials with us...One of this days I'll have enough courage to tackle a mosaic project. I just love the look of it. Your winter bird palaces are precious.

    Hugs and Kisses,
    ♥Ana

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  39. Debra HowardMarch 2, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    Just beautiful! Oh how I love those mosaic birdhouses. I have lots all over my garden. I buy them anytime I come across them. Yours are really gorgeous. Too pretty for outside even. I am having a giveaway over at my Gloryfeathers blog this week if you are interested.
    Debbie

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  40. EFT TappingMarch 2, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    That birdhouse is pretty! Such a wonderful idea!

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  41. CarolMarch 3, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    I am in awe. The birdhouse is fabulous and the photo of the winter palace is one of the best I've seen.

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  42. AnneMarch 16, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    What charming images! Its nice that somewhere out there in the world, there is public whimsy. Glad I found your blog, you might like mine, its all about bird inspired decor!

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  43. Annie JeffriesApril 4, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Oh my gosh, Tina. The birdhouse just knocks my socks off. Happy birthday to your mother. You are so blessed to still have her.

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(In my best Audrey Hepburn voice)...You're a darling to take the time to leave me a comment! xoxo, Tina