Letter to a friend - to Molly from Polly.....

Dear Sandra,

EXCITEMENT - am looking forward to viewing the Ozmosaics studio - extended (thanks to the skills of Bob the Builder) and resplendent, blazing in colour...also eagerly awaiting the gallery which will be housed in the beautiful wood panelled room in your Queenslander home...and the happy mosaic garden - gardens scream out for mosaics.

I remember the day we met.  I had enjoyed classes in stained glass mosaic, and wishing to continue on  the mosaic journey, luckily discovered the Ozmosaics website.  I phoned you and then met you and mum, Shirley, at the Brisbane Craft Fair.  I recall a vivacious lady, her outfit accessorised with a tool belt (such is your dedication to your art), and then came a big hug and I felt I'd known you for years.  On then to a class at your studio.  The butterfly and floral masterpiece now adorns my lounge room wall.

Next came the Addicts' Group - a happy and enthusiastic band of ladies - I'm looking forward to the reintroduction of the group in your new schedule,  renewing friendships and agonising together over which colour grout to use  - happy times!!  Being part of this group is the best way to go from feeling 'beige' to 'vibrant'!

2004 was a phenomenal year for you.  You completed so many projects (some with the help of a couple of addicts).  You've taught many children to mosaic.  For many, their mosaic journey will continue as they grow and they'll remember who took time to involve them.  The mosaic dunny was an innovative idea and the decorative dunny will, no doubt, reappear at the May 2005 Craft Fair.  Those in attendance will repond to "throw some money in the dunny" - your unique way of raising money to benefit sick children.  I hope you've photographed every creative moment of 2004 and share all on your new website.

Thank you for bringing added colour to my life.  My interpretation of "colour" is...friendship, fun, laughter, smashing, creating, many grouty moments and Tim Tams. Thank you for excitedly and freely sharing your knowledge, gathered over a number of years and still growing. Please find time to compile and publish a Sandra addition to add to the library of mosaics.

Sometimes it's impossible, at the completion of a class, to 'down leps and leave'.  Some have lingered on to remain overnight to enjoy a delicious breakfast by David next morning.   (Everyone should have a David.)  Do I sense a B and B extension in the future???

Well friend, here's hoping 2005 is your year to do something for you.  Create your mosaic dream - make it a reality.  You've begun - don't stop.  Can hardly wait to be dazzled by the new studio - have fun opening it to newbies and future addicts on Saturday - continue to shine!!

Hugs,

Polly.

P.S. Thanks heaps for sharing your Tim Tams.

For several years I had felt an interest in mosaic art, but it was an interest from a distance. I, like many others had seen segments on lifestyle TV shows, and had thought: “Mmm, I’d like to give that a go”. It was not until about October 2002, that I took the step forward and began my mosaic journey. But, I was on an isolated mosaic island. Despite living close to the largest inland regional city in Australia, I was alone with my mosaics. Buying practically every mosaic book available did a lot for inspiration, but left me confused. I found myself wandering the hardware stores asking sales persons about adhesives, sealants and so on. I had wandered the internet, but remained feeling lost, and alone,,,,,,,,,then,,,,,,,,,one day it happened: Upon a surf of the net I came across this woman from Brisbane (at last someone within driving distance, let alone the same state and continent.) I viewed the Ozmosaic website a few times before taking the plunge………I e-mailed Sandy, and, then, in only one phone conversation I felt I had caught a real beauty.  No, this fish didn’t get away. I was so surprised that in only one conversation with me, a complete stranger, Sandy shared some tips and ideas about mosaics (and she wasn’t after my credit card number either).

As a result I plucked up the courage to spend a weekend workshop with Sandy, unbeknownst to either of us, the weekend we arranged was Mother’s day here in Australia. But, it was the best mother’s day gift I could ever have received. Despite my knowledge of the basics about mosaics, Sandy shared so many techniques and tips. Her imagination and inspiration left me in wonderment. Since this memorable weekend, my mosaic journey has continued. Occasionally the journey takes some detours and the vehicle occasionally breaks down, but whenever I need “petrol in my engine” I either think Of Sandy or e-mail or phone her. I then get a turbo boost of inspiration, and an injection of happy thoughts to keep me going.

These days, we are so fortunate that she has sown the seeds for the mosaic_addicts group, it is only a connection on the internet to get a dose of mosaic medicine. And her wonderful website in which she not only shares her work, but she is so generous to make it a site for others to share and enjoy.

The thing that keeps me in wonderment is her continued enthusiasm, willingness to share her experiences with so many, and her philosophical approach to life. I am proud to be able to take this opportunity to share my “Ozmosaic” experience with others. Sandy is a unique lady who not only has wonderful mosaic talent; she shares this talent through her teaching with enthusiasm and humour.

Julie N