LET IT SNOW

My brother and his family live in Vail, Colorado; they are never short on company! Last December, our family descended on their home to spend the holidays skiing together. I began trying to think of a gift for them that would express our appreciation for their generous hospitality.

I spied my old straight skis in a corner of the garage and I was struck with the perfect idea—mosaic a set of skis!

It was my husband who actually suggested mosaic-ing just one ski so that it would seem more like an art piece rather than the traditional crossed set of skis that are so typical in mountain homes. As I began making the many tiles for this gift, I was very happy that he suggested only making one ski!

The long single ski format functions as a talisman that hangs on a narrow strip of wall by their front door, bringing them good luck! The ski is embellished with tiles that have significance to my brother and his family. There are tiles that are personalized with their names and when they became established as a family. The ski is also embellished with jewelry pieces that are personal symbols, such as the heart at the top of the ski.

This ski demonstrates the ability to alter an everyday object into a meaningful piece of art. I know lots of people who have created mosaics on musical instruments that are just beautiful. As you look around your house or garage, think of all the possibilities that are out there—really just about anything with a surface has the potential for transformation into a mixed-media mosaic!