New marble glass store coming soon!

Where would I be able to find glass tiles for mosaics in NYC?

admin — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:24:32 +0000

I’ve just become interested in trying to make mosaics.. but I keep trying to find a place that might already sell bags full of colored tiles. But the search comes up as stained-glass for showers, or windows, or floors.. Where would I find tiles that are actually for making mosaics or are they the same? Any stores in NYC?

http://www.susanjablon.com/ is based in New York state. The people who run it are themselves mosaic makers, so they’ll know what you’re talking about. You buy tiles by the sheet but you can ask from them to be shipped loose or on tape so it’s easier to pick apart or on paper that just soaks off. They have great customer service and bend over backwards for their customers. Just give them a call. I’m sure if you told them you’re going to make mosaics they’d love to send you loose samples so you know what you’re looking at. I used to work there and I can’t hype them enough. I have used their glass tiles to make mosaics, and they’re absolutely beautiful.

Just a little more info: They can certainly ship you tiles loose, but there’s a chance they’ll break in transit. If they ship you sheets, they can pack them more carefully so they will be safer. Depending on what you get, sheets come one of three ways: on mesh, on paper, or on tape. Mesh is glued to the back of the tile and it can be tough to pick it apart so I wouldn’t recommend that. Paper is mounted on the front of the tile and has a water-based glue so if you soak it in water they come right off. Tape is a sticky tile tape mounted on the front, and you can pick tiles off of it. For mosaic purposes, I’d ask any mesh-mounted tile be remounted onto paper or tape.

Readers and writers, how can I improve this short paragraph?

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:16:18 +0000

It’s really three short paragraphs, but I would like to know which one gives off the best atmosphere and how to improve it.

They stepped over the threshold into a domed atrium. Peter’s shoes squeaked on the glittering marble floor as they strode under a beaded chandelier suspended from the top of the stained-glass dome, tinting the room blue as though it were an underwater retreat.

They stepped over the threshold into an majestic, carnival-like atrium. Peter’s shoes squeaked on the glittering marble floor as they strode under a stained-glass dome that tinted the room green and blue as though it were an underwater retreat.

They stepped over the threshold into a domed atrium. Peter’s shoes squeaked loudly on the polished marble floor as they strode under an enormous glass chandelier suspended from the top of the dome, which was embroidered with dark mahogany paneling and rich mosaic art.

What atmosphere does each paragraph portray?

Hey

I prefer the first, although I do agree with over-descriptive writing. I feel you can take out the ‘glittering’ before the marble floor. I’d make the word ‘suspended’ more simpler.

Other than that, I think it’s great, I especially loved the ‘tinting the room blue as though it were an underwater retreat’ – that’s lovely. You’ve used description and enough adjectives to show how luxurious this place is.

Remember it’s not necessary to always use adverbs or adjectives, sometimes less is more – more can easily become empowering.

Hope that helps
~ JLT

Need tips on ceramic wall tile project, please!?

admin — Sat, 12 May 2012 00:20:13 +0000

I am going to be tiling 3 of 4 walls (floor to ceiling) in a mid-sized bathroom. The floor has 80′s white octagon tile that is in very good shape, which I will not replace. I plan on selling the house within 3 years. This had been a kids’ bathroom, and they’ve been tough of on the existing wallpapered walls. There is a skylight but no window in this bathroom. The bathroom has a large double vanity and mirror that are in good shape, and a 1-piece integral tub that I will not be replacing. I’ll be tiling the tub and toilet walls, and the wall across from the vanity that has doors to a bedroom and a linen closet. The wall by the door to the hall which has electrical outlets will be painted. .

The contractor is coming in 3 weeks. I’m supposed to buy the tile and grout. He suggested that I buy tile at a hardware store like Lowes to save money, or at a more expensive local tile store with lots of options. I’d like to find something very neutral, like an ivory tile that might have some marble effect. His only tip was to stay away from mosaic, since too much grout would be harder to keep clean.

My questions are (1) size of tiles? Is 6 x 6 ok, or should I be looking for bigger tiles? He suggested bigger is always better, but I’m concerned that this might pose problems since he’ll have to fit them around the doors and fixtures. (2) Matte or semi-gloss? Glossy seems like it would be easier to clean in a bathroom, but it might be too shiny? (3) he said that he could install the tile on existing walls after he removes the wallpaper and paste because the walls won’t be exposed to water — just steam if the kids forget to turn the fan on. Does it make sense to install tile on the existing wall? (4) I didn’t ask him if he’d put the metal towel racks and one robe hook back up, but I’m going to need him to do that. Any tips about towel rack installation? Do I need to buy ceramic tile rods as part of the project?

I’ve been told I will need about 85 sq. feet of tile for this project. Labor cost is about $1000, so this is actually close to the cost of re-wallpapering.

Please give me your thoughts and suggestions. I’m hoping to give the room a fresh look for resale.

Tile size: Except for kitchen backsplashes, the typical tiles used these days are 12"x12" and larger for most of the remodels we’ve been doing. Smaller tiles take longer to install and require more grout, too.

As for where to shop, we use local stores and their prices are competitive with the Big Box stores. Of course, for us it’s 140 miles round trip to the nearest Lowes or Home Depot which has a lot of influence. Also, most tile stores have installation crews that they favor. Ask them to give you a quote for this project.

That being said, we subcontract our tile installations because the guys we hire have the tile saws and other tools and they are far faster than my own crew. They also charge about 1/2 of what you say you were quoted for 85 SF. I suggest you get a couple more quotes. While you’re at it, ask for references and DO check them out.

Good luck with your project.

Hoping for some ideas for my tile project!?

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:00:16 +0000

I am going to be tiling 3 walls (floor to ceiling) in a mid-sized bathroom. The floor has 80′s white octagon tile that is in very good shape, which I will not replace. I plan on selling the house within 3 years. This had been a kids’ bathroom, and they’ve been tough of on the existing wallpapered walls. There is a skylight but no window in this bathroom. The bathroom has a large double vanity and mirror that are in good shape, and a 1-piece integral tub that I will not be replacing. I’ll be tiling the tub and toilet walls, and the wall across from the vanity. .

The contractor is coming in 3 weeks. He suggested that I buy tile at a hardware store like Lowes to save money, or at a more expensive local tile store with lots of options. I’d like to find something very neutral, like an ivory tile that might have some marble effect. His only tip was to stay away from mosaic, since too much grout would be harder to keep clean.

My questions are (1) size of tiles? Is 6 x 6 ok, or should I be looking for bigger tiles? He suggested bigger is better, but I’m concerned that this might pose problems since he’ll have to fit them around the doors and fixtures. (2) Matte or semi-gloss? Glossy could be easier to clean in a bathroom, but it might be too shiny? (3) Does it make sense to install tile on the existing wall? (4) I didn’t ask him if he’d put the metal towel racks and one robe hook back up, but I’m going to need him to do that. Any tips about towel rack installation? Do I need to buy ceramic tile rods as part of the project?

I’ve been told I will need about 85 sq. feet of tile for this project. Labor cost is about $1000, so this is actually close to the cost of re-wallpapering.

Please give me your thoughts and suggestions. I’m hoping to give the room a fresh look for resale.

Since you plan to sell limit the tile to areas where it’s necessary, strip the wallpaper and paint the rest. Potential buyers may not like a full tile treatment. I’d recommend a plain 6×6 white tile, and neutral colors.

The more you can improve without going custom will appeal to buyers especially since you’re remodeling/updating a jack-&-jill bathroom. Keep it within a modest budget.

What tiles will go with these?

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:10:05 +0000

We have chosen some grey marble effect tiles for our bathroom (please see link) we are tiling most of our bathroom which has no windows so we are trying to keep it as light as possible (without just boring white)
My question is what colour mosaics will go with these tiles as a feature? We will have to have a feature as the bathroom has a curved arch and the only way to tile it is with mosaics on a sheet.
Also thinking of putting them behind the sink.
A similar colour grey? White? Silver?
Or a contrast. .. Thinking yellow? Cappuccino?

http://www.diy.com/nav/decor/tiles/wall-floor-tiles/ceramic_wall___floor_tiles/-specificproducttype-ceramic_tiles/Illusion-Matinee-Marble-Effect-Ceramic-Wall-and-Floor-Tile-Grey-Pack-Of-10-10977501

All help appreciated, thanks

Any solid color mosaic would look the best. Grey ( light or dark) Just don t do a multi tonal or mixed mosaic. It ll be way to busy.
Only contrast I d consider would be a solid black or solid blue that has grey over tones.
Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar. GL

What is the probability that three red marbles are drawn in succession?

admin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:40:45 +0000

A jar contains three red, five green, and six blue marbles. If all of the marbles are drawn from the bag, what is the probability that the three red marbles are drawn in succession?

3/14 x 2/13 x 1/12 =

can i install a glass tile directly over formica back spla sh?

admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:32:57 +0000

have new counter tops and the wall still has the old formica back splash on it and i am wanting to install sheets of glass mosaic tile over the back splash. what do i need to do to prep the area?

Another thing to watch for with glass tile – many are not opaque. If they are at all see-through, any pattern or differences behind the tile will show. – one more reason to remove the old one and to do careful surface prep.

Can you use a clear epoxy and glass tile on a window?

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:26:05 +0000

I have a window in my bathroom, and for privacy, and a cool stained glass look, I have an idea to epoxy glass tiles in a mosaic. I just need to know if this is physically possible, since it’s obviously going to ruin the window!

I agree with Don D about expansion and contraction. It would be better to use clear silicone in a caulk tube to glue the tiles on since it would allow them to flex with temp changes. Another good point is you could remove it later if you decided to change the look because the silicone would clean off the window with a razor blade scraper.

Where to buy glass tiles for mosaic?

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:54:44 +0000

Im looking for stores that sell the glass tiles for mosaic art work. I live in northern nj. Thanks Any and all flooring or tile stores will have glass tiles that you need. Any where tile is sold. They are … Continue reading →

How do you think my betta fish is doing?

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:08:12 +0000

I got a betta fish today as a late Christmas gift. He’s a male, delta tail and is a purplish pink. I named him Sparks (Don’t ask) A pic of him, the best I could get at the moment.

https://twitter.com/aznluvsmusic/status/158416709110337538

Anyways, I have food pellets and freeze dried bloodwarms for his diet. Since I just got him today, I only fed him about 3 pellets. He didn’t seem interested in them, just let them sink. I don’t know if he ate them yet.

The tank I’m using is a 2 gallon, hexagon with a LED light and a very quiet filter that doesn’t bother him. I didn’t use gravel for his tank, but these marble-rock like things. Kind of like in mosaic tiles. I also have a bridge I bought at the same time and my mom insisted on adding this fish standee and floating bobber that held a fish as well. I used natural spring water from the store to fill the tank. He has plenty of space to swim around in.

Ever since I put him into his new tank from that small, plastic cup, he’s been sticking to the side of the tank. I’m not quite sure but I’m assuming he’s seeing his reflection and trying to attack it. He also gapes his mouth open ever now and then then closes it. About 20 minutes ago, when I walked up to the tank to check up on him, he started wildly swimming around for a moment then went back to the side. Was he excited to see me?

I would really like to know if he feels comfortable and what I could do to make him happier. Any advice at all would be appreciated, I read up on bettas last night so I’d like to learn things from other people too. Thank you~

The responders so far don’t seem to be any better informed than you are, so I will make some suggestions.
First: do NOT use bottled water of any type. It lacks essential minerals. Use room-temperature tap water treated with a conditioner/de-chlorinator. AquaSafe and Start Right are two good brands.
A proper home for a Betta is at least a 5 gallon tank with hood, heater, and gentle filter. Anything less is cruelty to these beautiful fish. Bettas must have heaters, they are tropical fish.
I recommend going to a book store and/or library and getting some beginner’s books on aquarium keeping, and also on Bettas. There is a lot more to learn than what can be absorbed in one night.
It is normal for a Betta to not eat for a day or two after being put in a new tank. He needs to get settled in. He will not eat food after it has sank. Net it out if he doesn’t eat it, to keep from fouling the water.
Do further research and get him a proper home if you’d like to see him live the full 5+ healthy, happy years he is capable of.