One birthday a few years ago, our inventory manager shared this image with me. As part of her birthday celebration, her family decided to make her a mosaic table. The intent and thought and beauty around the making of this gift is so true and beautiful, I wanted to share it with you. Her father and daughter, ex-husband and his family, her boyfriend, and everyone’s significant others came together on her birthday, bringing with them the supplies needed to create her gift.
They brought the necessary broken tiles, mirrors, vases and whatnot, and they also brought something else: A memento that carried meaning for each one of them, to include in the table, to be there forever and remind Maureen of the love that is all around her. Her father included a little plastic toy bike, her daughter included a mug she’d had in her college days. An earring of a beloved and passed brother was added, and for each family member, a coin made during their year of birth was pressed into the design.
Made using recycled materials and love, this gift is kind to both people and the environment. This can be a fun project for any age and a great way to upcycle and preserve things you love - chipped flower pots, old mugs, antique mirrors from a grandmother's vanity or hand mirror, personal tokens and anything else you can think of!
Adapted from the original article first published on thegreenextract.com and care2.com, 2011.
