Walls painted and ready to go.
First job is to get the picture divided up and cut up into pieces.
I used both paint shop pro and photoshop for this, mostly because I simply couldn't get the grid function to work properly in photoshop.
The image needs to be divided into 11.8cm x 13.8 cm rectangles. The reason they need to be this size is because this is the size of the rear of a cd case, the bit below the cd holder which you can simple snap out.
Why use cd cases for the mosaic?
I used cd cases for my mosaic for 2 reasons. Firstly, the rear of a standard cd cases is completely clear, and new cases have a lovely shine to them. Secondly, if mounted as I have done, it is a relatively simple process to replace the picture used in the mosaic at a later date.
You can usually pick up cd cases dirt cheap - mine were about 4p per case.
Obviously the larger the design the more cases. I used 40 in total, but I had another 20 odd spare.
Final prep
Once I'd cropped all 40 rectangles I simply printed them out (2 panels per A4 to conserve paper - and the worlds resources) and cut them out. I then placed them into the rear of the cd cases and got ready to mount.
I could either arrange the cases on the wall directly next to one another, which would simply form a large almost seamless picture or break the image up a bit by adding gaps. As stated earlier, adding gaps will enable me to change the image when I get pig sick of it, which will happen as I am extremely fickle.
Final prep, attaching a couple of strips of double sided padded sticky tape to each case (Shout out to Blue Peter!).
Mounting the image
The best and worst part. It's much harder than you'd think to get the cases all completely square to another, whilst at the same time ensuring that the image looks right.
Obviously having a big ruler and spirit level is essential. Anyway, as the evening turned to night I pushed on with the mosaic.
Later...
Much later...
Until finally...
Daisy gets in on the photo action
Sadly, I only have a mobile phone camera here at the moment so I apologise for the poor quality shots.
That was fun. So what's next?
32 comments:
A truly excellent result.
You have inspired me. I think I shall prepare a P J Harvey mosaic for my bathroom wall.
The fact that you can change the picture when bored is genius.
I have to admit that is pretty damn good.
OMG That's fucking fantastic! An absolutely brilliant effect.
Ahem, is that a peace lilly on your desk? Fuck's sake man, you do a brilliant job of decorating your study and ruin it with that thing!
"What's next?" you ask. My house. It needs a complete overhaul. It's not too big of a house but it will take up a fair amount of your time. The new windows are coming at the end of the month. I need new flooring. New countertops. New furniture. New paint job. New decorating. New everything.
You could have your own little show happening there couldn't you.
"At Home with Herge"
Oh yeah, and I've still not painted that loft hatch in my bedroom!
Actually, that'd be just like me: instead of taking 15 minutes to paint the fucking thing, to four days to make an interesting mosaic design with CD cases and segments of photographs.
Absolutely brilliant! I feel inspired to do one myself - i think i'll make one of gromit. You should be on TV telling people how to do this kinda stuff, one of those changing what not to ground projects.
I'm lovin' this DIY stuff - its better than the daleks.
Wow, very well done, and great photo's of the progress!
My concern with using CD cases is how fragile they are - if you bump the wall, they're likely to crack.
Very nice! Move over LLB, here comes Herge!
that is just too cool.
mind if I steal the idea? I have a picture I took of my daughter and I that I think would look really great like that...or would you be terribly upset, I AM afterall in another country and the patent can remain yours forever more (just want to borrow with your permission)
It's beautiful, Herge. And the idea of the CD cases is fabulous. Something I'd be tempted to do if I weren't just a filthy renter.
That is so totally awesome Herge!!! It really turned out well. Can you come over and do that at my house? With one of my pics, of course... Really, top notch!
Absolutely ace. It's like "Art Attack" in here now. :)
Nice Work....That is pretty cool.
I also like the fact you can change the pic...
Utterly brilliant, you're a genius. I'm inspired, but I'm inept when it comes to that kind of thing, so I'll just have to look at your work and wish I could do it too. :D
Smart Idea. If you're ever going to do it again, it might be an idea to make some sort of jig out of two pieces of wood, to make getting the positioning easier.
It's fab, Herge. And thanks for the stage by stage pics. They are great.
Cor! I'm well impressed.
red
That's brilliant! Nice use of unconventional materials.
DAMN COOL!
I love it!!
I miss you. So, what's up???
i think that is bloody brilliant as well.
wow.
*waits for Morph to appear*
so, ummm....twiddling thumbs, are you up to answering our questions yet?
Neat idea!
At last i have a use for all the promo cd cases i have lying around.
PS: I love my blog being viewed as Crazy Shit. *looks smug*
S.
Ice Sculpting???
Uh-oh. Worrying silence from the angry chimp.
You there, Herge?
red
I miss the Chimpy. Come back when you can, Herge!
the mosaic is amazing - toothfairy and creak sent me along to see your amazing design - I'm going to try it out - I needed something fantastic to do for my husband for christmas and this will make a great addition to our sports room - thanks for sharing :)
The man is a genius in a monkey costume. That's all I have to say.
miss you. just a word is all we need...nothing fancy....just you
It's been weeks and folks are still commenting... :-)
Have you seen this?
Same effect, but MUCH easier to do!
http://homokaasu.org/rasterbator/
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