Spring in Ravenna, Italy: City of Mosaics, part 2 - Micro Mosaics

 

Città Amica Delle Donne - City Friendly to Women

The practice of miniature mosaics originated in 18th century Rome and were created by artists of the time all within a stone’s a throw of the Vatican Mosaic Workshop. Themes were inspired by Italian art and nature. Along with mosaics, this technique became a means of preserving and restoring religious paintings that were deteriorating, as a result of age, or climatic damage.

The minute 2-3mm glass tesserae of a micro mosaic, meant that smaller more portable artworks and jewellery could be created as souvenirs. Popular as travel souvenirs for young gentlemen on The Grand Tour through Europe. . .

Continuing reading this post on my website:  Spring in Ravenna, Italy: City of Mosaics, part 2, - Micro Mosaics

Alison Day Designs

Spring in Ravenna, Italy: City of Mosaics, part 1

 

Basilica di Sant Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy

Spring is the time of plans and projects ―Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

My attention had been caught by a variety of mosaic courses, offered by the Mosaic Art School in Ravenna, in Italy. One in particular, on how to create micro mosaics was intriguing. This, however, was different to my usual forays into online study - this was in person and in Italy!

Well why not? Arrange a week’s trip to Ravenna, the absolute centre of 5th and 6th century, brightly coloured, Byzantine mosaics and enrol in a course on micro mosaics at the same time. . .

Continuing reading this post on my website:  Spring in Ravenna, Italy: City of Mosaics, part 1

Alison Day Designs

.

Sketchbook to Product: Bringing Luxury Pattern Designs into Your Home

Art is the imposing of a pattern on experience, and our aesthetic enjoyment is recognition of the pattern - Alfred North Whitehead

Having completed two surface pattern design courses over the past year, I feel it is time to get some of my patterns out into the world. So, without further ado, here’s my NEW online shop! Alison Day Designs

Note book - Chinoiserie Blossom Blush

Here you can discover collections of unique designs, printed on high-quality products and have them shipped directly to your door.

Bring a little historical luxury into your home, with a Chinoiserie-inspired trailing floral design, in soft pinks and greens.  

Glasses Case - Chinoiserie Blossom Blush

Did you know that the word Chinoiserie comes from the French ”Chinoise”, which means Chinese. The style itself has Chinese or East Asian influences and became popular in 18 century Europe, and to the present day.

I’d love to hear what you think.

Alison 🌸

All designs ©️ Alison Day Designs: alisondaydesign.com

Alison Day Designs: THE SHOP

Finding Winter Wonder: Exploring Oxford’s Christmas Fair

 

Apart from the twinkling street lights and street vendor chalets, the Christmas fair in Oxford this year, with no snow, had a gigantic wooden Aprés Ski Bar, with tall (creepy) nutcracker dolls standing sentinel outside, an illuminated conical Christmas tree and an impressive carousel.

This carousel was not your usual kids only variety, but was a double decker, which included adult-sized rides too. A herd of brightly painted horses galloped to festive tunes, accompanied by carriages, sleighs and giant a couple of Rudolf the red nosed reindeers. 

Magnificent during the day, the carousel was a sight to behold as dusk approached. Walking past every day on my way to work, I couldn’t resist and took a spin on one of the horses!

If you’d like to see the carousel in action, visit my reels on instagram - @alisondaydesigns 

Alison Day Designs

About Me - Artist, Designer, Voiceover

 Alison Day Designs

Art & Design, Words, Voice
Welcome to my website and creative life!

An artist and designer, my journey into surface pattern design started 2024 and although I’ve been using Illustrator for many years, as a publications designer and illustrator, I’m still discovering new ways to use it.

Originally from Oxfordshire in the UK, I lived for many years in the Netherlands, but repatriated six years ago. In the Netherlands, I ran my own business, in design, translations and voiceover as Alison Day Designs.

Currently working towards my dream of  reviving my creative business. This time incorporating pattern design, amongst my other creative pursuits. Excited to see where this takes me! 

I am inspired by the world around me, through: travel, people watching, cat antics and a love of storytelling and my creations are a mix of analog and digital.

I have a passion for papiermache and my artworks include recycled 'waste' that would otherwise end up as landfill.

An experienced voiceover with almost 20 years experience, my voice can be heard on museum tours throughout Europe, in audio educational books, corporate films, small documentaries and the odd advert. 

Website: Alison Day Designs
Instagram

Subscribe to my Newsletter 

The Magnificence of Mosaics

Bracelet in Blue

Marmite

Pink Fish - Mosaic Jewel

Green Fish - Mosaic Jewel

Poppy Petal

Cartoon TV

Website: ©️ Alison Day Designs

Instagram

The Wonders of Creating Pictures using Paper

Caribbean Bus

 

Turban Lady

Bead Lady

Angel '9 Women'- See the other ladies HERE

Cat Mirror

Lion Water Fountain (Spilli, Crete, Greece)

Waterspout (Spilli, Crete, Greece)

Decorative Bowl

Chameleon Box

Website:©️ Alison Day Designs

Instagram