Part of the joy of making mosaics are all the cool tesserae available, like the recycled glass Organiks tiles. They are similar to a tile I started using from Spain, Vidrepur, which is also recycled glass. I was attracted to the tiles before I ever knew they were recycled from broken car windshields and bottles. They are extremely smooth, with rounded edges and corners. Some have color applied to the surface, like the ones at either end of the photo. Others have the color integrated into the glass mixture, all the way through. Unlike some types of vitreous glass tile, which can have an almost grainy texture with tiny pits in the surface, these tiles are “high definition” with the kind of sheen on marbles or other highly polished glass.
I used Vidrepur tiles in this rocking chair for the Phoenixville Chair-ity Auction. The center tiles are metallic gold, and the two outer rings are shades of red and orange.
I found this video from Vidrepur that shows their recycling process if you want a peek at how they go about transforming glass recyclables into gorgeous tile. Check out the groovy jazz flute soundtrack!
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I remember about 10 years ago reading that there was a glut of glass at recycling centers that no one wanted to buy, and I thought that was sad. It’s so nice to see that there is such a good use for them, and that I get to use them! Thank you for your kind words.
Wonderful that something so beautiful can be made from recycled glass! The world is definitely improved by your art – sustainable or not.
I wish there was a local factory doing this!