May- Welcome to Totem Totalers Annon. There is a 12-Step program that will help you when you run out of dishes to feed your family on. LOL

The problem of having a base that heavy is this: You would always have to move it by picking up the base without pulling on the glass pieces. Some of the mosaic people use GE Silicone II exterior caulking to glue their mosaic pieces before grouting. I would use tile mastic to put the glass onto the cement. Then I would marble heavily around the base of the piece where the glass is attached to the stone. But still lift it by the bottom piece only. My 2 cents. : ) susie

May, you can also use thinset mortar to glue glass to a stone base. This is what we use when doing a mosaic on a patio stone. Thinset is easy to work with also. Have fun and show us when it's done!

I LOVE heavy bases as they are less likely to get knocked over. I like using those iron round weights that you put on work out bars...and I use marine silicone adhesive to apply glass to the metal, I have been thinking of other ways, haven't tried the mortar but I am sure it would be a good thing to use, was gonna try some plumbers putty too at some point, or wood putty, just to see what they would do. Your base sounds great! Got pics?!

Welcome Mayblooms! You have found the right place for the info that you need! Personally, I've never made a totem, but have been saving cool glass pieces, and will make one eventually. So I can't give you any advice other than to grab any glass items that turn you on when they are available at the right price. Just keep them stored until you're ready to create. And don't buy the glue until you're ready, from what I've read, the GEII has a short shelf life. But the other GJers who've made totems can help you much more than I can. Good to cya ~tenderlee