I think you should try going up the sides. As for the grout, I vote for the terra cotta, or maybe even a gold wash?

Hmmm the sides need something for sure, so I guess you go with glass. I'm not good at grout color, but I like rchovey's gold wash idea

Maria

I LOVE the tapestry look, the plates you have are perfect for that look! Yes, the sides DO need something, maybe matching the other colors in there. I'm not good with grout color, I do everything black, found some concord grape, maybe someday I'll come out of my box and use it!

Yeap i agree needs something on the sides. But i love the colors. And grout i'm trying to break out of my black grout thing. SO i'm no help there.

Neat design ya got there!
Yep, ya need the sides done too. I'm imagining this being like a turkish rug. What about mosaicing fringe on the edges, and mosaic tassels in the corners? Any filler after that I think I'd do with black. As far as grout? I'm seeing my usual dark gray.
Really neat tray, NT!!

I love it so far and think continueing the same pattern theme using black glass and mirror up the sides, charcoal grout!

Yeah, fringe and tassels, then you can call it "magic carpet ride"

Maria

Oh I love calam's idea to use mirror on the sides to reflect those gorgeous colors! I'm not good with grout but I like the terra cotta/brown idea.

why don't you use more of the 2 colors of glass you've used already checkerboard style?In the bigger size sq.

No help but I like everyones ideas. I do like the gold wash on the grout idea!! Looking good nice!!

Wow! Can I take your magic carpet out for a ride?
It's beautiful! I have no advice except maybe you incorporate all the advice so far....mirrors, fringe, tassles, etc! Good Luck!

hmmmmmm, so tricky design with left overs...

I did find some pale gold mirror

I think I've got something planned out, we'll see

No way would I advise you - you definitely know what you're doing, girlie, and that's gonna be spectacular!

NT, your design looks great! Want to see those plates close up. I think whatever you do, let it draw your eyes to the center because it is beautiful! I vote for the terra cotta grout because that is what you usually see in Mediterranean mosaics --- isn't it?

Goodmorning everyone!

the border was heavily dependant on what I had at hand. I thought Debbi's advice on not competing with the center was pertinent, and for what I could have done - I stayed with a safe bet instead of risking the overall affect.

As you know I'm not a plate person but I am a cheap person so you'll be seeing more plate work from me! LOL Nipping these plates was a real challenge, first making round rims go straight and 2nd, trying to keeping the chewed look to a miniumum! very aggravating.

but once again I found myself following the advice of our Lyndalu and trying to keep the patterns in sequence... somewhat

there's a black with brown/tan leaves and fruit, and a maroon with pink and blue flowers. Who would have guessed those could be paired up? LOL

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

so it's pale gold mirror interspersed with leftover gold van gogh then finished with a light purple that when layed over the wood matched the maroon pretty good.
OK? let's grout this baby!

Again, I'm so amazed and breathless. Little girl, you have done it again. This is soooooooooooooooooooo B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L., and I have no words to describe HOW beautiful. You are one talented little girl. And it DOES look like a Middle Eastern carpet. Oh, how I'd love to have your inspiration and ability to do this type of work.

Oh wow, that is looking goood!

OOOh, you did good! I hope I can absorb some of your talent through this here computer!!! It does work like, kinda like osmosis, right? I am in awe. Can't wait to see it grouted.

Geez NT! Its gawgeous. Perfect way to go with it.
You ARE the force.LOL!

perfect!! that is really fabulous!

Got it grouted yet???????????

Maria

why yes I do! lol

it's like a tomato soup color... I like it!

Oh NICE!!! What can I say! It is so beautiful! It's right up there with your Jungle Table! WOW!
I'm dying to see it grouted!!! This is truly a thing of beauty!!!

Janey, wait no longer.... we posted at the same time! lol

Love it, love it, love it. What more can I say?

Hey, it was just a little nagging!! Looks wonderful!!

Maria

Beautiful Nice,I really like these colors and the design is awesome and so is your cutting.Beautiful job AGAIN!!

Awe thank you guys!

but ya know, I failed myself on this one. After being so crazy about nipping the plates nicely, I wasn't very precise about the glass work and I see where this had potential of being really awesome had I not gotten lazy.

oh well still a nice tray overall and another good learning experience!

AMAZING!! This is just so BEAUTIFUL!! Really like the tomato-soup grout, love how it works with the gold trim on the plates! Hope you don't mind if I copy your design...I have a blank wood tray waiting to be adorned.

I keep coming back, it's amazing! And It's funny how the first pic made me think it was a box, if I hadn't read that it was a tray! The first pic makes the sides look deeper!(to me) I am totally in love with this one!!!

OH NICE! I LOVE THAT! What an AMAZING PIECE!
Love it, Love it, Love it!!!

Hazie

WOW Nice. I LOVE this!! I think everything works perfect together. What a great tray to have.

I nip my plates and number them around the rims just in case I want to keep the pattern going as it was on the plate. Sometimes it does not matter but it only takes a minute to do.

Chris

cindiloo, I'm sure I 'm not the originator either - have at it! lol

I really like it, just wish I had a use for it, why do I keep making things I don't need?

hey Maria, if I hadn't had to wait for glue to dry at 1:00 am I wouldn't have been grouting then... I'm sooooo impatient to things grouted

I like those plates! The colors really work well together. Is this for you or someone else?

So nice! Isn't it funny how if you just let something sit for a little bit it will speak to you and tell you what the right thing is? Hope I don't sound too spacey, but I'm sure you kids know what I mean.

Well, if it were possible, the grout really makes it better. Oh, yeah, NT - REALLY - you should work on that glass cutting - um huh? Are you crazy? There's not a thing wrong w/that tray. It's the most beautiful one I've EVER seen. You're a real piece of work, you know.

Slow, you're so good to me! may you have a very HAPPY new year.

Andrea, you are so RIGHT! check it out

Here is a link that might be useful: substrates in charge

It's good to know I'm not the only one who hears voices!

The last time I was on the forum you were just beginning this...now, 1-1/2 days later it is finished...and grouted too? Awesome job Nice!

Barb

Very cool, NT! Love it!

looks like this is going to my MIL for her birthday

LOVE IT!!! Love the colors...........the design!! GREAT job!

This is beautiful!!! I had only seen the beginning if this tray...man are you fast.

Beautimous!!

BEAUTIFUL!! You are so talented.

I love this!

Oh that is great. I love the colors of the tiles and that grout is wow........