From complete disaster to mild improvement - koi mosaic

The first project I created was a koi pond with the most beautiful smalti, and I went on to make so many mistakes that I am embarrassed to look at it. However, I did learn a lot! My second project was a simplified version of my first idea, but this time with a mix of smalti and cinca.

For attempt 1, the tiles I used were smalti from Smalti Australia.
For attempt 2, the tiles I used were cinca from Smalti Australia.

I used mesh and the direct method for attempt #2. The reverse method with paper had me almost in tears with the smalti falling off as I was laying it down. It did work, I will try the reverse method again, but I just used PVA glue with attempt 2.

Cinca also doesn't have many colour gradients like smalti does, so I used acrylic paint to glaze the beige cinca into something that looks like water. I have sealed the cinca and it is a serving tray so it won't be outside.

Not sure how I feel about a smalti and cinca mix of tiles. For my next project I am only using cinca because I think the uniformity of tile type will make the work more cohesive.

Next project is going to be two Australian banksia flowers with a border. Sketch is ready to, workspace is ready to go, just waiting on cinca to come in the mail.