Step 1
Start with a sketch. In this case, the client wanted a Celtic Tree of Life. I found numerous references online and developed one that we both agreed would work perfectly.

Step 2
Materials: Most of my work is done on 1/2" birch wood. It's sturdy but not too heavy. The center cutouts are backed in plexiglass so they can be backlit.

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Step 3
Transfer a copy of the line drawing onto the wood and start tiling with the foreground pieces. I Break down the design into elements. In this case, I started with the braid, moved to the tree roots and branches, and then faded into the trunk of the tree.

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 Step 4
Once the foreground is done, including any focal pieces (like leaves, flowers, etc.) I fill in the background. This is the most time consuming of the steps since the tiny little areas require pieces being cut into specific shapes.

Step 5
When the background is filled in I cut the larger pieces for the backlit areas, making sure to choose glass that is more transparent and will show the light.

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Step 6
Grout. This is the messy part, but also the most exciting because grout is very forgiving. It hides the not-so-perfect parts and makes the colors pop.

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Finished product! I clean the excess grout and haze off the glass using distilled white vinegar. Once dry, I attached the battery operated LED lights to the back of the plexiglass to light up the sky area.