i am making good, but slow, progress on my mirror frame. i measure constantly as i go. with a pattern like this, i need to make sure that i keep my lines straight... never rely on the pieces to do that. the cumulative effect of even the slightest variations in the sizes of pieces will throw you off very quickly.

for reference points, i use the center markings, center markings between the repeats, and the distance from the edge of the base, to name a few. i will usually use multiple reference points when beginning the pattern... and always measure more than once. so far, i am happy with my degree of precision...

today, i have been figuring out how to layout the repeating pattern. my preliminary calculations told me that the pattern would fit with only a bit of finessing required... i had about 1/2" more in the frame's length and width than the pattern repeats needed.

i have finished the borders for the mirror frame. also, in one corner, i have glued the pattern that will repeat.

in these photos, i am working on the interior border... the border that will go around the outside edges of the mirror. even though i have marked, on the base, the area where the mirror will go, i want to be very sure that the line made by the mosaic is as even and exact as possible. i don't know why, but i have trouble keeping the line as straight as i want, even if i have a clear marking.

i like to work a small area at a time. because i am so picky about alignment, i tend to be slow. by working a small area, i have plenty of time to lay the pieces and then adust them... and adjust them again... before the glue sets too much.

with the caulk gun, i dispense some glue in the area, and then just a small palette knife to spread the glue as evenly as i can throughout the area.