Marble Mosaics

Aren't these marble mosaics from New Ravenna gorgeous?  What a statement they make!

Inspiration: Mosaic Tiles

I've always loved glass mosaic tiles!  Their glossy and almost ethereal look always mesmerizes me!  I cannot wait to visit Italy this summer to see some gorgeous mosaics that are hundreds, if not thousands, of years old.  One particular example is from the Florence Baptistery:

This is the ceiling.  No, it's not painted, it's glass mosaics, many of the pieces are the size of your pinkie finger nail.  So tiny but so effective as a whole!  (Click on the photo to take you to the source.)

This is a close up...still looks a lot like a painting, but it's mosaics!  Amazing!  (Click on the photo for source.)

I ran across this more modern company, New Ravenna Mosaics, and absolutely fell in love with their product!  Here are a few of my favorites from their gallery:

P.S. I've got a pretty good list of things to see and do in Florence and Rome but  if anyone has a favorite store, restaurant, or overlooked site that I must visit please let me know!