You're an Orphan: Talavera Mirror

Pretend you're a Spanish orphan from the 16th century. What are you like? What's your nombre? How do you use your tiny, orphaned hands to survive? Remember, the streets are mean, and you're a product of them. Perhaps you clean daggers or steal from the local morgue. Or like me, Esteban, your light fingers clear noblemen's purses.


But wait! Adios Mio! Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Your quick hands weren't quick enough- they've been seized by a nobleman baring the unmistakable expression of murderous fury. Here it comes. Your nine, hard-earned years are about to be ended by the Barón's rage. You wait for the thrust of his gleaming dagger, no doubt shined by your kin. You wait, but it doesn't come. Confused, your little, abandoned mouth cries out, "Senor!"

"Why," you continue with a heavy Spanish lisp," "have you spared my worthless life?"

The nobleman does not answer, simply replying, "Vengame." You dare not disobey. He leads you to his villa, informing you along the way that you are now his apprentice. He figures your deft hands will be as useful to him in his studio as they were to you in the streets. You pray he is right. Begin this craft with enough gratitude and deference to stave off another beating.


Materials:


For tiles:


~Plain, glazed square tiles (4.25x4.25 off-white avilable at Home Depot for 14 cents each)
~Colored Sharpies
~Spray sealant




For Mirror:

~cheap mirror w/ removable or no frame ($7 at home depot for a 13x50 in)
~grouting supplies
~wood, cut to size, to mount mirror on.


Directions: