Holub creates mosaics to relieve stress
By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com

Staff photo by Barry Halvorson Nipping off the edge of a tile piece to just the right size, artist Karen Holub prepares a mosaic for a customer.

What started as a way to relieve the stress created by working in a classroom has turned into an business enterprise for one Wharton County resident.

"I was having a bad year at school," Karen Holub said. "And I started making votive candle holders out of a kit. I started out with those kits that had beads and then moved up to mosaic kits. After a while, I decided to try making my own designs."

Holub now has a regular spot at the Wharton Farmers Market, selling the occasional piece while also taking special orders. Most of her work is paving stones in which she creates a piece by using epoxy and caulk to attach pieces of tile or china to concrete stepping stones. She also designs items for hanging using Hardiplanks, which are tougher than regular wood but lighter than the concrete pavers.

And while she eventually reduced the stress level in her life by shifting from being a classroom teacher in the Bay City ISD to a tutor for the district, she kept up with her new hobby, eventually turning it into a side business around five years ago by her estimation.

"I had some friends that saw the work I was doing and started asking for pieces," she said. "I've got one friend that buys a UT and A&M paver each year that she donates to her church auction. She said they do quite well with the Longhorns and Aggies trying to out-do each other in the bidding."

While she's tried other venues, Holub said she keeps coming back to the local farmer's market for a variety of reasons.

relieve stress

"I've done very well there," she said. "And since it is held in the morning, I still have my afternoons free. And the market is as much a social time as it is for selling which gives it a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere."

Most of her pieces are bought as Christmas, Easter, birthday or other presents. And it has also made buying presents easier for her family.

"They buy me things like tile nippers now," she said. "One year, my husband (Sheldon) bought me a whole set of china to break up for new designs."

Holub said she tries to complete one piece a day this time of year as she tries to fill holiday orders. She said each item represents three to four hours of work. And while she's no longer taking orders for this holiday season, she said she is starting to accept orders for delivery following the start of the new year.

Starting with a plain block, Holub said she comes up with a design and then prepares to work by breaking up 4-inch by 4-inch tiles.

She then lays them out and begins gluing them into position.

Holub has her own work space in a raised loft inside the family's barn.

She initially shared it with her husband, who used the space for his insurance sales work. But after the couple's son moved out, she took over the space.

"I think being apart has made us both more productive," she said.

"I don't have to stop when he's on the phone and he isn't always getting hit with tile chips. Besides, I like to rock out with my music when I'm working and he was always telling me to turn it off. But I had a hard time moving him.

"He wanted to stay in the loft too. But I stressed how quiet it would be in the house and how he would have everything right there and eventually convinced him it was his idea and I got my way."

While she's changed crafts once, from candle holders to mosaics, she said she doesn't see herself changing again, although she said she is looking for bigger projects.

"I would like to eventually try making a mural," she said. "Something really big.

"But as far as changing, I don't think so. Whatever my imagination can come up with, I can make.

"So as long as I can imagine, I'll have something to create."