THE ROCHELLE TRAY
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I discovered this tray, deeply tarnished and scratched in a local Chicago thrift store. The tray was made by the International Silver Company, a popular manufacturer of silver and silver plated objects from the 1930’s to the 1960’s. The company worked with well known designers and used movie stars such as Judy Garland, Joan Crawford and Carol Lombard to promote its’ products. The company ceased operations in 1983.
Tarnished & Scratched 
Rim With Scroll
The size of the tray and the rim with the flowing scroll intrigued me. Once cleaned, I thought there was a possibility that the tray could frame and be part of a unique stained glass mosaic.
After the tray was cleaned, the change in appearance was dramatic, a nice surprise. An ugly duckling transforming into a graceful and beautiful swan. The wide floral engraving that emerged after cleaning adds another dimension to the mosaic.
Tray Cleaned 
Floral Pattern
The next steps, after the cleaning of the tray, was the design and selection of the glass for the mosaic.
PAPER DESIGN 
GLASS SELECTION
The Rochelle name for the mosaic comes from the marking on the back of the tray.
