Reviews (5)

ONE OF THE BEST!!
As a self-taught mosaicist, I own 25 mosaic books, including this one, and I can honestly say that the Mosaic Idea Book is one of the best of the bunch. Instructions are clearly presented and accompanied by a generous assortment of photos. As in any good how-to book, the author explains the basic materials, tools, and techniques used in mosaic work, but she does so in a way that really holds the reader's interest. One of the book's best features is that it contains plenty of patterns -- a tremendously valuable resource for both beginners and advanced mosaicists. The patterns are especially helpful, however, for the novice mosaicist who is still learning how to plan and lay out a design. Friends and I have used a few of the patterns in the book -- we enlarged/reduced them on a copy machine, to fit our specific projects. I used the chameleon pattern and created a mosaic that everyone describes as "spectacular." This book gives readers a lot of "bang for their buck." If you can buy only one mosaic book, I highly recommend this one.

Many designs to copy
I bought the book as a beginner looking for the basics of how to get started. While the book has that info, its emphasis is on specific animal and plant design, borders, symbols, etc. Heavy on the animals.

While this isn't the main book I consult in mosaic-making (I like Leslie Dierk's book), I will definitely keep this as a reference.

The best mosaic book of all!
This is the hands-down, all-time best. I have just about every mosaic book published in the last 10 years. It has tons of interesting patterns--sophisticated yet simple. It's a little 'long' on animal patterns--it even includes the ever-popular 'winged bat' in various poses. The animal mosaicist will especially enjoy the book--but don't let that put you off. It has more useful patterns than any book on my mosaic shelf. Simply: The best.

Great ideas
This book is a great source of ideas. Many books just give you projects, this book helps you create your own design and make a project that is more 'you'

Great beginner book!
This book is great for beginners like myself. The designs were easy to follow, and a great starting point for your own designs. It offers individual design elements and borders with multiple color suggestions as well as the usual examples of completed mosaics and technique. I have found this an excellent reference book. ... Read more

Book Description

Mosaic Art and Style, a stunning follow-up to The Art of Mosaic Design, is a celebration of how mosaics can be integrated into our lives. Author JoAnn Locktov explores our fascination with mosaic art and illustrates how artists have crafted architectural installations as well as decorative and functional objects that have added immeasurably to living environments. Readers will enjoy seeing how mosaic art can be applied to every surface imaginable with panoply of materials. Mosaic Art and Style tells the story of how the projects were conceived and fabricated from the artists' own point of view. It will confirm some conceptions and shatter others.

Locktov has forged special relationships with a multitude of artists, who have allowed her to feature their work in Mosaic Art and Style. Through these relationships, Locktov takes the reader into the world of the artist and gives readers a behind-the-scenes pass into the artists' workshops, where she shares their personal thoughts about the creation and inspiration that imbues their work. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Superb All the Way Around
It's not just that there are works from over 75 artists, or that the subject matter ranges from table tops to fountains to showers to a whole mosaic outdoor "living room" complete with a lamp, or that Locktov has tracked down artists from around the world who are so amazing you'll find yourself gasping out loud as you turn each page . . . all of which would be reason enough to buy this book. . . BUT, the photos are absolutely superb and, better yet, marvelous and multiple detail shots are provided. At last, a book on mosaics were you actually get to SEE things!

Equally important, the writing is just superb. Locktov clearly has a talent for interviewing artists and eliciting from them their very personal thoughts on their art.In just a few words, you can learn an incredible amount about an artist's motivation, inspiration, and life's work. You can then turn to the pictures of their pieces and think, "Yes! I see that!" What a gift.

So many artists. So many styles, materials, purposes, and venues. Wonderful words and images. Soulfulness and exhuberance and ART! Man, that's what I call inspiring!

Throw Out the Tile and Discover Mosaic Art!
Through pages bursting with vivid color and inspired artistry, author Locktov makes it unmistakably clear that mosaic tiles and mosaic art are no longer the sole purview of bathrooms and kitchens.This outstanding book showcases creative mosaic art applied with skill and vision to personal and public spaces.Artists from America, Italy, Japan and New Zealand, many of
whom are enhancing their own homes and gardens, show us the vast range of possibilities and contemporary takes on this most ancient art form.

Walls, patios, furniture, musical instruments, doorways, fountains, benches, murals and objets d'art--and yes, bathrooms and kitchens--transcend the commonplace and explode the status quo of tile functionality, elevated by artistry and unusual materials into the most exciting and inspirational collection of environmental contemporary mosaics seen in years.

The first half of the book profiles selected artists, allowing readers to discover their motivations, inspiration and unique approaches to their art, while exploring the resulting work through colorful photos.The second half is the gallery, a collection of images by a multitude of artists, divided into environments, such as dining, healing, living and relaxing.The contact information for every artist in the book appears at back.

This book proves that modern mosaics can be invited into any home, indeed any space, contemporary, traditional, private or public, in a role far greater than the merely functional.Locktov demonstrates that through color, pattern and its inherent tactile qualities, mosaics can soothe or stimulate, take center stage or gently recede into the background, all the while providing the enjoyment, beauty and pleasure of art in everyday life.

Highly recommended for creative homeowners and remodelers, designers, decorators, architects and public art contractors, this book will also provide hours of reading pleasure for artists in any medium, as well as for those who appreciate out-of-the-box creativity, fulfillment of unique artistic vision and beauty in any form.



... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent Book!
I'm just a beginner and have already picked up a few books, but by far this is the easiest to understand, I like how the book is laid out, the projects are wonderful, and after reading it from cover to cover I have a much better understanding of the art of mosaic tiling.
I highly recommend this book, no matter what level your at.

Doreen is delightful
I met Doreen today and without knowing she wrote a book to inspire those interested in mosaics, we got to talking about what she and I both do. It turns out, we both do mosaics. She is unbelievably talented and motivated me to get out there and do so much more. She is involved in a very large scale mosaic comission at the moment and I can understand why someone would hire her to do this. She happened to have a copy of her book in her car and I bought one on the spot, without looking at it, and I am so happy I did. (I think I own all the other mosaic books on the market today). This book is concise, colorful, inspirational, full of ideas for the beginner student as well as the advanced. Those who think they know what they are doing already will find much to get them headed in a more advanced but totally reachable direction. I do highly recommend this book for those looking for their first mosaic instuctional book or one to add to their collection as I have. Enjoy, you will not be disappointed and happy mosaicing! ... Read more

Book Description

With the 25 delightful projects in Garden Mosaics, readers will discover how to revitalize their outdoor living spaces in charming and enduring ways. Inexpensive to create, frostproof and colorfast, the mosaics in this guide are perfect projects for beginners and experienced artists alike. Readers will learn to craft: *An ivy hanging pot *A bird bath *Suncatchers *Flowerbed borders *A birdhouse *A trompe l'oeil checkered mosaic tabletop *And more!

Professional artist Becky Paton provides step-by-step instruction for each project, along with valuable technique advice and project variations, allowing readers to adapt the projects in their own unique and creative ways. ... Read more

Book Description

The art of mosaic has been around for centuries. This book brings the process into the present, as two accomplished designers invite readers to explore dramatic color combinations using a variety of materials. This is a rich collection of creative projects for both interiors and exteriors. It includes detailed instructions for working with broken crockery and tiles, and preparing items such as window frames and mirrors. The book offers stunning yet practical ideas -- from a fine mosaic vase and window surround to a mosaic garden terrace, table, and planter. Mosaics features 16 imaginative projects, including step-by-step instructions for projects and materials, and offers designers and crafters new ways to use color. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Fun and Funky
I am a budding mosaic artist and I found this book both inspirational and informative. Since I am also a book junkie I have several mosiac books and this is one of the more informative and it features some really fun stuff. I don't think any of the projects use just the little square tiles we are used to seeing in the ancient Roman and Byzantine mosaics. Candace Bahouth uses nature colored pebbles to create a truly splendid mirror. Kaffe Fassett shares a kitschy pearl covered lamp and a table made of broken ceramics and rose chips to set it on. The authors express what inspires them to make the beauty of Kaffes flower garden and Bahouth's absolutely enchanting shell grotto. These two have fun doing their art and want us to do the same. All the designs include well writen instructions and fun stories on how the pieces came to be. The pictures, stories and tips, like how to make a "swing" effect or how to color grout once the piece is put together, were enough to inspire me to put down the book and "Collect, compose and create." This is a cool book.

The best of the current crop of mosaic books!
Kaffe Fasset always lends a wild, whimsical, almost overpoweringly colorful touch to whatever craft he turns his mighty skills to, and this book is no exception. I have recently purchased 3 other books on making mosaic designs (both how-to and inspiration), and this is by far the best.

The content of the step-by-step instructions is adequate; it contains the necessary information on materials and how-to, and covers the territory at least as well as any I've seen. Where this book absolutely dazzles, though, is in its visual inspiration. Fasset and his co-author for this book, Candace Bahouth, will blow your senses with their incredibly colorful designs, as well as the examples of historic mosaicwork of note; you will come away from this book certain that you too can create brightly wild flights of fancy with a few broken bits of crockery and some cement adhesive. And in fact, maybe you can! I warn you, though, fantastic design and color sense doesn't necessarily fall into your lap as effortlessly at it seems. If not, it won't be due to any lack on the part of this book to spark your ideas!

This is a book to come back to again and again; in fact, it's altogether too much to take in all at once! I find myself having to get up in the middle of the night to look at it yet again, as I lie awake picturing all the splendid things I could make...if only I could find such colorful bits of broken china and sparkling glass...

Fire Up Your Imagination!
If you think that beautiful mosaics can only be done with china and tile, you haven't seen this book yet! If you're tired of the sweet, pink rose mosaics, then this is the book for you!

The mosaics in this book are done in a delicious tapestry of jewel tones, often highlighted by found objects. The dazzling images in this book will have you looking around your house with a new eye and your hammer.

I purchased this because I have a killer knitting book by Kaffe and I wasn't disappointed! This is visual yumminess!

I LOVE THIS BOOK!
This book is a wonderful inspiration. I want all my surfaces and objects to be soooooo...vibrant with color. I have many mosaic books but this is the one I reach for when I am stuck for color or interesting ways of combining tessare to objects. I love it! It has lead me to explore all of Kaffe Fassett's books, he is genius with color. No other textile or mosaic artist has made me soar with inspiration!

This Book Makes Me Happy.
Kaffe and Bahouth have presented a rather wide range of styles for and applications in mosaic. Don't know that I actually want to replicate anything ( what a bore), but it gives me pleasure to contemplate the creative images in this inspiring book. ... Read more

Book Description

This glorious book reveals the exquisite simplicity of decorating and designing with mosaics. As it delves into the history of the art, it draws on sources from Ancient Greece and Rome, the Renaissance, Pre-Columbian Mexico, the Victorian age, the Art Nouveau movement, through to the latest contemporary work. Enhanced with hundreds of color photos, Classic Mosaic explores the application of mosaics using classical influences. The versatility and decorative potential of mosaics is then interpreted in a dazzling array of historically-inspired projects. In chapters on materials, equipment, and techniques, Classic Mosaic explains how the process of application is an integral part of the design, whether using ceramic, Venetian glass smalti, gold, marble, stones, shells, or mirror. Elaine Goodwin, a respected mosaic artist, clearly demonstrates how a design is developed, from the initial idea to the finished piece. From intricate Grecian floor patterns to a shimmering Klimt chair mosaic, Classic Mosaic shows how to create splendid designs inspired by 6,000 years of mosaic art. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Best Mosaic book I have
This book is beautiful. Though, I definitely do not recommend this for beginners or for someone who wants step by step instructions. This book shows her taking some inspiration from ancient mosaics and then altering them for her own use. I have also done the same E.g. the front cover shows the leaves and lizards. I do a lot of paving stones. I simply just did two of the black leaves onto a white background onto a paving stone. Very simple, but gosh it looks great.
This book is more for inspiration only rather than a teaching book for beginners. I still highly recommend it though.

Glosses over basics
I have to disagree with those reviewers who have already weighed in on this book. Perhaps they are already experienced in making mosaics. As someone who has not done mosaics before, I was hoping for a little more discussion of the basics. For example, there is a list (and even photographs of) tools to use to cut tile, but not really any discussion on how to do it. Also, the history lesson on mosaics is somewhat brief, with not very many photographs of ancient mosaics.

Thinking about mosaic art
The book is very interesting,bringing a lot of ideas about art in mosaics.And a lot of knowledge too,as the contents are not similar to the ones found in other books.We deeply recommend this issue to all those who want to have a new view of this craft,mainly the usefull technique everyone can learn or improve.

Henrique Daher

Art, not craft. A beautiful book.
This book is beautifully presented, well organized and wonderfully inspiring. Mosaic is introduced to the reader as a serious art form, complete with history, materials and projects ranging from simple to complex. A single, small photograph of her studio showing assorted clear glass jars, each filled with glistening bits of Italian glass -tapped right into my love of color and texture. Since buying this book, my shelves are gradually filling up with clear glass jars filled with bits of colored glass. I see the art of mosaic possiblities everywhere. And, I can't sleep at night.

This is the Best of the Mosaic Books
This is the best of the mosaic books. The history, techniques, tool photos, finishing methods, and lists of suppliers and materials used are very helpful. It has 16 projects with step by step photos. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

One of the best books
It's not for an amateur craftsman (artist).
If you want to get into this highly profitable and highly competitive
ancient art of mosaics this book is for you.
But this art resemble very much masonary.

packed full of information
This is a very comprehensive book full of usefull information, however it is a book for those serious in learning the craft of the mosaic. If you are looking to see prety mosaic works and want to do home products this is not for you. This book does offer a great history of the art of mosaics. I found it to have the most comprehensive tool and technique section of most other books.

Exciting¿but daunting¿projects
For those who want to get into "building" mosaics-concrete slabs and 3-D objects d'art-this book tells all. It's for serious commercial mosaicists rather than weekend crafters, hobbyists, or even full-time crafters. The materials are expensive; the equipment, cumbersome. You need a large workshop for many of these projects. In addition, the work is kind of-well, ugly! It's filled with complicated but dull geometrics in discordant colors. Chavarria's book has been in a box to be returned since it was given to me months ago on my birthday. I have decided to keep it on the off chance I get some commercial commissions. Then it might be a handy reference.

messy and ugly
The reason I don't give this book a one-star rating is because it does have comprehensive information on various kinds of stone (you don't see that very much), tools and a bit of interesting laying technique. And I give him credit for attempting mosaics on three-dimensional sculpted objects, though to my taste they are dreadful, and he does give a fairly good overview on bases and adhesives. But the projects? Is horrendous too strong of a word? ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Inspiration PLUS!
I got this book for my birthday nearly three years ago. I was so inspired I wanted to do everything in it. I love it. It is fabulous for the beginner with step by step instructions and great photos. And the best part is that it is so simple. Once you've tracked down the tiles, etc - hard to find in New Zealand, it took me two years. And you don't need all the fancy tools the book give handy hints to get around without them. The book features not only the authors work so it appeals to many tastes. This isn't just a great starter it's good even when you know what you're doing - you can refer back to it all the time or just look at if for insipration. Another book by Martin Cheek, MAKING MOSAICS - with a fish on the front is great too. It also has step by step details and more great photos of more great projects. Get them both it's worth it.

Will inspire confidence & creativity in the beginner
I have had this book for about 2 years now (from UK)& since my first attempts at mosaic, have found it invaluable. The author gives clear & full instructions from start to finish on all of the projects, which are well illustrated in phototgraphic sequences. Other mosaic books like this seem to be in the same format but lacking such clear instructions which a beginner would have no problems with. I would recommend it to total beginners & more experienced mosaicists alike, perhaps even to someone with an artistic mind who has never considered mosaic would be inspired by this book. Mosaic is becoming ever more popular & this book will allow anyone to create their own designs at home at a fraction of the cost of a professional (& much more satisfying !) I don't think you'll be disappointed............. Have fun !

This is a complete, concise, little book of mosaics.
Martin Cheek is the finest mosaicist on the planet, and his books are a testament to that. (Professional mosaicists will especially love this book because the materials lists are so daunting that beginners are likely to shy away from the craft!) Cheek's work is an inspiration for the already-are and elegant poetry for the wanna-be mosaicists. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (6)

Excellent overall source
I bought 5 mosaic books while learning the technique and this is my favorite. Of the books I have read, this has the most comprehensive guide to the actual process of making a mosaic. There is an extensive section of tools, as well as the best explanation of the direct and especially indirect method that I have seen. Pictures are plentiful too for every step and offer some fabulous examples of what is possible with the art.

Very well done!

Unique projects
So far, every mosaic book I have collected has something to offer. This one has a few notable characteristics. The section on tools and equipment is more complete and detailed than other mosaic books I have seen. Beginning mosaic books usually suggest some kind of spatula, a tile nipper, and glass cutter. Quite a few other tools are suggested and described here, as well as what they are for. Although I feel daunted about buying and using so many different tools, it is helpful to know what I can look for if a particular project requires something different.

The projects are fairly simple, but unique. For example, there is a lamp base covered with broken plates and cups, including the cup handles which protrude from the lamp! There is an irregular-shaped plaque, formed by pouring concrete into a polystyrene foam that you design, and then covered with an ancient Roman-simulated design. There is a mirror frame which is jig-sawed into an interesting shape, and this project alone is for me worth the price of the book.
There are projects with very clear instructions for using both the direct and indirect method of applying tesserae.

What I particularly like is that the instructions include how to finish the projects, such as how to put the back on the mirror, what hardware to use, and how to apply it. The other mosaic books I have seen so far only tell how to make the mosaic part, and leave the finishing steps up to you.

Finally, there are many photos of incredible projects (such as an entire facade of a house) made by professional mosaicists, which the beginner would not attempt, but from which beginners and experienced alike can find inspiration.

Inspiring and easy to understand with delightful photos
This has been the single most inspiring book I've read on mosaic. The instructions are not only clear in their description, but there are photos in the different stages of progress for those of us who are "show me" people. The many photos throughout the book are fabulous and offer a wide variety of ideas and techniques for creating. There are helpful artist's tips included throughout the book too, as well as tools and materials listed for each project.

A great resource for the mosaic artist.
Has all the basics, plus more. Great photos.

Overall a good beginning tutorial with excellent photos.
Pros

1) Writing is friendly and encouraging.

2) Good beginning tutorial for several mosaic techniques.

3) Loaded with excellent photos of works in a wide variety of styles, by some very skilled artisans. The examples and designs in this book are above average.

4) Great project section in back of book. Designs and writing in this section are above average.

Cons

1) Expensive. It would have been nice if the publisher had printed the book in paperback, especially if it came with a wire-o binding, so you could lay it flat and read while you experiment.

2) Gallery photos are interspersed with descriptive text in first part of book, making it harder to read. It would have been better to have just the tutorial text and accompanying instruction photos in the first part of the chapter, and end each chapter with a gallery of examples.

3) Tutorial text in early chapters does not have numbered steps, although the projects section is formatted this way.

4) Writing throughout the book, especially in the first section, could be more clear.

5) No resource listings. It would have been nice if the authors had compiled a list of places to buy tools and materials.

6) Glossary and index are sad. Glossary defines seven words. Index is probably complete, but is loaded with undefined references (47, 51, 72, etc.). ... Read more

Book Description

The Mosaic Artist’s Bible is an invaluable sourcebook for both novice and experienced mosaicists, featuring more than 200 themed, traceable motifs and a wealth of information and instruction. Spiral–bound to lie flat for easy use. ... Read more

Book Description

Chalky blues, sultry ochres, imperial reds, 1,000 Tiles dazzles with the brilliant color and design that has adorned even the farthest reaches of the world down through the centuries. From Mesopotamian to Post-modern examples, each exquisite tile or tile plate is presented in rich color and matched with a profile describing its origin, history, symbolism, and decorative motifs, as well as providing information on techniques such as fire glazing and dust pressing. Arranged by period and style, this comprehensive book makes it easy to access tiles from any era or movement. Artists and designers looking for inspiration, especially in the realm of patterns and color play, will find much to admire in this visually arresting volume. Complete with a resource section and tips for building a collection, 1,000 Tiles is the ultimate guide to an ancient art form that remains vital today. ... Read more

Book Description

Crafters, artists, gardeners, home decorators and parents looking for easy and attractive projects are sure to love this collection of 20 stylish and sophisticated mosaic designs that are surprisingly easy to make.From stepping stones and planters to wall plaques and sundials, readers will find all the guidance they need to jump right in and begin creating. There's no glass to cut, and no messy grouting. Readers simply mix, pour and embed. From unusual garden critters to classic architectural themes and geometrical designs, this guide features a range of attractive patterns that will complement all types of styles and home decor. Templates are included for each design. The projects require only inexpensive and accessible materials, such as pebbles, stones, shells, tiles and pre-cut glass chips, and readers can complete most designs in two hours or less. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Loads of easy ideas for all who love to mosaic!
There are lots and lots of great easy ideas. I feel really inspired after just looking through the book! The technique the author uses is different from the one I've always used, but it looks fun and probably a great way for kids and other beginners to start. I'm anxious to try it, and I plan to incoropate a lot of the ideas from the books into my future mosaic projects!!

An "easy" mosaic book that really IS easy....
"Easy Mosaics for Your Home and Garden" is inspiring. In a fun and easy to follow style, the book explains in words and pictures how to create a number of beautiful mosaic projects both for indoors and the garden. The instructions are clear and photos very helpful. The author makes mosaic art non-intimidating, by using a non-fussy easy clean-up approach. I have had a lot of fun using the book as a step-by-step guide in making projects with family members-some of whom had never touched an art or craft project before. Each project results in a beautiful or whimsical piece of mosaic art. Definitely a fun guide and great book! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Exploring a number of unexpected mosaic materials and surfaces, The New Mosaics utilizes basic mosaic-making principles to create soft furnishings, journal covers, jewelry, and more; even the more common choices such as tabletops, frames, boxes, and vases often take a less traditional and sometimes downright funky approach. Besides stone, glass, tile, and metal, materials include fabric, paper, buttons, eggshells, cork, seashells, cardboard, magnets, and found objects. A business-card holder constructed from an old camera housing becomes a travelogue of souvenir plates accented with costume jewelry; a game table sprouts a multitude of playing pieces and small toys; hundreds of bottlecaps unite to form a tramp art wall hanging; tiny rhinestones and faux pearls adorn a delicate toiletry set. A gallery of creations by various artists provides further proof that mosaics can be taken to unusual and often interesting extremes: a staircase, a shower tiled to look like a library, clothing, buildings, and even cars sport a vast array of mosaic motifs, and then of course there's South Dakota's famous Corn Palace, entirely covered with elaborate mosaics of the state's history.

The instructions and illustrations are generally adequate, and in most cases the photographs themselves serve as enough of a guideline to assemble the piece. A few templates are included, but crafters less sure of their artistic abilities may be frustrated at the lack of templates for several of the projects with more intricate designs. Better proofreading would have helped, too: directions for a detailed set of faux-jade jewelry made of polymer clay refer to "the patterns on page 000," and no such patterns appear anywhere in the book. --Amy Handy ... Read more

Reviews (2)

It's exactly what the title says!
If you're looking to learn the ins and outs of mosaic making, if you're looking to glue shards of tesserae to boards and lamps and things, this isn't the book for you.

If, on the other hand, you simply love the"look" of mosaics, this book will teach you how to recreate itusing beads, bottle caps, dice, and everything else listed in the subtitle. Though many of the projects are attractive (like the "LuxuriousJournal," made of velvet squares), many are also a little tacky (likea clock made of beans).

A few of the projects involve creating mosaicswith actual glass and tile tesserae, but these are generally quickies-forbeginners.And although the gallery in the back of the book contains a fewterrific pieces, almost all of them are in dozens of other books onmosaic.

It's a nice book for your mosaics library, but it's less thanessential.

40 Projects to Make With Glass, Metal, Paper, Beans, Buttons
This book show you that you can use many materials to do a mosaic. If you want differents ideas, this is the right book. ... Read more

Book Description

Teach Yourself Mosaics explores the history of mosaics and explains how you can make everything from a mirror to a tray to a table.

Abundant color photography--on virtually every page--provides inspiration for:

• Selecting materials and tools
• Accomplishing suggested projects
• Developing original ideas
• Mastering skills and techniques

Book Description

Mosaic-making is the craft craze of recent years, and understandably so. While the results may look complicated, the basic technique is easy to master, allowing even beginners to create original decorative pieces for the home.

This original collection of 12 contemporary projects for the home and garden teaches readers how to easily combine pebbles, stone and other natural materials to create mosaics of lasting beauty and originality.In addition to the traditional outdoor mosaic projects for garden paths and patios are mosaics that can also be incorporated into the home--in entranceways, kitchens and fireplace hearths. From a quick-and-easy wall plaque to a more challenging, large-scale oriental pathway, there is something for all abilities. Step-by-step, illustrated instructions, a comprehensive techniques section and beautiful photographs ensure great results. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Book
I looked at many pebble mosaic books before deciding on this one.
Has many hints and ideas for the beginner, with marvelous step-by-step instructions. Her mosaic patterns and use of material are some of the most creative I have seen. ... Read more

Book Description

Intarsia refers to the ancient art of wooden mosaics-making pictures in wood. The authors have taken this art form and adapted it for today's woodworker. Using easily available woods and common woodworking tools such as scroll and band saws, the average woodworker can produce beautiful wooden reliefs through step-by-step instruction. The included patterns range from large, majestic portraits and murals to small jewel-like mosaics. Full-color photographs illustrate the beautiful and intricate work possible in the realm of intarsia. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good, but misleading cover
I am just learning the art of intarsia, and this book had some helpful information. However, I was quite disappointed that none of the patterns in the book are for the pieces on the back cover (does and fawn, rearing horse, duck)- only the front cover patterns are included.

Lost in the woods
As I became lost in the art of intarsia, this book was my map. Completely unknown to the craft, I purchased this book as a way to beat my summer bordom. As I opened each page, a swirl of thoughts came to me, and I immediately made plans to visit the local hardwood retailer to start my first project. But where to start? This book has the most wonderful design ideas, from beginner to advanced, even I was impressed with the works I had done. You can make each project over and over, because the wood you use is always different. I would recomend this book highly to anyone slightly interested in the art and history and creativity of intarsia. ... Read more

Book Description

Fragments of glass, stone, and clay are pieced together in the mosaic art form to create intricate patterns within a unified whole. Functional or decorative, abstract or pictorial, mosaics can be naive in their simplicity or designs of polished sophistication. Once again, this ancient craft is in vogue. This time, mosaic artists are firmly grasping the wheel of its centuries-old techniques, and changing course toward modern aesthetic standards.

"The Art of Mosaic Design" gathers some of the best contemporary works into a striking gallery of images, ideas, and information. Colorful photographs accompanied by enlightening text dramatically document the work of 42 international artists. Much more than a beautiful picture book.

"The Art of Mosaic Design" is a comprehensive study of this unique art form now poised for resurgence. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

An inspiring collection
This is an interesting, inspiring and beautifully presented book of work from mosaic artists around the world. There is so much variety in terms of style, technique, materials, and colour, and I very much like the fact that there are many photos of works in their entirety as well as pieces showing closeups of the same work in detail. There are generally between four and six pages for each artist, showcasing their work and talking a little bit about their artistic background, their technique used for certain pieces and their inspirations, all of which I found fascinating and brought me to a greater understanding of how the piece was created.

I admit that not everything in the book is to my own personal tastes: my preferences lean towards the more colourful. Among my favourite mosaicists in this collection are Erin Adams, whose compositions are based on intricately patterned oriental rugs; Gary Stephens, whose weird and wonderful designs feature brightly coloured fruit, fish, frogs, and ukelele-playing mermen (!); Linda Beaumont, especially for the assortment of objects she incorporates into mosaics; and Candace Bahouth, who I feel has a great eye for colour and shape. Nonetheless, there is a lot of creativity and enthusiasm evident in all the work in the book, whatever your tastes.

It also has possibly the best introduction I have ever read in a book about mosaic: "Mosaic design is a fascinating art based on paradoxes that must be embraced. Among these are the pieces, multiple objects of simplicity fused into a singular, complex wholeness; the irregularity that springs from deliberation; and, more often than not, the creation that is wrought from destruction. Such paradoxes are put into context by the mosaicist when the principles of other visual arts are applied. By shaping tesserae like a sculptor, choosing colors like a painter, and weaving patterns like a fiber artist, the mosaicist presents his or her vision."

What a wonderful way to introduce what mosaic is all about! I also feel that there is just the right balance between text and photographs - enough to enhance understanding, but not so much as to detract from the art itself. I recommend this book to all lovers of art, not just of mosaic.

Inspirational, beautiful design--a must buy for art lovers
This book is an exceptional overview of the state of contemporary mosaic art. The photos are exquisite and the text inspirational. Clearly, this book is a labor of love by the artists, writers, and publisher. A great resource for someone looking to commission a mosaic project. After reading this book, I went out and purchased a mosaic piece from one of the artists in the book

The in-mosaics
Authors Joann Locktov and Leslie Plummer Clagett praise the multi-talented mosaic-maker. Mosaic-makers color like painters, shape tesserae like sculptors, and weave like fiber artists. They go way back, to ancient Chinese pebbled streets.

About 2,500 years ago, mosaic-making reached Europe and the Mediterranean area. There, mosaic-makers cut rocks into small, regular pieces, known as tesserae. Mosaics then worked in wall and ceiling murals.

In the 20th century, artists pioneered using ceramics, glass and rock in mixed-media mosaics. Glass had been used for about 2,200 years. It was easier to cut down than stone, into much smaller pieces. Many different colors of many small pieces gave spectacular lighting.

For 1,400-1,500 years, Ravenna, Italy has been the place for traditional mosaics, for churches. Nowadays, alternative designs and uses crop up. For example, Ellen Blakeley makes household items, mirrors, picture frames and tabletops, from the shattered safety glass of vandalized bus shelters and store windows. Such thick pieces often break inside. This gives stunning lighting and looks.

Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, with murals, and Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi, with buildings, set the standards for today's ceramic mosaic-makers. Gary Stephens joins them, with his sculptures made from colorful pottery and tile pieces. He grew up in an Arizona border town. He then went on to travel. So he brings together the simple directness of Mexican folk artists, with the brassy busyness of Thai mosaic-makers.

Thailand, with its temples, is also one of the countries where stone mosaic-makers are rightly proud of their works nowadays. Another is Portugal, with its pathways. Both influence Linda Beaumont's mosaic columns, floors, fountains and pavements.

One mixed-media mosaic-maker is Raymond Isidore. It took him almost 25 years to cover the outside of his house with thrown-out crockery and dishware pieces. His mosaic-making style is called pique assiette, or stolen from plates.

So THE ART OF MOSAIC DESIGN packs beautiful illustrations and clear wording into just the right space. Along the way, I picked up another favorite art style in Ilana Shafir's stained glass and mosaic. She mixes traditional and unexpected materials, such as seashells and natural stones. Her works beautifully catch light and move viewers skywards, as in her window for the Netzach Israel synagogue in Ashkelon.

NOT Cutesy!
This book convinced me of the serious nature of new mosaic work being done around the world. This book made me want to be a mosaic artist!

WONDERFUL, COFFETABLE BOOK!
NOT ONLY IS THIS BOOK A EXCELLENT VIEW OF MANY UNIQUE ARTISTS BUT IT'S FORMAT IS BEAUTIFULlY LAYED OUT. A GREAT BOOK FOR AN UNBELIEVABLE PRICE! ... Read more

Book Description

Extensive guidebook to a popular and rapidly growing craft.

Many of us have walked the squares of Venice, Rome and Madrid and admired the geometric pavements of pebble mosaics. Made from found stones, and as beautiful as they are durable, pebble mosaics are a welcome addition to gardens, patios, and public spaces.

The Complete Pebble Mosaic Handbook is the most complete sourcebook for enthusiasts and landscape designers -- an accessible and illustrated guide that covers materials, design, tools and techniques.

The book lists the best sources to find or buy pebbles; how to choose and test pebbles for strength and quality; and which materials to avoid. There are practical instructions for ensuring the mosaic can withstand frost, foot and vehicle traffic, pollutants, and water.

The book explains in detail the principles of creating walkways and patios, precast slabs, fountains, pools, and cascades. Illustrated sample projects are followed step-by-step. Designing is also fully explained whether using simple sketches or professional graphic design software.

A showcase of pebble mosaic from around the world by leading artists demonstrates the craft's vast creative potential. In addition, a section of design ideas features many popular subjects and patterns including animals, heavenly bodies, spirals, borders, floral, fish, flowers, and many more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A beautiful collection
Maggy Howarth's COMPLETE PEBBLE MOSAIC HANDBOOK provides a review of pebble mosaics which can be used in gardens, patios and public places. Artists, landscapers, and any with a special interest in the design qualities of these mosaics will find this a beautiful collection which not only provides step-by-step insights, but includes a survey of traditional works by contemporary pebble mosaic artists. ... Read more