Classic Mosaic: Designs and Projects Inspired by 6,000 Years of Mosaic Art [Hardcover]

Elaine M. Goodwin (Author), E. M. Goodwin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2000

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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Publishing; First edition (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570761590
• ISBN-13: 978-1570761591
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #494,747 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

114 of 116 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most sophisticated desings I have found, July 28, 2000

By 

Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Classic Mosaic: Designs and Projects Inspired by 6,000 Years of Mosaic Art (Hardcover)

I own a few different mosaic books and I like this one the best. I found the designs presented to be more sophisticated than in other books. I was also glad that this book gives you a list of the exact materials used, instead of just expecting you to use found materials. Truly inspirational artwork and examples in full-color are featured throughout the book.

The book starts out with a great history lesson on mosaics that spans about 25 pages. Next, materials, tools, and design are covered. I was impressed that this included photos of each tool. The basic techniques you will use to make the projects including cutting and laying mosaics both directly and indirectly. Finishing methods such as grouting, sealing and framing are also discussed.

Sixteen projects follow. Each includes basic step-by-step instructions with photos. A large photo of the finished piece is also included. My favorite project was the straight back art nouveau chair. I also loved the brightly colored three-dimensional lizard wall hanging, a tabletop with grape and wine design, a Byzantine style tree of knowledge panel and a beautiful Aztec pot.

I really appreciated the lists of suppliers and places such as museums and theaters, arranged by style, to go for ideas. I have had a hard time finding materials in the past. My only wish is that it provided templates for some of the designs. This is the best how-to book I have found for someone that actually wants to make quality mosaics.

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars more than just a crafts book, May 9, 2000

By 

jacqueline Salmond (florida.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classic Mosaic: Designs and Projects Inspired by 6,000 Years of Mosaic Art (Hardcover)

This book is truly beautiful,both layout and photography were stylish making it a wonderful book to browse.It begins with a history of mosiac art from ancient babylon to modern day peppered with inspirational pictures.Then follows a guide to mosiac tools and techniques prior to the projects.The projects are certainly not for first time crafters but I think the instructions are easy enough to follow with a little experience. The projects vary in complexity and style,but all are accompanied by step-by-step photography and advice for variations. The best thing about this book is the inspiration it gives to create your own individual artwork.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Mosaic book I have, June 18, 2002

By 

Paula Cook (Wellington, New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classic Mosaic: Designs and Projects Inspired by 6,000 Years of Mosaic Art (Hardcover)

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.