The Complete Pebble Mosaic Handbook [Paperback]

Maggy Howarth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2009

This comprehensive, one-of-a-kind sourcebook is now revised and expanded with 32 additional pages. Ideal for architects, landscape designers and home crafters, it features authoritative text and beautiful photographs that explore classic and new mosaic materials, designs, tools and techniques.

The book opens with a section on techniques used in designing, making and installing pebble mosaics, including information on patterns, mosaics for frost-prone areas, how to pre-cast a mosaic, computer-aided patterns and unusual materials. Step-by-step photographs with clear how-to instructions show how each project is made. Maggy Howarth shares her designs templates for:

Allover patterns and interlacing patterns

Repeating centric patterns and borders

Celestial forms and geometrics

Humans and mythological figures

Reptiles, fish, insects, birds and other animals

Flowers, trees and other plants.

There is also a special section that explores pebble mosaics as a decorative art throughout history. Complete Pebble Mosaic Handbook is a rich resource of design ideas, many based on Howarth's personal creations.

(20090430)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Appropriate for the uninitiated and the veteran of pebble walkways alike, this is truly a complete guide to the medium. (Home Builder (Pierrefonds, QC) 200909)

This heavy, photo-filled book is both a tour of beautiful pebble mosaics and an instruction manual. (Oregonian 20100920)

A mesmerizing expose of one of the oldest forms of decoration--the plentiful photographs are guaranteed to inspire. (Colleen Miko B and B, Washington State Nursery and Landscape As )

Appropriate as a coffee table book and an instructive text, beginner and pro alike will not be disappointed. (Colleen Miko Verdure )

About the Author

Maggy Howarth is one of the world's leading authorities on pebble mosaics. Her commissions fetch high prices and appear in city squares, hospital grounds and public gardens and fountains. She teaches at the Chicago Mosaic School, and her summer workshops in the U.K. sell out year after year.

(20090409)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books; Revised and Expanded Second Edition edition (February 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1554074185
• ISBN-13: 978-1554074181
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,677 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Masonry

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular art and in-depth craft photography, November 3, 2007

By 

Dabbler in the Arts (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Pebble Mosaic Handbook (Paperback)

This book contains spectacular photography through-out: both photos that highlight the artistry of finished works and the close-up, clear, work-in-progress photos that highlight techniques for successful projects. Accompanying text is very readable, and contains a wealth of information about pebble mosaics. I bought the book for the photographs, but was also fascinated by the information about the people and communities that came together to create stunning mosaics to enhance public spaces in their towns.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If only...., January 21, 2009

By 

Green Ivy - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Complete Pebble Mosaic Handbook (Paperback)

If only I could study with this master of all masters of stone mosaics! She is an inspirational, brilliant mosaic artist. This book makes one want to order truck loads of stone and do nothing but re-do your driveway, walkways and beyond. Lots of wonderful photos. Close ups. Wonderful explaination. Photos of mosaic works from around the world. Ordering her other book as soon as possible.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the complete pebble mosaic handbook, October 17, 2007

By 

Robert Thomas (castro valley, ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Pebble Mosaic Handbook (Paperback)

Good overview of pebble mosaics with very helpful information on materials and techniques. The book also has good examples of works by professional mosaicists in the field of pebblework.