Crazy Mosaic [Hardcover]

Tracy Graivier Bell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2000

Mosaic is an ancient and versatile craft that can be used to transform almost any plain surface into a unique piece of art. Crazy Mosaic transforms this ancient art into today's fun by using everything from broken china to found objects to make crazy, cool, contemporary mosaics. Illustrated throughout with full-color photographs and easy step-by-step instructions. Contains plans for 20 different projects.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Laurel Glen Publishing (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571456554
• ISBN-13: 978-1571456557
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,605,563 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good assortment of projects, July 13, 2002

By 

S. Brand "sandra807" (United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Crazy Mosaic (Hardcover)

There is a really nice range of projects in this book, from simple in design and technique to complex and unique. A couple of the candleholders look like something I could buy in Bi-Mart for a few dollars, however, they'd be great practice items for the beginner. Few of the items use the typical square-shaped tiles, rather there are a lot of broken tiles and ceramics used, along with glass marbles, metallic beads, rocks, and ceramic pieces such as roses and birds, which give the projects a more unstructured look.

The introductory pages in the beginning of the book are very nicely laid out and informative. They clearly show what kinds of materials and tools are used, and how to work with them. The pages on mixing and coloring grout I think are especially helpful. Project instructions are also clear and easy to read and include finishing instructions as needed (such as for hanging). There are several galleries of projects (without instructions) that can serve as a resource for ideas after mastering the basic skills.

The objects covered include the usual picture frames, vases, and tabletops, but they are all unique enough from other mosaic books to make this book worth keeping in your library for an idea resource. New ideas for me include covering two different ceiling light covers and concrete garden decorations. The concrete turtle covered with tiles and glass gems is a cute example. There's a gorgeous vase with a floral and geometric design, using a stained glass which shimmers with many colors, and a broken-tile covered chair that would certainly be the center of attention.

This book has enough variety and quantity of projects in addition to what I've mentioned, that it should be a welcome addition to a mosaicist's library.

36 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Indespensible and Inspirational Book and Manual, December 12, 2000

By 

phillip danzig (New York Vity) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crazy Mosaic (Hardcover)

This book is aimed for the general reader interested in the history of mosaics, but, more specially, for the artist, home crafter or educator who actually wants TO MAKE MOSAICS THEMSELVES. The illustrations are beautiful in their own right, the 'how to do it' drawings on how to cut tile, select subjects, dedcorate flat and curved surfaces (such as teapots !) are inviting, provokative and irresistable. A must read for all those interested in this oldest, most permanent and basically simple, decorative art.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SMASH & CRASH AT IT'S BEST!!, November 14, 2001

By 

J. odonnell (Peapack, NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Crazy Mosaic (Hardcover)

This book has inspired and helped me like no other - and I have (nearly) every book on the subject! The gallery is exceptional (I'm jealous)! The instructions are clearly written and the projects are great for the beginner as well as the experienced mosaicist. I would very highly recommend this book for just about anyone who is interested in "broken china" mosaics! Thank you Tracy - I wish I lived in Dallas!!