Faux Mosaics [Paperback]

Tera Leigh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2004

With Faux Mosaics, readers will learn to make stunning mosaics without the mess - simply by using inexpensive paper and paint. Award-winning author and artist Tera Leigh teaches readers how to re-create the look of traditional mosaics titles by using a variety of materials, including scrapbook paper, stickers, wallpaper cutouts, favourite photos stamped cardstock, painted cardstock and more. Readers will also learn how to capture the look of grout by using simple paint techniques. With these 20 easy and cheerful step-by-step projects, readers will discover how to create faux mosaics on fun and functional surfaces, such as coasters, napkin rings, jewellery boxes, memory books and more.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

"A little piece of paper . . . sparked a big idea," writes Leigh in this beginner's guide to paper mosaic decoration. In an introductory section, Leigh discusses supplies-- paint, glazes, brushes, varnish, and paper-- including instructions for making hand-painted and hand-stamped papers. Next she outlines 20 fun, inexpensive, stylish projects that reflect a sort of simple elegance. A materials list and an appealing picture of the finished product to spur on crafters head each project. Leigh's precise, easy-to-follow instructions--from preparing the surface to applying the final varnish--are positioned directly beneath a clear helpful photo that shows the process. Although most of the projects have been created with adults in mind (napkin rings, candleholders, tissue boxes, etc.), some may inspire older children to take up scissors and glue. More likely they'll encourage adult crafters to retool what Leigh has taught them here to create their own projects for a family craft session--and for themselves. REVWR
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Tera Leigh is the author of The Complete Book of Decorative Painting, which has received a number of accolades and How to Be Creative if You Never Thought You Could.

Product Details

• Paperback: 79 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (August 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581805659
• ISBN-13: 978-1581805659
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #939,814 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Award-winning author Tera Leigh is a journalist, on-air personality on TV and radio, and artist. Since Tera began publishing her work and writings in 1995, she has developed an international following for her writing and design work. She works as a full-time portrait photographer.

Tera has been published in dozens of publications internationally; from travel to art to women's issues; her writings are insightful and personal windows into her experiences. Tera's designs have been published in dozens of publications, ranging from Romantic Homes Magazine to Country Marketplace magazine. Tera has been a columnist for PaintWorks, Tole World, Create & Decorate, and other craft publications.

Other sites:

http://www.teras-wish.com/ - free articles and workshop ideas on the topic of creativity.

http://www.teraleigh.com/

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So Easy, So Quick, So Beautiful, December 7, 2005

By 

Jan Evans (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Faux Mosaics (Paperback)

I've often admired the look of mosaic tile, but just couldn't deal with the mess, tools, and time involved in the original technique. Then I found this book -- AMAZING! "Faux Mosaics" look like the real thing, without a bunch of expensive tools and tricky application techniques. Don't be fooled by the words "tile" and "grout" in this book; the tile is any piece of paper, and the grout is a brush-on finish that's a snap to apply. Best of all, you don't have to be "crafty" to make beautiful mosaic look-alikes. Ms. Leigh's super-simple technique is explained so well that virtually anyone can get FANTASTIC RESULTS. And she shows so many wonderful project ideas -- you'll never run out of items to transform into works of art for your home and unique gifts for friends and family. This book is a MUST HAVE for anyone who has ever admired mosaics ... I'm sure you'll use and love it as much as I have!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Take some time to create a fabulous faux!, August 28, 2006

By 

Carin Heiden Atkins (Miami, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Faux Mosaics (Paperback)

Tera Leigh's book Faux Mosiacs is a fabulous find. I too am a great lover of mosiac but with a toddler and a career who has the time to break out the old plates and create and old fashioned masterpiece? I love this method for creating artistic frames (I feature one in my book "Craft the Perfect Frame"), creating one of a kind home accents, and creating great gifts for friends. You can easily knock out any one or two of these fun projects in an evening giving yourself a well needed sense of creative accomplishment. Kids can also easily join in on this version of mosiac, not only a great "I'm bored" eraser but a fantastic creative activity to create gifts for friends and teachers.

Do yourself a favor and give this book a try. It's easy, it's fun, it's creative, and fun for everyone.