Making Mosaics: Designs, Techniques & Projects [Hardcover]

Leslie Dierks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 1997

"Of greatest use to beginners here is the description and step-by-step illustrations of four different assembly processes...The dozen projects will introduce first-time mosaicists to the art without...frustration: designed by professionals, each includes elaborate instructions, pattern (if appropriate), color photographs, and artists' tips..."--Booklist. "You'll never look at a shard of glass in the same way again."--Glass Craftsman. 128 pages (all in color), 8 1/2 x 10.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Tangible bits and pieces of our lives can be captured more or less permanently by the art of mosaics. Of greatest use to beginners here is the description and step-by-step illustrations of four different assembly processes, from pique assiette (French for "stolen plate") to the application of tesserae ("small units") to a sculptural shape. The dozen projects will introduce first-time mosaicists to the art without much frustration; designed by professionals, each includes elaborate instructions, pattern (if appropriate), color photographs, and artists' tips (such as "less is better" when applying adhesive). Barbara Jacobs

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (June 30, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806948728
• ISBN-13: 978-0806948720
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #104,573 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Arts & Photography > Other Media > Ceramics

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

107 of 108 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique projects, April 4, 2002

By 

S. Brand "sandra807" (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Making Mosaics: Designs, Techniques & Projects (Hardcover)

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.

104 of 105 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Overall a good beginning tutorial with excellent photos., July 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Making Mosaics: Designs, Techniques & Projects (Hardcover)

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.).

73 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and easy to understand with delightful photos, December 27, 2000

By 

Barbara Harmony "InHarmony" (Fresno, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Making Mosaics: Designs, Techniques & Projects (Hardcover)

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.