The Mosaic Book: Ideas, Projects and Techniques [Paperback]

Peggy Vance (Author), Celia Goodrick-Clarke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1996

Practical and inspiring, this guide to the ancient art of mosaic features dazzling designs for home and garden, with step-by-step projects, trace-off patterns, and an ample array of color photos.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Mosaic work, the art of laying small pieces of ceramic tile, glass, or stone on a larger background, such as a wall, floor, or piece of furniture, originated in the Middle East in ancient times. Today it is used as a visual accent, often in an outdoor setting. The projects in this book, by several mosaic artists, range from small items like jewelry to a large birdbath. Many additional examples of mosaic work in interiors and gardens are also pictured to provide inspiration for those who want to design their own projects.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Vance and Goodrick-Clarke are sophisticated guides, inviting readers along on a visually stimulating tour of the countless possibilities for mosaics. Pictured are striking examples of architectural settings, such as gardens, pools, grottoes, and home interiors. Unique works by artists include jewelry, furniture, distinctively designed floors and walls, and decorative objects--all embellished with designs created in ceramic tile, glass, stone, marble, and some unexpected materials. This invaluable resource offers step-by-step projects, explanations of tools and techniques, and a final section of bold motifs, for use in creating mosaic designs. The guidance is here for anyone interested in acquiring hands-on skills, or just looking to be inspired by exuberant representations of mosaic art. Alice Joyce --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books; First Paperback Edition edition (August 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570760608
• ISBN-13: 978-1570760600
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #586,764 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good instructions, great photos, May 2, 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: The Mosaic Book: Ideas, Projects and Techniques (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book for learning to make a wide variety of mosaic tile projects. Clear, step-by-step instructions are both written and demonstrated with full-color photographs.

Sixteen projects include tables, frames, jewelry, containers, floors, and walls. There are also designs for outdoor areas, as well as the kitchen & bath. Numerous pieces of other magnificent artwork are also displayed throughout the book.

There are over 30 great templates featuring many designs. Some include flowers, celestial elements, a large angel & a mermaid. There are several animals including a unicorn, butterfly & dragon as well.

My only wish is that a list of suppliers was included, I found some of the materials difficult to obtain.

51 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful projects, but ..., April 14, 2002

By 

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

This review is from: The Mosaic Book: Ideas, Projects and Techniques (Paperback)

The beautiful wall plaque on the cover of this book was what sold me on it, but disappointingly for me, it's probably only one of two or three projects in the book I would be interested in doing. There are photos of incredible work others have done such as pool bottoms, floors, kitchen cupboards, an outdoor monument, fountain, grottoe, patios, pillars. They make your mouth water, but there are no directions for them...not that most of us would attempt them anyway! The projects for us mortals are spaced in between these grandiose artworks and include a casket notable for its artistic design, some jewelry items, frames, a beautiful birdbath, pots, a small shelf. One important factor in keeping me from trying any of these is that although the instructions are adequate, they are not very inviting to read due to their tiny print size, and the photographs could be larger and reveal more of the process. This would not be my first choice in a mosaic book, but I'd still be tempted by that gorgeous wall plaque!

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book, August 15, 2004

By 

C. Bradley "Bradjen's Whimsical Charm" (Vero Beach, Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mosaic Book: Ideas, Projects and Techniques (Paperback)

This is a great book for Mosaic lovers! It is very informative and gives detailed step by step instructions on creating beautiful masterpieces! I highly recommend this book!