Mosaics: Inspiration and Original Projects for Interiors and Exteriors [Paperback]

Kaffe Fassett (Author), Candace Bahouth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 10, 2001

The art of mosaic has been around for centuries. This book brings the process into the present, as two accomplished designers invite readers to explore dramatic color combinations using a variety of materials. This is a rich collection of creative projects for both interiors and exteriors. It includes detailed instructions for working with broken crockery and tiles, and preparing items such as window frames and mirrors. The book offers stunning yet practical ideas -- from a fine mosaic vase and window surround to a mosaic garden terrace, table, and planter.
-- Features 16 imaginative projects.
-- Includes step-by-step instructions for projects and materials.
-- Offers designers and crafters new ways to use color.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Superb colorist Kaffe Fassett departs from his usual medium of textiles to unleash his magic on the world of mosaics. Teamed with expert needle artist-turned-mosaicist Candace Bahouth, Fassett proves no less adept at manipulating the harder materials--glass and ceramic tesserae, broken china and tiles, mirror fragments, pebbles, seashells, and even faux pearls--than his accustomed softer substances of fabric and yarn. As with most of Fassett's oeuvre, this volume is more an assemblage of highly imaginative ideas than a traditional how-to approach. A number of the projects do include step-by-step instructions and there is good coverage of the basics (tools, materials, bases, tesserae preparation, adhesives, grouting), but the presentation presumes the readers' willingness to experiment, as well as some degree of confidence in their own creativity. But again, as is typical of Fassett's productions, the simple act of leafing through these pages offers unlimited inspiration. Stunning photographs abound with brilliant hues and spectacular creations by the authors and by mosaic artists around the world: grottoes, chapels, cars, walls, furniture, terraces, entire buildings. And perhaps mosaic work is not so different from textile manipulation after all: witness the many pieces composed like a patchwork quilt, or the tapestry-upholstered armchair that reveals itself actually to be entirely covered not in fabric but in ceramic tesserae. This volume is truly a feast for the eyes. --Amy Handy --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Well known as a textile designer, Fassett here teams up with weaver and mosaicist Bahouth for a colorful venture into mosaic art. This book is valuable not so much as an instruction book but as an album showcasing their work. Good instructions are provided for some of their indoor and outdoor projects, but many craftspeople will no doubt use these as inspiration for their own projects. Suitable for arts and crafts collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (September 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561585688
• ISBN-13: 978-1561585687
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #228,962 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kaffe Fassett, an accomplished painter and designer of textiles, is widely acknowledged as a visionary in the use of color. In 1988 he was the first living textile designer to be given a one-person show at the V&A in London, where he lives. He is a fabric designer for Rowan Patchwork and Quilting and the primary knitwear designer for Rowan Yarns.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

86 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun and Funky, January 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Mosaics: Inspiration And Original Projects For Interiors And Exteriors (Hardcover)

I am a budding mosaic artist and I found this book both inspirational and informative. Since I am also a book junkie I have several mosiac books and this is one of the more informative and it features some really fun stuff. I don't think any of the projects use just the little square tiles we are used to seeing in the ancient Roman and Byzantine mosaics. Candace Bahouth uses nature colored pebbles to create a truly splendid mirror. Kaffe Fassett shares a kitschy pearl covered lamp and a table made of broken ceramics and rose chips to set it on. The authors express what inspires them to make the beauty of Kaffes flower garden and Bahouth's absolutely enchanting shell grotto. These two have fun doing their art and want us to do the same. All the designs include well writen instructions and fun stories on how the pieces came to be. The pictures, stories and tips, like how to make a "swing" effect or how to color grout once the piece is put together, were enough to inspire me to put down the book and "Collect, compose and create." This is a cool book.

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Color My World with Shards, September 29, 2004

By 

John Preble "UCM Museum Director" (ABITA SPRINGS, LA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mosaics: Inspiration and Original Projects for Interiors and Exteriors (Paperback)

This is the one book I go to - I create mosaics everyday. This is the one and only mosaic book I tell people to buy because it is great for inspiration. Creating mosaic work is much more then simply bashing plates and tiles and gluing them on flat surfaces. I believe the even the beginner "I don't know nothin about art" will learn from this book. But this book is not just for the beginner. Even the most advanced mosaic artist will love this book - if they don't already have it.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational, February 16, 2000

By 

Deborah Garcia "Deborah" (Oxnard, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mosaics: Inspiration And Original Projects For Interiors And Exteriors (Hardcover)

The vibrancy of Kaffe & Candace's work is wonderful in that it gets your creative juices flowing as you look in new directions for inspiration & motivation. More than a "how to" guide, this book gives well-photographed examples of how to "crank it up a notch" in the mosaic world. It's new -- and more gorgeous than any other book I've seen on mosaics. I'm intrigued by the traditional mosaic method, but I'm completely jazzed about what I see in this book.