Tranquility Fountains: Projects for a Serene Lifestyle [Hardcover]

Mickey Baskett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 2001

Transport yourself to a babbling brook on a summer afternoon, listening to water flow over well-worn rocks or rush down the mountainside. Now imagine that same peace and serenity in your own home or office. You can re-create that wonderful tranquility by building, in a small space, almost any fountain you can imagine. Luxuriate in the faint, honeyed sound of water cascading down an agate slab onto softly worn stones below, or gurgling up through a tower filled with glass marbles...the rustic elegance of an Italian urn engulfed in moss...a sleek meditation table made from a round salt shaker. Add potted plants, fog, candles, light, or scent to create dazzling special effects that engage all the senses. Whether you construct one of the 29 projects here or fashion your own personal creation, your tabletop fountain will float you down a stream of relaxation, far away from the strains of everyday life.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Decatur, GA

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sterling; illustrated edition edition (June 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806927593
• ISBN-13: 978-0806927596
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,232,978 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Don't Buy a Fountain... Make One!, February 2, 2002

By 

A. Moore (IN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tranquility Fountains: Projects for a Serene Lifestyle (Hardcover)

If you've been thinking about purchasing one of the many table-top fountains that are now available on the market, check out this book first! It features many beautiful, original designs that you are not likely to find in stores. Instructions are detailed and systematic and the finished projects are lovely. After seeing these fountains you're likely to want to make your own instead!

The book starts with a description of materials used to construct fountains with general information about where these materials can be obtained. I was a little disappointed that the book did not have a "resource" section that included mail order and internet companies that could provide the construction materials needed.

The second section of the book describes general construction instructions that can be applied to just about any fountain you are considering. This is really good information, because you can use it to construct a fountain of your own design... rather than using a specific design from the book. Since many objects , both unusual or very ordinary can be used in fountain construction, you may never look at simple household items again without considering their potential use as a fountain piece.

The next section does however, contain many step by step designs for some truly wonderful fountains. My favorite is a fountain composed of a cup on it's side with water spilling out over cascading saucers. Also unusual is one called "Tile Towers", which is composed of gorgeous marble tiles, and "Concrete Tower", which is composed of a custom made concrete piece. Very unusual is a fountain called "Gooseneck Lamp Fountain" which is, as it states... made from a gooseneck lamp! There are also more traditional styles that use copper tubing, slate or river rocks.

I also liked the way the author used a lot of plants in his fountains. I've never really seen plants used in store bought fountains and they really do add a wonderful touch to the overall design.

I think these fountains would make wonderful gifts, as you can design them specifically to match the decor style and color scheme of the recipients home or office. Well worth reading, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crafting, gardening or even meditating. I agree with the subtitle... these amazing fountains truly are "Projects for a Serene Lifestyle".

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I haven't tried following any of the patterns yet, but......, January 11, 2002

By 

...By Any Other Name (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tranquility Fountains: Projects for a Serene Lifestyle (Hardcover)

this book didn't disappoint me. For craft project books I look first to large, lush photographs to inspire me, and then to easy-to-understand instructions on materials and how to assemble. This book has it all. These projects could all be reproduced fairly exactly by a reader, but it's up to you to tweak and make it your own. I especially love the fountain that uses building material foam to sculpt a little mini-volcano with areas for tealights and plants. Recommended!