From Booklist
Kelly conveys a potent sense of the majesty and the diversity of mosaic art through history before getting down to basics in this gorgeous and practical craft book that will entice beginners as well as the skilled. A mosaicist herself, the author conducts readers through 30 projects--from small knickknacks to encompassing designs for large spaces--grouping them by skill level: beginner, intermediate, advanced. With each project comes the requisite list of tools, materials, and design hints, most of which Kelly discusses in introductory sections. The open look of the book is an asset; the brilliant photos will draw readers in; and the nicely spaced instructions, accompanied by helpful graphics, are easy to follow. Kelly makes clear that this isn't a craft for people with limited work space or patience. But it is difficult to turn away from this classy volume, which showcases the wonderful possibilities for crafters who want to create decorative objects for their homes or create art for appreciation by a wider world. REVWR
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Mary Daniels, Chicago Tribune 02/20/2005
Even the most novice of crafters will be tempted... lavish illustrations.


Book Description
A comprehensive guide to mosaic techniques and design. Mosaics enhance everyday objects, revive decors and can be long-lasting works of art. Versatile, strong and wonderfully expressive, one of the appeals of mosaic is its ability to defy time. The Complete Mosaic Handbook is a comprehensive guide to basic and advanced techniques and design of mosaic art. The book includes step-by-step instructions for thirty practical projects for mosaic artists at every level of experience. Each project is conveniently rated by cost, time and difficulty. Projects range from the simple to the sophisticated and include: - Place mats and coasters - Beaded picture frame - Outdoor planter - Garden path - Fruit platter - Portrait - Jewelry box - Glass vase - House numbers The projects employ a wide variety of materials from traditional tile, glass and stone to found objects. The text is concise and jargon-free with full color photographs explaining each step. Valuable advice includes tricks of the trade and design tips for avoiding common mistakes. Also featured is an extensive gallery of mosaic art styles throughout history: Ancient Greece, Byzantium, Renaissance, then on to contemporary styles such as Arts and Crafts. Easy-to-follow, foolproof and beautifully illustrated, The Complete Mosaic Handbook is as inspiring as it is instructive.


About the Author
Sarah Kelly is an award-winning professional mosaic artist and author of Mosaic Crazy.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Easy-to-follow, foolproof, and fully illustrated.

As inspiring as it is instructive, The Complete Mosaic Handbook is a detailed sourcebook for amateurs and professionals alike. This book combines an extensive gallery of outstanding mosaic examples with practical step-by-step instructions for every kind of mosaic techniques.

Projects range from simple to sophisticated:Place mats and coastersBeaded picture frameOutdoor planterGarden pathFruit platterPortraitJewelry boxGlass vaseHouse numbers

A variety of materials from glass and stone to found objects is fully described and explained. Basic mosaic techniques are covered in detail before introducing more challenging methods. The text is concise and jargon-free with full color photographs explaining each step. Every project is rated with a quick reference chart for its level of cost, time, and difficulty with all the required materials and equipment clearly listed. An authoritative design section covers color composition, contact, texture, and inspiration.

A gallery of mosaic art features a collection of international styles throughout history: from Ancient Greece, through Byzantium to the Renaissance, then on to Arts and Crafts and contemporary styles.

SYNOPSIS

Beautiful and inspiring with a showcase of work by international artists and some 500 color illustrations, this how-to guide welcomes the beginner with clear instructions about materials and techniques and also offers design guidance useful for any visual artist. Included are simple exploratory ideas and beginners' projects (place mats, picture frames, house numbers, garden decorations); intermediate projects such as a birdbath, clock, and an outdoor container; and challenging, advanced projects such as a large circular mirror, cast- marble paving slab, and permanent garden path. Each project includes templates and step-by-step instructions, and each is rated according to cost, time, and difficulty. The author is a professional mosaic artist and author of several books on the subject. The book is oversize: 10x10". Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

AUTHOR DESCRIPTION