Pebble Mosaics: 25 Original Step-by-Step Projects for the Home and Garden - Hardcover

Schneebeli-Morrell, Deborah; Nicol, Gloria

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1552975738 ISBN 13: 9781552975732

Publisher: Firefly Books, 2002

Synopsis

You can take pebbles and other natural found objects and turn them into beautiful useful and decorative objects for the home and garden. Using easy methods and everyday materials, author Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell demonstrates in full color, step-by-step photographs how to create such beautiful items as a simple teapot stand to a rustic mosaic hearth. Other projects include:

clay planter with broken china and pebble mosaic
marble display tray
garden edging
candle holders for hurricane lanterns
orchid saucer
house number plaque
sundial
decorative plinth
garden path slabs
garden seat
basket

Each chapter covers a different way of using mosaics in the home and garden. Projects range from decorative window planters studded with tiny violet cowry shells and amber sea stones, to a herringbone mosaic path laid with brick-red, turquoise and gray pebbles. A garden birdbath inlaid with country stones and the blue-and-white vintage jugs allow lots of room for personalizing designs. A complete material list accompanies each project, along with detailed step-by-step instructions and photographs.

About this title

About the Author

Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell is an award-winning artist exhibiting widely. She has appeared on radio and television and is a frequent contributor to magazines. She has also worked in art education as a teacher, art advisor and artist-in-residence. Deborah is author of a number of craft books, including The Outdoor Garden Room, Decorating with Mosaics and Traditional Christmas Crafts.

Gloria Nicol is a London photographer.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Introduction

The art of pebble mosaics has a long history and some of its ancient methods and traditions are still used today. For example, contemporary pavements and terraces in Greece echo and imitate those of the ancient world; in fact the same kinds of smooth, uncut colored pebbles can still be found and make a remarkably enduring surface when arranged as a mosaic floor. Certain kinds of vernacular architecture are characterized by the type of stone or pebble used -- the nearer the sea, the more likely you are to find sea-washed cobbles, while further inland local stones dug out of the earth, such as flints, may be used for their decorative qualities.

This book will give you many inspirational ideas, from the simplest projects such as the border edging on page 32 or lattice planter on page 96 to more complicated larger projects using a combination of textures and materials. These require patience and a little more skill but the results can be spectacular, such as the tree collar on page 18 where pebbles are set into a circular cement base to make a permanent ring around a tree, or the pebble and stone path on page 36 which could transform your garden.

You can collect stones, pebbles or shells from the countryside, but don't take too many and be aware of the environmental effect. With the growing interest in garden design it is now possible to buy inexpensive bags of pebbles in many colors, sizes, textures and forms. Contrast these properties to enhance your design -- rough against smooth, dark against light, large against small. Shells also work beautifully with pebbles, as do broken china and flowerpots. Few tools are required and there are no specialized techniques. Simply follow the cement mix recipes exactly for the best results. For all outdoor projects, make sure you use specialist exterior waterproof and frostproof cement or grout. This is generally of professional standard and the type used for tiling swimming pool interiors.

Edition details

• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1552975738
• ISBN 13: 9781552975732
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128