Creative Garden Mosaics: Dazzling Projects & Innovative Techniques

At last - a comprehensive coverage of mosaic techniques alongside innovative design ideas all in one book. American mosaicist Jill MacKay devotes a good third of the book to in-depth instructions on tools to use, materials and how to handle them, base materials and structures, all clearly explained and illustrated. Following on are twenty innovative projects to try at home ranging from simple half-day pieces to longer-term projects such as planters, bird baths, tables and shrines. Quirky frogs and beetles, pod planters and plant collars add novelty and appeal to young and old alike. As Jill says in her introduction, mosaicking is an addictive medium and can transform objects from the ordinary to the outstanding. Even plain concrete ornaments from the garden centre are utilised and turned into individual, highly-personal garden decorations. Accompanied throughout with photographs of mosaic works from artists such as Candace Bahouth and Cleo Mussi, alongside a host of US mosaicists, it is an inspirational look at the subject. This is a step above the current plethora of books on this popular subject and well worth a look for all keen mosaicists. - Lucy Watson