Making Mosaics: Designs, Techniques & Projects

Tangible bits and pieces of our lives can be captured more or less permanently by the art of mosaics. Of greatest use to beginners here is the description and step-by-step illustrations of four different assembly processes, from pique assiette (French for "stolen plate") to the application of tesserae ("small units") to a sculptural shape. The dozen projects will introduce first-time mosaicists to the art without much frustration; designed by professionals, each includes elaborate instructions, pattern (if appropriate), color photographs, and artists' tips (such as "less is better" when applying adhesive). Barbara Jacobs