Creative Garden Mosaics: Dazzling Projects & Innovative Techniques - Softcover

Mackay, Jill

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1579905994 ISBN 13: 9781579905996

Publisher: Union Square & Co., 2004

Synopsis

Go beyond the ordinary: these 22 garden-enhancing projects, from pillar planters and shrines to tabletops and flowerpots, all feature the most dazzling designs. Some use ceramic tile and pebbles, others stained glass and colored mirror, and still more showcase shimmering jewels. A richly illustrated section on the fundamental tools, techniques (transferring patterns, cutting shapes, grouting), and materials (tesserae, glass tile) will get beginners started so they can experience the creative pleasure of constructing a variety of eye-catching items. An Onion Dome Birdhouse is a veritable palace, crowned with a gold-leaf dome. Surround a small bed of flowers with a Snake-in-the-Grass Border, made of shining iridescent glass. Or make a Starburst Appliqué, Cascading Planter, Agate Candle Lantern, and others.

About this title

Review:

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

About this edition

• Publisher: Union Square & Co.
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1579905994
• ISBN 13: 9781579905996
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 159