Make mosaics on any surface--mirrors, tables, chairs, picture frames, bowls, switch plate covers, wooden shoes, and more.

Found materials are taking the craft world by storm because the creative potential is tremendous. Contemporary mosaic artists--who continue to expand the limits of construction and materials--can benefit greatly from this movement toward reuse. Even the mosaic neophytes among us can explore the myriad possibilities of these new materials with this fabulous guide. Learn everything you need to get started in the world of found art mosaics, from materials, glass, ceramics, natural materials, grouts, surfaces, sealants, safety gear, and more. The 27 projects here--including the Buttons & Pebbles Vase, Glittering Jewels Belt Buckle, and Recycled Bathtub Garden Planter--each reuse and repurpose objects differently, as the found object may be the surface, the tesserae, or both.

Bits and pieces, pique assiette, memoryware -- there are many names for this unique folk art technique that has flourished for centuries around the world. Mosaic art, revered for its intricacy and beauty, can now be made by anyone with the simple methods found in Making Bits & Pieces Mosaics. Marshall's easy-to-follow techniques make it fun for readers to transform everyday items into one-of-a-kind works of art by attaching broken dishes, ceramics, jewelry, and glass to a wide range of surfaces. With clear, step-by-step directions and inspiring photographs, crafters can create fabulous projects of their own, including flower pots and vases, lamps, fireplace mantels, bird baths and bird houses, plant stands, garden tables, walkways, and more!

Imagine beautiful mosaic pieces with tiles that you easily create yourself! Mixed-Media Mosaics offers a fresh, new approach to a traditional art form. By making your own tiles from polymer clay, you control the size, shape, color and even the texture, resulting in beautiful finished pieces that include tabletops, boxes, jewelry and shrines. In addition to learning traditional tiling techniques such as working with grout and cutting glass tile, you'll also explore creative options for personalizing tiles: • Discover the magic of mica powders and the regal look they can give to mosaics • Learn quick and easy ways of adding paint to handcrafted and commercial tile • See how easy it is to create molds and cast your own relief tiles • Find ways to add personal meaning to your work with the addition of text tiles • Experiment with the addition of beads, jewelry and other embellishments by embedding them right into the tile! Whether you'd like to complete a mosaic tabletop for your patio, a jewelry box as a special gift, or simply experiment with jewelry, you'll find the inspiration you seek in Mixed-Media Mosaics. Start creating your custom mosaic pieces today.

"Of greatest use to beginners here is the description and step-by-step illustrations of four different assembly processes...The dozen projects will introduce first-time mosaicists to the art without...frustration: designed by professionals, each includes elaborate instructions, pattern (if appropriate), color photographs, and artists' tips..."--Booklist. "You'll never look at a shard of glass in the same way again."--Glass Craftsman. 128 pages (all in color), 8 1/2 x 10.

"Step into the imaginative and inventive world of mosaics with Elizabeth Atkins-Hood and Joy Bell. The authors' enthusiasm for mosaics comes through in every word as they show you how to create rich and fabulous mosaic art from tiles, glass, plates, paper, ornaments, photographs, jewellery, pebbles, polymer clay and found objects."--Publisher's description.

In this book, Liz James offers a comprehensive history of wall mosaics produced in the European and Islamic middle ages. Taking into account a wide range of issues, including style and iconography, technique and material, and function and patronage, she examines mosaics within their historical context. She asks why the mosaic was such a popular medium and considers how mosaics work as historical 'documents' that tell us about attitudes and beliefs in the medieval world. The book is divided into two part. Part I explores the technical aspects of mosaics, including glass production, labour and materials, and costs. In Part II, James provides a chronological history of mosaics, charting the low and high points of mosaic art up until its abrupt end in the late middle ages. Written in a clear and engaging style, her book will serve as an essential resource for scholars and students of medieval mosaics.

“Of greatest use to beginners. The dozen projects will introduce first-time mosaicists to the art without...frustration.”—Booklist “You’ll never look at a shard of glass in the same way again.”—Glass Craftsman Innovative techniques, in tandem with striking and original designs, will make you revel in the creative pleasure of fashioning beautiful mosaics. An overview covers four basic mosaic methods: pique assiette, which uses fragments from plates, mugs, and pictures; direct (just lay it down and glue); indirect, where the work is done on a temporary surface before being cemented; and three dimensional applications. Magically transform everyday objects into art by replacing a standard kitchen counter with one covered in fragments of stone, glass, and pottery, or turning a simple lamp into a finely crafted sculpture. For additional inspiration, 50 artists provide invaluable hints and tricks of the trade.

Gives step-by-step instructions for fifteen projects as well as materials and techniques.

The artwork of over 50 contemporary mosaic artists reveals the diversity of materials used and forms created in this ever-growing field. From small pieces of glass, stone, pebbles, ceramics, found objects, and other materials known as tesserae, these artists "paint" images of great intricacy and stunning beauty. In skilled hands, these small angular bits of material form works of art that are filled with fluid motion and life. Presented here in hundreds of vibrant color images, they include public and private installations, sculptures, wall murals and hangings, windows, plaques, medallions, floors, triptychs, furniture, and more. Visual texture, mixes of opaque and transparent tesserae, and the visual flow throughout an image keep viewers riveted to these ever eye-catching works of art. This book will be a source of inspiration for all who appreciate this ancient yet ever-evolving art form.