Crazy Mosaic

Rating:
Summary: Colorful, informative and inspiring!
Review: I am a beginner mosaicist and I am interested in contemporary and unique designs ideas. That is why I was so pleased to find this book. Tracy has TONS of great pictures and ideas for using broken china, plates, marbles, gems as well as regular tiles. While there many traditional projects included, you won't find many stuffy victorian chintz designs. I found the ideas in Crazy Mosaic to be inspiring and they helped to jump start my own projects. A very experienced mosaic artist might find some of the information basic, but as a beginner I found it very useful. All of the materials and steps are presented very clearly for all projects and the author includes many helpful tips. Great pictures, colorful lay out, solid information. You can't go wrong for the price!

Rating:
Summary: Colorful, informative and inspiring!
Review: There is a really nice range of projects in this book, from simple in design and technique to complex and unique. A couple of the candleholders look like something I could buy in Bi-Mart for a few dollars, however, they'd be great practice items for the beginner. Few of the items use the typical square-shaped tiles, rather there are a lot of broken tiles and ceramics used, along with glass marbles, metallic beads, rocks, and ceramic pieces such as roses and birds, which give the projects a more unstructured look.

The introductory pages in the beginning of the book are very nicely laid out and informative. They clearly show what kinds of materials and tools are used, and how to work with them. The pages on mixing and coloring grout I think are especially helpful. Project instructions are also clear and easy to read and include finishing instructions as needed (such as for hanging). There are several galleries of projects (without instructions) that can serve as a resource for ideas after mastering the basic skills.

The objects covered include the usual picture frames, vases, and tabletops, but they are all unique enough from other mosaic books to make this book worth keeping in your library for an idea resource. New ideas for me include covering two different ceiling light covers and concrete garden decorations. The concrete turtle covered with tiles and glass gems is a cute example. There's a gorgeous vase with a floral and geometric design, using a stained glass which shimmers with many colors, and a broken-tile covered chair that would certainly be the center of attention.

This book has enough variety and quantity of projects in addition to what I've mentioned, that it should be a welcome addition to a mosaicist's library.

Rating:
Summary: Good assortment of projects
Review: There is a really nice range of projects in this book, from simple in design and technique to complex and unique. A couple of the candleholders look like something I could buy in Bi-Mart for a few dollars, however, they'd be great practice items for the beginner. Few of the items use the typical square-shaped tiles, rather there are a lot of broken tiles and ceramics used, along with glass marbles, metallic beads, rocks, and ceramic pieces such as roses and birds, which give the projects a more unstructured look.

The introductory pages in the beginning of the book are very nicely laid out and informative. They clearly show what kinds of materials and tools are used, and how to work with them. The pages on mixing and coloring grout I think are especially helpful. Project instructions are also clear and easy to read and include finishing instructions as needed (such as for hanging). There are several galleries of projects (without instructions) that can serve as a resource for ideas after mastering the basic skills.

The objects covered include the usual picture frames, vases, and tabletops, but they are all unique enough from other mosaic books to make this book worth keeping in your library for an idea resource. New ideas for me include covering two different ceiling light covers and concrete garden decorations. The concrete turtle covered with tiles and glass gems is a cute example. There's a gorgeous vase with a floral and geometric design, using a stained glass which shimmers with many colors, and a broken-tile covered chair that would certainly be the center of attention.

This book has enough variety and quantity of projects in addition to what I've mentioned, that it should be a welcome addition to a mosaicist's library.

Rating:
Summary: A letdown
Review: This book had a few pretty pictures, but overall, it was a serious letdown. Another crafter oriented book, without any serious mosaic knowledge. I would recommend instead;

Outdoor Mosaic
by Emma Biggs, Tessa Hunkin

THE ART OF MOSAIC DESIGN
by JoAnn Locktov and Leslie Plummer Clagett

Mosaics : Inspiration and Original Projects for Interiors and Exteriors by Kaffe Fassett, Candace Bahouth

THESE ARE ALL FABULOUS BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: A letdown
Review: This book has inspired and helped me like no other - and I have (nearly) every book on the subject! The gallery is exceptional (I'm jealous)! The instructions are clearly written and the projects are great for the beginner as well as the experienced mosaicist. I would very highly recommend this book for just about anyone who is interested in "broken china" mosaics! Thank you Tracy - I wish I lived in Dallas!!

Rating:
Summary: The Indespensible and Inspirational Book and Manual
Review: This book is aimed for the general reader interested in the history of mosaics, but, more specially, for the artist, home crafter or educator who actually wants TO MAKE MOSAICS THEMSELVES. The illustrations are beautiful in their own right, the 'how to do it' drawings on how to cut tile, select subjects, dedcorate flat and curved surfaces (such as teapots !) are inviting, provokative and irresistable. A must read for all those interested in this oldest, most permanent and basically simple, decorative art.

Rating:
Summary: A step above the other mosaic books
Review: Tracy Graivier has smashed the conventions of mosaic and given us a new, exciting vision. Her explanations are direct and easy to follow. For anyone venturing into Mosaic, this book is a must read.