Encyclopedia of Mosaic Techniques: A Step-By-Step Visual Directory, with an Inspirational Gallery of Finished Works

Even though I am a beginning mosaic artist, I want detailed information about design techniques, materials to use, and errors that are common to the craft. This book fills the bill - it's got first rate design information and provides examples of the discussion topics. The arrangement of the topics in alphabetical order may be something that others find less than desirable, but if you read the entire book before making any judgments, you'll find that this is a non-issue. I'd recommend purchasing this book, especially if you only want to buy one.

I think this is an awesome book. I don't like books with projects because I like to design my own projects and don't like to cookie cutter from a book. So, this is fantastic because it reminds even experienced mosaic artists of all the endless possibilities of techiniques and materials. It goes through EVERYTHING!! And if you are reserching a particular techinique or anything it is all listed in the back and you are ready to go. Tons of important info, might be a little overwhelming for the beginner but it is truly my bible. I recommend this book to all my customers!

This book, as it's title suggests, is more of an encyclopedia than a project book. I would not recommend it to a beginner because it doesn't take you through a number of projects step by step as many mosaic books do. But I HIGHLY recommend this book for someone who has started doing mosaic and wants to increase skills and knowledge. I learned a lot about design, in particular: using colors effectively, including the grout colors, and how to place tiles in the design and in the background in directions that affect the flow of the design. An eye-opening section showed common mistakes, which if one studies before starting a project, can be avoided. There are a few projects that are given to demonstrate certain techniques, and there are photos of many incredibly beautiful works. The patterns are not given for them, so you'd have to attempt to draw them yourself, or let them serve as inspiration. The materials and equipment section is very extensive and helpful. This is a great book you would study to become a better mosaicist, but not use as a project guide.

In all seriousness, this is the best mosaic book out there that I have found. It explains materials, techniques and EVERYTHING you need to work on mosaics. Wish I had found this before I bought other books.

Of all the books about mosaics I have reviewed this is the most complete, detailed and hands-on techniques you can find.