The Mosaic Idea Book

Rating:
Summary: ONE OF THE BEST!!
Review: As a self-taught mosaicist, I own 25 mosaic books, including this one, and I can honestly say that the Mosaic Idea Book is one of the best of the bunch. Instructions are clearly presented and accompanied by a generous assortment of photos. As in any good how-to book, the author explains the basic materials, tools, and techniques used in mosaic work, but she does so in a way that really holds the reader's interest. One of the book's best features is that it contains plenty of patterns -- a tremendously valuable resource for both beginners and advanced mosaicists. The patterns are especially helpful, however, for the novice mosaicist who is still learning how to plan and lay out a design. Friends and I have used a few of the patterns in the book -- we enlarged/reduced them on a copy machine, to fit our specific projects. I used the chameleon pattern and created a mosaic that everyone describes as "spectacular." This book gives readers a lot of "bang for their buck." If you can buy only one mosaic book, I highly recommend this one.

Rating:
Summary: Many designs to copy
Review: I bought the book as a beginner looking for the basics of how to get started. While the book has that info, its emphasis is on specific animal and plant design, borders, symbols, etc. Heavy on the animals.

While this isn't the main book I consult in mosaic-making (I like Leslie Dierk's book), I will definitely keep this as a reference.

Rating:
Summary: Great ideas
Review: This book is a great source of ideas. Many books just give you projects, this book helps you create your own design and make a project that is more 'you'

Rating:
Summary: Great beginner book!
Review: This book is great for beginners like myself. The designs were easy to follow, and a great starting point for your own designs. It offers individual design elements and borders with multiple color suggestions as well as the usual examples of completed mosaics and technique. I have found this an excellent reference book.

Rating:
Summary: The best mosaic book of all!
Review: This is the hands-down, all-time best. I have just about every mosaic book published in the last 10 years. It has tons of interesting patterns--sophisticated yet simple. It's a little 'long' on animal patterns--it even includes the ever-popular 'winged bat' in various poses. The animal mosaicist will especially enjoy the book--but don't let that put you off. It has more useful patterns than any book on my mosaic shelf. Simply: The best.