[.ca] Crazy Mosaics: Transform Shattered Treasures Into ... (ISBN 1571456554)

SMASH & CRASH AT IT'S BEST!!:
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!!

Good assortment of projects:
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.

Colorful, informative and inspiring!:
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!

A letdown:
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!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Keeper:
As a mosaicist who is particularly drawn to working with china/pottery and other found objects, I can say that there are not many books on this subject. There is certainly no shortage of books for the crafter/hobbyist, or of books devoted to mosaic in it's more traditional form (Sonia King's book "Mosaic Techniques & Traditions" and Sarah Kelly's "The Complete Mosaic Handbook" being two excellent examples: must-have comprehensive reference style books that should be on every artist's shelf). "Crazy Mosaics", however, falls onto a very short list that includes "Adventures in Mosaics" by Meera Lester & Marsha Janda-Rosenberg and "Mosaics" by Kaffe Fassett & Candace Bahouth (which happens to be one of my all-time favorites). However, to contradict a previous reviewer, I would have to say that "Crazy Mosiacs" offers a far less self-absorbed overview of modern mosaic as art form than do Fassett/Bahouth, who instead simply do an endearing job of describing the creation of their wonderful, often out-there works. Instead, this book by Tracy Graivier Bell and Sarah Kelly provides solid technical information and a wide variety of project ideas with instructions that are general enough to allow you to adapt and alter, but detailed enough that you will be able to avoid a lot of the pitfalls that result from working with three-dimensional bases and disparate materials. A plethora of galleries will keep you inspired, although I would have loved to see some larger scale applications like murals or community projects. (As an aside, I wish someone would write a book on pique assiette murals and larger scale installations - there are some incredible ones out there! If you ever find your way to Galiano Island in British Columbia, check out the vestibule of the Community Hall.) This book is available super cheap. Add it to your library. You won't be disappointed.