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The Art of Glass is a beautiful introduction to the art of glassmaking during its most innovative period of the 20th century. Beginning with the precursors to art nouveau, this survey traces art glass through the magnificent creations of Louis Comfort Tiffany and Argy-Rousseau, Lalique, art deco, and Swedish modernism. The historical background of each artist and company is discussed in detail, as are evaluations of their achievements, making The Art of Glass an invaluable guide to the medium. A glossary and index of glass artists are also included.
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful glass with a major omission........2000-08-22
Fine pictures with solid historical copy. I would rate "The Art of Glass" five stars if it were't for the exclusion of the glass of Frederick Carder, not only a major contributor to the genre, but designer/maker of some of the most beautiful glass objects of any period ever made.
Book Description
Whether a spacious garden or a tiny rooftop terrace, this dazzling collection of ideas and projects shows you how to bring color and style to any outdoor space. Beautifully illustrated and featuring more than a dozen projects, from wall friezes and garden paths to tables, bird baths, and pool surrounds. 100 color photos & 20 color illustrations.
A Crafter¹s Choice Book Club Selection and
A Country Homes & Gardens Book Club Selection.
Customer Reviews:
Outdoor Mosaic: Original Weather Proof Designs.......2006-03-10
This book had a great chapter on technical information and weather proofing outdoor mosaics. Was extremely helpful in determining which products I should be using on my own water feature and protecting it. Well worth the effort and time to have it sent to Australia for this chapter alone.
Not really a how-to book.......2004-07-29
The book is mainly devoted to showing various projects made by the authors. Very nice and inspiring, as they do wonderful work, but if you are looking for in-depth instructions or practical knowledge, this is not the book. Try Encyclopedia of Mosaic Techniques by the same authors, instead.
Pretty Pictures, But Not Enough Technical Information.......2004-04-05
I purchased this book specifically for technical information on creating outdoor mosaics. I was particularly interested in recommendations for grouting, adhesives, materials, etc. The majority of the book is taken up with lovely pictures and projects, but the technical portion is given the short shift at the end of the book. I'd recommend other books if you are just starting out and are looking for good, detailed information.
Mosaic Workshop Rules.......2002-11-11
Brilliant book written by two of the most experienced mosaicists in the UK. I was so impressed, I attended a Mosaic Workshop course in London in October 2002 which was taught by Emma Biggs. I am now using this book as a reference for the techniques demonstrated on that course, and I thoroughly recommend it. It contains some very specific technical advice regarding weatherproofing. The advice is based on years of experience, so the techniques are eseential to follow to ensure longevity of the mosaic works. I was a total beginner last month, but feel competent and full of confidence with outdoor mosaic now. I certainly recommend this book for inspiration and reference for those who have done a bit of mosaic work.
This is a keeper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2001-12-21
This is a fabulous book! I have been a creating outdoor mosaics for over 15 years, and I have finally found a book that gets it correct! They have great step by step instructions, and suppliers listed as well as fabulous pictures! Five Stars!!!
Book Description
This glorious book reveals the exquisite simplicity of decorating and designing with mosaics. As it delves into the history of the art, it draws on sources from Ancient Greece and Rome, the Renaissance, Pre-Columbian Mexico, the Victorian age, the Art Nouveau movement, through to the latest contemporary work. Enhanced with hundreds of color photos, Classic Mosaic explores the application of mosaics using classical influences. The versatility and decorative potential of mosaics is then interpreted in a dazzling array of historically-inspired projects. In chapters on materials, equipment, and techniques, Classic Mosaic explains how the process of application is an integral part of the design, whether using ceramic, Venetian glass smalti, gold, marble, stones, shells, or mirror. Elaine Goodwin, a respected mosaic artist, clearly demonstrates how a design is developed, from the initial idea to the finished piece. From intricate Grecian floor patterns to a shimmering Klimt chair mosaic, Classic Mosaic shows how to create splendid designs inspired by 6,000 years of mosaic art.
Customer Reviews:
Almost great but flawed.......2007-08-28
This is a book in search of an audience. It starts with some interesting text regarding the history of mosaics as well as introducing the fundamentals of creating them yourself. It then presents a series of projects completed by the author. The projects are mostly top notch and provide a window into the techniques used by this talented artist.
But that is as far as it goes. In the interest of protecting her art the author goes to great lengths to make certain that her projects are difficult to replicate. No where in this book will you find any patterns of original or classical motifs. Pictures containing these elements are intentionally distorted in order to make them impossible to replicate. In some cases (including the cover piece!) pictures of the completed artwork are actually omitted (presumably because they would be easy to copy).
I actually agree with the idea that budding mosaicists should work from their own original ideas and this book is certainly recommended with those constraints in mind, but it could have been alot more. Even some simple classical designs for reproduction would have made this work much much better. Instead the desire of the artist to preserve her "eliteness" gets in the way.
A Grand Mosaic Book.......2006-06-08
I bought this book for the historical effects. After reading during the past week, it has turned out to be one of the best mosaic books I own. The photography is breathtaking. Since buying a stack of mosaic books at an estate sale, I have always been a huge Emma Biggs follower. However, this author is amazing and shows how to use fragments of the materials to create fabulous pieces of art. I'm an instant fan and re-energized.
In my opinion, this is not a book for a beginner. I believe it is short on the necessary basics. But it is strong in displaying many step-by-step photographs to make the 16 projects from start to finish understandable for the experienced. A beginner artist should store the book away for immediate inspiration when the time is right.
Peace.
Five stars for illustrations and projects; not "how-to" book.......2005-05-27
The photos are breathtaking, full of inspiration for anyone interested in any kind of craft in which pieces are assembled, whether mosaics or quilting or large-scale projects like creating brick patterns in a patio. Aside from books I have about classical art, no other source seems close to providing the rich visuals.
This is certainly not a book to instruct beginners, in my opinion. The "how-to" information is cursory. For instance, a scant half page (and I do mean "scant") describes grouting. Projects, too, are probably beyond a beginner's ability. But the projects are, admittedly, really worth doing, not the kindergarten-looking bits featured in some books. There is a bit of information on cutting: only a bit. Comments along the lines of "with experience, you'll be able to master this technique" suggest to me that this author is more comfortable showing than describing technical aspects.
But what a grand showing this book provides. Many of the color photos are large enough to lend themselves to study in detail and there are a few sequences that show projects in process. Although the book will not provide in depth, specific information and instructions to beginners, anyone interested in mosaic will profit by studying the exquisite photos. The author shows some of this art's beauty that has allowed it to speak from antiquity far into the future. Drink in the colors, patterns, and forms -- and be seduced by the possibilities.
Best Mosaic book I have.......2002-06-19
This book is beautiful. Though, I definitely do not recommend this for beginners or for someone who wants step by step instructions. This book shows her taking some inspiration from ancient mosaics and then altering them for her own use. I have also done the same E.g. the front cover shows the leaves and lizards. I do a lot of paving stones. I simply just did two of the black leaves onto a white background onto a paving stone. Very simple, but gosh it looks great.
This book is more for inspiration only rather than a teaching book for beginners. I still highly recommend it though.
Glosses over basics.......2002-02-03
I have to disagree with those reviewers who have already weighed in on this book. Perhaps they are already experienced in making mosaics. As someone who has not done mosaics before, I was hoping for a little more discussion of the basics. For example, there is a list (and even photographs of) tools to use to cut tile, but not really any discussion on how to do it. Also, the history lesson on mosaics is somewhat brief, with not very many photographs of ancient mosaics.
Book Description
Masako Takahashi, coauthor of the best-selling Mexicolor, now turns her attention to the vibrant tiles that are such a key element in Mexican style and design. Bring a festive new look to any home or garden with the ideas in Mexican Tiles. Masako Takahashi leads a colorful architectural tour through Mexico, revealing the many ways tiles are used for function and decoration, adding color and interest to everyday surroundings. Over 175 beautiful color photographs present inspirational examples of classic and contemporary tile work, from colonial-era church facades ornately covered with talavera tiles to vividly detailed modern treatments of bathrooms and kitchens. Including a delightful introduction by Tony Cohen about the history of tile-making in Mexico, plus installation tips and a resource guide, Mexican Tiles is both a fascinating initiation and a practical guide to this key element of Mexican style and design.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Tile Summary.......2006-02-28
I'm in the process of building on the Maya Riviera so this isn't a book read for fun. This is real research looking for real ideas. Building in Spanish Colonial style can't be done without some incorporation of Mexican Tiles. This book is basically 90% pictures and 10% background and history of Mexican Tiles. The background write-up is excellent and gives good history of Talavera and Talavera-Style Tiles. Then it's on to different uses, floors, kitchens, bathrooms, walls and stairs, and patios and gardens.
I'm very simple in the colors I like in homes so these tiles can be "over the top". This book has a lot of these type pictures. It has more tile usage than I've ever seen on exteriors. The kitchen section has huge tile usage but I've seen more attractive usage in other books.
Overall, I did not get any ideas I will definitely use but I did get a different perspective on tile usage. There are definitely pictures I will take back to discuss with my architect and designer which may be incorporated. This book can be consumed in an hour. But it may take many hours of review going over the pictures again and again.
A bit of a let down........2006-01-18
I love Mexican tiles but I felt the book was a bit of a let down. The pictures were a bit small and there wasn't enough information about tilemaking in the book. I think the book would have been much more effective in a larger format where the tiles would have been more impressive. There are some wonderful talavera tile websites on the net for anyone who wants a better overview.
Great content.......2005-08-02
Book has great ideas. Wish it had been hardback. Book binding, does not want to hold together, considering the wear and tear it shall receive. This is also a great book.
AWESOME!!! Fulfilled ALL my expectations!.......2003-04-12
After I bought Masako Takahasi and her husband Tony Cohen's book "Mexicolor", I thought no other book I purchased would EVER compare to that experience. When I discovered "Mexican Tiles", I opened it with fear and trepidation, hoping against all hope, yet hardly daring to believe that it could be even half as good as their first.
But this book is AWESOME!! I think I finally figured out why, after reading Tony Cohen's book "On Mexican Time": these people simply ADORE Mexico, and it comes through in everything they do. All of the wonder and breathless anticipation and teary-eyed beauty that I feel and am so hopelessly unqualified to express when I am either in Mexico or adding to my collection of artesania, Tony vividly portrays in his prose and Masako captures with her camera.
As for subject matter, I LOVE Talavera tiles, Talavera pottery, Talavera ANYTHING, because they are so INCREDIBLY Mexican, and this book is simply PAGE after GORGEOUS PAGE of Talavera-lined kitchens, bathrooms, stairs, floors...you name it, it's tiled. If you at all appreciate ethnic interior design or Mexican handicrafts, this is an AWESOME book!!!
Book Description
“A well-presented book...recommended for high school and beyond.”—School Arts. “Will ask and answer every possible question you have in a clear and direct manner. No tool or technique is overlooked.”—Guassardo National Ceramics. “A well-illustrated guide to decorating techniques.”—Ceramics Monthly.
Customer Reviews:
Good Book for Beginners.......2005-06-01
The emphasis of this book is surface decoration techniques in general. Most of the ceramics techniques in this book you will already know something about if you have had a good ceramics class. If the topics listed are new to you, then this book is a great introduction. If you've already been exposed to them, then this book does not take you farther.
There is not a lot of specific low-temperature information, other than a few recipes (which can be quite useful). In particular, I was hoping for a book that would help me approach the effects of high temperature glazes when working with a low temperature kiln, how to modify a high temperature glaze recipe to be suitable for lower temperature work, how to do glaze calculations, etc.
For an introductory book, it is very good, with good photos, etc. I'm giving it 3 stars simply because it is only introductory.
There are more thorough treatements of surface decoration in ceramics, like Hopper's _Making Marks_. And there are better coverages of ceramics in general that include this surface decoration information, such as Peterson's _Craft & Art of Clay_, which is much larger, but can (at this writing) be purchased inexpensively from discounted booksellers listed through the Amazon page.
LOVE this beautiful and informative book........2001-08-24
I would love to take one of her college courses because Lynn Peters presents material clearly, concisely, and makes it seem like fun! The photographs are beautiful and very inspiring. The first time through I just looked at the pictures and captions. The second time through I read the lessons with pictures step-by-step. Third time, I read every word, and I know I'll refer to it again and again. I appreciated her simple, straightforward style of writing, and how she didn't bog down on details that don't make a lot of difference. If she wrote about it, it is useful info.
Best resource for learning low-fire clay decoration.......2000-06-15
This is absolutely the best resource for learning low-fire clay decoration. The book is in full-color & is packed beautiful example pieces. The author covers everything you need to know in an easy to understand manner. Surface decoration techniques include slips, terra sigillata, underglazes, glazes, maiolica, china paints, decals, & lusters. Formulas for some of these are included by volume & percentage. Seven step-by-step projects that demonstrate use of slips, sgraffito, cutouts, decals, underglazes & maiolica help you to apply what you have learned. A glossary, cone-firing range chart, & resource list are a great bonus. Numerous examples of each style are given in individual galleries throughout the book. I found them all an inspiration. Captions for each piece give information on the artist, clay type, technique & cone.
This is incredible!.......1999-06-07
Where did Lynn Peters come from, and why is this the first I have heard of her? Wow! I have been looking for this book all my career! My students next semester and every semester after that will read this book. Everything I was never exactly sure about is in this book, from maiolica to cone temperatures, and all points in between. All of us ceramics instructors owe a giant hug of thanks to Ms. Peters.
A high-fired endorsement of this low-fire instructional........1999-06-07
As a ceramics instructor at a small art school, I am constantly searching for a suitable text for my students, even going so far as to consider authoring one myself! Fortunately, the world has been spared my awkward diction, and has been blessed with this wonderful instructional text by Lynn Peters. I have been an admirer of Peters' work for some time now, and was delighted to see that she had documented her pursuits. The anecdotal theme of the text even had me reading for its literary quality alone! The photos are wonderful, and provide fantastic insight into the actual process of creating ceramic art. I highly recommend this tome to all instructors and students, and will continue to do so until Peters blesses us with my desired sequel! Kudos!
Book Description
In their latest collaboration, the authors of Outdoor Mosaic and Mosaic Workshop explore the use of pattern in 19 beautiful mosaic projects for the home. For both novices and those more experienced.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful Book!.......2007-05-19
Over the past two years I have been carefully selecting and purchasing books on mosaics to use in the craft. This is by far my favorite book for technique and "how to" ... it has a great variety of materials and applications that can be translated to mosaic designs/projects of your own making/imagination. I would recommend this book for anyone's mosaic library.
A bright, appealing lend........2007-03-12
MOSAIC PATTERNS: STEP-BY-STEP TECHNIQUES AND STUNNING PROJECTS explores the use and application of the pattern in mosaics for either ceramics, glass, marble or granite tiles. Nineteen step-by-step mosaic projects serve as examples for different patterns which can be created by color or shape, and which feature a range of techniques and materials. Any working in mosaics will find it enlightening as to the possibilities, and general-interest libraries strong in crafts will find it a bright, appealing lend.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Book Description
Those oh-so-ordinary red clay pots, available everywhere, can be transformed into some of the most imaginative containers you'd ever want. Buy them on the cheap, all sizes, then decorate them to enhance any space, indoors or out. Containers for plants are just the beginning. Among the 42 projects are garden ornaments and patio accessories, tool caddies, lamp bases, wind chimes, umbrella stands, kitchen canister sets, bath towel holders--even baking pans (complete with recipes). A colorful gallery showcases the work of six talented designers, with patterns and assembly-diagram instructions so you can make them yourself, and add your own distinctive touches. Techniques include painting, decoupage, stamping, and stenciling, as well as more advanced methods such as crackling, antiquing, and distressing.
Customer Reviews:
great for children's projects.......2007-03-10
There are some great ideas in here if you are planning on doing the projects with grade school children, or if you have little to no creativity. Otherwise don't bother with this book
Great craft ideas for VBS.......2006-03-06
I bought this book for craft ideas for VBS and I can't wait to use it in July 06. I found so much I will have plenty of ideas for several years for the 7th and 8th grade class.
Customer Reviews:
Visual, creative, easy how-to text..........1999-03-10
This book overflows with colorful, instructive step by step photos that help ANYONE create gorgeous and unique tiles for anywhere in the house or as great gifts. The many ideas range from stenceling your own tiles, making tabletops and planters, to making bedheads. The book also has a helpful history on tiles and a section on templates. I was given this book as a gift and, as an artist, have treasured it as the best gift I've ever received!
Creative, innovative, and decorative uses of tile........1998-06-15
This is a good book for both beginner and experienced tile users. The historical information about different types of tiles and their origins is interesting. Many of the decorative ideas were new to me, such as the mosaic bed and door panels. The photographs of tile-working tools and techniques are especially helpful. The patterns from projects shown in the book are included, and are a definite bonus.
Book Description
Over 400 royalty-free designs from 80 artists, selected from the periodical Keramic Studio, a major forum for the American Arts and Crafts movement. 436 illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Misleading Cover.......2006-06-07
I thought this book would be mainly drawings similar to the cover, individual drawings that could be reproduced. They are not. MANY of the pages are china designs (patterns around the edges of teapots, plates, etc). The drawings are not reproduced flat, making them difficult to use. In some cases, I felt the drawings were a little dark as well. I was thinking they would be a little more like a coloring book style - outlines or solids so that the pattern is clear(much like the objects on the cover), but that's rarely the case. Some of the drawings are quite nice, but I would check this book out in person before purchase to ensure it is what you are looking for.
I found this book to be very helpful........1999-06-09
Authentic Designs from the American Arts and Crafts Movement has proven to be a very helpful and inspiring publication. Luckily, it turned out to be just exactly what I was looking for! I have used several of the illustrations as inspiration to create logos or spot illustrations for brochures and business cards. The illustrations in the book are well-drawn and easy to see. The halftone screenings of the originally full-color illustrations are a little flat, but they are still nicely reproduced. If there were more full-color illustrations, I would have granted this neat book 5 stars. Thanks for the concise collection of many great design ideas.
A Bad Coffee Table Book.......1998-12-23
Misleading Title- This book covers only designs from Keramic Studios. No depth and no inspiration. I would rate it 0 stars. A waste of money and in the trash it goes.
Average customer rating:
- The "Bible" for Snowbabies
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Snow Babies, Santas and Elves: Collecting Christmas Bisque Figures
Mary Morrison
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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| Arts & Photography
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| Home & Garden
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ASIN: 0887404936 |
Book Description
Snow babies appeal not only to Christmas enthusiasts, but to collectors of dolls, figurines, and miniatures. Principally manufactured in Germany in the early part of this century, these tiny grouted figures decorated cakes in England and mantel pieces in the United States. Today they are avidly sought by collectors, who still use them to create little winter scenes. This carefully researched and documented book explores the origins of snow babies. (Were they created to honor Marie Peary, the daughter of Admiral Peary and the first white baby born in Northern Greenland?) The collection of 700 color photographs, the largest ever published, displays exquisite all-white pieces and the smaller action snow babies. It also introduces the reader to the rare blue and pink snow pieces. Included are chapters on bisque Santas (over 150 of them), elves, dwarves, snowmen, buildings, animals, and other pieces that are collected and displayed with snow babies. A rarity scale and price guide are included.
Customer Reviews:
The "Bible" for Snowbabies.......2002-09-12
This is an excellent reference book. I have used it for years to help me date, identify, and price older snowbabies. There are many color pictures, all of which are clear and sharp. Good descriptions. Easy to follow price list. If you collect older snowbabies you will want to own this book. Watch Mary Morrison's website for a new book that she will be publishing. As good as this one is I am looking forward to the next one.
Books:
- The Art Of Trompe L'oeil Murals
- The Big Book of Painting Nature in Watercolor (Practical Art Books)
- The Big Book of Painting Nature in Watercolor (Practical Art Books)
- The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World
- The Complete Calvin and Hobbes (Calvin & Hobbes)
- The Freedom Writers Diary: Movie-Tie-In: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them
- The Graphic Standards Guide to Architectural Finishes: Using MASTERSPEC to Evaluate, Select, and Specify Materials
- The Happiest Toddler on the Block: The New Way to Stop the Daily Battle of Wills and Raise a Secure and Well-Behaved One- to Four-Year-Old
- The Invention of Hugo Cabret
- The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- SIGN with your BABY Complete Learning Kit: US DVD Version, Book, Training Video
- Jack London : Novels and Stories : Call of the Wild / White Fang / The Sea-Wolf / Klondike and Other
- Detailing Light: Integrated Lighting Solutions for Residential and Contract Design
- History: Fiction or Science
- Landscape Painting Inside and Out: Capture the Vitality of Outdoor Painting in Your Studio With Oils
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- Jarhead: A Marine's Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles
- SuperVisions: Action Optical Illusions
- DAVID SALLE-2
- The Academy of natural sciences of Philadelphia ... Monographs
Lalique Glass: The Complete Catalogue for 1932 (Catalogue)
Warman's Lalique: Identification and Price Guide
The Essential Rene Lalique
Art Glass: Identification & Price Guide
Christie's Art Deco
