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As part of the MAANZ mandate to share our knowledge and creativity with the world, we are now going to let our members review books that they may (or may not) have found helpful in creating their mosaics. If you would like to add a short review to be posted on the page, please email them to the This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . In addition, if you would like to recommend a book to appear on the site, please email the title, author, and your thoughts on the book.

How many smiles do you give it?

When reviewing a book, please let us know how many smiles you give it:

5 smiles Fantastic! The book was extremely helpful and I highly recommend it.
4 smiles Pretty good! The book was helpful and I would recommend it to others.
3 smiles Fair. The book was just okay. Some parts were good, others weren't.
2 smiles Not great. It's not the worst I've read, but certainly not the best.
1 smle Not good. I didn't find this book very helpful.
Bloody awful. The only thing it's good for is making paper mosaics from the pages!
Encyclopedia of Mosaic by Elaine M. Goodwin
Hardback
Encyclopedia of Mosaic
Elaine M. Goodwin

This book provides technical, cultural and historical information from Greek, Roman, and the Byzantine through to Victorian and contemporary world wide mosaic art. It has over 140 photographs of finished objects and step by step photographs that demonstrate techniques used. Also included is info on equipment, materials and the design process.

2003 publication.


Smiles: to come

Reviews: to come

Review this book

Mosaic Techniques and Traditions by Sonia King
Hardback
Mosaic Techniques & Traditions: Projects and Designs from Around the World
Sonia King

A full-color, hardback book providing historical information on mosaics and mosaic-making traditions from around the world, and technical instruction on the creation of mosaics and projects. The book also features a running gallery showcasing a variety of works by international, contemporary mosaic artists.


Smiles: (three votes)

Reviews: "This is the first mosaic book that I've bought in a long time. I usually get books from the library, but this book is one I know I'll refer to for a long time to come. It inspired me to push myself even harder to make the mosaics I know are hiding somewhere inside of me. Sonia is straight forward and gives great tips - even ones that experienced mosaicists can learn from. I highly recommend it."

"I was lucky enough to get this as a Christmas present! Not only are the plates wonderful, showing what an extraordinary scope that mosaic can take, the works are not just limited to one country so we all feel part of the experience. The author shares great how-to's with accompanying photos, project sheets from beginners to advanced, and gives great recommendations on where to view works around the world."

"This book is one of my standbys, comprehensive regarding tecnique and the gallery is just great and one day I'm going to go and see the places Sonia has listed for the different countries!!"

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Mosaics by Better Homes and Gardens
Softback
Mosaics
BETTER HOMES & GARDENS

Cute little book- about half the size of an A4- very handy to have with wonderful projects and great photos and layout.


Smiles: (one vote)

Reviews: "This is a great book!  A little Ozzie mosaic bible.  5 smilies from me"

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Design Sourcebook by Martin Cheek
Softback
Design Sourcebook
Martin Cheek

This is not a project based book- it has lots of completed mosaic works divided into sections like- animal kingdom- seaworld- pebbles etc.


Smiles: (three votes)

Reviews: "A must for advanced mosaic artists looking for inspiration. Wonderful for getting coloured palette ideas and different design approaches."

"Excellent book for showing advanced students different effects with mosaic techniques.  Beautifully presented and a must for my library!

"I love this book! Martin puts a really insightful comment (regarding the design and/or application) next to each mosaic, the principle of which the mosaicist can then apply to their own art. Great examples of inspirational work, I return to it over and over."

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Mosaic Art: Design and Inspiration by Martin Cheek
Softback
Mosaic Art: Design & Inspiration
Martin Cheek

Martin Cheek's book now in softback.


Smiles: (one vote)

Reviews: "I love this book!  An inspiration to my own art.  Martin explains what inspired his pieces, the different strategies he uses in his art and more.  I am a definite follower of his art!"

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Making Mosaics by Martin Cheek
Softback
Making Mosaics
Martin Cheek

Soft cover book with 15 stylish projects from start to finish- great intro for the absolute beginner.


Smiles: to come

Reviews: to come

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Encyclopaedia of Mosaic Techniques by Emma Biggs
Softback
Encyclopaedia of Mosaic Techniques
Emma Biggs

This book used to be called Encyclopaedia of Mosaic Technique and has been out of print for about three years. Check your local library for a copy.


Smiles: (three votes)

Reviews: "I was introduced to this book during my initiation to the delighted Mosaic Madness team and have found it invaluable. It is user-friendly in speak-easy, making it easy to read and therefore a delight to have as a resource book."

"This book is an absolutely essential resource for your mosaic library. It is the only book we know of that deals only with the many techniques of mosaics and tips about what to avoid - especially those tricky grout matters!!"

"Great when looking for specific needs regarding technique and application, really good tips and examples of what to try and avoid!"

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The Comlete Guide to Home Mosaics by Better Homes & Gardens
Hardback
The Complete Guide to Home Mosaics
Better Homes & Gardens

Hard cover spiral bound with template designs and instructions to complete a variety of mosaic projects that are roman, greco, oriental or moroccan inspired. This book is currently out of print, but check your local library for a copy.


Smiles:(one vote)

Reviews: "Great for  base templates, using the patterns as a guide to design other patterns... The designs are not my cup of tea and I think some of the cutting techniques could be improved, but my students like the book very much as a starter."

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Pebble Mosaics by Deborah Schneebeli and Gloria Nicol
Hardback
Pebble Mosaics
Deborah Schneebeli & Gloria Nicol

25 original step by step projects for the home and garden. Includes stepping stones and birdbath.


Smiles: to come

Reviews: to come

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Pattern & Mosaic in the Garden
Hardback
Pattern & Mosaic in the Garden
Clare Mathews

Lots of projects. Contents include Inspiration, The Basics, Decorative Containers, Water, Wall Decoration, Furniture, Paths and Stepping Stone, Patios.


Smiles: (one vote)

Reviews: "Very interesting book... loved it... read every page over and over again..."

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Mosaic and Tessellated Patterns by John Wilson
Softback
Mosaic and Tessellated Patterns
John Wilson

How to create them with 32 plates to colour.


Smiles: to come

Reviews: to come

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Stained Glass Mosaics by G.W. Shannon, P. Torlen, G. Torlen
Softback
Stained Glass Mosaics
George W. Shannon, Pat Torlen & Greta Torlen

Lots and lots of projects and patterns including satined glass mosaic garden stones, table tops, hanging items, trivets and planter boxes.


Smiles: (one vote)

Reviews: "I give it a "fair" rating. I didn't learn anything I wouldn't have figured out on my own but there are one or 2 good patterns in it. It's also good if you have no knowledge of glass cutting."

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Modern Mosaic by Tessa Hunkin
Softback
Modern Mosaic
Tessa Hunkin

Inspiration from the 20th Century


Smiles: to come

Reviews: to come

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Classic Mosaic by Elaine M. Goodwin
Hardback
Classic Mosaic
Elaine M. Goodwin

Designs and projects inspired by 6000 years of Mosaic Art.


Smiles: to come

Reviews: to come

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Wondering where you can get these fabulous books? If you can't find them in your local library, or you just have to own them so that the library doesn't get upset with you for getting grout on their pages, then click on any of the links below to buy the books online. Now you won't even have to leave your studio to get them - they'll come right to you!*

Dymocks Booksellers
Abbey's Bookshop