The Complete Pebble Mosaic Handbook

Maggy Howarth

Book cover for The Complete Pebble Mosaic Handbook
Book cover for The Complete Pebble Mosaic Handbook

The Complete Pebble Mosaic Handbook

The Complete Pebble Mosaic Handbook

Maggy Howarth

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Description

"This book is indeed complete with every aspect of design material selection, installation and care considered... Appropriate as a coffee table book and an instructive text; beginner and pro alike will not be disappointed." -- B and B, Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association

Maggy Howarth is one of the world's foremost pebble mosaic experts, known for the innovative traditional and contemporary designs she has used to create outdoor mosaics around the world.

This new edition is updated, revised and expanded by 32 pages to incorporate many new inspirational designs from the author's studio, Cobblestone Designs, including an experiment in 3-D, spirals and roundels, and large mosaic designs for community spaces. There is also a special section that explores pebble mosaics as a decorative art throughout history.

The book provides practical step-by-step instructions for creating mosaics using traditional and modern materials, tools and techniques. The 400 beautiful color photographs and illustrations offer inspiration and make this a stunning how-to book and wish-book.

The sections and their chapters are:

    Core Techniques
  • The basic principles of mosaic
  • In-situ techniques
  • Precast technique
  • Using the computer to make patterns
  • New developments in pebble mosaic

    Around the World
  • Pebble mosaic traditions from around the world
  • Contemporary pebble mosaicists

    Gazetteer of Design Ideas and Templates by Maggy Howarth
  • Allover patterns; Chinese allover patterns; interlacing patterns; allover centrical designs; borders; stars; sun and moon; spiral, cross and maze; human figures; mythological figures and anthropomorphic creatures; stick figures; animals; reptiles and fish; birds; insects; flowers; trees; other suitable subjects.

About the Author

Maggy Howarth is one of the world's leading authorities on pebble mosaics. Her designs appear in city squares, hospital grounds and public gardens and fountains. A portfolio of her designs can be viewed at www.maggyhowarth.co.uk.

Critical Reviews

Although I have crafted many stained-- and leaded-- glass panels, I have no idea of how much patience might be necessary to create a large pebble mosaic. Even so, after being blown away by the lushly illustrated examples in Maggy Howarth's stunning book, I am convinced that a completed pebble mosaic would be well worth whatever the patience-price.--William Scheick "Texas Gardener's Seeds" (6/1/2016 12:00:00 AM)

Pebble mosaics is a craft that almost anyone can master -- and with help from renowned pebble artist Maggy Howarth, it's as easy as picking up her latest Complete Pebble Mosaic Handbook to help inspire and guide you step-by-step through your next garden project. The handbook combines all the essential information for creating pebble mosaics: from choosing the right pebbles, designing the mosaic, installing and finishing it, to providing ideas and photos of creations by the world's foremost pebble artists -- along with Howarth's work, which appears in city squares, hospital grounds and public gardens.-- "Calgary Sun" (7/30/2016 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] A book full of possibilities... more than 300 photographs of intricate designs from around the world... [Howarth ] comes to the rescue of novices, however, with her technique for a precast mosaic.--Lee Stratton "Columbus Dispatch" (12/20/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] Walkways and fountain areas featuring intricate mosaic pebble designs are made easy for the average craftsperson.--Jim Carlson "Country Decorating Ideas" (7/1/2004 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] The high art of pebble mosaic, so lovingly, lavishly, and exhaustively documented... Part world tour of pebble art, part do-it-yourself guide, and part idea catalog, the book succeeds remarkably.-- "Design and Build Magazine" (4/1/2004 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] With photos of some of the world's finest pebble mosaics, this handbook is both an invitation and an inspiration.-- "Kitchener Record" (9/20/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] An excellent source of ideas for landscape artists.-- "Library Journal" (10/15/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] Benefit from Howarth's experiences as she shares methods that have succeeded and failed. She also gives her special cement recipe.--Linda Hutchinson "San Gabriel Valley Tribune" (10/25/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] Pebble pizzazz... a fun way to jazz up outdoor spaces.--Megan Miers "Tulsa World" (9/27/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] In this book, we are treated to a mesmerizing expose of one of the oldest forms of decoration.... Maggy Howarth, an accomplished artist from the UK, has compiled stunning examples of their complexity and beauty in many styles--the plentiful photographs are guaranteed to inspire. No lie, this book is indeed complete with every aspect of design material selection, installation and care considered. Designing, planning and correctly installing a pebble mosaic is labor-intensive and the illustrations contribute to our awe. Installation techniques are well detailed and include methods for in situ and pre-cast work for both frost-prone and frost-free areas, as well as indoor environments. Appropriate as a coffee table book and an instructive text; beginner and pro alike will not be disappointed.--Colleen Miko "B and B, Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association, Vol. 61, No. 9" (9/1/2009 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] Appropriate for the uninitiated and the veteran of pebble walkways alike, this is truly a complete guide to the medium.-- "Home Builder (Pierrefonds, QC)" (4/30/2009 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] This heavy, photo-filled book is both a tour of beautiful pebble mosaics and an instruction manual.-- "Oregonian" (4/9/2009 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] Photographic examples of often stunning pebblework... a step-by-step approach to the craft.-- "Miami Herald" (12/21/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] Not only a history of mosaics and beautiful photographs, but a how-to guide for projects... Directions are clear and illustrated.-- "Miami Herald" (11/7/2004 12:00:00 AM)

Publishing Information

Publisher: Firefly Books
Pub date: 2016-03-01
Length: 272 pages

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