Go beyond the ordinary: these 22 garden-enhancing projects, from pillar planters and shrines to tabletops and flowerpots, all feature the most dazzling designs. Some use ceramic tile and pebbles, others stained glass and colored mirror, and still more showcase shimmering jewels. A richly illustrated section on the fundamental tools, techniques (transferring patterns, cutting shapes, grouting), and materials (tesserae, glass tile) will get beginners started so they can experience the creative pleasure of constructing a variety of eye-catching items. An Onion Dome Birdhouse is a veritable palace, crowned with a gold-leaf dome. Surround a small bed of flowers with a Snake-in-the-Grass Border, made of shining iridescent glass. Or make a Starburst Appliqué, Cascading Planter, Agate Candle Lantern, and others.
Outdoor mosaics have become increasingly popular as landscape design elements. MacKay illustrates projects for freestanding planters and sculptural objects decorated with irregular glass shards. These are very colorful and stand out prominently in the garden. Pebble mosaics, on the other hand, are more subdued, reflecting the natural colors of rounded stones. Howarth (Pebble Mosaics: Complete Designs and Techniques for Paths, Patios, and Walls) describes the techniques of creating and installing large mosaics with photos of her own work and that of others around the world. This is an excellent source of design ideas for landscape artists. Both books are suitable for public libraries. Howarth's should also be in academic landscape architecture collections. [MacKay's book is a Crafter's Choice Book Club selection.-Ed.] Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
