Mosaics in a weekend

This book is a mine of information for the beginner. There are over 35 projects and ideas inside using a wide range of materials from vitreous glass and ceramic tiles to 'found' items such as beads, shells, buttons and pebbles.

The projects appeal to all levels of expertise, from the very simple such as the trivet to the more ambitious fish dish or frog splashback.The gallery is a display of finished pieces by various artists of which Martin is the predominant artist. Here you can see the results of patient, detailed work, some of which can be quite humorous.The colour plates are clear and brightly reproduced.

The first chapter, Getting Started, explains in easy terms the tools and materials need for this hobby and gives a instructions in cutting techniques and fixing the tesserae.One of the projects featured, the Gecko, is available from Martin as a kit. At the start of the project a list of tools needed is given as well as the colour of tiles required, though if you purchase the kit the tiles come with it.

Purchase the book and kit together and you have an ideal introduction into the world of mosaic.The last few pages of the book contains templates to use and a comprehensive list of suppliers.

Publisher: New Holland (Publishers) Ltd 24 Nutford Place London W1H 6DQ

Price: £12.99