Garden Mosaics: 25 Step-by-step Projects for Your Outdoor Room

Becky Paton studied Art and Design at Chelsea School of Art in London, where she specialized in mosaic-making. She now works as a mosaic artist throughout the UK, undertaking commissions for private houses as well as publicly-commissioned art for town centers. She also teaches, and exhibits regularly in her home town of Oxford. This is her first book.

Book Description
I have an idea that garden mosaics are becoming increasingly popular, not least by way of cheering up the prospect from kitchen and dining room in the dead of winter, and if you are tempted to have a go, this is the book for you. As it says on the tin there are 25 projects (including templates)`for you to choose from - such as a fountain, butterfly, bird feeder, birdbath, pots, planters and urns - enough to keep you occupied for several seasons before you start coming up with your own notions.

There is a useful illustrated introduction on materials, techniques and tools, including plenty of advice on vital things like sealing wood and terracotta, and adhesives and grouts suitable for outdoors. It seems that cement-based adhesive is best for exterior work.

Of the various projects my favourites are the sparkling fish (all done by mirrors), and the ammonite stepping stone, which reminded me of the many fab fossils I have seen over the years in and around that delightful demi-Eden, Swanage in Dorset. It would be great to have a home-grown ammonite out the back…

Paul Bentley

Price: £12.99