If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at mosaic art, you’ll need a little inspiration and advice to get your creative juices flowing. I love paging through my favorite mosaic art and design books for ideas, techniques and images of amazing mosaic art from the past to the present!
My Favorite Mosaic Art and Design Books
Let’s start with a confession: Hi, my name is Kristine, and I’m a bookaholic. I love all books really (don’t get me started on cookbooks!), and I’ve been collecting my favorite mosaic art and design books for years. Yes, you can find a lot of information online about almost any subject, including mosaics. But there’s nothing like holding an actual book, turning the pages, and getting inspired by what you see. And bonus! Unlike with a screen, you can leave your mosaic book open to your reference page, and no matter how long it’s open, the page never goes dark. This comes in especially handy when your fingers have tile adhesive and/or grout on them and you can’t touch your screen.
So books = yay! But which books? I understand that you probably aren’t looking for a library of books on mosaics, but one of these might just strike a chord with you. Does a person need ten books on mosaic art before they actually make a mosaic? No. But are they beautiful sources of information and creativity? Yes! And there are so many mosaic subjects to cover: historical mosaics, modern works of art, materials, techniques, design, and subject matter. Below you’ll find lists of my favorite mosaic art and design books, along with some other suggestions!
Please note, I’ve provided links below for your convenience, some of which are referral links. This means I would earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
The Books
I’ve tried to find links to Amazon for most of the books (remember when Amazon was just an online book seller?). Otherwise used book stores, eBay and other online sources are great places for all kinds of books on art. And don’t forget about the good ol’ library!
So why would you want more than one book on making mosaics? Creating art is a very individual experience and there isn’t one “right” way to do things. When you read through the tools, techniques and designs each artist uses in their projects, you’ll be introducing yourself to multiple ways of working, one of which might be just right for you!
Mosaic Favorites
- My favorite all around book on mosaics is Mosaic Techniques & Traditions by Sonia King. It’s my mosaic bible! At about 250 pages, it’s the most comprehensive book I own. The first section is a treasure trove of images from ancient times to modern mosaic sculptures. Her projects are so well written and start simply. Interspersed throughout the projects is a gallery of mosaic art inspiration from around the world.
- The Mosaic Book by Peggy Vance is another favorite of mine. It’s a little bit of everything (history, techniques, projects). She uses different tools for cutting tiles than I do, and often uses the indirect method to lay her tiles, which I rarely do. But I love seeing these options! I did do a mosaic fireplace surround for a client once and I used the indirect method. Reading about it beforehand was invaluable.
- Although I usually make my wall mosaics for indoor use (I like working on a wood base), I do make a lot of pots, vessels and platters meant for outdoor use and display. Outdoor Mosaic by Emma Biggs is a good resource for techniques and materials more suited for the great outdoors.
- Classic Mosaic: Designs & Projects Inspired by 6,000 Years of Mosaic Art by Elaine M Goodwin. As the name implies, this book address the incredible span of history of mosaics, but what I also love is that the artist starts each of her projects by sharing her inspiration. Whether it’s a Gaudi sculpture in Spain or an ancient floor in Jordan, it’s a great insight into her creative thinking.
- Making Mosaics: Designs, Techniques & Projects by Leslie Dierks a great step-by-step guide for beginners.
- Mosaics: Design Sourcebook by Martin Cheek. It’s exactly what it’s called, a sourcebook for mosaics. It’s both a practical resource and a portfolio of mosaic art. This one is out of print, but there are used versions on Amazon.
These Also Look Good
- The Mosaic Artist’s Bible of Techniques by Teresa Mills
- Greek and Roman Mosaics: Centurion Edition by Umberto Pappalardo, if you are into history, this book looks like it’s going to be great.
- Encyclopedia of Mosaic Techniques by Emma Biggs Amazon offers used versions of this book, or you could request it from your library. Emma Biggs is a well know mosaic artist and book writer.
Design and Subject Matter Books
It’s a myth that artist’s ideas come to them fully formed, or at least not all the time. Every artist has their own style, of course, but they also need inspiration! You can draw that inspiration from your life and your surroundings, and there’s also a lot to be gained from great reference books. Textile design, pattern and print making books are all great topics to explore.
As far as subject matter goes, that is completely personal to you as an artist. I often use birds, bugs and other critters in my designs, so let’s just say I have a LOT of books on those topics too (did I mention I’m a bookaholic?). I’ve found that used book sales are great sources for all kinds of flora and fauna books. Google “used book sale” in your city to see what comes up!
Textiles and Patterns
Here are a few of the textile art and pattern books that I go back to time and again for inspiration:
- 1000 Patterns by Drusilla Cole is a great source of inspiration for your mosaic designs. The author takes you on a tour of the world through fabric design. You can find lots of good copies in the Amazon used book section.
- The book I have on Indian textiles isn’t in print any longer (Textile Arts of India, if you find it used – buy it!). But this one looks great too: The Indian Textile Sourcebook by Avalon Fotheringham.
- Spectrum: Heritage Patterns and Colors is a collection of fabrics and wallpapers from the Victoria & Albert Museum collection. It’s also great for color theory.
- Decorative Ornament by Owen Jones Originally published in 1856, this is a book I reference a lot for it’s beautiful reproductions of decorative art from around the world.
While these lists just scratch the surface of the mosaic art and design books out there for you to explore, I hope reading one might inspire you to start a mosaic project of your own! And of course you’re always welcome to email me with questions about the way I work, or comment on this post. Now get out there and break some plates!
