Resources
{some useful books, videos and websites}
Books
Handmade Tiles: Designing, Making, Decorating, by Frank Giorgini
This is an absolutely wonderful book and a must for anyone interested in creating handmade ceramic tiles. A guide to every step of the tile making process (from creating and molding a tile to bisque and glaze firing) it is perfect for the beginner and full of useful tips and techniques. This book was the first I picked up on the subject, and basically guided me through the first phases of my tile making odyssey. A link to Frank’s website for more information.
This is an absolutely wonderful book and a must for anyone interested in creating handmade ceramic tiles. A guide to every step of the tile making process (from creating and molding a tile to bisque and glaze firing) it is perfect for the beginner and full of useful tips and techniques. This book was the first I picked up on the subject, and basically guided me through the first phases of my tile making odyssey. A link to Frank’s website for more information.
The Essential Guide to Mold Making & Slip Casting, by Andrew Martin
A nice book explaining the process of making plaster molds, ostensibly for slip casting, but the techniques are also applicable for press molds. In step by step instructions, the book takes the reader through the process of making one piece molds of simple shapes, but soon moves on to more complicated shapes and multiple piece molds.
A nice book explaining the process of making plaster molds, ostensibly for slip casting, but the techniques are also applicable for press molds. In step by step instructions, the book takes the reader through the process of making one piece molds of simple shapes, but soon moves on to more complicated shapes and multiple piece molds.
Making Mosaics: Designs, Techniques and Projects, by Leslie Dierks
One of the things I like best about this book is the plethora of pictures. In addition to the pictures accompanying the step-by-step mosaic technique instructions, there are also many wonderful photographs of contemporary mosaicists’ works in a wide range of styles imparting inspiration on every page. The book begins with a brief history of mosaic art, followed by a look at common mosaic tools and materials. The author then covers different mosaic techniques, and ends the book with a number of project ideas for the beginner.
One of the things I like best about this book is the plethora of pictures. In addition to the pictures accompanying the step-by-step mosaic technique instructions, there are also many wonderful photographs of contemporary mosaicists’ works in a wide range of styles imparting inspiration on every page. The book begins with a brief history of mosaic art, followed by a look at common mosaic tools and materials. The author then covers different mosaic techniques, and ends the book with a number of project ideas for the beginner.
Mosaic Techniques & Traditions: Projects & Designs from Around the World, by Sonia King
After an illustrated discussion about the history of mosaic art, the book delves into mosaic technique, covering materials, tesserae (mosaic tiles) and even mosaic design. A number of easy projects throughout the book allow the beginner to learn the basics of mosaic technique, including the direct method, the indirect method and the use of various substrates and tile sources. Interspersed throughout the book are photographs of contemporary mosaic art to give inspiration. A link to Sonia’s website for more information.
After an illustrated discussion about the history of mosaic art, the book delves into mosaic technique, covering materials, tesserae (mosaic tiles) and even mosaic design. A number of easy projects throughout the book allow the beginner to learn the basics of mosaic technique, including the direct method, the indirect method and the use of various substrates and tile sources. Interspersed throughout the book are photographs of contemporary mosaic art to give inspiration. A link to Sonia’s website for more information.
Making Concrete Garden Ornaments, by Sherri Warner Hunter
As the title of this book suggests, it is about concrete, not ceramics. However, I have found the information quite useful since concrete is a great base for mosaics and other tile installations. In addition to covering the basic materials and tools needed for concrete manipulation, the author discusses various techniques including using armatures, molding and carving concrete. Most importantly (for my needs at least), she also examines mosaic and tile applications. Included are a number of concrete recipes for all your concrete needs. A link to Sherri’s website for more information.
As the title of this book suggests, it is about concrete, not ceramics. However, I have found the information quite useful since concrete is a great base for mosaics and other tile installations. In addition to covering the basic materials and tools needed for concrete manipulation, the author discusses various techniques including using armatures, molding and carving concrete. Most importantly (for my needs at least), she also examines mosaic and tile applications. Included are a number of concrete recipes for all your concrete needs. A link to Sherri’s website for more information.
Websites
Ceramic Arts Daily: information and inspiration from inside the artist’s studio (ceramicartsdaily.org/)
The tag line says it all. Ceramic Arts Daily is a great website filled with informative and useful articles about a wide variety of ceramic topics. From tile making to sculpting, from making your own glazes to decorating you pieces, this website has a plethora of information.
The tag line says it all. Ceramic Arts Daily is a great website filled with informative and useful articles about a wide variety of ceramic topics. From tile making to sculpting, from making your own glazes to decorating you pieces, this website has a plethora of information.