Mosaics - Tapa dura

Both Candace Bahouth and Kaffe Fassett have long-established careers as leading decorative artists. Independently they each became passionate about mosaics and decided to unveil together some of their best-loved projects. They generously share their trade secrets in this collection of original designs.

The introduction explores Candace and Kaffe's enthusiastic involvement with mosaics and their different styles, It provides glimpses of two mosaic masterpieces - Kaffe's award-winning Chelsea Flower Show mosaic garden and Candace's magic shell grotto. To reveal what motivates them, the two artists also show the work of eccentric visionaries who inspired them. The mosaic projects that follow can bring new life to both home and garden. Simple and ambitious ideas are included, and the many contemporary materials used include broken crockery, tiles and mirrors, shells, pebbles, beads, gold-leafed and coloured glass, unglazed ceramic and objets trouves. Candace's intricately crafted designs range from an elegant shell urn and a collection of vases, to two unique garden tables and a glimmering fountain. Kaffe's lively renditions include a table covered in broken rose china, fabulous window boxes and a delightful crazy-patched terrace.

Full design guidelines are given for each project and a special chapter provides detailed step-by-step directions for making the mosaics and for working with the various types of material that appear in the designs. A grasp of these easy techniques and an urge to create are all one needs to transform interiors and exteriors with these colourful, irresistible mosaics.

Kaffe Fassett has attracted huge audiences worldwide to the knitting and needlepoint crafts. A bestselling author, he has also presented his own TV series, Glorious Colour, and a major exhibition of his work travelled the world after forming the first one-man show of a living textile artist ever to show at the V&A in London. Kaffe also designs wallpapers and fabrics for companies such as Designers Guild and Rowan. His wonderful webite can be found at www.kaffefassett.com.

Candace Bahouth is a well-known weaver and needlepoint designer and is now excelling as a mosaicist. She is American-born and lives and works in a converted chapel in somerset. Her acclaimed decorative art, in various media, has been exhibited in museums and galleries all over the world and her woven tapestries hang permanently in many public and private collections. She has produced commissioned mosaics for several years, and continues to sell highly successful needlepoint kits worldwide.