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Jill MacKay | About the Artist | Books & Publications
Jill MacKay's Craft Books
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Jill's book, Creative Garden Mosaics, in its second printing, published by Lark Books, secures her a place as a respected author. It is sought after not only for its comprehensive technical knowledge but also for its unique approach to strong project design.
As a writer, MacKay regularly contributes her designs and educational content to publishers for books and national magazines. MacKay's work has been published in over a dozen books and in over thirty magazines nationwide.
Going beyond the ordinary: these 22 garden-enhancing projects, from pillar planters and shrines to tabletops and flowerpots, all feature the most dazzling designs. Some use ceramic tile and pebbles, others stained glass and colored mirror, and still more showcase shimmering jewels.
A richly illustrated section on the fundamental tools, techniques (transferring patterns, cutting shapes, grouting), and materials (tesserae, glass tile) will get beginners started so they can experience the creative pleasure of constructing a variety of eye-catching items. An Onion Dome Birdhouse is a veritable palace, crowned with a gold-leaf dome. Surround a small bed of flowers with a Snake-in-the-Grass Border, made of shining iridescent glass. Or make a Starburst Appliqué, Cascading Planter, Agate Candle Lantern, and others.
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Some of the other books Jill has contributed to are:
Jill MacKay's Book Store
Below you will find Jill's book, Creative Garden Mosaics - and other books she has contributed to - available to you directly through Amazon.com. Jill also has reviewed and recommended a large selection of of fine arts and crafts books which are available at our Complete Arts & Crafts Bookstore.
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Go beyond the ordinary: these 22 garden-enhancing projects, from pillar planters and shrines to tabletops and flowerpots, all feature the most dazzling designs. Some use ceramic tile and pebbles, others stained glass and colored mirror, and still more showcase shimmering jewels. A richly illustrated section on the fundamental tools, techniques (transferring patterns, cutting shapes, grouting), and materials (tesserae, glass tile) will get beginners started so they can experience the creative pleasure of constructing a variety of eye-catching items. An Onion Dome Birdhouse is a veritable palace, crowned with a gold-leaf dome. Surround a small bed of flowers with a Snake-in-the-Grass Border, made of shining iridescent glass. Or make a Starburst Appliqué, Cascading Planter, Agate Candle Lantern, and others.
This is a great book for inspiring creative ideas for making outdoor mosaics. Well written, beautifully photographed, the book shows original problem solving techniques not found in other "how-to" mosaic books... particularly in the construction of 3-D objects. Ms. MacKay is a talented writer and mosiac artist.
_ C. Succop, Artist, St. Michaels, MD
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From Michaels — America's largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts merchandise and the place to get supplies for painting, floral and home décor, needlework, scrapbooking, and more — comes an extraordinarily big, beautiful, and encyclopedic collection of techniques and 175 projects. Whatever a crafter's pleasure, it is in here, from beading and woodworking to glass and fabric crafts.
The 30 subject areas are divided into 9 chapters that all feature a basic instructions section packed with plentiful color pictures and designer tips; 5 to 10 projects; and a two-page spread of gallery photos of additional projects for inspiration. Whether you want more projects using your favorite craft, or are interested in learning a new one, this volume is a must-have.
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Mosaics for the garden; mosaics to complete in a single afternoon; mosaics with a contemporary flair, made from polymer clay — these creative projects offer mosaicists an exciting choice of innovative techniques and styles to work with. The projects range from simple to complex. They include a clock, mirrors, frames, a lovely flamingo design, a stained glass lampshade, picture under glass mosaic, dog portrait, cake stand, house number, mosaic accent brick, looking glass garden stake, strawberry planter with attached teacups and creamers, and a lot more.
...the small pieces used in mosaic are called tesserae and can be many types of materials. The illustrated cutting techniques explore irregular shapes, common shapes and leaves. The section on making your own gold leaf glass was very interesting. I also liked their discussion of grouts and adhesives...
I was impressed with the chapters on supplies and tools. Lots of photos and a good discussion of the pros & cons of each material and their uses. The pattern companion is a modest title for a book that is much more. Yes, it does include patterns for every project, along with photos of the steps involved. Those sections are after the very complete general directions on mosaic. There's something for all skill levels. It is very thorough. If you are interested in learning mosaics or want to take your mosaic projects to the next level, this book is great.
_ Wendy Litten, AllCrafts.net Free Crafts Network
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From Lark Books — 60 crafts projects that truly capture the American spirit! From patriotic cards and journals to painted lamps and windowboxes, every item here gives us the opportunity to express pride in our country.
Begin with Waving Stripes Sand Candles that take only minutes to make. The exquisite Mountain Star Flower Wall Quilt can be cut and pieced in a single weekend. Create simple "star spangles" that dangle from your ears on earrings. Plus: a Statue of Liberty Banner, Old Glory Chain, Stars and Stripes Clock, and much, much more. None of the projects require any complex skills, and easy-to-follow templates and inspirational quotations throughout make this a U.S. crafter's delight.
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More than 140 photos and drawings show just how beautiful a vase can be. Ten talented designers demonstrate that they can be simple to make too: they've created 50 bold, playful, and striking designs that even a beginning crafter can handle. Just start with a mass-produced vase or container, and embellish in a variety of ways.
Wrap sheer lace over glass, découpage a skeletonized leaf onto ceramic, or add crimped sheet metal to a galvanized garden container. A spare and strong glass cylinder wrapped in black vinyl and aluminum is thoroughly unique and eye-catching, while a slim test tube mounted in a frame makes a modern floral still-life. Hang beaded curtains on flexible heating wire round matching frosted glass vases. There's information on all the tools and techniques and ideas for displaying the final product. The results are fantastic.
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Blend images, colors, and materials to create lovely, lavish layers! This sophisticated style only seems difficult to duplicate — these home-decor projects reveal how easy it is to master the art. Choose from more than 15 projects including a floral lampshade, love-letter pillow, and mosaic luminary.
Master techniques for collage, decoupage, image transferring, painting, and stamping. Add dimension with charms, eyelets, threads, tags, metal stickers, paper flowers, and ribbons.
Layer by Layer includes projects from several popular designers, including Jill MacKay and Dawn Anderson. Dawn also compiled and designed projects for Pretty and Posh, The Blissful Bath, and Handcrafted Garden Accents.
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A shimmering ornament, a welcoming table, a colorful stocking, a hand-wrapped gift — these traditional symbols give Christmas its sparkle. Now you can create your own handmade touches for the holidays with this collection of simple, stylish projects. Twenty projects are organized into three sections: Around the Tree, Around the Table, and Around the House. Choose from projects such as ornaments, a tree skirt, a table runner, painted mugs, and etched glassware. Learn sewing, painting, beading, collage, and other easy-to-master techniques
It's only Early October but it's still no better time to get going on those Holiday craft ideas. Holidays at Home presents 96 pages of inventive, festive, and elegant craft ideas to spread the Christmas cheer. The projects are all presented with full materials list and with step-by-step instructions along with vibrant full cover photography of each project and patterns where applicable. A very well presented book!
_ Tim Janson, Michigan
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Host a magical Halloween with this collection of frightfully fun crafts! Most of these projects can be completed in an afternoon, from shimmering beaded spiderwebs to party crackers that open with a loud "pop!" to reveal a gush of goodies. Use easy sewing, stamping, and painting techniques to make 20 projects.
Decorate with mosaic lanterns, cauldron-shaped candles, and a festive banner for the front door. Conjure up the perfect party with stylish invitations, etched glasses, pumpkin placemats, and candy-coated pretzels. Hocus Pocus! features projects from several well-known designers, including Jill MacKay and Dawn Anderson. Dawn also compiled and designed projects for bestseller Creepy Crafty Halloween and the new book Handcrafted Garden Accents.
If you're looking for something really different, check out this great book. There are so many great ideas in here, you won't know where to start! I collect Halloween books and it's always a treat to find a good one. Several came out this year, but this one really takes the cake! Directions are clear, projects are just terrific.
_ Tracy Hoffmann, Downingtown, PA
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Decorate for indoor or outdoor Halloween parties, special family get-togethers, or the neighborhood trick-or-treaters with a variety of fast, fun projects for crafters at any skill level. Twenty projects include a table runner with matching napkins, fanciful fabric pumpkins, a wall quilt, painted glassware, party invitations and favors, luminaries, and a floor cloth. Inspiring photos are filled with Halloween decorating and entertaining ideas for kids and adults alike. Projects come from popular designers including Jill MacKay, Sandy Bonsib, Jaynette Huff, Linda Johnson, Little Quilts, Livia McRee, Jenni Page, and Sheila Haynes Rauen.
The crafts in this book are clever, easy to make and the directions are top-notch. I especially liked the witch's hat invitations, the cat banner and the cardstock lanterns, lit with glow sticks. I own every Halloween craft book (with the exception of Martha Stewart's) that Amazon offers and this is right at the top of the pile when it's time to think about Halloween. Enjoy!
_ Tracy Hoffmann, Downingtown, PA
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Transform ho-hum frames into exquisite showpieces with the eye-catching, easy-to-make projects in this book! From fast and simple to stylish and smart, these frames are great for gift giving and perfect for adding a personal touch. Many designs are so simple, they can be completed in an hour or two.
Seventeen projects include a shimmery mosaic frame, a sophisticated leopard-print frame, and an embossed metal frame. Dress up ready-made frames, make custom-fit frames, or turn old frames into new conversation pieces. Embellish with items already on hand, such as beads, chains, paints, sequins, trims, and fabric scraps. Easy techniques for all skill levels include embossing, laminating, and personalizing frames with computer images
Handcrafted Frames features projects from well-known designers including Jill MacKay, Livia McRee, Genevieve Sterbenz, Mary Ann Hall, and Dawn Anderson.
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