What w/you like your first project to be? My suggestion is to start w/a small project - say a flower pot, a vase, or picture frame. Since you've read the books, then follow the instructions given in the beginning of most books - gather your tesserae, your glue, nippers or hammer, break or nip them up and start gluing them onto whatever your project is. It's as simple as that. If you're making a flower pot, my suggestion is to make one for inside, cuz for outside, a different adhesive is necessary. Once you start, you'll become inspired as to more difficult projects. As to design, Google the net - there a tons of them. Also, for tutorials, the net has all kinds of tutorial videos and instructions. That's where I started. Welcome to the forum, and if we can be of further help, don't hesitate to ask. We love Newbies. Be warned, this is a very addictive hobby. Betcha you'll be hooked from the first project.

Hi and welcome, pmeverett. I have written several how-to articles; below is a link to one of them.

Here is a link that might be useful: Silva's mosaic instructions

Thank you both for your input I appreciate it. I haven't purchased any books yet, so if anyone has any recommendations, I would appreciate it. I did take a look at your site Silva and you have some beautiful work!

I plan on making my first project a small one to begin with, maybe start with a simple mirror. Then move on to other projects. It may be a while before I can start anything at all, as I am really trying to organize my basement and create some space for the things I would like to do. But I figured I can do some reading and learning before jumping in!

Thank you!
Pat

I recommend "Mosaics" - (Inspiration and Original Projects for Interiors and Exteriors) by Kaffe Fassett and Candace Bahouth. It's my favorite of tons of other books I have. You can get used books on Amazon.com. I've purchased several of the used books as gifts, trying to inspire some of my friends to jump into mosaics.