Bathroom decor can fit any theme and any personality. It can also fit any lifestyle.
If you want a bathroom theme that is western, cowboy, or riding, you might enjoy bathroom decor that features horseshoes.
Horseshoe bathroom decor can be rustic, with emphasis on wrought iron fixtures and accessories. It can just as easily be upscale, the horseshoes a part of an English equestrian theme.
Horseshoe Bathroom Decor with Wrought Iron
Wrought iron products are easily found for horseshoe bathroom decor. Sometimes wrought iron horseshoes stand alone. Other times, they come with a strand or two of barbed wire. Look for toilet tissue holders, facial tissue box holders, towel rings, and towel bars, all supported by horseshoes. Wrought iron mirror frames often feature horseshoes also.
Horseshoe shelf brackets can hold a shelf or two in your bathroom. A horseshoe wine rack makes a wonderful towel holder and no one will guess that you are mixing kitchen and bathroom decor. Simply roll bath towels and insert them into individual holes in the rack.
Horseshoe Bathroom Decor in Other Metals
The horseshoe design appears in many metal products. Don't limit your search to typically bathroom decor. Horseshoe-shaped hardware can replace the standard hardware on cabinets and drawers. For a cowboy/western look, towel rings and racks often feature a horseshoe with a mounted cowboy in the middle. Cherish's Country Store has an array of clever horseshoe bathroom decor items. Their toilet tissue holder is a horseshoe with a hook. You simply slip the roll over the hook. Matching horseshoe hooks hold clothing or a robe. Their horseshoe napkin holder, meant for the kitchen, would be perfect for fingertip towels. From another source, a triple horseshoe, double candleholder provides soft candlelight for your bathroom decor.
Horseshoe Bathroom Decor in Softer Materials
Horseshoes need not be hard metal to complement your bathroom decor. Shower and window curtains can carry a horseshoe motif - or horseshoe and horse pattern. Horseshoe shower hooks work well with such a curtain. You might find just the shower curtains you need at Kickin' Horse Shoe Creations.
Bath towels and hand towels can carry a monogram inside a horseshoe. A pair of linked horseshoes is also beautiful on towel sets.
Miscellaneous Horseshoe Items
Add tumblers with a picture of a horse's head surrounded by a horseshoe. At Hoofprints, we found a very unique horseshoe pottery vase that would be great as a toothbrush holder. A matching soap dish is also available there.
Your horseshoe bathroom decor will look good with a horseshoe switch plate, too. For amusement, add a horseshoe doorknocker on the outside of the bathroom door.
As a finishing touch, hang a real horseshoe on the bathroom wall. Superstition says you should hang it with the ends pointed upward so your luck will not run out.
Disclaimer: The author is not employed by, nor does she sell merchandise from any retailer mentioned in this article.
Fall Decorating For Your Home Sale
It's time to say good-bye to summer as the fall season emerges and brings with it the holidays. Now we start to get excited about Halloween, one of the biggest decorating holidays of the year, and of course Thanksgiving. Even though the climate is still warm, we tend to think of autumn colours, jack-o-lanterns and the taste of apple cider. This in turn is reflected in our homes as we succumb to that holiday decorating urge.
What if your home is up for sale? You've staged it beautifully, right down to the table setting; do you refrain from putting out your stuffed scarecrow and pumpkin display? Absolutely not; do celebrate the season, but do exercise some caution. Instead of turning your front lawn into a graveyard, complete with flying bats and howling sound effects, perhaps you could try a tastefully displayed jack-o-lantern instead. There is nothing wrong with festive decorations, but remember, less is more; your home can stand apart from the other homes without becoming a billboard. Keep in mind that your walkways are left unobstructed and that you haven't created any sort of hazard for your potential buyers.
Here are some easy, tasteful ideas for Halloween and fall decorating:
Outside
Instead of plastic figures, use items from nature to adorn your home. Decorate a front porch by tying corn stalks and Indian corn to pillars with raffia ribbon.
Gourds and pumpkins make colourful adornments; try overturning a basket and display them spilling out over the edges. They also make a nice ornament combined with a bale of hay.
Either purchase or make a fall wreath by wrapping it with silk autumn leaves and adding a baby pumpkin or squash. Convert it to a Halloween wreath by attaching a stuffed witch.
Display your potted mums indoors or outdoors by using a large pumpkin as a vase allowing the flowers to overflow.
Indoors
Create an atmosphere of warmth by introducing area rugs over bare hardwood floors or by adding blankets or pillows to your furnishings.
Add dashes of autumn colours throughout the house in deep oranges, greens, reds and browns.
Try revamping existing knickknacks by placing sprigs of autumn leaves in that old pottery vase or by replacing your candles with spicy scented versions in fall colours.
Once again using nature as your inspiration try creating a display using fruits, nuts or pine cones. Present them in bowls, tables or along a mantle with leaves strewn in amongst them.
For a simple centerpiece, arrange about five candles across the center of the table; place fall leaves, pine cones and baby pumpkins around them. The baby pumpkins also make interesting place settings.
Simmer potpourri with an apple pie or cinnamon and clove scent.
Using a black basket, fill with bright orange sunflowers for Halloween.
Gourds and mini pumpkins also make interesting candles; hollow them out and place a tea light inside.
Need a doorstop? Simply prop up a large squash or gourd against your door.
With a few simple updates you can present a warm, inviting atmosphere for prospective buyers. Now your house is not just a piece of merchandise, it's a home.
What if your home is up for sale? You've staged it beautifully, right down to the table setting; do you refrain from putting out your stuffed scarecrow and pumpkin display? Absolutely not; do celebrate the season, but do exercise some caution. Instead of turning your front lawn into a graveyard, complete with flying bats and howling sound effects, perhaps you could try a tastefully displayed jack-o-lantern instead. There is nothing wrong with festive decorations, but remember, less is more; your home can stand apart from the other homes without becoming a billboard. Keep in mind that your walkways are left unobstructed and that you haven't created any sort of hazard for your potential buyers.
Here are some easy, tasteful ideas for Halloween and fall decorating:
Outside
Instead of plastic figures, use items from nature to adorn your home. Decorate a front porch by tying corn stalks and Indian corn to pillars with raffia ribbon.
Gourds and pumpkins make colourful adornments; try overturning a basket and display them spilling out over the edges. They also make a nice ornament combined with a bale of hay.
Either purchase or make a fall wreath by wrapping it with silk autumn leaves and adding a baby pumpkin or squash. Convert it to a Halloween wreath by attaching a stuffed witch.
Display your potted mums indoors or outdoors by using a large pumpkin as a vase allowing the flowers to overflow.
Indoors
Create an atmosphere of warmth by introducing area rugs over bare hardwood floors or by adding blankets or pillows to your furnishings.
Add dashes of autumn colours throughout the house in deep oranges, greens, reds and browns.
Try revamping existing knickknacks by placing sprigs of autumn leaves in that old pottery vase or by replacing your candles with spicy scented versions in fall colours.
Once again using nature as your inspiration try creating a display using fruits, nuts or pine cones. Present them in bowls, tables or along a mantle with leaves strewn in amongst them.
For a simple centerpiece, arrange about five candles across the center of the table; place fall leaves, pine cones and baby pumpkins around them. The baby pumpkins also make interesting place settings.
Simmer potpourri with an apple pie or cinnamon and clove scent.
Using a black basket, fill with bright orange sunflowers for Halloween.
Gourds and mini pumpkins also make interesting candles; hollow them out and place a tea light inside.
Need a doorstop? Simply prop up a large squash or gourd against your door.
With a few simple updates you can present a warm, inviting atmosphere for prospective buyers. Now your house is not just a piece of merchandise, it's a home.
The Greek Vase - The Story of Ancient Greece Told in Clay
Withstanding the test of time, Greek Pottery has been a crucial element in the world's comprehension of the ancient Greek culture. Mostly found in the Etruscan Tombs, Greek Vases and Greek Pottery are canvases that paint a portrait of the world of ancient Greece. While much of ancient Greek art is forever lost, Greek pottery offers a glimpse into both the every day life and the mythology of ancient Greece.
Starting with the Minoan civilization that existed in Crete, the culture made remarkable contributions to the Greek way of life; especially, in the artisanship of pottery and vases. The Minoan potters designed pottery for food gathering and storage. A practical need became one of artistic expression with the potter looking to nature to influence the designs that transformed the pottery, creating art from what was once only a tool.
As time progressed, Minoan's created vases in forms that were used for specialized purposes. For example, the Amphora vase is a swollen vase with a wide mouth and two opposing handles. It was used to transport and store oil, wine and other liquids. Painted with grass and flowers, and marine scenes, the Minoan's set precedent for future designs.
During the Protogeometrical Period, Greek vases were decorated with simplistic designs that consisted mainly of circular patterns. The Geometric style followed with new motifs, building upon the latter with wavy lines and triangles. In the middle of the 11th Century, the first images of human figures were seen painted on the Greek vase, and by the end of the period, mythological figures became prominent images on much of the pottery of the era.
The Orientalizing Period came after trade-links with Syria and the Aegan World. The popularity of human depictions slowed during this time, and the artisan used the Greek vases for depicting lions, griffins and sphinx with lotuses as accents.
Through the Corinthian invention known as the black-figure process, artists used iron-rich clay that turned reddish-orange after firing. They then sketched their design in outline, and filled it with clay. The Greek vases would be kiln fired at a temperature of around 800 degress Celsius. The pottery would turn a reddish-orange color. Next, the temperature was raised to 950 degrees Celsius, and the vase would turn black. Finally, the kiln vents were opened to let in oxygen, and the pottery would turn back to the reddish-orange color, but the paint layer remained black.
The Corinthian used these vases to depict animal friezes. It was the Athenian painters who developed a narrative method, depicting mythological scenes of battle, gods and heroes.
Following the black-figure method, the red-figure method was introduced in Athens. At its core, the process is exactly the opposite of the black-figure method. Scenes were applied to the Greek vases, but to unfired pieces after they were dried. The Athenians drew outlines on the pottery or vase with a blunt scrapper. It was erased during the kiln process, but after the contours remained and were filled with a glossy clay slip.
The Greek methods for creating pottery resulted in Greek vases whose designs endure even today and left the world with a path to the past told in the distinct and varying images etched and painted on their sides.
Starting with the Minoan civilization that existed in Crete, the culture made remarkable contributions to the Greek way of life; especially, in the artisanship of pottery and vases. The Minoan potters designed pottery for food gathering and storage. A practical need became one of artistic expression with the potter looking to nature to influence the designs that transformed the pottery, creating art from what was once only a tool.
As time progressed, Minoan's created vases in forms that were used for specialized purposes. For example, the Amphora vase is a swollen vase with a wide mouth and two opposing handles. It was used to transport and store oil, wine and other liquids. Painted with grass and flowers, and marine scenes, the Minoan's set precedent for future designs.
During the Protogeometrical Period, Greek vases were decorated with simplistic designs that consisted mainly of circular patterns. The Geometric style followed with new motifs, building upon the latter with wavy lines and triangles. In the middle of the 11th Century, the first images of human figures were seen painted on the Greek vase, and by the end of the period, mythological figures became prominent images on much of the pottery of the era.
The Orientalizing Period came after trade-links with Syria and the Aegan World. The popularity of human depictions slowed during this time, and the artisan used the Greek vases for depicting lions, griffins and sphinx with lotuses as accents.
Through the Corinthian invention known as the black-figure process, artists used iron-rich clay that turned reddish-orange after firing. They then sketched their design in outline, and filled it with clay. The Greek vases would be kiln fired at a temperature of around 800 degress Celsius. The pottery would turn a reddish-orange color. Next, the temperature was raised to 950 degrees Celsius, and the vase would turn black. Finally, the kiln vents were opened to let in oxygen, and the pottery would turn back to the reddish-orange color, but the paint layer remained black.
The Corinthian used these vases to depict animal friezes. It was the Athenian painters who developed a narrative method, depicting mythological scenes of battle, gods and heroes.
Following the black-figure method, the red-figure method was introduced in Athens. At its core, the process is exactly the opposite of the black-figure method. Scenes were applied to the Greek vases, but to unfired pieces after they were dried. The Athenians drew outlines on the pottery or vase with a blunt scrapper. It was erased during the kiln process, but after the contours remained and were filled with a glossy clay slip.
The Greek methods for creating pottery resulted in Greek vases whose designs endure even today and left the world with a path to the past told in the distinct and varying images etched and painted on their sides.
Looking for a Greek Vase to decorate your home? Check out the these distinct Greek Vases from Your Museum Store. Rob Mabry is a former military journalist living in San Antonio. He writes about travel, technology, film and the video game industry. Rob operates http://www.yourmuseumstore.com along with his wife Sherry.
A Mediterranean Look For New Home Decor
If you are thinking of changing the style of your lounge in your home, then why not use a Mediterranean look. Mediterranean homes give a warm and inviting feel to them. Here are a few ideas that will help to give your living room some style.
Invest in some unique plants. Some plants can give a healthy environment to a room, such as, the Bamboo Palm tree. This is a tall tree that is toxic free. Toxic free plants will absorb large amounts of particles from the air and will leave a room fresh and clean. Flowery plants will enhance a room with color giving it a happier and brighter environment. Fill some of your green plants into terracotta pots and spread them around, filling the empty spaces in the room. Place a large flowery plant on a floral area rug, preferably a round rug. Place a bamboo palm plant on an area rug, as this will look great.
Some people have terracotta or wood floors and use area rugs, instead of having carpet. A large patterned rug in the middle of a lounge with a coffee table on it gives a cosy effect to any room. Also, use smaller area rugs to enhance the empty spaces. Use terracotta pots and pottery vases to decorate the room and use area rugs with them. Place one on a small circular are rug to give a Mediterranean feel to the room. If you bought pottery pots from either Cyprus or Greece, then use them to enhance the room with your area rug.
Decorate the room with wrought iron, candelabras and white statue ornaments. Spread them around the room. Candle sticks on a window seal is a good idea with an area rug beneath it.
Complement the room with colorful cushions and throws. Bright colors like mauve and red are best. Why not have a side chair made from cane or even a wrought iron chair and fill it with a cushion or two for show. Place the chair on an area rug.
You can, also, hang tapestry on the walls. Bright designs are good. This will give a desirable look around the room. Oil paintings on the walls will, also, enhance the room and give it a great feel to a Mediterranean look.
Wicker furniture can give a Mediterranean style look too. Perhaps, a coffee table made of wicker over your large square or circular patterned area rug will do the trick. Also, add a small wicker side table with a circular area rug under it and place a plant onto it.
White, also, gives the room a bright look. Most Mediterranean homes are decorated with white walls, so have the room painted white everywhere. Even white curtains hanging off a wrought iron curtain pole will look desirable. White Nylon hanging over patio doors can be effective too. Also, shutters placed on windows and doors is a very Mediterranean stylish look. An area rug nearby a patio door will look great.
There are many ways to make a room look more Mediterranean. Look at some holiday brochures of villas in Europe. Greece and Cyprus have a more Mediterranean look to their homes with many of the above ideas. Area rugs are the most enhancing feature for a Mediterranean feel and can easily be acquired quite easily. Area rugs are used all the time abroad in most villas, so it is a feature for any Mediterranean style room.
Invest in some unique plants. Some plants can give a healthy environment to a room, such as, the Bamboo Palm tree. This is a tall tree that is toxic free. Toxic free plants will absorb large amounts of particles from the air and will leave a room fresh and clean. Flowery plants will enhance a room with color giving it a happier and brighter environment. Fill some of your green plants into terracotta pots and spread them around, filling the empty spaces in the room. Place a large flowery plant on a floral area rug, preferably a round rug. Place a bamboo palm plant on an area rug, as this will look great.
Some people have terracotta or wood floors and use area rugs, instead of having carpet. A large patterned rug in the middle of a lounge with a coffee table on it gives a cosy effect to any room. Also, use smaller area rugs to enhance the empty spaces. Use terracotta pots and pottery vases to decorate the room and use area rugs with them. Place one on a small circular are rug to give a Mediterranean feel to the room. If you bought pottery pots from either Cyprus or Greece, then use them to enhance the room with your area rug.
Decorate the room with wrought iron, candelabras and white statue ornaments. Spread them around the room. Candle sticks on a window seal is a good idea with an area rug beneath it.
Complement the room with colorful cushions and throws. Bright colors like mauve and red are best. Why not have a side chair made from cane or even a wrought iron chair and fill it with a cushion or two for show. Place the chair on an area rug.
You can, also, hang tapestry on the walls. Bright designs are good. This will give a desirable look around the room. Oil paintings on the walls will, also, enhance the room and give it a great feel to a Mediterranean look.
Wicker furniture can give a Mediterranean style look too. Perhaps, a coffee table made of wicker over your large square or circular patterned area rug will do the trick. Also, add a small wicker side table with a circular area rug under it and place a plant onto it.
White, also, gives the room a bright look. Most Mediterranean homes are decorated with white walls, so have the room painted white everywhere. Even white curtains hanging off a wrought iron curtain pole will look desirable. White Nylon hanging over patio doors can be effective too. Also, shutters placed on windows and doors is a very Mediterranean stylish look. An area rug nearby a patio door will look great.
There are many ways to make a room look more Mediterranean. Look at some holiday brochures of villas in Europe. Greece and Cyprus have a more Mediterranean look to their homes with many of the above ideas. Area rugs are the most enhancing feature for a Mediterranean feel and can easily be acquired quite easily. Area rugs are used all the time abroad in most villas, so it is a feature for any Mediterranean style room.
Interior Design has never been this easy with these rugs. Be sure to take a look at this wool rugs for the latest information.
Maintaining Christmas Lights All Year Round
As the Christmas period draw near, we get thrilled and keyed up to beautify our home both indoors and outdoors with lights, Christmas wreaths, evergreens, candles, and Christmas trees. We get pleasure from the lights that garnish our home all through the holidays. At the last part of the festival season though, most people fear the chore of taking to pieces all of the ornaments and keeping them away until the following year. Why not keep your Christmas lights all year round?
The cold months next to the holidays can be rather of a disappointment after visiting with loved ones, enjoying yummy foods and hot drinks, and having the striking colors of Christmas lights and ornaments surrounding us over the celebration. The winter months of January, February and March can be pretty tedious as far as the weather is concerned, so why not convey warmth and glow to your home both indoors and outdoors with the minuscule lights you bought for December?
A fireside mantel for all time looks beautifully festooned with white tiny lights or white LED Christmas lights, regardless of what the period. These lights could be utilized to bedeck for holidays right through the year basically by altering out the themed ornaments around the lights. For the period in between, for an impartial theme, plainly use photos of family, potteries, vases, or mirrors, together with the tiny LED light series.
Next to the holidays, make use of white tiny LED light series all the way through your home to draw out warmth and a pleasing glow to each and every room.
• Bedrooms look stunning with mirrors lined with white tiny lights
• The dining room cabinet or hutch is delicately lightened up with battery operated tiny lights or tiny LED light series
• Shed light on tops of your kitchen cabinets and emphasize your much loved collection of collector items such as, unique dishes, well-made pottery, or wrought iron bits by means of tiny LED light series
• Bathrooms are a perfect place to revive. Our tiny light series are ideal for outlining your mirror and forming an ambiance of relaxation.
• Synthetic trees, topiaries, and old antique trunks are the ideal canvases for using lights of your selection in any space, foyer, or passage of the house.
• Never overlook the basement or game room. Use the much larger C6, C7, or even C9 light series to line-up the ceiling of the completed basement or, game room, or home theatre.
• Use C7 and C9 bulbs and cords outdoors on shrubs, trees, front porches, pathways, and gardens for year round lighting.
Use tiny light series in all color to commemorate holidays all the way through the year. Stress red lights for Valentine's Day, use variations of yellow, pink, purple, and green lights for Easter season, and green for St. Patrick's Day. Our multi-color lights are just the thing for birthdays, anniversaries, cookouts, family and class reunions, or Mardi Gras parties.
Instead of getting worried about the end of the Christmas season, make the conversion into the wintry weather months much easily and less labor intensive by means of your light series all year round. These are just a small number of ways to bring light to the areas of your home for a year round twinkle.
For more information on Christmas lights, visit our website at merrychristmas24.com. Learn more about the many uses of Christmas lights by clicking on this link merrychristmas24.com - Christmas-lights.
The cold months next to the holidays can be rather of a disappointment after visiting with loved ones, enjoying yummy foods and hot drinks, and having the striking colors of Christmas lights and ornaments surrounding us over the celebration. The winter months of January, February and March can be pretty tedious as far as the weather is concerned, so why not convey warmth and glow to your home both indoors and outdoors with the minuscule lights you bought for December?
A fireside mantel for all time looks beautifully festooned with white tiny lights or white LED Christmas lights, regardless of what the period. These lights could be utilized to bedeck for holidays right through the year basically by altering out the themed ornaments around the lights. For the period in between, for an impartial theme, plainly use photos of family, potteries, vases, or mirrors, together with the tiny LED light series.
Next to the holidays, make use of white tiny LED light series all the way through your home to draw out warmth and a pleasing glow to each and every room.
• Bedrooms look stunning with mirrors lined with white tiny lights
• The dining room cabinet or hutch is delicately lightened up with battery operated tiny lights or tiny LED light series
• Shed light on tops of your kitchen cabinets and emphasize your much loved collection of collector items such as, unique dishes, well-made pottery, or wrought iron bits by means of tiny LED light series
• Bathrooms are a perfect place to revive. Our tiny light series are ideal for outlining your mirror and forming an ambiance of relaxation.
• Synthetic trees, topiaries, and old antique trunks are the ideal canvases for using lights of your selection in any space, foyer, or passage of the house.
• Never overlook the basement or game room. Use the much larger C6, C7, or even C9 light series to line-up the ceiling of the completed basement or, game room, or home theatre.
• Use C7 and C9 bulbs and cords outdoors on shrubs, trees, front porches, pathways, and gardens for year round lighting.
Use tiny light series in all color to commemorate holidays all the way through the year. Stress red lights for Valentine's Day, use variations of yellow, pink, purple, and green lights for Easter season, and green for St. Patrick's Day. Our multi-color lights are just the thing for birthdays, anniversaries, cookouts, family and class reunions, or Mardi Gras parties.
Instead of getting worried about the end of the Christmas season, make the conversion into the wintry weather months much easily and less labor intensive by means of your light series all year round. These are just a small number of ways to bring light to the areas of your home for a year round twinkle.
For more information on Christmas lights, visit our website at merrychristmas24.com. Learn more about the many uses of Christmas lights by clicking on this link merrychristmas24.com - Christmas-lights.
Easy Home Decorating Tips To Use Today!
Are you looking for home decorating tips to help you feel more focused on your latest decorating project? Here are a few ideas to get you "back on track."
First of all, where are all of your home d้cor accessories? Are they scattered among several closets and drawers around the house? Consider setting up an "accessories closet" which will hold all of the items you are not currently using. This might include such objects as candles, candleholders, vases, bowls, floral arrangements, and trays. The "accessories closet" should also hold practical, everyday necessities such as scissors, tape and floral-arranging materials as well as a tool-box containing common household tools.
Imagine how easy it will be to change the home decor in a room when the seasons change. Just look in the "accessories closet" for a touch of fall decor to replace that summery flower arrangement. Now that makes home decorating fast and easy!
Another home decorating tip is to add height to accessories on a table which makes them more attractive to the eye. Try using a small stack of books mixed in with other home decor to add interest to the display. You might also set a small novelty item on top of the books.
Twigs in pottery vases make quite a statement and are very easy to assemble. These "bare branches" might be bamboo, willow twigs, cattails or unique, rustic branches purchased in a floral or craft shop. A large vase and branch arrangement looks great sitting on the floor and can be an attractive "filler" for a bare corner.
Keep in mind the home decorating rule of arranging home d้cor in odd numbers. Three small baskets on a table, five small framed prints on a wall, and seven tall, slim candleholders over the fireplace—you get the idea! Arrangements of three, five, or seven are more attractive and pleasing to the eye than groupings of two, four, or six objects.
Enjoy seeing your decorating projects take on a new life by mixing ingenuity and imagination to make home decorating easy and fun.
First of all, where are all of your home d้cor accessories? Are they scattered among several closets and drawers around the house? Consider setting up an "accessories closet" which will hold all of the items you are not currently using. This might include such objects as candles, candleholders, vases, bowls, floral arrangements, and trays. The "accessories closet" should also hold practical, everyday necessities such as scissors, tape and floral-arranging materials as well as a tool-box containing common household tools.
Imagine how easy it will be to change the home decor in a room when the seasons change. Just look in the "accessories closet" for a touch of fall decor to replace that summery flower arrangement. Now that makes home decorating fast and easy!
Another home decorating tip is to add height to accessories on a table which makes them more attractive to the eye. Try using a small stack of books mixed in with other home decor to add interest to the display. You might also set a small novelty item on top of the books.
Twigs in pottery vases make quite a statement and are very easy to assemble. These "bare branches" might be bamboo, willow twigs, cattails or unique, rustic branches purchased in a floral or craft shop. A large vase and branch arrangement looks great sitting on the floor and can be an attractive "filler" for a bare corner.
Keep in mind the home decorating rule of arranging home d้cor in odd numbers. Three small baskets on a table, five small framed prints on a wall, and seven tall, slim candleholders over the fireplace—you get the idea! Arrangements of three, five, or seven are more attractive and pleasing to the eye than groupings of two, four, or six objects.
Enjoy seeing your decorating projects take on a new life by mixing ingenuity and imagination to make home decorating easy and fun.
Fall Decorating Part Ii - Go Natural!
So you've decided your home needs a decorating boost for fall; one of the simplest and most dramatic ways to accomplish this is to bring the season, indoors. Nature has brought us so many gifts at this time of year, and nothing shouts "fall", like red apples, gourds or bright orange pumpkins.
Here are a few points to keep in mind when using nature in your decor:
Make certain that the plants you choose are fully ripe and dry. Leaves can be dried out by placing in a shallow container and pouring hot sand over top. You could leave them as is, or finish them by dipping them in a clear varnish.
Mature, undamaged gourds and pumpkins should be able to withstand an autumn season of indoor display.
Fall Leaves & Vines: Using artificial strands of leaves, wind them around railings, chandeliers or large bottles.
Gourds & Mini Pumpkins: These colorful fall favorites are full of character with their interesting shapes, colors and patterns. The small ones look great when displayed in a basket or placed on top of a candlestick with a bit of moss. Try filling an urn or clear glass vase with gourds and placing it on top of a buffet or dining room table. Need a doorstop? Simply prop up a large squash or gourd against your door.
Large Pumpkins: You can't go wrong with pumpkins. Why not try digging out the center and use as a vase for a bunch of mums; it makes a dramatic display on the front porch to welcome your guests.
Window Boxes: Remove those dead, summer annuals and line the boxes with moss, adding small gourds and hedge apples.
Reuse & Recycle: Take that old pottery vase, stick in a bundle of twigs or dried flowers and display it someplace new.
Fruits & Veggies: These make beautiful natural accents, whether they are real or fake. Make an arrangement using a clear bowl, vase or stoneware dish; using avocados, apples, pomegranates or artichokes.
Baskets: Trying finding the most natural looking baskets for your displays, such as birch or grapevine. Overflow them with flowers, gourds and hedge apples.
Welcome the season by displaying small accent pieces here and there, or choose a couple of large focal points, such as an entry table or mantle. Let your fall decorating ideas become a tradition; you'll have fun adding to them, year after year.
Here are a few points to keep in mind when using nature in your decor:
Make certain that the plants you choose are fully ripe and dry. Leaves can be dried out by placing in a shallow container and pouring hot sand over top. You could leave them as is, or finish them by dipping them in a clear varnish.
Mature, undamaged gourds and pumpkins should be able to withstand an autumn season of indoor display.
Fall Leaves & Vines: Using artificial strands of leaves, wind them around railings, chandeliers or large bottles.
Gourds & Mini Pumpkins: These colorful fall favorites are full of character with their interesting shapes, colors and patterns. The small ones look great when displayed in a basket or placed on top of a candlestick with a bit of moss. Try filling an urn or clear glass vase with gourds and placing it on top of a buffet or dining room table. Need a doorstop? Simply prop up a large squash or gourd against your door.
Large Pumpkins: You can't go wrong with pumpkins. Why not try digging out the center and use as a vase for a bunch of mums; it makes a dramatic display on the front porch to welcome your guests.
Window Boxes: Remove those dead, summer annuals and line the boxes with moss, adding small gourds and hedge apples.
Reuse & Recycle: Take that old pottery vase, stick in a bundle of twigs or dried flowers and display it someplace new.
Fruits & Veggies: These make beautiful natural accents, whether they are real or fake. Make an arrangement using a clear bowl, vase or stoneware dish; using avocados, apples, pomegranates or artichokes.
Baskets: Trying finding the most natural looking baskets for your displays, such as birch or grapevine. Overflow them with flowers, gourds and hedge apples.
Welcome the season by displaying small accent pieces here and there, or choose a couple of large focal points, such as an entry table or mantle. Let your fall decorating ideas become a tradition; you'll have fun adding to them, year after year.
Art Of Accessorizing
Accessorizing is truly an art form. Wither you are accessorizing you home with furniture, art or knick-knacks or yourself with jewelry, purses or shoes you must be careful to not over-accessorize, under-accessorize or mis-match accessories. This is where the 'Art of Accessorizing' comes in.
Let's start with your home. Decorating your home using accessories and decorative accents is an art, not a science. Although there are some basic guidelines you should stick to, accessorizing and decorating is purely interpretive. As humans, we all have different tastes, likes and dislikes; this is what makes us and our homes all different and ultimately unique.
You need to begin with choosing a style or theme. It can be Mediterranean or Italian, whatever you decide. Select items that make you smile and bring out what you love about the theme chosen upon. Be bold and daring. Stage your accessories in interesting displays by using colors, different shapes, sizes and textures.
Mix accents, such as lamps, candle holders, clocks, ceramics, pottery, vases, canister sets, stack of books or bookends. You can use wall art, frames, and mirrors by placing them against the wall rather than on the wall, to be different and add dimension to the room. Use them for the backdrops for your vases, books and pottery. Compliment square with round and dark with light. Use mirrors under objects to intensify their size and shape.
Trial and error and having fun with your accents will eventually lead you to the theme and d้cor you desire. Remember to think outside the box when decorating (i.e. place a wine rack or wall sconce on your walls rather than just framed art). If you're in need of assistance look to books, magazines and local home d้cor stores to identify styles that you like and can easily adapt into your home.
Now moving on to accessorizing ourselves, many of these tips can be used for accessorizing yourself as well as your home. Find pieces, wither they are shoes, clothing pieces or jewelry they reflect your personality, taste and likes. The way in which you accessorize yourself, as well as your home will show the outside world who you are and what you are all about. Some wonderful pieces to accessorize your self in are the following: funky scarves, handmade or vintage jewelry, oversized purses, clutches that don't match your outfit perfectly, and comfortable shoes, such as Havaianas flip flops. With extras added to your outfit you will be admired from afar for your wonderful fashion sense.
Although accessorizing is considered to be an art form it is ultimately something that comes from your personal taste and that is what is most important about the 'Art of Accessorizing'. Remember to be unique and try new things, you never know what will be the new hottest trend. Keep an open mind but know what you do like vs. what you do not like; this is what will make you a wonderful accessorizer when it comes to your own personal style or the style of your home.
Let's start with your home. Decorating your home using accessories and decorative accents is an art, not a science. Although there are some basic guidelines you should stick to, accessorizing and decorating is purely interpretive. As humans, we all have different tastes, likes and dislikes; this is what makes us and our homes all different and ultimately unique.
You need to begin with choosing a style or theme. It can be Mediterranean or Italian, whatever you decide. Select items that make you smile and bring out what you love about the theme chosen upon. Be bold and daring. Stage your accessories in interesting displays by using colors, different shapes, sizes and textures.
Mix accents, such as lamps, candle holders, clocks, ceramics, pottery, vases, canister sets, stack of books or bookends. You can use wall art, frames, and mirrors by placing them against the wall rather than on the wall, to be different and add dimension to the room. Use them for the backdrops for your vases, books and pottery. Compliment square with round and dark with light. Use mirrors under objects to intensify their size and shape.
Trial and error and having fun with your accents will eventually lead you to the theme and d้cor you desire. Remember to think outside the box when decorating (i.e. place a wine rack or wall sconce on your walls rather than just framed art). If you're in need of assistance look to books, magazines and local home d้cor stores to identify styles that you like and can easily adapt into your home.
Now moving on to accessorizing ourselves, many of these tips can be used for accessorizing yourself as well as your home. Find pieces, wither they are shoes, clothing pieces or jewelry they reflect your personality, taste and likes. The way in which you accessorize yourself, as well as your home will show the outside world who you are and what you are all about. Some wonderful pieces to accessorize your self in are the following: funky scarves, handmade or vintage jewelry, oversized purses, clutches that don't match your outfit perfectly, and comfortable shoes, such as Havaianas flip flops. With extras added to your outfit you will be admired from afar for your wonderful fashion sense.
Although accessorizing is considered to be an art form it is ultimately something that comes from your personal taste and that is what is most important about the 'Art of Accessorizing'. Remember to be unique and try new things, you never know what will be the new hottest trend. Keep an open mind but know what you do like vs. what you do not like; this is what will make you a wonderful accessorizer when it comes to your own personal style or the style of your home.
Bring The Warmth Of The Italian Countryside Into Your Home With Easy Tuscan Kitchen Decor Ideas
Would you like to bring the beautiful Tuscan countryside into your home? You will be glad to know that Italian-Tuscan decor is very simple and inexpensive to achieve.
Tuscan decor favors wine, food and nature, so decorating your kitchen in this theme is a natural. To create YOUR Tuscan look, it should be bold yet simple. The use of interesting, warm colors, attention to quality and detail, and the use of creative, dynamic accessories will do the trick. Incorporate the following features with your own, personal preferences and you will have your own, unique Tuscan look.
Consider color first when creating your Tuscan kitchen. The Tuscan countryside has a large influence on the color palette popular in the region. Select from these rich, earthy colors: golden pear, terracotta, olive greens, deep browns and burgandy, mediterranean blues, red-orange and
warm, golden yellows.
Tuscan decor uses an abundant amount of texture, simply, by using textured paints and techniques to create that old world, Mediterranean look. Consider using the suede or granite paint
products on the market. Or you may use techniques such as sponging or patterned rollers.
Now that you have laid the foundation for your decor--the painting--you may look for Tuscan accessories to bring it to life. The Tuscan decor look offers many options, allowing you to express your own individuality. The most popular materials used in Tuscan decorating include tapestry, tile, wrought iron, ceramic, pottery, marble and hard woods. Check out a great online
home decor catalog for a unique selection of Tuscan kitchen decor at home decorating studio.com.
The ultimate Tuscan kitchen is beautiful, but functional and
efficient--it should reflect your lifestyle. The Tuscan kitchen decor theme celebrates food, family and friends.
Functional, yet decorative additions to your Tuscan decor, could include, canister sets, shakers, glass jars, decanters for oil and spices, metal containers, Italian style pots, bowls or plates and wine accessories.
One of the best decorating spots for your Tuscan decor is above the cupboards. Lay your foundation with the use of greenery, grape vines, grape, berry or pear garlands and country floral stems. You may even decide to add some sutle background lighting. This is not a bad look by itself, but you can really make it "pop" by adding pottery vases or bowls, metal teapots or urns, rustic plates or chargers, or wine bottles--mix and match for a unique, interesting look. Have fun with this area--it can really set the mood for your entire kitchen. Remember, Tuscan decor is a mixture of class with simplicity.
Depending on the size of your kitchen, you may consider other Tuscan influenced pieces. You may use a wrought iron rack to display / hang copper pots and pans. You should find a spot for a Tuscan country wall clock; either featuring a wood or iron frame. A country wildflower / sunflower, greenery or berry wreath will accent the cupboard decor. One of the newer trend suggestions would be to use a metal wall pocket vase--fill with floral--it
makes a very unique touch and will combine the floral and metal features of your Tuscan kitchen. Iron wall decor is always a popular choice when decorating in the Tuscan theme.
One of the most traditional styles and one that 1st brought our attention to this versatile decorating style is wine decorating. Use wine bottle racks, and decorative wine decor in your Tuscan kitchen or entertaining center. A tabletop wine bottle holder would be great on a snack bar or countertop. Unique wall and floor style wine bottle and glass holders are also available to complete your Tuscan room.
Other motifs that may be incorporated in with your Tuscan kitchen decor are roosters, sunflowers, and pears. Think color and texture.
Article written by Belinda Crouse of homedecoratingstudio.com. Thirty years experience in the gift and home decor market.
Tuscan decor favors wine, food and nature, so decorating your kitchen in this theme is a natural. To create YOUR Tuscan look, it should be bold yet simple. The use of interesting, warm colors, attention to quality and detail, and the use of creative, dynamic accessories will do the trick. Incorporate the following features with your own, personal preferences and you will have your own, unique Tuscan look.
Consider color first when creating your Tuscan kitchen. The Tuscan countryside has a large influence on the color palette popular in the region. Select from these rich, earthy colors: golden pear, terracotta, olive greens, deep browns and burgandy, mediterranean blues, red-orange and
warm, golden yellows.
Tuscan decor uses an abundant amount of texture, simply, by using textured paints and techniques to create that old world, Mediterranean look. Consider using the suede or granite paint
products on the market. Or you may use techniques such as sponging or patterned rollers.
Now that you have laid the foundation for your decor--the painting--you may look for Tuscan accessories to bring it to life. The Tuscan decor look offers many options, allowing you to express your own individuality. The most popular materials used in Tuscan decorating include tapestry, tile, wrought iron, ceramic, pottery, marble and hard woods. Check out a great online
home decor catalog for a unique selection of Tuscan kitchen decor at home decorating studio.com.
The ultimate Tuscan kitchen is beautiful, but functional and
efficient--it should reflect your lifestyle. The Tuscan kitchen decor theme celebrates food, family and friends.
Functional, yet decorative additions to your Tuscan decor, could include, canister sets, shakers, glass jars, decanters for oil and spices, metal containers, Italian style pots, bowls or plates and wine accessories.
One of the best decorating spots for your Tuscan decor is above the cupboards. Lay your foundation with the use of greenery, grape vines, grape, berry or pear garlands and country floral stems. You may even decide to add some sutle background lighting. This is not a bad look by itself, but you can really make it "pop" by adding pottery vases or bowls, metal teapots or urns, rustic plates or chargers, or wine bottles--mix and match for a unique, interesting look. Have fun with this area--it can really set the mood for your entire kitchen. Remember, Tuscan decor is a mixture of class with simplicity.
Depending on the size of your kitchen, you may consider other Tuscan influenced pieces. You may use a wrought iron rack to display / hang copper pots and pans. You should find a spot for a Tuscan country wall clock; either featuring a wood or iron frame. A country wildflower / sunflower, greenery or berry wreath will accent the cupboard decor. One of the newer trend suggestions would be to use a metal wall pocket vase--fill with floral--it
makes a very unique touch and will combine the floral and metal features of your Tuscan kitchen. Iron wall decor is always a popular choice when decorating in the Tuscan theme.
One of the most traditional styles and one that 1st brought our attention to this versatile decorating style is wine decorating. Use wine bottle racks, and decorative wine decor in your Tuscan kitchen or entertaining center. A tabletop wine bottle holder would be great on a snack bar or countertop. Unique wall and floor style wine bottle and glass holders are also available to complete your Tuscan room.
Other motifs that may be incorporated in with your Tuscan kitchen decor are roosters, sunflowers, and pears. Think color and texture.
Article written by Belinda Crouse of homedecoratingstudio.com. Thirty years experience in the gift and home decor market.
About Country French Paint Colors
Country French paint colors combine elegance with rustic charm. This works great for families because you can still have nice items that are durable for kids. The key to this style is to use worn woods, and natural stone paired with brighter paint colors. This style can work anywhere in the house such as a kitchen, garden, or even a bedroom. Use paint when decorating to save money and create your own unique design style. This keeps your room from looking like a theme restaurant.
Rustic colors are worn and can be used throughout a Country French room. Use worn woods that look aged. Paint a kitchen island with layers of paint. This will stand out against standard cabinets without overwhelming the space. Paint treatments can make your new condo look like it's an older manor. Layer colors of paint that are close in tone for a stucco wall appearance.
French Country style uses cheerful colors. This makes it perfect for a kitchen or laundry room. Adding fun colors to a room will make doing chores that much easier. Bright blue and yellow are traditional Country French colors. If these colors seem too country or bright to use on the walls, keep the walls a neutral white or beige. Country houses often feature wood beams and plaster walls. Bring in a pottery vase filled with fresh sunflowers to get your theme across easily. Avoid cheap accessories with roosters or sunflowers on them. This may make your home feel less elegant. Instead think of how a home in the French countryside would actually look. It would be filled with antique silverware, furniture that has been passed down from generation to generation, crisp white linens, and handmade pottery.
Elegant colors can work in a French Country room. Worn blues and aged gray create a restful bedroom. Accent with Queen Anne style furniture and a bed canopy made in a toile fabric. Add a country air by making the inside of the canopy out of a checked fabric for contrast and a little bit of country charm.
Rustic colors are worn and can be used throughout a Country French room. Use worn woods that look aged. Paint a kitchen island with layers of paint. This will stand out against standard cabinets without overwhelming the space. Paint treatments can make your new condo look like it's an older manor. Layer colors of paint that are close in tone for a stucco wall appearance.
French Country style uses cheerful colors. This makes it perfect for a kitchen or laundry room. Adding fun colors to a room will make doing chores that much easier. Bright blue and yellow are traditional Country French colors. If these colors seem too country or bright to use on the walls, keep the walls a neutral white or beige. Country houses often feature wood beams and plaster walls. Bring in a pottery vase filled with fresh sunflowers to get your theme across easily. Avoid cheap accessories with roosters or sunflowers on them. This may make your home feel less elegant. Instead think of how a home in the French countryside would actually look. It would be filled with antique silverware, furniture that has been passed down from generation to generation, crisp white linens, and handmade pottery.
Elegant colors can work in a French Country room. Worn blues and aged gray create a restful bedroom. Accent with Queen Anne style furniture and a bed canopy made in a toile fabric. Add a country air by making the inside of the canopy out of a checked fabric for contrast and a little bit of country charm.
To learn much more about different color makeovers, and interior decorating paint colors visit Interior Decorating Colors where you'll find this and much more, including the most popular paint colors to use.
The "Hot" New Collectibles
A few months ago I wrote an article named "Signed vs. Unsigned -
Buying Art, Pottery and Collectibles". The basic premise of the
article was my own opinion about "Should you pay the price for
signed jewelry, art and collectibles, as opposed to buying what
you love, whether signed or unsigned?". Since writing that
article, I have read in one of my many collectible newsletters
and magazines that the "hot" new collectible trend is buying
unsigned and unknown artist and artisan items. I personally
think this is great! Not only does it help the collectibles
market, in several different areas such as unsigned jewelry,
studio art pottery and original artworks, who is to say what
that "unknown artist" or unsigned item will someday be worth?
Picasso received hardly any recognition while alive, but after
his death, we all know where the prices went on his works,
straight through the roof! If you are a collector, this is the
perfect time to start turning your buying trends towards
unsigned items, or as yet, unknown makers. The prices are much
lower than the normal collectible names, as well as the fact
that no matter what market you are buying in - BUY WHAT YOU
LOVE! This way, you don't end up spending a fortune on an item
that in five years may not even be considered a good collectible
investment. Remember the "Beanie Baby"ฉ craze? Well, now there
are tons of folks out there with mountains of "beanies" that
they may have paid a small fortune for, and I sure hope they
love them because that market is pretty much dead! The
difference between paying $150.00 for a Beanie Babyฉ during the
insanity of the craze feels much worse when the bottom drops out
of the market, than spending $150.00 for a couple of beautiful
art pottery bowls or vases, especially if you love the look of
the items anyway. When you look at the items that you purchased,
ones that could possibly become not only valuable collectibles
based on the development of the artist during their creating
lifetime or at the very least, loved heirlooms that are passed
on in a family, this all begins to make a lot of sense. If you
buy what appeals to you, you can never go wrong. It is my
philosophy to by what is aesthetically and artistically
appealing to me, is unique, and I could care less whether the
artist or maker is "known and listed" or not! Five years from
now, I will not be crying over my purchase and the money I
spent, I will still be loving the item as much when I purchased
it, if not more! If it goes up in value, so much the better.
That is just a wonderful side fact that doesn't even enter my
mind at the time of purchase. I buy because I like what I see,
hear, feel, etc. Perhaps this is why so many are turning to the
unsigned and unmarked items, without quite as much emphasis on
the signatures or hallmarks. Sure it's nice to own a full parure
of Miriam Haskell jewelry. But, I am more content with an
unsigned, unique sterling pin for a fraction of the price, that
I can actually wear and show off for a fraction of the price I
would have paid for the Haskell name. Of course, Haskell jewelry
is and always will be a hot collectible in the jewelry market,
but consider this. The majority of people collect her items
because of the artistic appeal, unique designs and quality of
the piece. Shouldn't we judge all items we consider purchasing
by those same rules, no matter who made them? I think so. I also
feel that in the long run, as time goes by, those purchases made
with the heart and the eyes will be the ones that we grow to
love the most. Sure, Haskell jewelry is a great collectible,
sure to increase in value as time goes by. But who is to say
that that little pottery vase made with great form and design by
a student in an art pottery studio or class will not someday be
worth a small fortune? Plus, as it increases in value, if it
does, you will have not paid a small fortune for it, you have
admired and loved it since you bought it, and your family may
now already arguing over who gets it one of these days when you
go to that great auction in the sky, regardless of the market
value! Items we acquire through life, if well loved and worn or
displayed with pride and love, develop a value all their own.
How do you think the collectibles market began? For instance, we
have in our family, a beautiful and very large ewer. For years
and years, it has been passed down from my grandmother, to my
mother, and now my sister and I are determined that this ewer
will never leave our family, if we can help it. Turns out that
this ewer is a Rookwood or Roseville, and most likely worth a
small fortune! Do you think that my Grandmother purchased it
because of the name? No, she bought it because it was pretty and
she loved the way it looked. Names meant nothing to her, she
just loved the look and feel of the pottery, and it has been on
constant display in our family, in one home or the other,
because of where it came from, not who made it! To us it is
priceless, no amount of money could ever get it away from us. To
the collector, it has a set price, although it may be a large
price, but that is no matter to us. We will never sell it
because of the memories it holds. I always get a little giggle
(not to offend anyone, it's just my strange sense of humor...)
when a dealer lists something as "An important piece of "such
and such"". Aren't they all important in one way or another?
They were important to the person that made them, or designed
them, or cast them, or threw the clay, I don't care if it was a
10 year old child in pottery class, or a ewer like the one in
our family. I guess what I am trying to say is that all items
have value, from one viewpoint or the other, and we shouldn't be
so caught up in the "name game". Broaden your horizons on your
next browsing trip and always remember that "one man's trash is
another man's treasure"!
Buying Art, Pottery and Collectibles". The basic premise of the
article was my own opinion about "Should you pay the price for
signed jewelry, art and collectibles, as opposed to buying what
you love, whether signed or unsigned?". Since writing that
article, I have read in one of my many collectible newsletters
and magazines that the "hot" new collectible trend is buying
unsigned and unknown artist and artisan items. I personally
think this is great! Not only does it help the collectibles
market, in several different areas such as unsigned jewelry,
studio art pottery and original artworks, who is to say what
that "unknown artist" or unsigned item will someday be worth?
Picasso received hardly any recognition while alive, but after
his death, we all know where the prices went on his works,
straight through the roof! If you are a collector, this is the
perfect time to start turning your buying trends towards
unsigned items, or as yet, unknown makers. The prices are much
lower than the normal collectible names, as well as the fact
that no matter what market you are buying in - BUY WHAT YOU
LOVE! This way, you don't end up spending a fortune on an item
that in five years may not even be considered a good collectible
investment. Remember the "Beanie Baby"ฉ craze? Well, now there
are tons of folks out there with mountains of "beanies" that
they may have paid a small fortune for, and I sure hope they
love them because that market is pretty much dead! The
difference between paying $150.00 for a Beanie Babyฉ during the
insanity of the craze feels much worse when the bottom drops out
of the market, than spending $150.00 for a couple of beautiful
art pottery bowls or vases, especially if you love the look of
the items anyway. When you look at the items that you purchased,
ones that could possibly become not only valuable collectibles
based on the development of the artist during their creating
lifetime or at the very least, loved heirlooms that are passed
on in a family, this all begins to make a lot of sense. If you
buy what appeals to you, you can never go wrong. It is my
philosophy to by what is aesthetically and artistically
appealing to me, is unique, and I could care less whether the
artist or maker is "known and listed" or not! Five years from
now, I will not be crying over my purchase and the money I
spent, I will still be loving the item as much when I purchased
it, if not more! If it goes up in value, so much the better.
That is just a wonderful side fact that doesn't even enter my
mind at the time of purchase. I buy because I like what I see,
hear, feel, etc. Perhaps this is why so many are turning to the
unsigned and unmarked items, without quite as much emphasis on
the signatures or hallmarks. Sure it's nice to own a full parure
of Miriam Haskell jewelry. But, I am more content with an
unsigned, unique sterling pin for a fraction of the price, that
I can actually wear and show off for a fraction of the price I
would have paid for the Haskell name. Of course, Haskell jewelry
is and always will be a hot collectible in the jewelry market,
but consider this. The majority of people collect her items
because of the artistic appeal, unique designs and quality of
the piece. Shouldn't we judge all items we consider purchasing
by those same rules, no matter who made them? I think so. I also
feel that in the long run, as time goes by, those purchases made
with the heart and the eyes will be the ones that we grow to
love the most. Sure, Haskell jewelry is a great collectible,
sure to increase in value as time goes by. But who is to say
that that little pottery vase made with great form and design by
a student in an art pottery studio or class will not someday be
worth a small fortune? Plus, as it increases in value, if it
does, you will have not paid a small fortune for it, you have
admired and loved it since you bought it, and your family may
now already arguing over who gets it one of these days when you
go to that great auction in the sky, regardless of the market
value! Items we acquire through life, if well loved and worn or
displayed with pride and love, develop a value all their own.
How do you think the collectibles market began? For instance, we
have in our family, a beautiful and very large ewer. For years
and years, it has been passed down from my grandmother, to my
mother, and now my sister and I are determined that this ewer
will never leave our family, if we can help it. Turns out that
this ewer is a Rookwood or Roseville, and most likely worth a
small fortune! Do you think that my Grandmother purchased it
because of the name? No, she bought it because it was pretty and
she loved the way it looked. Names meant nothing to her, she
just loved the look and feel of the pottery, and it has been on
constant display in our family, in one home or the other,
because of where it came from, not who made it! To us it is
priceless, no amount of money could ever get it away from us. To
the collector, it has a set price, although it may be a large
price, but that is no matter to us. We will never sell it
because of the memories it holds. I always get a little giggle
(not to offend anyone, it's just my strange sense of humor...)
when a dealer lists something as "An important piece of "such
and such"". Aren't they all important in one way or another?
They were important to the person that made them, or designed
them, or cast them, or threw the clay, I don't care if it was a
10 year old child in pottery class, or a ewer like the one in
our family. I guess what I am trying to say is that all items
have value, from one viewpoint or the other, and we shouldn't be
so caught up in the "name game". Broaden your horizons on your
next browsing trip and always remember that "one man's trash is
another man's treasure"!
Stunning Raku Pottery Will Enhance Any Decor
Raku pottery has become a popular interior design accessory that is becoming more popular as a technique with professional potters and hobby pottery enthusiasts and more widely used to enhance any décor because of the mutant color qualities that blend with existing decorating schemes.
Raku pottery takes its origin in Japan, where the family of Japanese potters from the16th Kyoto created the style and distinctive characteristics of low temperature and interrupted firing, because their firing was wood-fueled kilns, since there was no propane at the time.
While some lore believes that “smoking” gave Raku the name and characteristics, that myth comes from the fact that the pottery was allowed to air-cool after the traditional fire started to die down, and the smoke formed the variant color details.
It has become popular again in the last twenty-five years as the Raku pottery techniques involve drawing red hot pots from a kiln and the subsequent “smoking” of the pottery is done in sawdust for the effect. In fact, Hamada, the famous Japanese potter, once said he wanted to wait until the end of his life to learn how to make Raku pottery, because it was the most important and difficult technique to master.
Raku pottery techniques are done in various ways and originally earthenware was used, although any clay body can be used in the process, because it is the glazing and firing technique that makes it distinct. Much of the characteristics of this pottery come from the glaze that is used and it will cool with a “cracking” appearance, also called crazing, that gives the pottery vibrant color contrasts, which are mutable, and may have strong simple shapes and random crazing.
Because of these characteristics, they make a stunning collection of elegant pottery that can fit a wide range of interior decors and have colors that mutate to harmonize with the surroundings of a room. Pleasing to the eye, calming to the spirit and bringing joy and harmony to your heart and life are part of the Raku tradition. Traditionally, Japanese used Raku for their Japanese tea parties for these reasons in ancient centuries.
Today, Raku pottery comes in a variety of finishes and patterns. Bright colors like lapis, aqua, persimmon, red, coffee, amethyst, egg plant gray or gun metal blue are examples. Finishes turn out with different patterns that vary with the color of glaze used. Pottery that is Raku inspired is often inspired by primitive ritual and ceremonial ceramics from around the world. Examples would be a fetish pot, volcano seed pots or volcano bowls.
These unique pottery shapes, colors and finishes can turn a room into an artistically pleasing palette that features the aesthetic and relaxing Zen-like traits that make this type of pottery more than just another vase. If you have never seen Raku pottery, then you will certainly recognize it for the unique glazing patterns, vibrant colors and unusual shapes it can have. It is these characteristics that have made it so popular in decorating today.
The different look you achieve by using Raku pottery, versus normal ceramic pottery with standard glazes is dramatic, as the Raku pottery has an almost ancient pottery look that gives it an old world character, yet has shapes that are unique, edge techniques that are free formed or different patterned and can become the focal point of any room, regardless of other decorating styles in a room. You can enhance any décor when you use this pottery to compliment your interior design.
Come see this stunning Raku Pottery and hundreds of other items at MadeInAmericaDecor.com offering only American made décor accents and accessories for home, garden and gifts.
Raku pottery takes its origin in Japan, where the family of Japanese potters from the16th Kyoto created the style and distinctive characteristics of low temperature and interrupted firing, because their firing was wood-fueled kilns, since there was no propane at the time.
While some lore believes that “smoking” gave Raku the name and characteristics, that myth comes from the fact that the pottery was allowed to air-cool after the traditional fire started to die down, and the smoke formed the variant color details.
It has become popular again in the last twenty-five years as the Raku pottery techniques involve drawing red hot pots from a kiln and the subsequent “smoking” of the pottery is done in sawdust for the effect. In fact, Hamada, the famous Japanese potter, once said he wanted to wait until the end of his life to learn how to make Raku pottery, because it was the most important and difficult technique to master.
Raku pottery techniques are done in various ways and originally earthenware was used, although any clay body can be used in the process, because it is the glazing and firing technique that makes it distinct. Much of the characteristics of this pottery come from the glaze that is used and it will cool with a “cracking” appearance, also called crazing, that gives the pottery vibrant color contrasts, which are mutable, and may have strong simple shapes and random crazing.
Because of these characteristics, they make a stunning collection of elegant pottery that can fit a wide range of interior decors and have colors that mutate to harmonize with the surroundings of a room. Pleasing to the eye, calming to the spirit and bringing joy and harmony to your heart and life are part of the Raku tradition. Traditionally, Japanese used Raku for their Japanese tea parties for these reasons in ancient centuries.
Today, Raku pottery comes in a variety of finishes and patterns. Bright colors like lapis, aqua, persimmon, red, coffee, amethyst, egg plant gray or gun metal blue are examples. Finishes turn out with different patterns that vary with the color of glaze used. Pottery that is Raku inspired is often inspired by primitive ritual and ceremonial ceramics from around the world. Examples would be a fetish pot, volcano seed pots or volcano bowls.
These unique pottery shapes, colors and finishes can turn a room into an artistically pleasing palette that features the aesthetic and relaxing Zen-like traits that make this type of pottery more than just another vase. If you have never seen Raku pottery, then you will certainly recognize it for the unique glazing patterns, vibrant colors and unusual shapes it can have. It is these characteristics that have made it so popular in decorating today.
The different look you achieve by using Raku pottery, versus normal ceramic pottery with standard glazes is dramatic, as the Raku pottery has an almost ancient pottery look that gives it an old world character, yet has shapes that are unique, edge techniques that are free formed or different patterned and can become the focal point of any room, regardless of other decorating styles in a room. You can enhance any décor when you use this pottery to compliment your interior design.
Come see this stunning Raku Pottery and hundreds of other items at MadeInAmericaDecor.com offering only American made décor accents and accessories for home, garden and gifts.
Six Styles of Pottery For Southwest Decor
Native American pottery is unique in that every tribe, Hopi, Navajo, Cherokee, Apache, and so on leaves a part of its heritage in the colors, patterns, and designs used. Therefore, to enhance your Southwest decor, all you need to do is look at the various options and choose what fits your needs. Of course, some people will mix and match pottery from several tribes for a more interesting display. Regardless, learning about some of the primary options is exciting, helping you when it comes time to buy.
Genuine Native American pottery is made by hand without the aid of a potter's wheel. While buying authentic pottery would be more expensive and some types more difficult to find, you can purchase gorgeous pieces from numerous brick and mortar companies, as well as online. However, if you have time to check around, you will probably find pottery that would work with your southwest decor with beauty and unique authenticity.
We wanted to provide you with information about six types of pottery that you might consider for your Southwest decor.
1. Hand-Coiled - This type of pottery was made with a very interesting method called coil and pinch. The base of the pottery piece began as a slab of clay, on which coils were added to create strength and durability. After the first coiled row, excess clay was trimmed and the outside edge formed. Row-by-row, the pottery piece was constructed, ending up as a gorgeous piece of Native American art. Typically, smaller pieces of pottery have 3/8 to 1-inch coils while the larger pieces were made with coils of 3/4 to 1 1/2-inches.
2. Hopi - Hopi Indians are known for making gorgeous pottery creations, also called Pueblo Pottery. Prior to being fired, the cream-colored clay was polished and then painted using dyes made from minerals and vegetables. The creator then added a design like a Pueblo village, kiva ladder, parrot, lightening or road runner depending on personal choice. Once fired outside, the pottery was packed in dry sheep manure. To compliment the Southwest decor, Hopi pottery is a favorite.
3. Horsehair Pottery - This type of pottery is another option that looks amazing in a home with Southwest decor. This pottery was created by Native American Navajo Indians, but also, many other tribes. Added to the surface of the pottery are strands of hair taken from a horse's mane and tail. This design is unlike any other and because of the technique: each pottery piece comes out as a one-of-a-kind creation.
4. Wedding Vase - Although pottery such as this was initially made for marriage ceremonies, this makes a great addition to a home with Southwest decor. The vase is rustic yet elegant. Designed with two spouts, one for the bride and the other for the groom, the spouts come together in one vase symbolizing two people becoming one.
5. Navajo - Another one of the Native American Indian tribes known for creating and designing pottery are the Navajos. In fact, pottery was a vital part of existence of these people. Using a pit for firing and an open fire, the pottery pieces were fired one at a time for hours. Prior to the pottery cooling, hot melted pinion tree pitch was carefully applied. Interestingly, this type of pottery was usually not decorated because its use was utilitarian, for holding water, cooking, and dishes for eating. However, some of the newer pieces reflect southwest decor with traditional symbols of the Navajo people.
6. Casas Grandes - This type of southwest decor pottery known as Mata Ortiz Pottery, is created using natural clay from the mountains near the Mexican village of Mata Ortiz. The design and color of this rustic pottery was done with natural pigments made of roots and minerals, applied using human hair brushes. Each piece of pottery was made by skilled artisans, all by hand.
Genuine Native American pottery is made by hand without the aid of a potter's wheel. While buying authentic pottery would be more expensive and some types more difficult to find, you can purchase gorgeous pieces from numerous brick and mortar companies, as well as online. However, if you have time to check around, you will probably find pottery that would work with your southwest decor with beauty and unique authenticity.
We wanted to provide you with information about six types of pottery that you might consider for your Southwest decor.
1. Hand-Coiled - This type of pottery was made with a very interesting method called coil and pinch. The base of the pottery piece began as a slab of clay, on which coils were added to create strength and durability. After the first coiled row, excess clay was trimmed and the outside edge formed. Row-by-row, the pottery piece was constructed, ending up as a gorgeous piece of Native American art. Typically, smaller pieces of pottery have 3/8 to 1-inch coils while the larger pieces were made with coils of 3/4 to 1 1/2-inches.
2. Hopi - Hopi Indians are known for making gorgeous pottery creations, also called Pueblo Pottery. Prior to being fired, the cream-colored clay was polished and then painted using dyes made from minerals and vegetables. The creator then added a design like a Pueblo village, kiva ladder, parrot, lightening or road runner depending on personal choice. Once fired outside, the pottery was packed in dry sheep manure. To compliment the Southwest decor, Hopi pottery is a favorite.
3. Horsehair Pottery - This type of pottery is another option that looks amazing in a home with Southwest decor. This pottery was created by Native American Navajo Indians, but also, many other tribes. Added to the surface of the pottery are strands of hair taken from a horse's mane and tail. This design is unlike any other and because of the technique: each pottery piece comes out as a one-of-a-kind creation.
4. Wedding Vase - Although pottery such as this was initially made for marriage ceremonies, this makes a great addition to a home with Southwest decor. The vase is rustic yet elegant. Designed with two spouts, one for the bride and the other for the groom, the spouts come together in one vase symbolizing two people becoming one.
5. Navajo - Another one of the Native American Indian tribes known for creating and designing pottery are the Navajos. In fact, pottery was a vital part of existence of these people. Using a pit for firing and an open fire, the pottery pieces were fired one at a time for hours. Prior to the pottery cooling, hot melted pinion tree pitch was carefully applied. Interestingly, this type of pottery was usually not decorated because its use was utilitarian, for holding water, cooking, and dishes for eating. However, some of the newer pieces reflect southwest decor with traditional symbols of the Navajo people.
6. Casas Grandes - This type of southwest decor pottery known as Mata Ortiz Pottery, is created using natural clay from the mountains near the Mexican village of Mata Ortiz. The design and color of this rustic pottery was done with natural pigments made of roots and minerals, applied using human hair brushes. Each piece of pottery was made by skilled artisans, all by hand.
Get "The Rustic Southwest Decorating Guide" a popular free download with room by room tips and ideas to help you. You can also get discount coupons and special offers on southwest decor from Mission Del Rey. http://www.missiondelrey.com
Type Of Pottery Ware
There are many types of pottery ware available, but how do we know that which type is suitable to be used for specific purpose. By knowing their characteristics and nature will help you to decide which type that you will use effectively.
Ceramics
Generally, ceramics is the pottery ware which are coated on the surface. The example of ceramic ware that we familiar with are plates, bowl use on the dining table, sanitary ware, roofing/wall tiles, mosaic, pitchers, vase etc. The raw materials that use for making ceramics are some type of soil, rocks, stones etc. The ceramics production process, start from preparing raw material, then mixing all of component, then build up the design. There are several types of build up process, which are build up by hand, build up by using spinning round board, build up by Jigger machine, build up by using mold or build up by squeezing machine. The next step after build up the pottery shapes is drying and biscuitfiring, then coating or glostfiring. The last process of making ceramics is decoration and painting. Decoration and painting includes, drawing directly onto the surface or use sticker paper. This process, however, can be done before or after coating process.
Earthenware
The common characteristics of earthenware is it has brown or red colour, because the raw material that used to produce earthenware has mixture of iron substance. This type of raw materials is generally used for sculpture and images due to its attribute that not easily retract and riddled, so this materials will not easily crack or broken. The earthenware soil that has white colour in nature is rare, so we normally add extra substance to whiten the soil, and also increase the iron substance, which has red or brown colour. Generally the substance has the heat resistance at 1,050 degree Celsius. The charming of earthenware is its colour. Some potters don't like to make pottery arts on the pottery ware that has white colour such as Porcelain, as a result, they tend to use earthenware to make pottery ware instead. Apart from its advantage about having attractive colour, using earthenware also save their time and cost to biscuitfiring as well. Earthenware also known as the common type of ceramics, however, the formulations and component of earthenware is vary, depending on region that they come from.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a kind of ceramics that requires heat in highest temperature among other kind of ceramics to produce. Generally, porcelain requires temperatures between about 1200 and 1400 degrees Celsius. We can differentiate porcelain from other pottery by toughness, strength and smoothness of the surface as well as consistency of colour of the pottery's texture. Some type of pottery that made from porcelain looks very much alike glass, this type of porcelain pottery use heat from cone 8 to cone 12. According to its characteristics described above, porcelain is one of the pottery ware that popular for produce commercial products. The common product of porcelain that we are familiar with are kitchen ware (due to its high resistance to heat and electricity), medical equipments such as false teeth, caps etc.
Ceramics
Generally, ceramics is the pottery ware which are coated on the surface. The example of ceramic ware that we familiar with are plates, bowl use on the dining table, sanitary ware, roofing/wall tiles, mosaic, pitchers, vase etc. The raw materials that use for making ceramics are some type of soil, rocks, stones etc. The ceramics production process, start from preparing raw material, then mixing all of component, then build up the design. There are several types of build up process, which are build up by hand, build up by using spinning round board, build up by Jigger machine, build up by using mold or build up by squeezing machine. The next step after build up the pottery shapes is drying and biscuitfiring, then coating or glostfiring. The last process of making ceramics is decoration and painting. Decoration and painting includes, drawing directly onto the surface or use sticker paper. This process, however, can be done before or after coating process.
Earthenware
The common characteristics of earthenware is it has brown or red colour, because the raw material that used to produce earthenware has mixture of iron substance. This type of raw materials is generally used for sculpture and images due to its attribute that not easily retract and riddled, so this materials will not easily crack or broken. The earthenware soil that has white colour in nature is rare, so we normally add extra substance to whiten the soil, and also increase the iron substance, which has red or brown colour. Generally the substance has the heat resistance at 1,050 degree Celsius. The charming of earthenware is its colour. Some potters don't like to make pottery arts on the pottery ware that has white colour such as Porcelain, as a result, they tend to use earthenware to make pottery ware instead. Apart from its advantage about having attractive colour, using earthenware also save their time and cost to biscuitfiring as well. Earthenware also known as the common type of ceramics, however, the formulations and component of earthenware is vary, depending on region that they come from.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a kind of ceramics that requires heat in highest temperature among other kind of ceramics to produce. Generally, porcelain requires temperatures between about 1200 and 1400 degrees Celsius. We can differentiate porcelain from other pottery by toughness, strength and smoothness of the surface as well as consistency of colour of the pottery's texture. Some type of pottery that made from porcelain looks very much alike glass, this type of porcelain pottery use heat from cone 8 to cone 12. According to its characteristics described above, porcelain is one of the pottery ware that popular for produce commercial products. The common product of porcelain that we are familiar with are kitchen ware (due to its high resistance to heat and electricity), medical equipments such as false teeth, caps etc.
Type Of Pottery Ware
There are many types of pottery ware available, but how do we know that which type is suitable to be used for specific purpose. By knowing their characteristics and nature will help you to decide which type that you will use effectively.
Ceramics
Generally, ceramics is the pottery ware which are coated on the surface. The example of ceramic ware that we familiar with are plates, bowl use on the dining table, sanitary ware, roofing/wall tiles, mosaic, pitchers, vase etc. The raw materials that use for making ceramics are some type of soil, rocks, stones etc. The ceramics production process, start from preparing raw material, then mixing all of component, then build up the design. There are several types of build up process, which are build up by hand, build up by using spinning round board, build up by Jigger machine, build up by using mold or build up by squeezing machine. The next step after build up the pottery shapes is drying and biscuitfiring, then coating or glostfiring. The last process of making ceramics is decoration and painting. Decoration and painting includes, drawing directly onto the surface or use sticker paper. This process, however, can be done before or after coating process.
Earthenware
The common characteristics of earthenware is it has brown or red colour, because the raw material that used to produce earthenware has mixture of iron substance. This type of raw materials is generally used for sculpture and images due to its attribute that not easily retract and riddled, so this materials will not easily crack or broken. The earthenware soil that has white colour in nature is rare, so we normally add extra substance to whiten the soil, and also increase the iron substance, which has red or brown colour. Generally the substance has the heat resistance at 1,050 degree Celsius. The charming of earthenware is its colour. Some potters don't like to make pottery arts on the pottery ware that has white colour such as Porcelain, as a result, they tend to use earthenware to make pottery ware instead. Apart from its advantage about having attractive colour, using earthenware also save their time and cost to biscuitfiring as well. Earthenware also known as the common type of ceramics, however, the formulations and component of earthenware is vary, depending on region that they come from.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a kind of ceramics that requires heat in highest temperature among other kind of ceramics to produce. Generally, porcelain requires temperatures between about 1200 and 1400 degrees Celsius. We can differentiate porcelain from other pottery by toughness, strength and smoothness of the surface as well as consistency of colour of the pottery's texture. Some type of pottery that made from porcelain looks very much alike glass, this type of porcelain pottery use heat from cone 8 to cone 12. According to its characteristics described above, porcelain is one of the pottery ware that popular for produce commercial products. The common product of porcelain that we are familiar with are kitchen ware (due to its high resistance to heat and electricity), medical equipments such as false teeth, caps etc.
Ceramics
Generally, ceramics is the pottery ware which are coated on the surface. The example of ceramic ware that we familiar with are plates, bowl use on the dining table, sanitary ware, roofing/wall tiles, mosaic, pitchers, vase etc. The raw materials that use for making ceramics are some type of soil, rocks, stones etc. The ceramics production process, start from preparing raw material, then mixing all of component, then build up the design. There are several types of build up process, which are build up by hand, build up by using spinning round board, build up by Jigger machine, build up by using mold or build up by squeezing machine. The next step after build up the pottery shapes is drying and biscuitfiring, then coating or glostfiring. The last process of making ceramics is decoration and painting. Decoration and painting includes, drawing directly onto the surface or use sticker paper. This process, however, can be done before or after coating process.
Earthenware
The common characteristics of earthenware is it has brown or red colour, because the raw material that used to produce earthenware has mixture of iron substance. This type of raw materials is generally used for sculpture and images due to its attribute that not easily retract and riddled, so this materials will not easily crack or broken. The earthenware soil that has white colour in nature is rare, so we normally add extra substance to whiten the soil, and also increase the iron substance, which has red or brown colour. Generally the substance has the heat resistance at 1,050 degree Celsius. The charming of earthenware is its colour. Some potters don't like to make pottery arts on the pottery ware that has white colour such as Porcelain, as a result, they tend to use earthenware to make pottery ware instead. Apart from its advantage about having attractive colour, using earthenware also save their time and cost to biscuitfiring as well. Earthenware also known as the common type of ceramics, however, the formulations and component of earthenware is vary, depending on region that they come from.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a kind of ceramics that requires heat in highest temperature among other kind of ceramics to produce. Generally, porcelain requires temperatures between about 1200 and 1400 degrees Celsius. We can differentiate porcelain from other pottery by toughness, strength and smoothness of the surface as well as consistency of colour of the pottery's texture. Some type of pottery that made from porcelain looks very much alike glass, this type of porcelain pottery use heat from cone 8 to cone 12. According to its characteristics described above, porcelain is one of the pottery ware that popular for produce commercial products. The common product of porcelain that we are familiar with are kitchen ware (due to its high resistance to heat and electricity), medical equipments such as false teeth, caps etc.
Stop Trashing Your Broken Pottery
Below we have listed some easy and creative ideas to give your broken or chipped pottery a new life!
Items needed: safety goggles, hammer, cloth bag or 2 plastic bags, and a hard surface you aren't scared to scratch up.
How to safely break up your pottery Place your broken clay pottery or ceramic piece in the cloth bag or plastic bags. We recommend double-bagging if you use plastic since plastic bags can be punctured easily. Find a hard surface (ground, picnic table, etc.) that you won't mind using a hammer on. Make sure you are using your safety goggles or glasses. Place the bag of pottery on the surface and lightly tap the pottery with the hammer so that it chips away. You should try to make your chips about 1 square inch each. But don't be a perfectionist. Unequal sizes and irregular shapes are beautiful. Now that your pottery or ceramic is just a bag full of broken pieces, you are ready to get creative.
Planter Drainage Plants need drainage. So how do we solve the problem of planters without drainage holes? Well, this one is easy. Just place those broken pottery shards in the bottom of the pot and fill the rest with soil. Depending on the size of the planter, the pottery shards should fill it to about 2 inches in depth.
Decorative Soil Cover Many succulents and stemmed plants have bad habits of leaving the soil bare. However, a quick fix to this bare soil is to place your broken pottery shards right on top of the soil. Create a layer just thick enough so that you can't see the soil. By placing the layer of broken pottery shards, weeds will have a tougher time growing and watering your plant will be made much easier because you won't have to worry about splashing the soil.
Mosaic Art Colorful pottery shards and ceramic pieces are perfect for making beautiful mosaics. Consider creating a stunning mosaic on boring mirror frames, tables, large pots, and vases. For easy-to-follow directions on how to make a mosaic please follow these helpful instructions from e-How: Mosaic Art Directions.
Sea Shells to Pottery Shards Want a new look for that old seashell lamp? Well look no further than your broken pottery chips! Take out the seashells and fill up the lamp with colorful pottery shards.
Items needed: safety goggles, hammer, cloth bag or 2 plastic bags, and a hard surface you aren't scared to scratch up.
How to safely break up your pottery Place your broken clay pottery or ceramic piece in the cloth bag or plastic bags. We recommend double-bagging if you use plastic since plastic bags can be punctured easily. Find a hard surface (ground, picnic table, etc.) that you won't mind using a hammer on. Make sure you are using your safety goggles or glasses. Place the bag of pottery on the surface and lightly tap the pottery with the hammer so that it chips away. You should try to make your chips about 1 square inch each. But don't be a perfectionist. Unequal sizes and irregular shapes are beautiful. Now that your pottery or ceramic is just a bag full of broken pieces, you are ready to get creative.
Planter Drainage Plants need drainage. So how do we solve the problem of planters without drainage holes? Well, this one is easy. Just place those broken pottery shards in the bottom of the pot and fill the rest with soil. Depending on the size of the planter, the pottery shards should fill it to about 2 inches in depth.
Decorative Soil Cover Many succulents and stemmed plants have bad habits of leaving the soil bare. However, a quick fix to this bare soil is to place your broken pottery shards right on top of the soil. Create a layer just thick enough so that you can't see the soil. By placing the layer of broken pottery shards, weeds will have a tougher time growing and watering your plant will be made much easier because you won't have to worry about splashing the soil.
Mosaic Art Colorful pottery shards and ceramic pieces are perfect for making beautiful mosaics. Consider creating a stunning mosaic on boring mirror frames, tables, large pots, and vases. For easy-to-follow directions on how to make a mosaic please follow these helpful instructions from e-How: Mosaic Art Directions.
Sea Shells to Pottery Shards Want a new look for that old seashell lamp? Well look no further than your broken pottery chips! Take out the seashells and fill up the lamp with colorful pottery shards.
La Casa Mexicana.us is your source for unbroken and high-quality Talavera, Ixachitlan, & Gorky Pottery.
Red Wing Pottery Makes Its Fiction Debut
The novel, Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace is set in Minnesota among the states many natural wonders, rich history, and eclectic towns providing a vivid backdrop against which the story unfolds. One of the key plot points involves Red Wing Pottery, manufactured in the Minnesota town of the same name for nearly 100 years.
The matriarch of the Pierson family, Beverly, collects Red Wing Pottery and has gone into the antique business opening Past Treasures Antiques in downtown Wayzata, Minnesota. Red Wing had its origins in the rich clay discovered as the area was being settled in the 1860s. Over nearly 90 years the company would produce salt glaze pottery, utilitarian stoneware, art pottery, cookie jars, and over 100 patterns of hand-painted ceramic dinnerware. Much of the stoneware was marked with a distinctive red wing on the front, in later years the art pottery and dinnerware was stamped with a red wing on the bottom.
In the novel, Beverly and Bill Pierson give their son Paul and his bride Pamela, a blue tinted lily bowl and pitcher, a stunning example of Red Wing artistry. Officially advertised as "Ewers and Basins in blue tint" - the set was offered in the 1920s and 30s along with hundreds of other stoneware items for the household and farm. Because few of these gorgeous sets survived intact, in mint condition they are extremely valuable.
As Kay, the narrator of the story notes, Red Wing Pottery is an integral part of Minnesota's history. But the pottery also holds an important place within the history of America and the pottery industry, as in the early 20th Century the company was the largest manufacturer of pottery in the United States. Other Red Wing pieces of note mentioned in the book include Nokomis vases that were part of the art pottery line during the 1930s; cherry band pitchers which were manufactured during the same time period as the lily pitcher and basin; and cookie jars produced until the plant's closing.
Today, Red Wing Pottery is highly sought after by collectors and is often referred to as "the Cadillac of pottery." Ten years after the plant closed in 1967, a group interested in collecting the pottery for both its beauty and historic significance founded the Red Wing Collector's Society. Every year during the second week in July, thousands of Red Wing collectors from across the U.S. converge on the city of Red Wing for their annual convention, where members buy, sell, barter, and trade pieces of the pottery. Highlights of the Red Wing Convention include auctions, where mint condition salt glaze pottery, unusual or one-of-a-kind pieces can sell for thousands of dollars.
Want to learn more about Red Wing Pottery? There are numerous web sites devoted to the history, preservation, and selling of Red Wing and some of the best are listed below. Another good place to shop for Red Wing is on eBay, where more than a few Red Wing aficionados like Beverly Pierson have caught the collecting bug and developed spectacular collections of the pottery.
Resources:
Red Wing Collector's Society - Founded in 1977, the Society is a great place to learn more about the pottery and its lasting legacy.
Red Wing Collector's Society Foundation - This non-profit foundation's mission is to preserve the history of Red Wing Pottery. The RWCS Foundation maintains a museum in Red Wing, MN and provides educational materials and scholarships.
Red Wing Dinnerware - Todd Hintz and his wife Ivy Loughborough are avid collectors of Red Wing Dinnerware and have designed an extensive web site on the topic. Every pattern is represented.
Schleich Red Wing Pottery Museum - In October, 2001, Jerry and Louise Schleich opened this one-of-a-kind museum in their hometown of Lincoln, NE. Since then, hundreds of visitors from around the world have viewed the collection. Over 5,000 pieces on display chronicle the history of Red Wing Pottery.
The matriarch of the Pierson family, Beverly, collects Red Wing Pottery and has gone into the antique business opening Past Treasures Antiques in downtown Wayzata, Minnesota. Red Wing had its origins in the rich clay discovered as the area was being settled in the 1860s. Over nearly 90 years the company would produce salt glaze pottery, utilitarian stoneware, art pottery, cookie jars, and over 100 patterns of hand-painted ceramic dinnerware. Much of the stoneware was marked with a distinctive red wing on the front, in later years the art pottery and dinnerware was stamped with a red wing on the bottom.
In the novel, Beverly and Bill Pierson give their son Paul and his bride Pamela, a blue tinted lily bowl and pitcher, a stunning example of Red Wing artistry. Officially advertised as "Ewers and Basins in blue tint" - the set was offered in the 1920s and 30s along with hundreds of other stoneware items for the household and farm. Because few of these gorgeous sets survived intact, in mint condition they are extremely valuable.
As Kay, the narrator of the story notes, Red Wing Pottery is an integral part of Minnesota's history. But the pottery also holds an important place within the history of America and the pottery industry, as in the early 20th Century the company was the largest manufacturer of pottery in the United States. Other Red Wing pieces of note mentioned in the book include Nokomis vases that were part of the art pottery line during the 1930s; cherry band pitchers which were manufactured during the same time period as the lily pitcher and basin; and cookie jars produced until the plant's closing.
Today, Red Wing Pottery is highly sought after by collectors and is often referred to as "the Cadillac of pottery." Ten years after the plant closed in 1967, a group interested in collecting the pottery for both its beauty and historic significance founded the Red Wing Collector's Society. Every year during the second week in July, thousands of Red Wing collectors from across the U.S. converge on the city of Red Wing for their annual convention, where members buy, sell, barter, and trade pieces of the pottery. Highlights of the Red Wing Convention include auctions, where mint condition salt glaze pottery, unusual or one-of-a-kind pieces can sell for thousands of dollars.
Want to learn more about Red Wing Pottery? There are numerous web sites devoted to the history, preservation, and selling of Red Wing and some of the best are listed below. Another good place to shop for Red Wing is on eBay, where more than a few Red Wing aficionados like Beverly Pierson have caught the collecting bug and developed spectacular collections of the pottery.
Resources:
Red Wing Collector's Society - Founded in 1977, the Society is a great place to learn more about the pottery and its lasting legacy.
Red Wing Collector's Society Foundation - This non-profit foundation's mission is to preserve the history of Red Wing Pottery. The RWCS Foundation maintains a museum in Red Wing, MN and provides educational materials and scholarships.
Red Wing Dinnerware - Todd Hintz and his wife Ivy Loughborough are avid collectors of Red Wing Dinnerware and have designed an extensive web site on the topic. Every pattern is represented.
Schleich Red Wing Pottery Museum - In October, 2001, Jerry and Louise Schleich opened this one-of-a-kind museum in their hometown of Lincoln, NE. Since then, hundreds of visitors from around the world have viewed the collection. Over 5,000 pieces on display chronicle the history of Red Wing Pottery.
EXOTIC POTTERY AT AFFORDABLE PRICES: WWW.WORLDPOTTERY.COM LAUNCHES SITE
MONTCLAIR, New Jersey - April 5, 2002
Beautiful craftwork and cultural pottery gems are now made convenient and affordable through www.WorldPottery.com. Now you can order a souvenir from your trip abroad online rather than lugging it home and risk breakage.
The locally popular pottery market, World Pottery, is launching its new website: www.WorldPottery.com today. This new site, www.WorldPottery.com, strives to provide the public with unique, artful and functional pottery from around the world through the comfort and convenience of their home computer. Gardeners, collectors and interior decorators alike will find a world of pottery at their fingertips when shopping at www.WorldPottery.com . Pottery inventory changes frequently but is often representative of artisans from South Africa, China, Ghana, Great Britain, Greece, Kenya, Morocco, Southeast Asia and the United States. Customers are encouraged to inquire about specific items via email โ€" custom orders are frequently filled.
Visitors may search the site by style, dimension of desired pot, color or origin โ€" making it easier for customers to find what they're looking for. โ€œPeople love to decorate their homes with plants and flowers, from front entrances and patios to interiors,โ€ says owner Joel Patenuade. โ€œGardeners often don't know where to find artful clay pots โ€" or they think they can't afford them. WorldPottery.com has been designed to help gardeners solve their Pottery needs with a large collection of affordable, beautiful and usable pots that match their gardening and decorating style. Not only can we provide the pottery they want, we can show them how to care for their new pot so they'll enjoy it for a long time to come.โ€
Future plans for www.WorldPottery.com include addition of container garden advice and care tips, a newsletter and container garden contests. All products purchased online are shipped via UPS ground.
About World Pottery the store: World Pottery is located on 100 Grove Street in Montclair, N.J. and was founded in 1999 by owner and Montclair resident, Joel Patenaude. World Pottery has one of the largest selections of imported garden pottery ever assembled and prices are often below normal retail. Located in an old Gas Station, World Pottery is a โ€œfindโ€ for pottery enthusiasts. โ€œWe sell vases and some odds and ends but mostly it's garden pots,โ€ says owner Joel Patenaude. World Pottery recently launched a website: www.WorldPottery.com in an effort to bring its collection of world-wide functional pottery to gardeners around the country.
About Container Gardening: While drought conditions worry many garden-related business, World Pottery's Patenaude says the small amounts of water needed to keep container plants healthy can actually make this form of gardening more popular during water shortages, especially if one is creative. โ€œThe water from one pot of steamed vegetables โ€" once it has cooled off โ€" can be enough for several small potted plants.โ€
For additional information, contact:
Joel Patenaude
World Pottery
Tel
973-655-1888
Fax
973-509-2225
E-mail
worldpottery@comcast.net
Website
worldpottery.com
Beautiful craftwork and cultural pottery gems are now made convenient and affordable through www.WorldPottery.com. Now you can order a souvenir from your trip abroad online rather than lugging it home and risk breakage.
The locally popular pottery market, World Pottery, is launching its new website: www.WorldPottery.com today. This new site, www.WorldPottery.com, strives to provide the public with unique, artful and functional pottery from around the world through the comfort and convenience of their home computer. Gardeners, collectors and interior decorators alike will find a world of pottery at their fingertips when shopping at www.WorldPottery.com . Pottery inventory changes frequently but is often representative of artisans from South Africa, China, Ghana, Great Britain, Greece, Kenya, Morocco, Southeast Asia and the United States. Customers are encouraged to inquire about specific items via email โ€" custom orders are frequently filled.
Visitors may search the site by style, dimension of desired pot, color or origin โ€" making it easier for customers to find what they're looking for. โ€œPeople love to decorate their homes with plants and flowers, from front entrances and patios to interiors,โ€ says owner Joel Patenuade. โ€œGardeners often don't know where to find artful clay pots โ€" or they think they can't afford them. WorldPottery.com has been designed to help gardeners solve their Pottery needs with a large collection of affordable, beautiful and usable pots that match their gardening and decorating style. Not only can we provide the pottery they want, we can show them how to care for their new pot so they'll enjoy it for a long time to come.โ€
Future plans for www.WorldPottery.com include addition of container garden advice and care tips, a newsletter and container garden contests. All products purchased online are shipped via UPS ground.
About World Pottery the store: World Pottery is located on 100 Grove Street in Montclair, N.J. and was founded in 1999 by owner and Montclair resident, Joel Patenaude. World Pottery has one of the largest selections of imported garden pottery ever assembled and prices are often below normal retail. Located in an old Gas Station, World Pottery is a โ€œfindโ€ for pottery enthusiasts. โ€œWe sell vases and some odds and ends but mostly it's garden pots,โ€ says owner Joel Patenaude. World Pottery recently launched a website: www.WorldPottery.com in an effort to bring its collection of world-wide functional pottery to gardeners around the country.
About Container Gardening: While drought conditions worry many garden-related business, World Pottery's Patenaude says the small amounts of water needed to keep container plants healthy can actually make this form of gardening more popular during water shortages, especially if one is creative. โ€œThe water from one pot of steamed vegetables โ€" once it has cooled off โ€" can be enough for several small potted plants.โ€
For additional information, contact:
Joel Patenaude
World Pottery
Tel
973-655-1888
Fax
973-509-2225
worldpottery@comcast.net
Website
worldpottery.com
Pottery Is The Eyes Of The Beholder
In the days of ancient Egypt, when the pharaohs rule the Nile
and Osiris lorded over them, and before the age of the Maoist
communism in China way back in the age of great dynasties and
divided kingdoms there was one distinct craft that was
considered the toast of kings and queens.
In those times the streets are filled and lined up with all
sorts of creations by different master that acclaim for
themselves the right to be called "master potter."
>From days of long ago when the art of pottery was considered to
be the greatest career anyone could ever venture and the pottery
techniques are solely-owned by one family.
Just like martial arts in some parts of the Asian region where
they pass on to the next generation of the family lines the
secret technique that can be found in their martial arts,
potters have handed down from generation to generation the
secret to what makes their pots stand out from the other.
And from generation to generation the secret to pottery making
has been a closely guarded knowledge up until the time when
commercial pottery has taken over the good old hand made pots,
vases, jars and other products of pottery.
Today's way of life has taken off by leaps and bounds and the
way we see pottery has greatly deteriorated from the time of the
great kings. Potters nowadays rides a broomstick, waves his
magic wand, has an owl for a pet and plays an out of this world
game where you can literally die.
The good years of the art of pottery has taken a back seat to a
different kind of potter. Sad as it is children, even adults at
this time never really recognize the historical and cultural
impact of pottery in our society.
Besides being one of the oldest means of livelihood in the post
cavemen society, pottery speaks about the kind of life that an
early civilization has. Pottery in ancient China was one of the
major industries back then.
Palaces were adorned with all shapes, sizes and kinds of
pottery. Yet, unlike the crude concoction of mud and water baked
until golden brown or dried under done for a day, the Chinese
discovered the wonderful use of ceramic. Chinaware--which is
what it's commonly called nowadays--is the pioneer product of
the pottery world.
Chinaware is intricately designed with scenery and calligraphy.
Potteries during the age of the dynasties are abundant because
of the diverse cultural influence of the Chinese.
Unlike in the pottery in ancient Egypt, where everything was
either made from red clay or dyed red and then painted on
designs with the juice of berries and trees, Chinese pottery has
reached a certain level of sophistication when it comes to
production process.
Pottery are not just crudely placed on a rotating wheel, shaped
to a certain form, and afterwards baked in the sun. Pottery
making in china offered not just a view at the kinds of
industries they had but the kind of culture that they have
developed.
And way before the western colonizers ever set sail to the
Newfoundland, the Asian and the African side of the world have
set up a civilization based on camaraderie and progress. And
thanks to the presence of ancient pottery, these truths are
realized today to give us an idea what's it like to the pottery
in the eye of the beholder.
and Osiris lorded over them, and before the age of the Maoist
communism in China way back in the age of great dynasties and
divided kingdoms there was one distinct craft that was
considered the toast of kings and queens.
In those times the streets are filled and lined up with all
sorts of creations by different master that acclaim for
themselves the right to be called "master potter."
>From days of long ago when the art of pottery was considered to
be the greatest career anyone could ever venture and the pottery
techniques are solely-owned by one family.
Just like martial arts in some parts of the Asian region where
they pass on to the next generation of the family lines the
secret technique that can be found in their martial arts,
potters have handed down from generation to generation the
secret to what makes their pots stand out from the other.
And from generation to generation the secret to pottery making
has been a closely guarded knowledge up until the time when
commercial pottery has taken over the good old hand made pots,
vases, jars and other products of pottery.
Today's way of life has taken off by leaps and bounds and the
way we see pottery has greatly deteriorated from the time of the
great kings. Potters nowadays rides a broomstick, waves his
magic wand, has an owl for a pet and plays an out of this world
game where you can literally die.
The good years of the art of pottery has taken a back seat to a
different kind of potter. Sad as it is children, even adults at
this time never really recognize the historical and cultural
impact of pottery in our society.
Besides being one of the oldest means of livelihood in the post
cavemen society, pottery speaks about the kind of life that an
early civilization has. Pottery in ancient China was one of the
major industries back then.
Palaces were adorned with all shapes, sizes and kinds of
pottery. Yet, unlike the crude concoction of mud and water baked
until golden brown or dried under done for a day, the Chinese
discovered the wonderful use of ceramic. Chinaware--which is
what it's commonly called nowadays--is the pioneer product of
the pottery world.
Chinaware is intricately designed with scenery and calligraphy.
Potteries during the age of the dynasties are abundant because
of the diverse cultural influence of the Chinese.
Unlike in the pottery in ancient Egypt, where everything was
either made from red clay or dyed red and then painted on
designs with the juice of berries and trees, Chinese pottery has
reached a certain level of sophistication when it comes to
production process.
Pottery are not just crudely placed on a rotating wheel, shaped
to a certain form, and afterwards baked in the sun. Pottery
making in china offered not just a view at the kinds of
industries they had but the kind of culture that they have
developed.
And way before the western colonizers ever set sail to the
Newfoundland, the Asian and the African side of the world have
set up a civilization based on camaraderie and progress. And
thanks to the presence of ancient pottery, these truths are
realized today to give us an idea what's it like to the pottery
in the eye of the beholder.
Memories of Pottery Wheel Clay
Do you remember back in elementary school when you were given some clay in class and left to be free with your creative mind? It was a wonderful time when you could let your imagination run wild with the clay in your hands. Some can still recall the feel and smell of the clay. For most of us, the clay was a tan or brown color unlike the myriad of colors available today.
Back then, some of the more popular creations included ash trays, cups and vases. Despite the numerous ash trays produced at the time, I don't think there were an equal number of smokers. Instead, there were well intentioned parents accepting the awkwardly molded creations and displaying them in their living room to boost the ego of their children.
Slightly older kids and adults took mounds of pottery wheel clay and thrust them down upon pottery wheels. Although many think working with the wheel is relatively easy, it does take a bit of skill. You can toss the wet clay onto the wheel ever so slightly off center and it might fly off the plate from the centrifugal force. Once you got it to stick, you would want it to be as centered as possible as the entire process lends itself to creating symmetrical objects. Starting off-center can lead to oddly weighted vases or misshapen bowls.
The wheel may not be the attraction for many people. Many students abandon it after just one afternoon of fallen cups or broken vases. Too many spins and you can squeeze a perfectly fine vessel into another blob of colorless, wet clay.
For others, incredible creations can come from the use of clay molds. The clay can be molded into beautiful shapes usually demonstrating work beyond the skill of the artist. There are a wide variety of molds out there to satisfy the creative urges of even the pickiest artist. Unlike the wheel, the satisfaction rate is much higher. Many go overboard creating more objects than they know what to do with! Usually, the creations make great gifts.
One of the most universally appealing works is clay art dinnerware. Everyone needs dinnerware for their home - plates, bowls, serving dishes, etc. With some easy to use tools, you can create some amazing pieces. All of them can be unique and specific to individual tastes. You can use any combination of colors. You can use traditional shapes or more unique geometric patterns to really make your work standout.
Back then, some of the more popular creations included ash trays, cups and vases. Despite the numerous ash trays produced at the time, I don't think there were an equal number of smokers. Instead, there were well intentioned parents accepting the awkwardly molded creations and displaying them in their living room to boost the ego of their children.
Slightly older kids and adults took mounds of pottery wheel clay and thrust them down upon pottery wheels. Although many think working with the wheel is relatively easy, it does take a bit of skill. You can toss the wet clay onto the wheel ever so slightly off center and it might fly off the plate from the centrifugal force. Once you got it to stick, you would want it to be as centered as possible as the entire process lends itself to creating symmetrical objects. Starting off-center can lead to oddly weighted vases or misshapen bowls.
The wheel may not be the attraction for many people. Many students abandon it after just one afternoon of fallen cups or broken vases. Too many spins and you can squeeze a perfectly fine vessel into another blob of colorless, wet clay.
For others, incredible creations can come from the use of clay molds. The clay can be molded into beautiful shapes usually demonstrating work beyond the skill of the artist. There are a wide variety of molds out there to satisfy the creative urges of even the pickiest artist. Unlike the wheel, the satisfaction rate is much higher. Many go overboard creating more objects than they know what to do with! Usually, the creations make great gifts.
One of the most universally appealing works is clay art dinnerware. Everyone needs dinnerware for their home - plates, bowls, serving dishes, etc. With some easy to use tools, you can create some amazing pieces. All of them can be unique and specific to individual tastes. You can use any combination of colors. You can use traditional shapes or more unique geometric patterns to really make your work standout.
Entering the world of creative clay work is easy. It doesn't necessarily require a special studio or even a dedicated workspace. AMACO has a wide selection of clay molds to satisfy all interests. Focus your work on clay art dinnerware as a creative gift idea. If you are willing to branch out, find a local shop with a pottery wheel and AMACO can provide high quality pottery wheel clay for your work. Find all your supplies and get creative ideas with AMACO.
Mid 20th Century California Potteries - Gone, but Not Forgotten!
Just the opposite of forgotten! A whirlwind of interest from the mid 20th century modern minded interior designer is in full speed ahead! From the boomerang, atomic, and the starburst shapes to the cylindrical lines and the ethnic influences…..it's all in high demand. The history behind California Potteries is a driving force for their growth in popularity and price.
During World War II with the ban on imports in place, many entrepreneurs saw the opportunity to open shop to design and create their own pottery lines…….many of which are mentioned below. Sadly, many of these potteries closed down by the early 1950's with post-war imports from Italy and Japan creating fierce competition. Only a few of them survived into the 1960's.
I first came to know about California Pottery when I stumbled across a book by author, Jack Chipman, titled "Collector's Encyclopedia of California Pottery - second edition". My eyes were opened to some very spectacular artists' lives with very interesting backgrounds and stories that I think needs to be told to art & design enthusiasts. Thanks to people like Jack Chipman, their stories and designs are documented and kept alive!
My collecting first began with California Pottery pieces designed by Sascha Brastoff, then Marc Bellaire, Matt Adams, Barbara Willis, Brayton Laguna, Ann Cochran, Maxine Cloud, Madeline Originals, Bell of California, Hedi Schoop, Howard Pierce, Rockwell Kent, Charles and Alice Smith, and DeForest of California.
One of my favorites is Barbara Willis. She owned an early to mid 20th century pottery company that was very successful. Some of her early pottery pieces were made of earthenware and were referred to as her "Terrene" line which means "of the earth". The bright crackled glazes of candle holders, boxes, vases, jugs, and horse figurines are highly sought out by avid "BW" collectors. Her vintage lines are simple, somewhat primitive in style, yet so contemporary. It's no wonder that she was awarded the "Living Legend Award" at the Los Angeles Pottery Show in February of 2006. She sold much of her work to some of the top department stores such as Gumps, Macy's, and Neiman Marcus, to name a few. She is currently creating her contemporary line in Malibu. You can view Barbara Willis' profile by visiting www.AccessoryHut.com, click on ARTISTS, and then click on her name. If you would like to meet Barbara Willis in person, she will be attending the September 2006 Los Angeles Pottery Show in Pasadena. Stop by her booth and purchase some of her outstanding contemporary pieces from clay medallion necklaces to eye-catching press-molded chargers, low bowls and vases. If you would like more information about Barbara Willis' scheduled exhibits, email the gallery at Shop@AccessoryHut.com or contact Barbara Willis directly from her profile page.
Another favorite of mine is Marc Bellaire who used to work under Sascha Brastoff before venturing out on his own to open his ceramics business in Culver City, California. He was listed in the leading trade publication, "Giftwares", as being one of the top ten artware designers of the late fifties. I especially favor the "Luau" and "Hawaiian" lines he designed.
In his final days, he created in his studio in Cathedral City, California, just outside of Palm Springs. Marc Bellaire died in 1994
And let's not forget Hedi Schoop! She was a prominent ceramics artist from North Hollywood during the 40's and 50's. In 1933, she fled Nazi Germany with her well known husband, Frederick Hollander, the Academy award winning composer. In 1958 her plant was shut down due to a fire. Hedi Schoop was born in Switzerland in 1906 and died in North Hollywood in 1996.
The list of California Potters is a long one with many stories to tell. When accessorizing your home with collections of art pottery, one should consider one or more of these fabulous potters. I like to think of it as a way to preserve a part of our history. Let's not forget an important, artistic time in our country! Keep the history alive!
Alice Krueser is the owner of http://www.AccessoryHut.com, an online art gallery that promotes the arts and its members of the "Directory of Artists" to the design industry as well as the general public. The gallery's slogan: "Home Decor with Yesterday's & Today's Artists in Mind". A great source for art history, design tips, and a directory of interior designers. Sign up to receive the gallery's newsletter titled "Art Promotion in Motion" that promotes artists, designers, and events. Member artists are given complimentary use of the gallery's shopping cart where interior designers and the general public can purchase art directly from the artist. Member artists never pay gallery commissions. The gallery strategically brings the artist together with the interior designer at one site. It's a win, win relationship!
During World War II with the ban on imports in place, many entrepreneurs saw the opportunity to open shop to design and create their own pottery lines…….many of which are mentioned below. Sadly, many of these potteries closed down by the early 1950's with post-war imports from Italy and Japan creating fierce competition. Only a few of them survived into the 1960's.
I first came to know about California Pottery when I stumbled across a book by author, Jack Chipman, titled "Collector's Encyclopedia of California Pottery - second edition". My eyes were opened to some very spectacular artists' lives with very interesting backgrounds and stories that I think needs to be told to art & design enthusiasts. Thanks to people like Jack Chipman, their stories and designs are documented and kept alive!
My collecting first began with California Pottery pieces designed by Sascha Brastoff, then Marc Bellaire, Matt Adams, Barbara Willis, Brayton Laguna, Ann Cochran, Maxine Cloud, Madeline Originals, Bell of California, Hedi Schoop, Howard Pierce, Rockwell Kent, Charles and Alice Smith, and DeForest of California.
One of my favorites is Barbara Willis. She owned an early to mid 20th century pottery company that was very successful. Some of her early pottery pieces were made of earthenware and were referred to as her "Terrene" line which means "of the earth". The bright crackled glazes of candle holders, boxes, vases, jugs, and horse figurines are highly sought out by avid "BW" collectors. Her vintage lines are simple, somewhat primitive in style, yet so contemporary. It's no wonder that she was awarded the "Living Legend Award" at the Los Angeles Pottery Show in February of 2006. She sold much of her work to some of the top department stores such as Gumps, Macy's, and Neiman Marcus, to name a few. She is currently creating her contemporary line in Malibu. You can view Barbara Willis' profile by visiting www.AccessoryHut.com, click on ARTISTS, and then click on her name. If you would like to meet Barbara Willis in person, she will be attending the September 2006 Los Angeles Pottery Show in Pasadena. Stop by her booth and purchase some of her outstanding contemporary pieces from clay medallion necklaces to eye-catching press-molded chargers, low bowls and vases. If you would like more information about Barbara Willis' scheduled exhibits, email the gallery at Shop@AccessoryHut.com or contact Barbara Willis directly from her profile page.
Another favorite of mine is Marc Bellaire who used to work under Sascha Brastoff before venturing out on his own to open his ceramics business in Culver City, California. He was listed in the leading trade publication, "Giftwares", as being one of the top ten artware designers of the late fifties. I especially favor the "Luau" and "Hawaiian" lines he designed.
In his final days, he created in his studio in Cathedral City, California, just outside of Palm Springs. Marc Bellaire died in 1994
And let's not forget Hedi Schoop! She was a prominent ceramics artist from North Hollywood during the 40's and 50's. In 1933, she fled Nazi Germany with her well known husband, Frederick Hollander, the Academy award winning composer. In 1958 her plant was shut down due to a fire. Hedi Schoop was born in Switzerland in 1906 and died in North Hollywood in 1996.
The list of California Potters is a long one with many stories to tell. When accessorizing your home with collections of art pottery, one should consider one or more of these fabulous potters. I like to think of it as a way to preserve a part of our history. Let's not forget an important, artistic time in our country! Keep the history alive!
Alice Krueser is the owner of http://www.AccessoryHut.com, an online art gallery that promotes the arts and its members of the "Directory of Artists" to the design industry as well as the general public. The gallery's slogan: "Home Decor with Yesterday's & Today's Artists in Mind". A great source for art history, design tips, and a directory of interior designers. Sign up to receive the gallery's newsletter titled "Art Promotion in Motion" that promotes artists, designers, and events. Member artists are given complimentary use of the gallery's shopping cart where interior designers and the general public can purchase art directly from the artist. Member artists never pay gallery commissions. The gallery strategically brings the artist together with the interior designer at one site. It's a win, win relationship!
Satsuma Pottery
The style of pottery known as Satsuma was first created on the southern island of Japan in the later stages of the 19th century. It continued to be made through to the early 1920s but there have been many historic finds and records in the same area that proves that there were people making earthenware pottery there as far back as the 16th century. The term Satsuma is derived from the name of the area in Japan where these pottery items were made.The hallmark signs of a piece of pottery made in the Satsuma style or from that time period is that it is of a creamy or off white and sometime beige complexion. The pottery is then hand painted in amazing, intricate designs featuring scenes from japanese life, animals, flowers or landscapes. The design is then covered with a thin translucent glaze which deliberately ends up with a crackled finish. These three things make the Satsuma pottery stand out among other pieces from the same era.The pottery made by the artisans of the satsuma area became so sought after and popular that it was heavily copied all over the world. Many of the items of pottery you find from this region were also mass produced and therefore finding that antique needle in haystack can prove difficult. Many items of pottery and porcelain ware were copied and produced overseas in China and were then marked as SATSUMA.The decoration of the pottery from the Satsuma region is truly amazing. Hand painted with brightly colored enamels, gold and silver and using various techniques such as raising the enamel slightly to give an added effect to the work. The images are incredibly detailed and minute in their design and dimensions. The Satsuma vases for example can range from being heavily decorated all over with dragons or full landscapes complete with animals, rivers and trees to a more simplistic image of Japanese society of notable people from that area or time.Although the cracking of the glaze makes the pottery look old and antique, it was actually done that way on purpose. The cracks, called Kannyu, were part of the design ideal of the makers and forms part of the style of the pieces. The glaze was applied in thin layers and when heated sufficiently and cooled quickly, resulted in the small hairline fractures that cover the entire pieces.Many different style of satsuma pottery are available. Vases, bowls, cups and figures all feature the intricate artistry of the maker and the tell tale signs of glorious antiques from years gone by.
Visit the authors website where you can get more information regarding Satsuma Pottery and find where and when to buy these items at auction.
How Greek Red-Figure Vases Replaced Black-Figure Vases
Retro seems to be the in thing these days. There are retro sports jerseys, shoes, video games, movies, etc. What was old is new again. Some wall decor, such as wall vases, celebrates retro artistic styles. While some styles are traditional, others are so retro that they borrow styles from ancient Greek pottery. After Greek vases first began to flourish, they began using the black-figure technique. However, Greek pottery would continue to evolve.HUMANS, CREATURES AND STORIESAfter the Greeks started including human figures on their vases, they began adding other images as well. Many of these objects were mythological in nature. However, it is fascinating how they depicted scenes from Greek literature. Today, we use book illustrations to show a particular scene in a story. Instead, the Greeks would group certain objects together or even create new figures that had not previously appeared in the original stories! The best Black-Figure artists of this time would infuse their own experiences into their artwork.RED IS THE NEW BLACKWithin time, Greek artists became limited in their artistic expression, due to the confines of the Black-Figure technique. Thus, at around 530-525 BC, they began developing a new style of vase-painting, called the Red-Figure technique. The figures remain in the clays color, and thus become red when someone heats the vase. In this spirit, creators of the wall vase are always striving to improve their craftsmanship.The Greek artists used one of two main techniques. One method was to use a black glaze in order to create a very thin line that was raised a little bit. This line was a relief line. Meanwhile, the other method involved using a diluted glaze whose hue ranged from dark brown to clear yellow. The artists also applied the glaze as a solid wash, to certain sections of the vase.BLACK, BACKGROUNDS AND BENEFITSThe backgrounds of vases created using the Red-Figure technique were also significant. This area included the space in between and surrounding the figures on the vase. Now, the area was a shiny black hue. This contrasted greatly from black-figure vases that onlookers seemed to view against a light shone against it. However, by using the Red-Figure method, each figure seemed to be blanketed by a personal spotlight!Just as a wall vase today can liven up a room, the new Red-Figure method created some important benefits for onlookers. Viewers of the vases could see it better from long distances. Also, decorations on the vase wore down its shape less. The black background combined with the areas of the vase without figures. As a result, the vases shape was restored, and either the silhouette or the outline of the vase became highlighted.It is quite amazing how the black-figure method descended from its prominence in the late 7th century BC., to become virtually obsolete a century later. However, even the red-figure method would eventually lose its prominence.Some of todays contemporary wall decors, such as wall vases, are retro Greek. Use them to turn something oldinto something new!
Article provided Jessica Ackerman of WallDecorandHomeAccents.com a site featuring contemporary wall decors and metal artwork.
Article provided Jessica Ackerman of WallDecorandHomeAccents.com a site featuring contemporary wall decors and metal artwork.
Functional Pottery Makes a Great Gift, Plain and Simple
Are you looking for something unique to give a friend or family member for an upcoming birthday or holiday? If you really want to wow that special someone, why not consider purchasing an original one of a kind pottery gift that makes life better in some way.Pottery gifts come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and they can be practical or extravagant. If your recipient loves to take afternoon tea, why not surprise him or her with a gorgeous tea set, complete with teacups, saucers, and teapot? You might even want to add a serving tray for that extra special touch. Perhaps you know someone who adores fresh flowers. A delicate vase to showcase a vibrant bouquet would likely be appreciated.If you long to combine functionality with beauty in your everyday life, you will likely find pottery to be outstanding in every way. From the depth of color to the texture to the overall design, each piece stands apart from the next. Keep in mind that you do not have to buy matching sets of cups, plates, and bowls. In fact, it can be equally attractive to mix and match plates of one design and color with bowls from an entirely different set.Handcrafted pottery takes time to create, as each piece must be molded from clay, glazed, and fired. If you appreciate fine art and won't accept less than the best, you will be pleased with the extensive inventory of handmade pottery that can be purchased from the internet. From birdbaths to vases to tableware, we are certain here at Northern Inventions that you will find the pieces that will bring joy and function to your life.Handcrafted pottery is unique in that each piece has some variation, as it is nearly impossible to create two identical pieces of pottery. It takes great pains to design pieces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The process from start to finish takes no less than 20 to 30 steps, so you can be sure that you are only getting the highest quality handcrafted pottery.One of the perks to purchasing handcrafted pottery is that every piece should be dishwasher and microwave oven safe. Furthermore, you should also be able to use pottery in a conventional oven with no worries, as all of the glazes used should be 100 percent lead free, whether you are looking for dinnerware, oversized coffee mugs, or a beautiful vase.I believe functional pottery serves a purpose, even if that purpose is to add to the aesthetics of your home, along with being quite beautiful. It should also serve practical functions such as serving tea or holding a colorful bouquet of fragrant roses or to provide a haven for birds to gather and bathe in the outdoors. Every piece of pottery that you will find on any site should be functional, as well as pretty and stimulating to your senses. After all, pottery that makes you feel good by putting a smile on your face every time you look at it serves the most important purpose--making you happy.Whether you are looking for a specific piece of pottery to fulfill a need, such as a colorful vase to display your floral arrangements, or you just want to fill your home with beauty, all functional handmade pottery should be expertly handcrafted from the capable and artistic hands of an artist that is experienced in what they are doing.All of our stoneware pottery that you see on our site is durable and safe to use in the dishwasher, microwave, and conventional oven. This may come as a surprise to many people because our unique handcrafted pottery from Sofi's Sunspot Studio is so beautiful that you may be afraid to put it to good use. At Northern Inventions, we only sell products that are functional, and we encourage you to use your stoneware pottery in your everyday life.In the rare instance that you don't find what you want, please let us know by contacting us at 705-524-3947. Or if you prefer, send us an email at Robert@northerninventions.com, and we will do our best to meet your needs in a speedy fashion.
Vases From Different Places
When it comes to displaying your beautiful bouquets of flowers, you probably use a traditional vase. Your vase may be made of plastic or glass. It could be clear glass or maybe even a pretty blue glass. But there are many items that you may have around your home that could also be used as vases. Or if you are feeling really ambitious, you could even make your own homemade vase on some pottery throwing wheels.To find items around your home that you could use as a vase, you should look in all of your rooms. If you look in your kitchen you might find a really neat glass pitcher that you could use. You might have a glass pitcher that has big sunflowers painted on it that you could put some bright yellow flowers in. You could also find some beautiful bowls that you could use as well. You could cut off the long flower stems and use the bowl to float some roses or peonies. If you have a clear glass bowl you could place it on an intricately painted pottery tile to add some extra color and decoration. If all you want to put into a vase is a single stem flower you could simply use a fancy water glass. The kitchen is a really great place to find vases wherever you look.Another great place to find random vases is actually in your garage. Think of just how much stuff the average American has jammed into the space in which you could fit a car. Upon rummaging through all of these forgotten goodies, you might find an old watering can. Although you probably won't want to bring the can indoors, you can place the can somewhere outdoors where you can see it from a window in your house.While searching through all the stuff you have long since forgotten in your garage, you might actually find an old vase you could use. The vase is most likely made with non-toxic glazes so you can clean that dingy vase right off and bring it on inside. If you have old tires lying around that you haven't gotten to taking to the dump, you could use those as well. Although they wouldn't be much of a vase per se, you could place the old tire in your garden, fill it with dirt and plant some flowers. It might sound weird, but it will turn out great!
If you are looking for new and fresh ways to display your flower arrangements there are many different options when you keep a look out for odds and ends around your home. If you are thinking of creating your own vases on throwing wheels, AMACO has plenty of information to get you started. AMACO also has plenty of information on working with non-toxic glazes which is important for your personal health as well. AMACO is also a great resource for how to create your own pottery tile for that added personal touch.
Todays Wall Vases Continue the Tradition of Ancient Greeks Vases
History does not have to remain in history books. For instance, today a wide variety of wall vases is available in various materials, shapes, and sizes. However, ancient Greek vases have significantly influenced the wall vases of today. In fact, without the innovations that the Greeks made to pottery, perhaps todays wall vases would not exist. The Greeks improved many aspects of pottery.BATTLE OF THE VASESWhat makes Greek vases distinct among all decorated pottery? Both the methods and subjects that the ancient Greeks used on their pottery, has resulted in the very creation of the term vase painting. From the second millennium B.C. until nearly the conclusion of the first century B.C., Greek pottery, including its vases, thrived. This phenomenon happened throughout the Greek world. At first, several different local styles boomed during this period.However, by the middle of the sixth century B.C., that situation had changed. Attica, including its capital Athens, began producing more and superior vases than its neighbor Corinth. Both areas had competed for the profitable foreign markets for vases. Attic reigned supreme for 1.5 centuries, which included much political turmoil and wars. Their ancient vases have even influenced some of todays wall vases.However, then the Peloponnesian War ended in 404 B.C. As one result, Athens lost its lucrative markets in the Western world. Slowly yet gradually, the pottery business in Attica declined. In fact, by the middle of the fourth century B.C., the Atticans were creating no noteworthy vases. However, the art of Greek vase-painting was not dead in the Greek world.THE BIRTH OF GREEK VASESAncient Greek vases evolved greatly throughout the centuries. The first Greek vases were nothing to write home about. Their shape and decorations differed little from vases that other nations produced. Human figures first appeared on pottery during the eighth century B.C. The depictures were primarily abstract, using a type of minimalism. The vase painters used lines and curves to reveal only the basic outlines of objects. This is the style that Atticans used to earn prominence in the world of ancient pottery.The next era of Greek vase painting revealed Asias impact on their works. Objects that influenced Greek vase painting included: beasts flowers monstersRED, WHITE, AND BLACK-FIGUREHowever, while the Greeks used many of the themes of Asian art, their artwork was more ornate. Instead of using rigid lines and curves, the Greeks made their vase painting more ornamental. We can see this influence on Greek vases, in some of todays wall vases. During this period, the Corinthians created the black-figure technique. They reverted to the use of silhouettes; however, there were some new developments. They added the colors red and white to the designs. Also, the artists cut lines into the vases, in order to highlight particular parts in the artwork. Within time, the black-figure method spread to Athens. Also, artists began placing their signatures on vases.The ancient Greeks inspired many of todays wall vases. Make history by selecting lovely wall decoration vases!
Article provided Jessica Ackerman of WallDecorandHomeAccents.com a site featuring wall vases and wall decorations.
Article provided Jessica Ackerman of WallDecorandHomeAccents.com a site featuring wall vases and wall decorations.
Galleria Elegante - The Leading Source For Traditional And Modern Talavera Pottery
Galleria Elegante is a leading producer of traditional and modern Talavera pottery, offering an extensive line of products in a classic style that has been avidly sought after for thousands of years and across numerous cultures and continents.The origins of Talavera pottery stretch back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt where a long and storied tradition brought the art form from the Chinese to the Spanish and eventually to the Mexican city of Puebla, the recognized home of Talavera pottery today. Talavera pottery is made through an unique process that utilizes a combination of two types of clay before the craftsperson glazes each piece with vibrant colors and then decorates the nearly completed work by hand to create a stunning end result. Galleria Elegante is able to offer certified Talavera pottery from the best known "certified fabrica", Uriarte Talavera and is proud to continue the long tradition of Talavera pottery through a number of excellent and authentic Talavera pieces.There is a wide array of Mexican Talavera pottery available for purchase from Galleria Elegante, including a number of different urns, vases, jars and more. Perhaps the most popular of all Talavera designs are the number of exquisitely crafted plates, platters, canisters and other, assorted serving pieces made available by Galleria Elegante. These pieces are available in a number of different designs including Traditional, Colonial, Puebla and Certified Classic Talavera. There are a number of other gorgeous styles available for those in need of decorative pieces and a myriad of exceptionally designed vases, bottles and urns are available from Galleria Elegante in Mata Ortiz and Mexican Talavera pottery styles.For Mexican Talavera designs for the rest of the home, Galleria Elegante holds an enormous variety of selection in sink, tile and decorative designs. Stunning pieces are available for order by square foot, making home renovation or redesign in the Mexican Talavera pottery style a simple and affordable choice.Custom Talavera pottery designs are also available from Galleria Elegante for real connoisseurs of the craft that appreciate a truly special and unique aesthetic. Along with selections in the style of Mata Ortiz pottery, these custom Mexican Talavera pottery designs represent a great way to ensure a remarkable, eye-catching aesthetic in any part of the home. Specialty items are made available at Galleria Elegante as well, these Talavera pottery designs ranging from multi-piece serving sets to jewelry cases, bowls and miniature chimineas.Special prices are available for trade workers in need of large supplies of Talavera pottery, tiling or decorative items making Galleria Elegance a great choice for any type of buyer, private or professional alike. Shopping online with Galleria Elegance promises discounts on most items as well as an easy method of finding exactly the Talavera pottery style desired through function and design sorting options. Secure payments can be made with PayPal or a number of major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.As the tradition of Mexican Talavera pottery continues to the present day, Galleria Elegance represents the best choice for the shopper in search of the Talavera pottery styles timeless beauty.For more information, visit GalleriaElegante.
Galleria Elegante is a leading dealer of traditional and modern pottery. For more information, visit GalleriaElegante.com.
Vases - Essential Pieces Of Art
Visiting any art museum, anywhere in the world, it is almost certain that one could come to learn a great deal about some contemporary culture or ancient civilization through a representative display of vases depicting that culture and that period of time.Studying the worlds of ancient art that have been painstakingly restored or preserved to this day, one might have the opportunity to "attend" the funeral of an Egyptian king through a study of his burial vases and other artifacts of the period. One might have the chance to "visit" medieval Europe through an exhibit of its intricate glass, metalwork, enamel, stoneware, or ivory vases. Likewise, one might be given the opportunity to "tour" Asia, poring over the exquisite lacquer, jade, ceramic, cloisonn, or bronze vases, or to "return" to ancient Rome or Greece through the media of marble, bronze, or terra cotta.Viewing art from anywhere in the world, from any period of time, one can feast one's eyes upon vases encrusted with precious gems or utilitarian objects.Even stopping in at a modern art gallery, one might encounter magnificent examples of vases fashioned by contemporary artists in a wide range of media. One might feast in a display of glass blown vases from Italy, one of clever aquatic themed paperweight-style vases from New Zealand, or an installation of brilliantly hued Native American pottery vases. One might unexpectedly encounter a treasure-trove of exquisite cloisonn or enameled vases from China or Japan, or a cache of Art Nouveau pottery from a rising artist in France.Knowing about the history of these works of art can help you when it comes to choosing a vase for the home. An appreciation of the art form makes the job much easier.And of course insights into the world's civilizations from the dawn of time to the present day can be had by anyone who is willing to take the time to explore them. Studying any culture's artifacts, including their vases, both decorative and utilitarian, can open one's eyes to the world around as well as to world's seemingly long gone.
Flower vases - The ideal decorative product
People admire beauty of flowers. The magic of flowers increases manifolds when they are placed in beautiful vases. Attractive and decorative vases bring lot of grace, elegance and add more style to any dcor or surroundings. Flower vases add a very refined and stimulating appearance to any space, which we inhabit. There are several contemporary designs in vases that completely change the way our home or office looks. Flower vases can bring creative and artistic touch whether it is a table or wall cabinet. There are various types of vases such as a glass vase, a crystal vase and other types of flower vases in ceramic and clay. Glass vases and crystal vases are available in various styles, sizes and colors. Glass vases with flowers are used for decoration purpose in the household. They are elegant decoration pieces and serve as fine gift options. Crystal vases are a little more expensive than the glass vases. They add special charm and spark to the room. Beautiful <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.homeshop18.com/shop/u/y/c-Home-Q-and-Q-Kitchen-S-Home-Q-Decor-S-Vases/Home_Online-clI_2-cI_1238-pCI_1060-">flower vases</a> have become essential garnishing for the room decoration. It is truly fascinating how we can use different types of decorative flower vases to create a mesmerizing bouquet.Available in a variety of sizes, designs and styles, the marble flowerpots are sure to look new for years to come. They make exclusive gifts as decorative accents. Exquisite flower vases are made of a variety of materials like brass, iron, ceramic, glass, silver, aluminum and many more in varied shapes. They are extremely eye-catching with their compelling beautyThe most expensive and rare kind of vase in the world is the Ming vase. These vases are mostly blue and white and can be urn-shaped or even bird-shaped. Ceramic pottery vases are often handmade and may have a rustic, earthy look to them. However, depending on the finish used, ceramic pottery can also look very sophisticated. Some cemetery vases are designed to hold silk flowers. The flowerpots serve as decorative pieces specially used to display the plants and flowers of exotic colors. The flower vases not just used to place flowers also serve as memorable gifts for near and dear ones and can be used both indoors as well as outdoors. They are ideally placed on writing tables, coffee tables, dining tables, center tables etc. and impart a touch of style to the decor. Flower vases are the best decorative and unique product for display and a perfect gift item for our dear and near ones on any special occasion.
Author suggests to you purchase best home dcor items like candle stands, clocks, candles, feng shui, photo frames, vases, wall dcor items and many more.
Stunning Vases As Decorative Pieces For Your Home
Whether your home is modern or ancient, adding decor to it is key for providing fashion, comfort, and flavor. If looking for decorative pieces that will bring a brilliance of color, accents, and mode to a room, a vase with a lovely bunch of flowers is just the ticket. A room with flowers is alive and fresh. Furthermore, the vase that the flowers are placed in is a mandatory component to the overall fashion scheme of the home.Vases come in a variety of shades, shapes, sizes, and detailed carvings. Crystal vases are considered elegant even though they don't have any color. A classic pottery made vase, on the other hand, inputs texture, color, and mode to the current format set forth by the basic structure of the room. Vases can additionally represent the fiscal status of a family as a few are collectors' vases that can only be obtained by the wealthy. Other vases can be historic and remain in a family for many years.Vases have been included as fashion statements and decorations since ancient eras. These beautiful pieces of decor represent ancient cultures through the depiction of the time. From ancient ceramic types to modern-sculpted vases, vases depict their own mode and sense of culture. Vases can be depictions of eras and cultures from around the world and throughout history. Ancient civilizations throughout the world have been known for unique pottery and vases - the old Mayas and Incas were highly regarded and known for their exquisite designs in brown-colored pottery; vases were one of these famous pieces.In addition to other, larger decorations, vases have been used as centerpieces for displays in weddings and other important functions; in this need, a beautiful vase can bring a source of beauty to the existing decorations and finally the atmosphere of the gathering. And, there isn't anything that makes a woman happier than having a nice bunch flowers in a decorative vase that she can admire for days. Men throughout the world have been known to purchase flowers for their girlfriend or wife once in a while; this would not be as special without the added ambiance of a stylish vase to put these flowers in. Nevertheless, most vases do not require flowers and are just beautiful on their own.Vases input flavor to any home that is suffering from a lack of decorative pieces. Although a few vases are very expensive, depending on the detail, time period, and material they are created with, nearly all vases are inexpensive. Vases can be bought to stand individually to an existing space if a variation of fashion within the dwelling. The many makers of art and creativity throughout history has led to a vast array of styles, colors, shapes, sizes, and scribing making them obtainable in any form one can think of. In short, vases provide the spice to the existing fashion without requiring the cost of a price tag that is too substantial. Numerous vases are offered in thrift stores and other small shops; you don't know, you could just be buying a very valuable vase that the store owner was not aware of.
Jim is a publicist with more than twenty years of writing experience. Jim is currently working as a national correspondent for our b2b site and has become the resident authority on home decor. Take the time to visit our great web portal for more information on Glass Vase and Flower Vase.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)