Archive for September, 2008
Since time immemorial cultures worldwide have been using tapestries as an innovative medium of decorating their homes, churches and buildings. This trend has continued till today. In a true historical sense tapestries and wall hangings are art forms that serve to depict the cultural scenario of a particular place. It is one of the most complete and durable art forms based upon textile
These days’ tapestries are a very popular part of every home decor and there are many experiments being done with them. Provided that the weaver has the skill to do so, elegant styles based on floral and landscapes as well as medieval designs, and modern art can be infused to create a tapestry that is an art work by itself. Such works give a unique dimension to this traditional art form, giving pleasure to art lovers and interior designers in its wide variety.
Tapestry belonging to the medieval times, were usually made of wool. Durability and maintenance were better due to the strength of the fabric which could sustain the pigmentation as well as dyeing effects. The warmth of wool tapestries could be maintained if mixed with synthetic polymers. A basic use of natural materials has been retained for weaving tapestry, till date.
Today’s wall tapestry uses different types of fibers, the stress is on new and improved fiber for reproducing famous works of art on tapestries. Vast improvement in dye and pigment standards, ensure that consumers can procure faithful reproductions of historical designs, like the ones to be found in European churches and museums.
Those of you with a flair for uniqueness in decoration can, try a tapestry that will totally change the atmosphere of your room. A tapestry can be an answer for any decorators challenge in doing up a large room or odd niches while maintaining a certain atmosphere to the place. A well chosen tapestry, adds a dash of history while mingling with the theme, adding color and giving your home, a unique flavor.
Creative use of a tapestry can do away lapses in decoration by infusing a spark of color or opening a vista to a different era. These days consumers are spoilt for choice literally, they can choose to be with any piece or time in history as they wish to.
For many centuries art lovers have been appreciating the versatility of the tapestry. The modern day use of weaving introduces mixing of new fabrics and techniques with centuries of age old tradition, making the tapestry a versatile, charming, and beautiful art décor to be cherished. Tapestries are a family heirloom that can be passed down from one generation to the other.
Until recently the closest people got to African art and home décor was buying safari drapes or a leopard print bedspread. Today, however, is a much different story. The art form that inspired and captivated world-renowned artists such as Picasso is now finding itself in more museums around the world but also in the homes of average citizens.
“African Art is presenting itself as being unique, something that stands out, bringing warm and richness to any room. Basically, it creates a contemporary decorating trend based on an old, deep-rooted culture,” says Joseph Bilson.
And Mr. Bilson should know. He’s the founder and owner of afrikboutik.com, a popular site that sells African art along with a host of other genuine African products.
“African Art has been steadily gaining popularity. Those who have never collected African Art are now becoming African art collectors and purchasing other items they never did before like African masks or sculptures. What’s even more interesting is that people are using traditional African musical instruments like djembes drums in their decorating too,” he says.
So why is there a growing trend beyond the typical cheetah throw pillow? One reason could be the increase in African art in general. U.S. museums, both major and small, feature more African Art exhibits today than in years past. More people in turn are exposed to the various designs of African art, which include: Abstract (changed from nature, simplified), Exaggerated (where features are emphasized), Distorted (with features that are elongated, enlarged), Patterned (designs are repeated) or Natural Pigments (earth tones and pigments from nature).
Much of the African art today has a unique simplicity yet is mixed with clarity of form and detail, along with complexity of composition. Additionally, many pieces have balance and symmetry smoothness in its finish. What that means to the average home decorator is that African art is so vast in style that there’s something that appeals to everyone’s taste. Be sure to visit www.afrikboutik.com
http://www.afrikboutik.com
LANÇAMENTOS DECOART
Texas and western themed home and outdoor decor at the lowest prices. Items such as horseshoes, business card holders, stars , garden items, picture frames, lamps, bathroom decor, kitchen decor, metal art, metal cutouts, custom metal cut outs,texas art, barn wood frames, true texas decor
For many of us life is a journey filled with nature’s lovely artistic creations. Many of us love to visit exotic regions in order to collect ethnic artworks or antiques to add to our home’s décor. Love and passion for art is what drives some people to go to extreme limits to obtain their valued prize. Most of us love to have exotic as well as elegant decorative items placed all around the house. Various types of such decorative items are now available in many gift as well as antique shops. It is totally up to you to decide how you want to use a certain piece of home art to add aesthetic values to your cozy dwellings.
To beautify your plain walls, you can make use of beautiful wall clocks or exquisite wall hangings of any shapes and sizes. You can also have wall scones and other light fixtures to get a plethora of light effects. However, you can even make your own home art to place them inside your house. It is definitely a proud moment whenever we create our own art works to decorate our house like paintings, knitting work, wooden art etc.
Art at home
To initiate the process of creating art at home, you will be able to find various types of projects through different art & crafts books and magazines. You can also find lot of other artist’s work to decorate your house. Instead of buying their work, it is always a good idea to use our creativity. Whenever, we are about to buy something new for our home, we must consider certain things. Sometimes we might end up adding something odd to our house. It doesn’t matter how expensive your art work is, if it doesn’t suit your décor then its definitely out the window. That is why, if we start creating our own artworks, we can completely satisfy all over artistic whimsies. Ultimately, what important is the feeling of satisfaction that you get when you create something beautiful with your own hands.
Home artwork
You can create various types home artwork such as paintings, wall hangings, mosaics, or even stands of different shapes. You can also participate in several at home art activities being conducted in nearby areas. There you can get ideas about simple home art as well creative home project ideas that you can try yourself. You will also find many different types of art-promoting organizations who can guide you and give you tips in order to create simple home artworks from scrap.
There are many books available at popular bookshops and libraries that vividly illustrate creative home projects. Just take help from these books to choose a perfect home art project for your house. If you have children then you can involve them in helping you create art at home for their playrooms and bedrooms.
Another option is to search home art galleries near in your area. In these home art galleries, you will be to make many homemade artifacts that will be perfect for your house. Sometimes you may even get inspired while looking at the items placed in such home art galleries. Somewhere in your town, you will be able locate home art studios that help nurture and develop your artistic talent.
Do not hesitate to test and try your artistic capacities. After all, it has been rightly said that there is a thriving an artist in every person.
http://www.decoart.com/cgi-bin/Products.cgi?Americana_Acrylics
An all-purpose, premium quality acrylic paint used for decorative painting, home decor and general craft painting projects. Americana is water-based and non-toxic and has a matte finish that can be varnished to create various sheens. This versatile paint can be used on almost any surface.
Americana’s versatility is unmatched as it can be used by the most talented artist on canvas or by a beginner for the simplest furniture or craft projects.
Number of Colors: 228
Painting Surfaces:
# Wood
# Canvas
# Plaster
# Resins
# Papier maché
# Candles
# Walls
# Tin
# Leather
# Styrofoam
# Ceramic bisque
# Polymer clay
# Watercolor paper
# Poster paper
Features and Advantages:
# Highly pigmented
# Excellent coverage – one coat
# Smooth and creamy
# Rich, true colors
# Color consistency bottle to bottle
# Highest quality control
# Non-toxic
# Blends easily
# Consistent viscosity
# Durable finish
# Intermixable
# Light-fast
# Soap and water cleanup
Additional Decorating Ideas/Applications:
# Sponge painting
# Faux finishing
# Craft and decorative painting
# Create a wash — Thin with Brush ‘n Blend Extender for making paint transparent, floating and shading color.
# Create a glaze — Mix with Faux Glazing Medium for home décor faux finishing techniques like marbleizing and sponging.
# Create a fabric paint — Mix with Fabric Medium to create a washable fabric paint for decorating fabrics.
# Create crackle finishes — Use with Weathered Wood Crackling Medium. Paint a basecoat of Americana, apply Weathered Wood and then paint a contrasting color of Americana over the Weathered Wood.
# For canvas painting — Add Control Medium to extend blending time and for improved brushability.
# For air brushing — Thin with 30% water or Brush ‘n Blend Extender for ease in air-brushing.
# For water color — Add Brush ‘n Blend Extender or water for transparent watercolor effects.
# For stenciling — Americana can be used as is. Apply with a stencil brush or other preferred stenciling techniques.
Helpful Hints:
# Shake well
# Apply one well-brushed coat using a large, soft brush for a larger areas and a smaller soft brush for small areas and design work.
# Paint may also be applied with a synthetic or sponge brush
# With some transparent colors, additional coats may be required.
# Allow to dry thoroughly.
# For candle painting, mix equal parts Americana with Candle Painting Medium.
# For textural painting, tint Decorating Paste with Americana.
# Add Brush ‘n Blend Extender to slow drying time.