Archive for the ‘Business’ Category
Maurice asked:
The role of art in country decor is somewhat different than its role in many other styles of decoration. In most styles, art plays the part of accents, for instance. Country decor, however, is a style of simplicity. Art does not sit on the sidelines to the same degree as it does in most other styles. This is, of course, not to say that country decor lacks art. Quite to the contrary, in fact, there is a great abundance of country art.
However, the art in country decor tends to be integrated into other elements, rather than standing on its own.
This gives the entire style a kind of coherence that adds a lot to the feeling it gives to people. For instance, when one sees a room decorated in a modern style, it is often a bit difficult to put your finger on exactly what style it is. Country decor, however, is recognizable at a glance. This is due in part to the fact that nearly everyone knows how to recognize the country art that is almost universally imbedded in the style. The common threads of the art are as simple as the style as a whole is. Much of the art takes inspiration from nature, even as it uses almost universally natural media.
For instance, the most popular forms of country art are wood crafts. Wood carvings are an art form that has been around since man picked up his first tools, and it has certainly stood up well to its age. Much of the wood carving used in country decor is as a part of a larger piece. For instance, a chair might have an intricate design carved out of the wood. Similarly, other wooden items are often embellished by the use of carvings. When wood carvings are used on their own, they are often actually simpler than when they are part of a larger unit. The artistic style usually used in the depiction of a given subject (most often an animal of some variety) is generally quite simple. Simplicity, however, gives it a sense of elegance and raw connection with nature.
Another medium often used in country art (specifically in the subset of rustic art) is metal work. This is most often done in aluminum or tin, and is almost always part of a functional unit. This sort of work is often done on lanterns and lighting fixtures. The complexity of the work varies greatly, from simple patterns to more complex things, such as wildlife scenes depicted in silhouette against the glow of the lighting fixtures.
Similarly functional is the most widely known style of country art, namely quilts. Quilts are, obviously, quite useful on a cold night to take off the chill, but a good country quilt is also the best thing to liven up a room.
Even when not in use, the patterns and colors of a quilt can work wonders for a room’s decor, particularly when other elements of /www.homes-seekers.net“>country art and décor are arranged to coordinate with the elements of the quilt.
Today more than ever people are looking to lend their homes a country touch by adding sizeable pieces such as rustic furniture or smaller touches such as rustic bedding to their rooms. Stop by our site today to receive many free rustic design tips. http://www.rusticadornments.com
The role of art in country decor is somewhat different than its role in many other styles of decoration. In most styles, art plays the part of accents, for instance. Country decor, however, is a style of simplicity. Art does not sit on the sidelines to the same degree as it does in most other styles. This is, of course, not to say that country decor lacks art. Quite to the contrary, in fact, there is a great abundance of country art.
However, the art in country decor tends to be integrated into other elements, rather than standing on its own.
This gives the entire style a kind of coherence that adds a lot to the feeling it gives to people. For instance, when one sees a room decorated in a modern style, it is often a bit difficult to put your finger on exactly what style it is. Country decor, however, is recognizable at a glance. This is due in part to the fact that nearly everyone knows how to recognize the country art that is almost universally imbedded in the style. The common threads of the art are as simple as the style as a whole is. Much of the art takes inspiration from nature, even as it uses almost universally natural media.
For instance, the most popular forms of country art are wood crafts. Wood carvings are an art form that has been around since man picked up his first tools, and it has certainly stood up well to its age. Much of the wood carving used in country decor is as a part of a larger piece. For instance, a chair might have an intricate design carved out of the wood. Similarly, other wooden items are often embellished by the use of carvings. When wood carvings are used on their own, they are often actually simpler than when they are part of a larger unit. The artistic style usually used in the depiction of a given subject (most often an animal of some variety) is generally quite simple. Simplicity, however, gives it a sense of elegance and raw connection with nature.
Another medium often used in country art (specifically in the subset of rustic art) is metal work. This is most often done in aluminum or tin, and is almost always part of a functional unit. This sort of work is often done on lanterns and lighting fixtures. The complexity of the work varies greatly, from simple patterns to more complex things, such as wildlife scenes depicted in silhouette against the glow of the lighting fixtures.
Similarly functional is the most widely known style of country art, namely quilts. Quilts are, obviously, quite useful on a cold night to take off the chill, but a good country quilt is also the best thing to liven up a room.
Even when not in use, the patterns and colors of a quilt can work wonders for a room’s decor, particularly when other elements of /www.homes-seekers.net“>country art and décor are arranged to coordinate with the elements of the quilt.
Today more than ever people are looking to lend their homes a country touch by adding sizeable pieces such as rustic furniture or smaller touches such as rustic bedding to their rooms. Stop by our site today to receive many free rustic design tips. http://www.rusticadornments.com
Victoria Larsen asked:
4 years ago, I began designing, manufacturing and marketing a line of raised plaster stencils and ornamental molds. My focus was to introduce the art of raised stenciling to the general consumer, creating a new market for common stencils, which I did quite successfully.
However, as news spread of the revival of this lost art, I began to receive more and more calls from drywall contractors and builders across the nation quizzing me about the possible application of these techniques in their drywall/plaster business.
The typical slow down in winter due to harsher building conditions (and now the recent downturn in the housing industry) commonly left a gaping hole in revenues for businesses of this nature.
Smart drywall professionals began seeing Raised Stenciling and the application of Ornamental Ceiling and Wall designs as a way to bridge the gap between busy seasons and increase their revenues through this easy and inexpensive craft.
Plaster stenciling simply involves smearing common wall mud (joint compound) over the stencil openings, removing the stencil and allowing the design to dry which creates an ornate raised design on walls and ceilings.
Ornamental molds are just as easy! Spray the mold with mold release (a silicone based spray that prevents the plaster from sticking to the mold), filling it with plaster of paris mixed with water, allowing the plaster to harden then applying joint compound (used as the adhesive) to the back of the hardened piece and holding it to the wall until it bonds.
Various mold designs are combined in artistic ways to create ornate ceiling medallions, ceiling corners, wall border designs, wall and ceiling frames and to turn plain fireplaces in to ornate beauties.
The investment in stencils and molds can be minimal and as everyone in the industry knows, plaster of paris and joint compound are extremely cheap, allowing you to create a high ticket service for very little expense.
Professional creation and installation of an ornate plaster ceiling design can produce as much as $50,000.00 from the high end client and can be scaled down to the simplest frame around a light fixture for lower end consumers or builders.
How do you market such a service? That’s easy. By doing some of these designs in your own home, you can quickly begin a beautiful portfolio to show builders and clients.
Visit plaster restoration websites on the internet for lay-out ideas.
Don’t forget that areas such as above doorways, windows and exterior doorways also benefit from the beauty of this easy treatment, along with fireplace designs.
In conclusion, do yourself a favor and look in to the possibility of extending your business services in to the area of decorative art to help you through the slow times. What you may find is a much more lucrative main staple in your business service line-up for the remainder of your career.
© Victoria Larsen 2006
4 years ago, I began designing, manufacturing and marketing a line of raised plaster stencils and ornamental molds. My focus was to introduce the art of raised stenciling to the general consumer, creating a new market for common stencils, which I did quite successfully.
However, as news spread of the revival of this lost art, I began to receive more and more calls from drywall contractors and builders across the nation quizzing me about the possible application of these techniques in their drywall/plaster business.
The typical slow down in winter due to harsher building conditions (and now the recent downturn in the housing industry) commonly left a gaping hole in revenues for businesses of this nature.
Smart drywall professionals began seeing Raised Stenciling and the application of Ornamental Ceiling and Wall designs as a way to bridge the gap between busy seasons and increase their revenues through this easy and inexpensive craft.
Plaster stenciling simply involves smearing common wall mud (joint compound) over the stencil openings, removing the stencil and allowing the design to dry which creates an ornate raised design on walls and ceilings.
Ornamental molds are just as easy! Spray the mold with mold release (a silicone based spray that prevents the plaster from sticking to the mold), filling it with plaster of paris mixed with water, allowing the plaster to harden then applying joint compound (used as the adhesive) to the back of the hardened piece and holding it to the wall until it bonds.
Various mold designs are combined in artistic ways to create ornate ceiling medallions, ceiling corners, wall border designs, wall and ceiling frames and to turn plain fireplaces in to ornate beauties.
The investment in stencils and molds can be minimal and as everyone in the industry knows, plaster of paris and joint compound are extremely cheap, allowing you to create a high ticket service for very little expense.
Professional creation and installation of an ornate plaster ceiling design can produce as much as $50,000.00 from the high end client and can be scaled down to the simplest frame around a light fixture for lower end consumers or builders.
How do you market such a service? That’s easy. By doing some of these designs in your own home, you can quickly begin a beautiful portfolio to show builders and clients.
Visit plaster restoration websites on the internet for lay-out ideas.
Don’t forget that areas such as above doorways, windows and exterior doorways also benefit from the beauty of this easy treatment, along with fireplace designs.
In conclusion, do yourself a favor and look in to the possibility of extending your business services in to the area of decorative art to help you through the slow times. What you may find is a much more lucrative main staple in your business service line-up for the remainder of your career.
© Victoria Larsen 2006