Love flowers but detest the fact they don't stay beautiful? One way to ensure that you have beautiful blooms all year round is to use artworks with your favorite flowers in bloom on your walls and as sculptures. If you feel like silk flowers are well, cheesy and don't look good in a room, you can put other items in your room to give the feeling that Spring is in the air all year round.
Whether you want to use a large artwork on your walls or a collection of smaller artworks clustered together, either way will give your room a great lift. Another way to add life to your decor is to change out your window treatments to a lighter fabric or even show your love of flowers with a floral print. It will open your room and make it even more bloom friendly.
You can sprinkle your love of flowers in bloom throughout your decor by also using items with flowers on them. Small trinket boxes, a rose in bloom decorating a lamp on a table. Use items with flowers on them throughout your room. Instead of a plain shelf, go for a scroll worked one that has a floral motif sculpted into the wood.
Make your home into an eternal garden, its easy to do and you'll have the room of your dreams all year round.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Helping Your Child Sleep Through the Night
When your child makes the transition from the crib to a "bid kid bed"; your toddler that could normally sleep through almost any noise made in his presence may suddenly become a fitful sleeper.
Make sure he's not too hot or too cold first of all. Toddlers can't always verbalize that they are uncomfortable but you can quickly tell if he needs more covers or less.
Other children get frightened by shapes and shadows on the wall. Making sure no lights are coming in through his curtains will eliminate that problem and another solution is to give your child a night light that comes on when the lights go off. You can also turn on a light in his closet and leave it on although some children are more disturbed about having their closet door opened in their room when they are trying to sleep than the original lights and shadows on their walls from cars outside on the streets.
You can also give your child a comfort item. This can range from a favorite toy to a favorite blanket and some parents use focal point as the comfort item. Using a focal point means giving the child an item such as a print or poster to look at until they fall asleep. A limited edition artwork from Disney is a great choice and you can choose prints from several of your child's favorite movies, Many of them are detailed and have a good deal for your child to look at in the artwork.
It's easy to get your little one to sleep through the night if he's previously been a good sleeper. Just get him into a routine such as a bath and then brushing teeth and then a story every night and he'll soon settle in to his new bed and will be sleeping the entire night away before you know it.
Make sure he's not too hot or too cold first of all. Toddlers can't always verbalize that they are uncomfortable but you can quickly tell if he needs more covers or less.
Other children get frightened by shapes and shadows on the wall. Making sure no lights are coming in through his curtains will eliminate that problem and another solution is to give your child a night light that comes on when the lights go off. You can also turn on a light in his closet and leave it on although some children are more disturbed about having their closet door opened in their room when they are trying to sleep than the original lights and shadows on their walls from cars outside on the streets.
You can also give your child a comfort item. This can range from a favorite toy to a favorite blanket and some parents use focal point as the comfort item. Using a focal point means giving the child an item such as a print or poster to look at until they fall asleep. A limited edition artwork from Disney is a great choice and you can choose prints from several of your child's favorite movies, Many of them are detailed and have a good deal for your child to look at in the artwork.
It's easy to get your little one to sleep through the night if he's previously been a good sleeper. Just get him into a routine such as a bath and then brushing teeth and then a story every night and he'll soon settle in to his new bed and will be sleeping the entire night away before you know it.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Your Master Bedroom
Your master bedroom needs to be a place that you can truly relax. You can easily transform your master bedroom from just a room with a bed into an abode of comfort and tranquility.
Get adequate storage in your master bedroom and you'll see an immediate change in the feel of the room. Shelving and a larger chest of drawers is a great way to do it. If you want to have a television in your master bedroom but you don't want it shown all the time, an armoire can do good double duty of holding your television as well as other items and when you don't want your television showing in the bedroom, you can shut the doors to the armoire and your room will reclaim its clean lines and look.
Keep it relaxing and cozy in your artwork as well. Get rid of busy artworks or posters that are extremely bright. Replace them with cozy, relaxing pieces and one in particular that will lend a element of simplicity, is an Andrew Wyeth print titled, "Master Bedroom"; this piece is simplicity at its best. It depicts a simple bed in a simple room.
Fluffy pillows and a new comforter on the bed will also lend an air of relaxation in your room. If you don't already have one, invest in a chaise lounge chair and place it by a window; it can be very relaxing to spend a little time in the sun just relaxing or reading. Taking a few minutes just for yourself to unwind and relax will go a long way to reducing your stress.
Make your master bedroom a place to relax and unwind, it's easy to do and the benefits of being able to relax and get a good night's sleep are enormous.
Get adequate storage in your master bedroom and you'll see an immediate change in the feel of the room. Shelving and a larger chest of drawers is a great way to do it. If you want to have a television in your master bedroom but you don't want it shown all the time, an armoire can do good double duty of holding your television as well as other items and when you don't want your television showing in the bedroom, you can shut the doors to the armoire and your room will reclaim its clean lines and look.
Keep it relaxing and cozy in your artwork as well. Get rid of busy artworks or posters that are extremely bright. Replace them with cozy, relaxing pieces and one in particular that will lend a element of simplicity, is an Andrew Wyeth print titled, "Master Bedroom"; this piece is simplicity at its best. It depicts a simple bed in a simple room.
Fluffy pillows and a new comforter on the bed will also lend an air of relaxation in your room. If you don't already have one, invest in a chaise lounge chair and place it by a window; it can be very relaxing to spend a little time in the sun just relaxing or reading. Taking a few minutes just for yourself to unwind and relax will go a long way to reducing your stress.
Make your master bedroom a place to relax and unwind, it's easy to do and the benefits of being able to relax and get a good night's sleep are enormous.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Art for the Bathroom?
Many people might jokingly say an unattractive or unwanted piece of art they receive as a gift (usually something Aunt Edna painted herself) and the recipient might say that "This will make a great artwork for the bathroom".
However, your bathroom is another room that you will spend time in and it should look at good as the rest of your house. There are some tricks you can use to make your bathroom look as elegant as the rest of your home.
First of all, defeat the clutter. Our bottles and cans of personal grooming products can start taking up valuable counter space and since you use them pretty much every day you want to keep them convenient as well as not taking up space. A standing cabinet that fits over your toilet fixture is great way to get rid of the clutter as well as keep your personal items as well as towels and wash clothes handy.
Up the elegance factor of your bathroom with matching towels and a coordinating toilet tank cover set. Your bathroom is one place in your home where you can have a little fun. If you love sunflowers, use them as a motif in your bathroom.
An artwork that reflects your personal tastes or something fun will be a good addition to your bathroom. You will spend time in your bathroom every single day, make sure it's as comfortable as the rest of the rooms in your home.
However, your bathroom is another room that you will spend time in and it should look at good as the rest of your house. There are some tricks you can use to make your bathroom look as elegant as the rest of your home.
First of all, defeat the clutter. Our bottles and cans of personal grooming products can start taking up valuable counter space and since you use them pretty much every day you want to keep them convenient as well as not taking up space. A standing cabinet that fits over your toilet fixture is great way to get rid of the clutter as well as keep your personal items as well as towels and wash clothes handy.
Up the elegance factor of your bathroom with matching towels and a coordinating toilet tank cover set. Your bathroom is one place in your home where you can have a little fun. If you love sunflowers, use them as a motif in your bathroom.
An artwork that reflects your personal tastes or something fun will be a good addition to your bathroom. You will spend time in your bathroom every single day, make sure it's as comfortable as the rest of the rooms in your home.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Living Room Trends 2007
Clean lines and a sleek look is coming into decorating fashion for 2007. Many people are making the change from the French Country look to the sleek modern Eames type of design.
Bright colors and minimal clutter are the hallmarks of the Eames design. You can usually work with most of the items that you have already in your room it's just a matter of removing a lot of the things that you tend to have out on table tops and on shelves for a French Country feel.
On a wooden shelf with a French Country feel for example, you will have a bouquet of dried lavender with a ribbon around it, a photo in a metallic scroll worked frame and perhaps something along the lines of a fern or a ivy plant. In an Eames design that wooden shelf would become very simple affair with the dried lavender replaced with a modern art sculpture and the plant would be replaced with a simple line drawing of a plant in a simple black or white frame.
You can even keep your overstuffed, super comfy sofa, just replace cover it with a single color fabric slip cover and then replace those piles of pillows with just one or two pillows in a contrasting color. Colors such as dark green, true, red, black, navy blue and white feature prominently in Eames design.
See how easy that is? Take each element in your room and you can make it over into a simplistic design and attain the style you want. You can keep your living space on the cutting edge of interior design style without spending a lot of money.
Bright colors and minimal clutter are the hallmarks of the Eames design. You can usually work with most of the items that you have already in your room it's just a matter of removing a lot of the things that you tend to have out on table tops and on shelves for a French Country feel.
On a wooden shelf with a French Country feel for example, you will have a bouquet of dried lavender with a ribbon around it, a photo in a metallic scroll worked frame and perhaps something along the lines of a fern or a ivy plant. In an Eames design that wooden shelf would become very simple affair with the dried lavender replaced with a modern art sculpture and the plant would be replaced with a simple line drawing of a plant in a simple black or white frame.
You can even keep your overstuffed, super comfy sofa, just replace cover it with a single color fabric slip cover and then replace those piles of pillows with just one or two pillows in a contrasting color. Colors such as dark green, true, red, black, navy blue and white feature prominently in Eames design.
See how easy that is? Take each element in your room and you can make it over into a simplistic design and attain the style you want. You can keep your living space on the cutting edge of interior design style without spending a lot of money.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Horse Art for the Horse Lover
Horses have long been symbols of strength and valor; nothing evokes an image of freedom more than a running horse.
Whether you need a gift for a equine loving friend or you are the lover of all things horse-related; add a piece of art to your decor. Many people make the mistake of purchasing art they think looks good with the colors in their decor rather then featuring subjects that they like.
If you enjoy horses, add some horse related art to you walls and sculptures to your shelves. There is no reason that you can't have your favorite subject depicted on your walls. If you have been lucky enough to have owned a horse, you will be familiar with the teachings of J. Rarey that took the then controversial attitude that horses were actually intelligent animals that didn't need to be beaten and broken into submission. Rarey used methods that included low voices (hence whisperer) and repetition techniques to train his horses and he proved that horses respond better to being trained through love than through fear.
A beautiful piece that is bright and full of life is an artwork by Nancy Cawdrey titled "The Horse Whisperer" and it features a rider gently leaning forward to coax her horse on. This would make a great piece for any room in your home and when paired with a mat and frame to really make the piece stand out; you'll have the first piece of fine horse art in your collection!
Whether you need a gift for a equine loving friend or you are the lover of all things horse-related; add a piece of art to your decor. Many people make the mistake of purchasing art they think looks good with the colors in their decor rather then featuring subjects that they like.
If you enjoy horses, add some horse related art to you walls and sculptures to your shelves. There is no reason that you can't have your favorite subject depicted on your walls. If you have been lucky enough to have owned a horse, you will be familiar with the teachings of J. Rarey that took the then controversial attitude that horses were actually intelligent animals that didn't need to be beaten and broken into submission. Rarey used methods that included low voices (hence whisperer) and repetition techniques to train his horses and he proved that horses respond better to being trained through love than through fear.
A beautiful piece that is bright and full of life is an artwork by Nancy Cawdrey titled "The Horse Whisperer" and it features a rider gently leaning forward to coax her horse on. This would make a great piece for any room in your home and when paired with a mat and frame to really make the piece stand out; you'll have the first piece of fine horse art in your collection!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The First Impression
The old saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression" is very true. If you want to make sure that your home will make a lasting, positive impression on everyone that enters, make your entry way something to sing about.
If your entry way isn't a large area, make good use of your space. A tall hall tree with a storage space and a backing mirror will do a world of good. The bench storage area will keep the area clutter free, the hall tree will have a place to hang coats of not only your own but your guest's as well and the mirror will do that neat little decorating trip and open up the room by eliminating the wall to the eye of the viewer and the reflection of the mirror opens up space in the mind of the view.
Wall sconces providing soft light is another way to create a cozy welcoming feeling. If the corners of the room aren't displayed in bright lighting - a small room won't feel small; it will feel cozy instead. Shelves with a plant, either real or silk is another way to lend a warm feeling to your entry way.
Add an interesting piece of art to your area. Make it one of the first things people see when they enter your home. It can be a heavily brush stroked reproduction of an Old Master's work such as Rembrandt in a wood and gilted frame or it can be something from a modern artist that is full of bright colors. If you want to make it elegant and serene - go for a beautiful rendition of your favorite flowers in bloom showcased in a still life artwork.
Your home should be a reflection of yourself all the way through. If your entry way feels cold and unwelcoming - use these tips to make it a cozy abode your guests are entering.
If your entry way isn't a large area, make good use of your space. A tall hall tree with a storage space and a backing mirror will do a world of good. The bench storage area will keep the area clutter free, the hall tree will have a place to hang coats of not only your own but your guest's as well and the mirror will do that neat little decorating trip and open up the room by eliminating the wall to the eye of the viewer and the reflection of the mirror opens up space in the mind of the view.
Wall sconces providing soft light is another way to create a cozy welcoming feeling. If the corners of the room aren't displayed in bright lighting - a small room won't feel small; it will feel cozy instead. Shelves with a plant, either real or silk is another way to lend a warm feeling to your entry way.
Add an interesting piece of art to your area. Make it one of the first things people see when they enter your home. It can be a heavily brush stroked reproduction of an Old Master's work such as Rembrandt in a wood and gilted frame or it can be something from a modern artist that is full of bright colors. If you want to make it elegant and serene - go for a beautiful rendition of your favorite flowers in bloom showcased in a still life artwork.
Your home should be a reflection of yourself all the way through. If your entry way feels cold and unwelcoming - use these tips to make it a cozy abode your guests are entering.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Don't Collect Cats - Collect Art!
Are you one of those people that loves art so much that your friends tease you that you're going to wind up as one of those crazy ladies living in a house with about eighty strays because you are so kind hearted and can't turned a feline face away?
Instead of filling your house with actual cats, make donations to your local animal shelter in the form of money or necessary items such as cat food or cat litter; if you are short on cash and live on a tight budget - offer your time and clean litter boxes, administer medicine and just give the cats companionship in their cages. Even the proud and solitary cat enjoys human companionship while they are waiting to be adopted.
Another way to celebrate your love of the feline world is to collect cat related art. Cats are mischievous and clever creatures and a lot of the art that is done with a feline theme is often whimsical such as "A Hungry Cat Ate Up the Goat" and has a tongue in cheek sense of humor. There are so many choices in feline art, it may be hard to narrow down the first piece in your collect.
A group of small pictures with a central catty theme on your wall will lend an artsy feel. Plain black frames will make your artworks really stand out. Another way to bring the fun spirit of cats into your room is to use small sculptures. A small sculpture is often a brilliant way to make sure of decorating space that was unused otherwise. They can go on tabletops, in curio cabinets or simply on a shelf.
Make your room a catty paradise. Use your love of cats to build a room that you can truly love and be comfortable in.
Instead of filling your house with actual cats, make donations to your local animal shelter in the form of money or necessary items such as cat food or cat litter; if you are short on cash and live on a tight budget - offer your time and clean litter boxes, administer medicine and just give the cats companionship in their cages. Even the proud and solitary cat enjoys human companionship while they are waiting to be adopted.
Another way to celebrate your love of the feline world is to collect cat related art. Cats are mischievous and clever creatures and a lot of the art that is done with a feline theme is often whimsical such as "A Hungry Cat Ate Up the Goat" and has a tongue in cheek sense of humor. There are so many choices in feline art, it may be hard to narrow down the first piece in your collect.
A group of small pictures with a central catty theme on your wall will lend an artsy feel. Plain black frames will make your artworks really stand out. Another way to bring the fun spirit of cats into your room is to use small sculptures. A small sculpture is often a brilliant way to make sure of decorating space that was unused otherwise. They can go on tabletops, in curio cabinets or simply on a shelf.
Make your room a catty paradise. Use your love of cats to build a room that you can truly love and be comfortable in.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Tips For Making an Impact Piece Sing
An impact piece is one that is the focal point of your room and can be a real conversation starter.
If you're putting together your room and you want to add an impact piece, it's not difficult to do but if you want your piece to bring a real impact to the room, you need to know the tricks for making your impact piece really sing out in your decor scheme.
Contrast will go a long way towards making your impact piece a focal point. A large sized print such as Arleta Pech's hand signed reproduction of her piece "Pink Lemonade" features light pink roses in a light white vase in high contrast to a dark background that really makes this piece have a genuine impact from the first glance. You can further the impact by having the piece framed in a large sized frame.
You can further highlight this piece on a wall by putting a small sconce lamp over it with the light shining down to illuminate the whites and light hues used in this piece. The light will pick up the brilliant light hues and draw a striking contrast to the dark hues.
If you want to use a sculpture as an impact piece, it's very easy to do. Take the main color used for the sculpture and place it on a piece of fabric in a contrasting color. If you don't trust your color judgment, go for a deep, rich black or a stark white as your display option. The contrast between the sculpture and the fabric will bring the eye of the viewer in and draw attention to the piece - thus creating your desired impact.
If you're putting together your room and you want to add an impact piece, it's not difficult to do but if you want your piece to bring a real impact to the room, you need to know the tricks for making your impact piece really sing out in your decor scheme.
Contrast will go a long way towards making your impact piece a focal point. A large sized print such as Arleta Pech's hand signed reproduction of her piece "Pink Lemonade" features light pink roses in a light white vase in high contrast to a dark background that really makes this piece have a genuine impact from the first glance. You can further the impact by having the piece framed in a large sized frame.
You can further highlight this piece on a wall by putting a small sconce lamp over it with the light shining down to illuminate the whites and light hues used in this piece. The light will pick up the brilliant light hues and draw a striking contrast to the dark hues.
If you want to use a sculpture as an impact piece, it's very easy to do. Take the main color used for the sculpture and place it on a piece of fabric in a contrasting color. If you don't trust your color judgment, go for a deep, rich black or a stark white as your display option. The contrast between the sculpture and the fabric will bring the eye of the viewer in and draw attention to the piece - thus creating your desired impact.
Elegant Sculptures
If you're looking for a way to make your room pop with a little more life. Add a sculpture as a centerpiece of the room.
It doesn't have to be a ten-foot tall sculpture with a fountain flowing out of it to make an impression in your room, it's all about how you display the piece. One great way to show off your sculpture, don't just plunk it on a table and expect it to light up the room - you have to unleash the power of the sculpture in your decor.
If you have an art deco type sculpture, for example like Govinder's limited edition sculpture piece, "The Eternal Kiss" that features to two stylized art deco style elephants with their trunks curled and facing each other in an eternal kiss. This is a powerful piece that will do best when placed on a small occasional table in your room and under a light source. A floor lamp is a great way to highlight your sculpture. A floor lamp that features more than one light is an even better way to show off your piece, you can use one light directly on the sculpture and then use the other light for the room itself.
Put your sculpture on a contrasting color of fabric. A sculpture that is mostly gray will look absolutely riveting on a bright red or black fabric. It doesn't have to cover the entire table - just enough to highlight the sculpture is more than enough.
It doesn't have to be a ten-foot tall sculpture with a fountain flowing out of it to make an impression in your room, it's all about how you display the piece. One great way to show off your sculpture, don't just plunk it on a table and expect it to light up the room - you have to unleash the power of the sculpture in your decor.
If you have an art deco type sculpture, for example like Govinder's limited edition sculpture piece, "The Eternal Kiss" that features to two stylized art deco style elephants with their trunks curled and facing each other in an eternal kiss. This is a powerful piece that will do best when placed on a small occasional table in your room and under a light source. A floor lamp is a great way to highlight your sculpture. A floor lamp that features more than one light is an even better way to show off your piece, you can use one light directly on the sculpture and then use the other light for the room itself.
Put your sculpture on a contrasting color of fabric. A sculpture that is mostly gray will look absolutely riveting on a bright red or black fabric. It doesn't have to cover the entire table - just enough to highlight the sculpture is more than enough.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
A Great Gift for Mom
Instead of another bottle of perfume or yet another plant to take of, get your mom a gift she can enjoy all year round in the form of an art piece. Whether you go for a painting or a sculpture, you can get something that will make your mother think of you every time she glances at your gift.
It's easy to choose a piece of art for your mother. You can go two main routes when choosing. Either go by the colors in her home and choose a piece that will fit in with her decor. For example if she has a lot of beige and earth tones, go for a piece that will compliment those colors in her room.
The other way is to get a painting based on the things she likes. If she has a passion for roses, a painting of a beautiful bouquet of roses that will bloom forever more on her wall would make a fabulous choice. If she has a whimsical sense of humor, consider a piece that is has some smile factor to it.
A sculpture is another great piece that gives mom a lot more mobility and she isn't stuck just displaying it on a wall. A sculpture can be displayed on a table or a shelf and you can get all types of sculptures from two kitties that when pushed together form a heart to remind mom you love her even when you're not there; to a funky resin dog for the mom that is still as spirited as can be to a beautiful flying dove.
No matter what you choose, art always makes a fabulous gift.
It's easy to choose a piece of art for your mother. You can go two main routes when choosing. Either go by the colors in her home and choose a piece that will fit in with her decor. For example if she has a lot of beige and earth tones, go for a piece that will compliment those colors in her room.
The other way is to get a painting based on the things she likes. If she has a passion for roses, a painting of a beautiful bouquet of roses that will bloom forever more on her wall would make a fabulous choice. If she has a whimsical sense of humor, consider a piece that is has some smile factor to it.
A sculpture is another great piece that gives mom a lot more mobility and she isn't stuck just displaying it on a wall. A sculpture can be displayed on a table or a shelf and you can get all types of sculptures from two kitties that when pushed together form a heart to remind mom you love her even when you're not there; to a funky resin dog for the mom that is still as spirited as can be to a beautiful flying dove.
No matter what you choose, art always makes a fabulous gift.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Perfect Display Tactics
You can have the best looking piece of art and then ruin it by displaying it badly.
A classic print such as a Matisse or a Renoir won't carry the same impact in your room if you display it in a simple black plastic poster frame. A print is still a valuable piece of art and especially a limited edition. Display your art in frames worthy of the artist's name. A heavy wooden frame will make your friends question whether or not the Van Gogh on your wall is an original. An expensive looking framing job will go a long way to making your art look even more classic.
Bad lighting is another mistake many people make then they are displaying their art. You can have a glorious painting that has all its fine details lost in dim lighting. Prints should not subjected to extremes of direct, bright white light; however they look fabulous when in a brightly lit room. A light aimed in the direction of your artwork but not shining directly on the piece at a close range will show your art at its best.
It can't be stressed enough to match your colors in your room. A bright red artwork in an earth toned room is going to look absolutely garish. Another way to have a great art piece is to use a reproduction piece from a line called Brushstrokes. They are unusual prints that are printed on canvas and then accented with heavy brush strokes to give the illusion that you're looking at an original artwork. These can be hung in a frame or since they are gallery wrapped, on their own as even the sides are printed!
Remember these tips, good framing, good lighting and match your colors in your decor - and your art pieces will also lend an air of elegance to your interior.
A classic print such as a Matisse or a Renoir won't carry the same impact in your room if you display it in a simple black plastic poster frame. A print is still a valuable piece of art and especially a limited edition. Display your art in frames worthy of the artist's name. A heavy wooden frame will make your friends question whether or not the Van Gogh on your wall is an original. An expensive looking framing job will go a long way to making your art look even more classic.
Bad lighting is another mistake many people make then they are displaying their art. You can have a glorious painting that has all its fine details lost in dim lighting. Prints should not subjected to extremes of direct, bright white light; however they look fabulous when in a brightly lit room. A light aimed in the direction of your artwork but not shining directly on the piece at a close range will show your art at its best.
It can't be stressed enough to match your colors in your room. A bright red artwork in an earth toned room is going to look absolutely garish. Another way to have a great art piece is to use a reproduction piece from a line called Brushstrokes. They are unusual prints that are printed on canvas and then accented with heavy brush strokes to give the illusion that you're looking at an original artwork. These can be hung in a frame or since they are gallery wrapped, on their own as even the sides are printed!
Remember these tips, good framing, good lighting and match your colors in your decor - and your art pieces will also lend an air of elegance to your interior.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Art for Meditation
In this fast paced world, it can be difficult to relax and many people have actually forgotten the fine art of relaxation and actually must learn to do it.
Meditation is a wonderful way to teach your body to unwind and relax. There are many different disciplines of meditation and one will be right for you. The most basic type of meditation is a combination of visualization and deep breathing.
Flooding your body with oxygen through deep breathing is calming in itself. The technique is to breath in through your nose and exhale long and slow through your mouth. A deep breath or two will relax almost everyone and it's a good idea to take a couple of "cleansing breaths" before you start your meditation.
Make your meditation session your own. If you enjoy music, put some on. It doesn't have to be Eastern Indian; if you enjoy country and western - put a slow song on. Remember, this is relaxation for you and you need to do what you find comfortable. Many people enjoy sitting in a sunny spot and allowing the sun's warm rays to bring their relaxing touch to a meditation session. Another helpful way to get relaxed is to create a focal point. A good way to do this is to have a painting or sculpture to concentrate upon and start letting your thoughts wander as you do your deep breathing.
Meditating daily for about twenty to thirty minutes has been found to help lower blood pressure and increase oxygen levels in the body. If you've been feeling stressed and you aren't sure you even remember how to relax, take up meditation and you'll find that you can feel alot better about life in general and yourself in particular.
Meditation is a wonderful way to teach your body to unwind and relax. There are many different disciplines of meditation and one will be right for you. The most basic type of meditation is a combination of visualization and deep breathing.
Flooding your body with oxygen through deep breathing is calming in itself. The technique is to breath in through your nose and exhale long and slow through your mouth. A deep breath or two will relax almost everyone and it's a good idea to take a couple of "cleansing breaths" before you start your meditation.
Make your meditation session your own. If you enjoy music, put some on. It doesn't have to be Eastern Indian; if you enjoy country and western - put a slow song on. Remember, this is relaxation for you and you need to do what you find comfortable. Many people enjoy sitting in a sunny spot and allowing the sun's warm rays to bring their relaxing touch to a meditation session. Another helpful way to get relaxed is to create a focal point. A good way to do this is to have a painting or sculpture to concentrate upon and start letting your thoughts wander as you do your deep breathing.
Meditating daily for about twenty to thirty minutes has been found to help lower blood pressure and increase oxygen levels in the body. If you've been feeling stressed and you aren't sure you even remember how to relax, take up meditation and you'll find that you can feel alot better about life in general and yourself in particular.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Perfect Newlywed Gifts
It's hard to find a good gift for newlyweds, you want to get them a gift that sends your best wishes for their new life together, however you don't want to get them a toaster or something impersonal like a gift certificate.
Instead opt for a gift that will carry a lot of meaning and add a touch of art to their home - give them a sculpture. A sculpture is way to give them a gift on several levels; you are giving a great way to spruce up their decor, you're giving a gift with a meaning and it's all wrapped up in a nifty piece of original art.
A great looking piece that will convey well wishes for the new couple is found in the Govinder limited edition sculpture titled "The Lovers". It features two artfully sculpted cats that have a space between their front legs that form a heart when the two cats are pushed together. They may be displayed separately or together. A limited edition makes a very special gift since only a certain number of the piece are produced it's a good way to give a unique gift that they can count on as one of a kind, as each number in the series is numbered as unique.
If your newlyweds are using the principle of Feng Shui to decorate their love nest - they will appreciate the fact that this piece comes in a pair. You can also give this gift with a lovely plant such as a bonsai or other slow growing, long living plant that will your new couple years of enjoyment.
Giving a gift for newlyweds is easy when you give the gift of art.
Instead opt for a gift that will carry a lot of meaning and add a touch of art to their home - give them a sculpture. A sculpture is way to give them a gift on several levels; you are giving a great way to spruce up their decor, you're giving a gift with a meaning and it's all wrapped up in a nifty piece of original art.
A great looking piece that will convey well wishes for the new couple is found in the Govinder limited edition sculpture titled "The Lovers". It features two artfully sculpted cats that have a space between their front legs that form a heart when the two cats are pushed together. They may be displayed separately or together. A limited edition makes a very special gift since only a certain number of the piece are produced it's a good way to give a unique gift that they can count on as one of a kind, as each number in the series is numbered as unique.
If your newlyweds are using the principle of Feng Shui to decorate their love nest - they will appreciate the fact that this piece comes in a pair. You can also give this gift with a lovely plant such as a bonsai or other slow growing, long living plant that will your new couple years of enjoyment.
Giving a gift for newlyweds is easy when you give the gift of art.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
More Simple Ways to Spruce Up Your Decor
One of the main reasons so many people don't redecorate their rooms is not that they don't know how or they don't have time; it's the money factor. If you use the following tips, you can spruce up your decor and make some outstanding changes without spending a lot of money.
First, look at the basics of your room. Check out your big furniture pieces. Strip off any pillows, throws and items off table tops - you can put back some of it after you re-do your room.
If you have a boring beige decor, hop it up a little with color. Delegate your beige and brown pillows to the guestroom and replace those boring pillows with colors that pick up little used colors in your room. It's a great way to meld a decor.
Shelves can do so much for a room. Aside from getting rid of clutter on table tops and giving a look of organization to the room, they can also be very useful for developing a sense continuity in your room design. The straight lines of the shelving will travel in the mind's eye along the line of the walls and ceiling and help ring your decor together.
A sculpture can enliven a room too. Choose something bright and fun - a real conversation starter such as a Govinder sculpture. There is no trick to choosing a sculpture, simply choose a piece that you enjoy looking at.
First, look at the basics of your room. Check out your big furniture pieces. Strip off any pillows, throws and items off table tops - you can put back some of it after you re-do your room.
If you have a boring beige decor, hop it up a little with color. Delegate your beige and brown pillows to the guestroom and replace those boring pillows with colors that pick up little used colors in your room. It's a great way to meld a decor.
Shelves can do so much for a room. Aside from getting rid of clutter on table tops and giving a look of organization to the room, they can also be very useful for developing a sense continuity in your room design. The straight lines of the shelving will travel in the mind's eye along the line of the walls and ceiling and help ring your decor together.
A sculpture can enliven a room too. Choose something bright and fun - a real conversation starter such as a Govinder sculpture. There is no trick to choosing a sculpture, simply choose a piece that you enjoy looking at.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Decorating With a Flair
If you're tired of your boring old living room, you don't have to run out and purchase all new furnishings to give your room a new life, just add a little flair.
Flair for a room can come in many forms. Add an area rug to add some life to the center of your room. Make a cozy gathering corner for you and your friends by placing an area rug in the corner of your room and then adding a set of chairs and a table in the area. The rug will create invisible boundaries and help this area of the room seem separate from the rest.
Another way to add flair to a room is to add a splash of bold color. You can add color in subtle ways by changing out your pillows on your sofa to something bright and lively. Add a piece of artwork in your room that is vibrant with color such as a hand pulled seriagraph by Phillipe Bertho.
A simple yet brightly colored table cloth on an occasional table or a table runner on a coffee table are both excellent ways of bringing more color into your rooms and giving the entire room more life.
Last but not least, living plants that are vibrant in color such as a flowering hibiscus with its beautiful pink and white blooms will make an outstanding statement in your room. Silk plants are also a good decor item if you have a decidedly brown thumb where plants are concerned. Either way opt for lush green leaves and bright flowers for your room - you'll love the pick-me-up your room gets from adding just a touch of bright color.
Flair for a room can come in many forms. Add an area rug to add some life to the center of your room. Make a cozy gathering corner for you and your friends by placing an area rug in the corner of your room and then adding a set of chairs and a table in the area. The rug will create invisible boundaries and help this area of the room seem separate from the rest.
Another way to add flair to a room is to add a splash of bold color. You can add color in subtle ways by changing out your pillows on your sofa to something bright and lively. Add a piece of artwork in your room that is vibrant with color such as a hand pulled seriagraph by Phillipe Bertho.
A simple yet brightly colored table cloth on an occasional table or a table runner on a coffee table are both excellent ways of bringing more color into your rooms and giving the entire room more life.
Last but not least, living plants that are vibrant in color such as a flowering hibiscus with its beautiful pink and white blooms will make an outstanding statement in your room. Silk plants are also a good decor item if you have a decidedly brown thumb where plants are concerned. Either way opt for lush green leaves and bright flowers for your room - you'll love the pick-me-up your room gets from adding just a touch of bright color.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Gifts of Bad Art
No, we don't mean art that is poorly done or lacking in talent. We mean art that is done with the rebel or rebel at heart in mind. If you know a truly free spirt that marches to the beat of their own drummer - the gift of a thoughtfully chosen piece of art just for them will make a beautiful sentiment and show you really know what they like.
Govinder has a really fun piece titled, "Bad to the Bone" it features a stylized cat with bold colors emblazoned with a skull and cross bones. There is an image of a dog stamped on his side - in the fashion of WWII planes that stamped a mark for every enemy combatant they shot down.
Other pieces that are purely wild at heart include a free, running horse that embodies the spirit of freedom at its finest. Consider art with symbols that stand for freedom and free thinking such as wolves and dragonflies, both are common messengers that bring freedom with their presence.
Consider a limited edition piece. Limited editions are more than reproductions of original artworks, they are limited to a certain number, usually determined by the artist and then only that number of prints or sculptures is produced. Each one is given a unique number in the series and the final piece has been produced. The edition is over.
It's easy to find a piece of art that will embody the free thinking on your gift list - it's just a matter of narrowing down to a single piece that can be the difficult part when you have so many choices!
Govinder has a really fun piece titled, "Bad to the Bone" it features a stylized cat with bold colors emblazoned with a skull and cross bones. There is an image of a dog stamped on his side - in the fashion of WWII planes that stamped a mark for every enemy combatant they shot down.
Other pieces that are purely wild at heart include a free, running horse that embodies the spirit of freedom at its finest. Consider art with symbols that stand for freedom and free thinking such as wolves and dragonflies, both are common messengers that bring freedom with their presence.
Consider a limited edition piece. Limited editions are more than reproductions of original artworks, they are limited to a certain number, usually determined by the artist and then only that number of prints or sculptures is produced. Each one is given a unique number in the series and the final piece has been produced. The edition is over.
It's easy to find a piece of art that will embody the free thinking on your gift list - it's just a matter of narrowing down to a single piece that can be the difficult part when you have so many choices!
Monday, March 05, 2007
Gifts for Elephant Loving Friends
Everyone knows people that are crazy about their cats and dogs and collect items that are dedicated to their favorite breed of canine or feline, but what about your friends that collect items dedicated to more exotic?
If you have a friend that loves all things elephant, there are some excellent ways to give them a unique gift that they will adore. With the old adage,"An elephant never forgets"; you can give your friend a gift of a date book or appointment book in a beautiful leather bound case.
A new writing pen with an elephant motif is another great gift. You can include a beautifully designed elephant print scarf. Jewelry with an elephant inspired design is now readily available. An elephant brooche is a beautiful way to show your know what your friend really likes.
For the elephant lover that doesn't really wear jewelry or have need of a pen and appointment book, try a piece of elephant inspired art. Govinder has a gorgeously detailed piece that is exotically elephant inspired. In a limited edition of only 250 pieces in the series this reproduction of his original piece is full of detail and will absolutely "wow" anyone that loves elephants.
Titled, "Mother and Child" this extremely detailed piece features a stylized mother elephant in a protective hugging pose over her baby. Both pieces are carved with tribal looking markings and this piece measures roughly 13-inches tall so it won't be a big space commitment and will bring an air of true elegance where it is displayed.
If you have a friend that loves all things elephant, there are some excellent ways to give them a unique gift that they will adore. With the old adage,"An elephant never forgets"; you can give your friend a gift of a date book or appointment book in a beautiful leather bound case.
A new writing pen with an elephant motif is another great gift. You can include a beautifully designed elephant print scarf. Jewelry with an elephant inspired design is now readily available. An elephant brooche is a beautiful way to show your know what your friend really likes.
For the elephant lover that doesn't really wear jewelry or have need of a pen and appointment book, try a piece of elephant inspired art. Govinder has a gorgeously detailed piece that is exotically elephant inspired. In a limited edition of only 250 pieces in the series this reproduction of his original piece is full of detail and will absolutely "wow" anyone that loves elephants.
Titled, "Mother and Child" this extremely detailed piece features a stylized mother elephant in a protective hugging pose over her baby. Both pieces are carved with tribal looking markings and this piece measures roughly 13-inches tall so it won't be a big space commitment and will bring an air of true elegance where it is displayed.
Friday, March 02, 2007
The Rich History Of Oil Painting
Any kind of art buff is sure to come across hundreds and hundreds of oil paintings in their lifetime. If you happen to be a fan of the look of oil paints, then you would probably benefit greatly from a look into the rich history of this painting method. Over the years, the paints as well as the artists may have changed, however the beauty and the depth that only an oil painting can provide will always stay the same.
In a nutshell, oil paint as the basis for all oil paintings consists of a drying oil that is rich with small pigments of color. This is a slow-drying process that happens to date way back into years as early as England in the thirteenth century. Some of the different ingredients to have been used in oil paints over the years include castor, linseed, soybean, safflower, walnut, poppy seed, hemp seed, sunflower and pine nut oils.
The beauty of oil paints for many artists is the sheer fact that these paints are so slow in drying that they can last in the open air to be used for several different sessions on the same project. Fans of oil paintings are also sure to agree that this is a medium with one of the best ways to blend colors.
A short list of artists who have been known to create some of the most incredible works of art with oil paints include Antonello Da Messina, Leonardo Da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Giorgio Vasari, and Jan Van Eyck and you can get many of their masterpieces available through realistic prints on canvas.
In a nutshell, oil paint as the basis for all oil paintings consists of a drying oil that is rich with small pigments of color. This is a slow-drying process that happens to date way back into years as early as England in the thirteenth century. Some of the different ingredients to have been used in oil paints over the years include castor, linseed, soybean, safflower, walnut, poppy seed, hemp seed, sunflower and pine nut oils.
The beauty of oil paints for many artists is the sheer fact that these paints are so slow in drying that they can last in the open air to be used for several different sessions on the same project. Fans of oil paintings are also sure to agree that this is a medium with one of the best ways to blend colors.
A short list of artists who have been known to create some of the most incredible works of art with oil paints include Antonello Da Messina, Leonardo Da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Giorgio Vasari, and Jan Van Eyck and you can get many of their masterpieces available through realistic prints on canvas.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Art For The Newlyweds
When you get married for the very first time, you are more than excited to begin your new lives together. After all, you and your partner are going to be able to build on something wonderful and new that you have created together. Hopefully, along with your marriage you will be able to move into a brand new home or apartment. In this case, you might even want to look into some incredible framed art pieces or sculpture to add to your living space.
While it is not always necessary to completely agree on everything as a couple, the same really does go along with your art purchases. After all, a mix of your two personalities and tastes is exactly what brought the two of you together in the first place. When you are on the hunt for pieces of art to express yourselves in your home, there is nothing wrong with looking for items that speak for the both of you.
Some newlyweds will actually set up online gift registries for certain home items and gadgets that come from various department stores. Well, for the couple who happens to live and breathe art, there is nothing better than a gift registry of fine art and sculpture, which happens to exist at Gallery Direct Art! As your family and friends are beginning to prepare for your wedding, they can shop online from the comfort of their own home for artwork that you have already selected as a couple.
This is the perfect way for everyone involved to be completely satisfied. All of your friends and family members will have the satisfaction of knowing that you will love their gift, and you, the happy couple can enjoy the artwork for many years to come.
While it is not always necessary to completely agree on everything as a couple, the same really does go along with your art purchases. After all, a mix of your two personalities and tastes is exactly what brought the two of you together in the first place. When you are on the hunt for pieces of art to express yourselves in your home, there is nothing wrong with looking for items that speak for the both of you.
Some newlyweds will actually set up online gift registries for certain home items and gadgets that come from various department stores. Well, for the couple who happens to live and breathe art, there is nothing better than a gift registry of fine art and sculpture, which happens to exist at Gallery Direct Art! As your family and friends are beginning to prepare for your wedding, they can shop online from the comfort of their own home for artwork that you have already selected as a couple.
This is the perfect way for everyone involved to be completely satisfied. All of your friends and family members will have the satisfaction of knowing that you will love their gift, and you, the happy couple can enjoy the artwork for many years to come.
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