Put Up Some Holiday Cheer

The holidays are coming to a peak over the next week and if you're entertaining, up the tempo in your room by adding some fun holiday additions.

If you don't already have a holiday centerpiece, either purchase a ready-made one or your can make one simply yourself. You will need only a pine, styrofoam or grapevine wreath (available at your local craft store and some dollar stores) and then some holiday-esque items to decorate it with. Let your imagination go wild. You can use tree decorations on your wreath, strategically placed with a glue gun, frugal types can use a metal pot scrubber (new, not used) and unroll it. The metal pot scrubber will wrap around one 12-inch wreath very easily - use a staple gun to hold in place. The glistening of the metal pot scrubber will actually set a fun holiday tone, especially over a metallic paper wrapped styrofoam wreath.

Another fun addition you can make is on your walls. Replace Aunt Betty's masterpiece she gave you for your walls just for the holidays with something that rings out holiday cheer. A Kinkade is a wonderful choice for holiday spirit with his portrayals of winter nights with warm homes alight, just waiting for a visit. Also, hang mistletoe around your home, stash it away above doorways and create some small, fun signs with arrows pointing up and watch the amused looks of your guests.

Make your home a place full of holiday cheer this season and show your spirit on your walls!

Fantastic Housewarming Gift Idea

If you happen to have a friend or family member who is near and dear to your heart that is moving into a brand new home, then you are definitely going to want to make sure that you give them an amazing housewarming gift. Such an incredible gift will be cherished and talked about by them for many years to come. So, what kind of a gift are you going to buy for their house to make such a lasting impression?

A truly fabulous gift idea that many individuals tend to overlook for a housewarming present is a beautiful canvas print. This is really a nice idea that your gift recipient can use to hand on one of the walls within their new home! If you know their tastes very well, then you should have no problem at all picking out a terrific design that they are sure to treasure. Perhaps a hand signed and numbered limited edition Bonnie Marris is something that is just up their alley!

Morning Run is the name of a breathtaking Giclee that you can order up in two different canvas sizes. You can send your gift recipient this beautiful piece in either the thirty by 42 inch size or the forty-five by sixty-two inch unstretched size. They may have already told you that they are looking for a stunning piece to hang on a certain wall. If so, then your recipient is definitely going to enjoy every single inch of this stunning piece depicting horses.

Celebrate the Good Life

Are you on the lookout for an amazing piece of art that you can bring into your home? Maybe you have been searching for a nice piece that will have the ability to make you smile each and every time you have the chance to look at it as you walk by. The great thing about art and sculpture is that you do not have to be an expert to know what makes you happy. When you want to bring a beautiful piece into your home, you might just find that a Paul Horton sculpture will do the trick.

Full of whimsy and plenty of ability to spark your imagination, each and every Paul Horton sculpture is just right to bring into your home. Whether you are already a collector of fine art and sculpture or if you are just starting out, you are guaranteed to find great joy with the purchase of one of these incredible pieces. You even usually have the choice of getting each of the Paul Horton sculptures made from either resin or bronze. Make your choice and you will be well on your way to a piece that will bring you years of happiness and a wealth of compliments from all of your friends and family members.

The Paul Horton limited edition resin sculpture called The Good Life is a really nice piece that is just right for your family room, den or even a special spot in your bedroom. The simple yet interesting home and attention to detail will command compliments from everyone that lays eyes on this little masterpiece!

Warm and Cozy - Thomas Kinkade

You might have fond memories of a painting that your parents had, or you have always been on the lookout for the kind of painting that seems as though it has been in your family for years. One of the things that mark a truly wonderful painting will include the ability to draw people in, making them feel as though they have had the chance to look at it and appreciate it for years and years. If you are in search of such a painting that will have a soothing affect on your soul, then you might just find that there is nothing quite like the detail of a Thomas Kinkade.

Some folks actually say that a Thomas Kinkade print will have the ability to draw you in and make you feel as though you have been transported to another time and place. Many people are even very familiar with this works that are shown frequently during the holiday season. Most of the winter scenes by Thomas Kinkade are quite popular for those who like to think of old fashioned holidays at home. Whatever your reason may be for purchasing a Thomas Kinkade print, you are guaranteed to be very pleased with your purchase.

The Rose Gate is a purely stunning limited edition Thomas Kinkade print that you can get handsigned and numbered. The colors in this piece really come alive, almost making the trees look as they are swaying in the breeze. This canvas print is going to be just right for your home or apartment.

Young and Old Love Disney

It is a known fact that there are just as many adults as there are children who enjoy anything and everything that is Walt Disney. This could be due to the fact that all of these adults grew up with Disney, or perhaps they really enjoy it because their own children do. No matter what the reason may be, it is just a fact that you are never too old for Disney!

If you are a big fan of anything and everything Disney, then the chances are very good that you have paid several visits to the theme parks, watched all sorts of the movies and are also quite familiar with most or even all of the animated characters. You might even be a collector of such items as Disney collector pins or even animals from their incredible line of plush toys. Well, when you are such a fan of Disney, then you might also want to look into the purchase of a wonderful limited edition print that you can be proud to hang within your home or apartment.

Perhaps you happen to have a favorite Disney movie that you enjoy watching over and over again. If so, then this is a magnificent idea for a print. All of the prints that are available are numbered and you can even get them already framed upon arrival. Spruce up an empty wall within your home with a limited edition print from movies such as Cinderella, Peter Pan, Finding Nemo, Alice In Wonderland and many others.

New Art for a New Year

Start thinking ahead to 2008 and give your walls a fresh new look for the new year. When you're putting together your decor, you may feel a little intimidated about choosing a large artwork for your walls. It doesn't have to a Renoir reproduction to add a touch of style in your room. What it does need to do is make you feel comfortable with the subject matter depicted and the overall essence of the artwork.

An easy way to find a painting that will meld right into your decor scheme is to look around your room and write down two main colors and one or two secondary colors you've used in your design scheme. Try to incorporate an artwork with at least one of the main colors and one of the secondary colors and you'll have a large piece that will go well with your room off the bat.

Go for a framed artwork that looks nice but isn't too ornate. Large, heavy wooden scroll worked frames are certainly elegant but they can detract from your artwork, particularly if it is done in colors that are of the lighter variety.

For a soft look in your room, go for the blended softness of watercolors. For a sharper and more modern look, the bright colors of an acrylic masterpiece can't be beat. Prints translate well to any of the three main mediums, watercolor, acrylic or oils. It's all just a matter of the look you want to convey in your room.

Use these tips and choose a new artwork to ring in the New Year and a new look to your room!

Simple Pleasures - Primitive Art!

You don't have to live a cave to enjoy primitive art. The sharp black lines and bright pigments used to create these reproductions inspired by neolithic cave drawings will meld nicely into any decor scheme. Alision Dearborne has captured the look of the primitive style with a touch of modern design. She has two outstanding prints that will look marvelous on your walls.

The first is a piece titled, "Freeing the Souls" and depicts two maize and light yellow colored bison running and three wild horses running the opposite direction. The colors used in the horses run from the same scheme as the bison along the color palette to a gorgeous gray-blue. Bold black lines accent the delicately drawn hooves and legs of all five animals in this piece.

The second piece is done in complimentary colors to the previous artwork and is titled, "Jewel". This beautifully done artwork features a running wild horse done in muted tones of brown and golden yellow with a vibrant gold and purple background.

Displayed together on a wall, these two primitive artworks will liven up your decor and bring a beautiful splash of gentle color. Both of these artworks are part of hand signed and limited numbered edition. This means not only are you getting a one-of-a-kind piece with a unique number, you are also getting an artwork that was signed by the artist herself.

If you want to add artwork to your decor that are a little different from the run of the mill flowers on tables in vases and landscapes - go primitive!

Revamp Your Fireplace!

Bored with your fireplace? In the beginning, your fireplace might have been the selling point for your home but with most people their fireplace because the key point in the room they really aren't sure how to decorate around. You can't move it and it may seem that you're very limited as to what you can put around or on a fireplace.

First of all, what may be bothering you about the fireplace isn't actually the fireplace but the mantle over the fireplace. The mantle around your fireplace can make or break your room. Is yours dingy and worn looking? Don't fret about it-just replace it. You can choose either a 3-sided mantle that will go across your fireplace and down each side to the floor or just a short mantle that will go across the top of your fireplace. Simply improving the mantle will make a lot of rooms look instantly better.

Besides your mantle, you can upgrade your fireplace screen. Your fireplace screen doesn't have to be boring old metal that is painted black. You can get a myriad of styles to choose from such that will range from iron scroll worked patterns to the more traditional tightly woven screen.

For a dramatic effect, put a large mirror over your fireplace. It will have a dual duty of reflecting light from the fireplace and the room as well as making the room larger. Another beautiful option is to get a large artwork and hang it over the fireplace. A limited edition print will make a beautiful statement choose a cozy theme to add even more warmth to your room.

It's easy to update your fireplace if you know the basics. Use these tips and make your room with a fireplace the cozy, comfortable place you always knew it could be.

Make Your Office Space POP!

There could quite possibly be nothing worse than an office space that is dull and dreary. Whenever you are sitting in such a room, it is only natural that you will feel as though you are being weighed down. In order to have an upbeat feeling in your office that will inspire you to work, you may want to think of mixing things up a bit. This could mean everything from the addition of a plant to a gorgeous piece of wall art.

Depending on what your particular tastes may be, a nice piece of artwork for your office could either be subtle or bright. When it comes to color you can always go with the particular pattern or scheme that speaks to you first. If you happen to find a piece that makes you smile from the very second that you look at it, then the chances are very good that it will bring you plenty of joy and inspiration when placed in your office setting.

If you long for the days when you can relax and enjoy the open air of the west, then there is really nothing better than a limited edition Bill Anton giclee on canvas. Since Anton is well known for capturing the west in a natural and almost lifelike state, it is only right that you would fall in love with one of his pieces from the get go. "Cottonwood Dreams" is always a good choice for the lover of the outdoors, complete with a horse quietly grazing under a majestic cottonwood tree. With such a delightful piece of art, your office will never be dull and drab again.

Getting Interior Decor Ideas

Have you gotten inspired by one of the many shows on television that feature room make overs? Looking around your own home and deciding you need to make some changes? It can seem daunting but you don't have to call in a designer - you can do it yourself - you just need to find inspiration and here are some great places to start:

Print
Magazines are a great place to start. Look in such periodicals as Better Homes and Gardens or one of the number of design magazines out there that profile all makes and manners of decors. Make yourself a little scrap book of pieces you like. It doesn't have to be anything formal, a spiral notebook with the title "Living Room" or "Kitchen" on the page is sufficient. Then as your find pieces you like add them the page of the room you want to put the piece in and you'll soon see a lot of great ideas coming together.

Television
With the number of home decorating shows as well two major networks, Style and HGTV dedicated to better interior design; you can get some fabulous ideas for changing the look of any room in your house and in most cases, save money by learning to do certain things yourself, like make your own draperies and pillows.

Retail Stores
Visit furniture stores and home design stores. Pick up a few of those free paint color samples. You can use those to make sure you get the colors you want to use right for your room. It's also a good idea for comparing how different colors look together.

Online
You can get tons of good ideas online - it's just a matter of looking carefully. Found an art object you would love to incorporate into your own decor scheme? Look at how it's displayed on the website. Make note of the tables used to display a sculpture or a sofa underneath a fine art print in a gorgeous frame.

Use these simple ideas and rev up your own interior decor - it's easy!

Gifts of Love!

It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day in order to purchase an amazing gift such as a Berit Kruger-Johnsen creation. Although, with the wonderful use of red and the romantic feel that these terrific paintings happen give off, it almost seems as though every single day of the year is February the 14th! Such a painting is just right for the special person in your life no matter what the occasion may be.

Perhaps you are going to be celebrating something incredible such as a one-year wedding anniversary or even an engagement. Any one of the beautiful paintings by Berit Kruger-Johnsen will definitely be appreciated and much admired by your loved one. You may even find that you really need some sort of a pick me up in a certain room of your home or apartment. The perfect placement of one of the paintings in this collection can bring a completely different look and feel to your space. You should be warned however, anything created by Berit Kruger-Johnsen has been known to become highly addictive, causing many people to want to purchase several others for other areas of their home!

The Dreams Of Love happens to be the kind of a painting that really brings about quite a bit of conversation by everyone who has the chance to view it. When set up in your living space, you will certainly find that many of your guests will enjoy gazing at this painting for a while. Be prepared to get a plethora of compliments on such a wonderful art selection once you any one of these painting in your home.

Designer Touch Your Office Space

There could quite possibly be nothing worse than an office space that is dull and dreary. Whenever you are sitting in such a room, it is only natural that you will feel as though you are being weighed down. In order to have an upbeat feeling in your office that will inspire you to work, you may want to think of mixing things up a bit. This could mean everything from the addition of a plant to a gorgeous piece of wall art.

Depending on what your particular tastes may be, a nice piece of artwork for your office could either be subtle or bright. When it comes to color you can always go with the particular pattern or scheme that speaks to you first. If you happen to find a piece that makes you smile from the very second that you look at it, then the chances are very good that it will bring you plenty of joy and inspiration when placed in your office setting.

If you long for the days when you can relax and enjoy the open air of the west, then there is really nothing better than a limited edition Bill Anton giclee on canvas. Since Anton is well known for capturing the west in a natural and almost lifelike state, it is only right that you would fall in love with one of his pieces from the get go. "Emerald Oasis" is always a good choice for the lover of the outdoors, complete with rolling mountains, a beautiful water setting and majestic horses. With such a delightful piece of art, your office will never be dull and drab again.

Lift Your Decor and Your Mood

With the holidays sometimes brings depression. Many more people feel their loneliness and feelings of emptiness amplified around the holiday season. Some people say this is due to more people not getting regular sunlight and it's a seasonal increase in the occurrence of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), a disease that occurs brings depression and a general lack of incentive.

One thing you can do to avoid the holiday and seasonal blues is make sure that you're eating right and getting an adequate amount of sunlight and exercise. A brisk 10 minute walk, preferably during daylight hours will go a long way to making you feel better.

Another tip for beating the winter blues is to change your living space a little. You don't have to throw out your existing furniture or bring in an expensive suite of furniture, the goal is to figure out how to best use the pieces you've got. If your room seems small, you might have too many pieces in your room or you might simply not be taking advantage of your best use of space. A whimsical artwork in the form of a print or a sculpture displayed on a table can also add a good vibe to your room.

Some people like to feng shui their rooms to bring balance to not only the room but to themselves. You can also invest in a lamp that has a light range in the same range as sunshine. Many individuals report that these type of lamps alleviate their symptoms of SAD, along with making lifestyle changes such as cutting out junk food (which can create emotion crashing sugar highs and lows) and adding some physical activity to their daily routines.

Designer Secrets For Bringing Ceilings Lower

Does your home have really high ceilings? That can be a real decorating challenge, if you're not careful you can wind up with a clutter on your walls all the way up to your ceiling.

One way to let your decor speak for itself is to create the illusion that your ceilings are lower than they actually are. One way to bring that white ceiling down a little is to add something of interest on it. Items such as tin ceiling tiles which look heavy but are actually very light will add a big element of interest to your room. You can also use a darker color of paint on your ceiling and use a texture stamp to help bring your room in a little closer. Resin tiles that can be painted will also look stunning on your ceiling.

Use larger artworks on your walls and hang them a little higher and you'll also trick the eye into thinking that the room isn't quite as tall as it actually is and you'll be making good use of your wall space without cluttering your room. Boarders placed around your ceiling will also help bring your room in and make it seem more cozy and warm. Stick to darker and neutral colors such as off-white, dark beige, lightest brown, goldenrod are all good choices for creating the illusion of a lower ceiling and will make your room feel much more comfortable.

Use these tips and with a minimum of work, you can make your uncomfortable room with high ceilings and turn it into a comfortable feeling room that you'll look forward to spending time in.

An Artfully Beautiful Bedroom

Just because your bedroom happens to be one of the rooms within your home or apartment that most of your guests might not see, there is no reason why you cannot fill it up with some of your favorite art. You are sure to be very pleased with your bedroom once you have a couple of amazing strategic locations. All it takes is a little bit of consideration of what you might be looking for and a couple of empty spaces to fill up!

When you begin the process of choosing a couple of different pieces, you might want to begin by figuring our just what areas you might want to use to place your art. If you happen to have a big, empty wall space, you can opt for a wonderful large impact piece of even a nice collection. You might even find that you can add a nice sculpture on an empty bit of shelving or even on a corner of your bureau if you have a little room to work with.

Go ahead and begin your hunt for some of the pieces that speak to you and your tastes. You might find that you will want to go with a very dramatic piece that stands out in your room. Often times, straying from your current theme can add a bit of whimsy to your bedroom that can give you an incredible feeling each time you look at it. Feel confident in your choices and have fun with your choices and you should see that you will end up with the artful bedroom of your dreams.

Adding Your Own Personal Touch

One of the biggest keys to having a unique decor in your home is to add personal touches that make the look truly your own. A good way to add your own flavor to your interior design is to find an artwork that really speaks to you and incorporate it into your room.

If you're not sure what type of artwork to get, write down the three main colors in your room and get an artwork that features at least two of those strongly. If you're a collector of cat related items, get a cat themed artwork for your walls. Religious themed artworks comfort many people with just their presence. The selection is huge and if you know basically what you'd like to see on your walls, it will go a long way to helping you narrow down your selection.

Remember, art doesn't have to hang on your walls. If you don't see any wall space that would look good with an artwork added to it, consider adding a sculpture to your room. A David Schluss piece will add a good deal of vibrancy to your room. A sampling of his works will inspire you to become a collector of his work. One piece that you will find inspiring is titled, "Love Dance" and features two figures dancing a vibrant step that nearly leaps out of the frame and will make a great conversation piece in your home. Another vibrant piece titled, "The Dance" is another spirited piece that features two figures also stepping to a lively beat.

Other personal touches include a favorite plant in a hand painted pot. Photographs from family gatherings and vacations that are framed in the same type of frame and clustered together on a wall will also make a nice impact for your decor.

Bad to the Bone?

There happens to be a very big difference between adding a good piece of sculpture to your living space and adding an incredible piece of sculpture to your living space. When you are looking for an outstanding work of art for your home, apartment or office space, the best idea is to make sure that you do a decent amount of shopping around in order to find the perfect piece that speaks to you. This way, each and every time you glance at it, you will have a unique and wonderful experience that only the perfect sculpture can bring. This is true to if you're choosing the sculpture for a gift - don't buy the first thing you run across, wait until you find something that truly tickles your fancy.

As far as choosing your sculpture, you should keep in mind that it is always best to go with exactly what you like. This means not having to worry about whether or not the sculpture that you pick matches your current decor. After all, some of the most amazing works of art will end up being the ones that really stand out against everything else that is located within the room. You might even find that you will enjoy being on the hunt for a certain piece that happens to differ quite a bit from everything else that you currently have.

To get your hands on a terrific sculpture that will speak to you as well as all of your guests, you might want to look into the collection created by Govinder. One particular piece that is interesting and quite unique for any space is called Bad To The Bone. With the interesting design and splash of color, this is guaranteed to be a sculpture that you will be thrilled to look at each time you walk into the room.

Adding Feng Shui Elements to Your Bedroom

If you've been wanting to introduce the design style of feng shui to your bedroom it can be done easily with just a few elements.

Feng shui is basically the art of object placement around a room that has been practiced in China for over two-thousand years. It is also about balancing the feeling of your room so it feels that energy flows through it with careful attention to not only the placement of the objects but also the materials that every object is made from. Using the feng shui technique is also known as "curing" the ills of the room.

Iron is important element in feng shui as it brings healing to the room. An iron bed is a great way to bring restorative vibrations to your room and also have pairs of as many objects as you can. Pairs of book ends, pairs of pillows, a nightstand on each side of your bed, artworks and shelves are all items you can consider in pairs. Pairs are said to bring harmony to the room.

A pair of iron lamps will also bring a good cure to the room. Lighting is an important "cure" in feng shui. Bright lighting will cure bad moods and low lighting is used to bring warm feelings to the room or when harmony is needed between two people.

And those are just a few of the basics for adding the magic of feng shui to your bedroom. Add a little harmony to your bedroom and experience the "cure" and balance it brings!

Turn Your Little Girl Into a Princess!

Do you have a little girl that's been very good this year? If she's ready to move up from a toddler room to a room of her own, treat her like the princess she is.

Walls, done in a soft hue, like pink, or yellow or pale lilac, are a perfect start. Window treatments that are long and dreamy are a perfect choice, or even faux window frames that make the window look like a castle’s window. Faux treatments on one wall, or a portion of all walls to look like stone would be a wonderful touch as well!

If you aren’t interested in buying a whole new bed, consider making a canopy that hangs from the ceiling above the bed. This is easily accomplished by either painting, or covering (with batting and fabric) a piece of light but sturdy wood, then attaching “curtains” of fabric to the back and attaching that to the ceiling towards the head of the bed. Little touches in the accessories for the room will go a long way too! Sweet, tiffany style lamps in matching colors, frilly throw pillows, and even a pretty rug are great touches, that won’t break the bank.

Wall hangings are a great idea too. Consider a piece like the Disney Open Edition Print: Cinderella. Cinderella is the ultimate princess as far as most little girls are concerned and what little girl wouldn't love to be a princess too? This print would be a perfect finishing touch for your little princess’ room and give her a great print to gaze at while she lays in her bed and drifts off to sleep.

Art for the Bathroom?

Yes, you read that title right.

When you are making some decorating choices around your home, you really want to be sure that you do not neglect your bathroom. If you stop and think about it for a minute, you will find that the decor in your bathroom can make you very proud of your living space. After all, the bathroom happens to be one of the places within your home that gets used by many of your visitors. Making sure that you have a bathroom that is decorated with amazing art can bring you a lot of compliments.

A little bit of art in the form of a painting or a sculpture can transform just about any bathroom from a sterile and uninviting environment to a room that is comfortable as well as interesting. If you already happen to have a particular theme going within your bathroom, you can always find an incredible piece that can bring out the theme a bit. A nice aquatic theme can be accented with a wonderful painting of a seascape or even an underwater oceanic scene.

You can decide if you want a large piece on the wall if there is room, or perhaps even a collection of smaller pieces if you are working with a tight space. A wonderful canvas painting with a bit of size for your bathroom that you might love could come from the David Thimgan collection. Many people adore the peaceful seaside and port views captured in these paintings, and you can enjoy it in your bathroom as well!

Re-arranging Your Art Collection

Collecting art is fun and also an investment for many people. Once you begin collecting a specific artist or type of art, you can find that your collection can go from barely there to massive and quickly so. You do not have to be an expert in order to find the perfect way to arrange your precious art pieces it's just a matter of what you like.

When it comes to trying to find the perfect places for any of your sculptures of paintings, you will want to take into consideration several different factors in relation to your living space. After all, protecting your art while it is on display should be one of your number one priorities. Go throughout your living space and begin to identify some of the perfect areas to hang paintings or display some of your sculptures. Take note of the areas that have a good amount of direct sunlight and also be sure to choose areas that are not near vents, chimneys or doorways. All of these areas can end up damaging your precious artwork over time and should be avoided.

When you start collecting art, you may find that you need extra room very quickly to show it off. Many people dedicate entire rooms to their art collections or if you choose you can separate your collection into sole artists or themes. Either way, take the time to sit back and enjoy your art!

Bring the Tropics Indoors This Winter

Sometimes just making a few changes in a room can make it feel warmer. With the colder days of winter almost here, make your living room a warm place to gather and add a tropical touch to make the room a relaxing island escape all year round. If you think "tropical decor" and it brings horrifying images of a room that has gone garishly loud with the colors of the local tiki bar, relax. The look you're going for is elegant, relaxing and laid back - nothing overly bright or garish.

Think Natural
First of all, think natural. Plants of course are an outstanding addition. Anywhere you have natural light in your room, add a plant. You can use either a plant stand - something with a bamboo look melds great with a tropical theme or hang plants near your windows. Woven mats in front of doorways and a natural Japanese jute mat in front of the fireplace with a selection of big fluffy pillows in greens and earthy browns sets a relaxing tone to your room.

On Your Walls
If your vacations frequently take you to warm and sandy locales, make a grouping of photographs on your wall to showcase your adventures. Or ever better add in a beach scene or palm tree artwork to set a tropical mood on your walls.

Window Treatments Make your choice in window treatments light and breezy. Go for light cotton panels that are either solid colors or a print that reflects a tropical feel such as a palm tree or exotic flowers. Use matching sheers to keep the decor feel light and breezy.

Those are just a few changes you can make to keep that warm, tropical feel around your home all through the year.

Elements of Modern Home Decor

When you look around your living room do you see lots of clutter and just "stuff"? If you're eady for a change, it may be time to change your interior to something a little more modern for your interior decor.

If the term "modern decor" makes you think chrome, glass and metal - those are modern elements but are not absolute parts of a modern decor. Instead the goal of a modern decor are sleek lines, minimal "stuff" on tables and multi-tasking pieces that can do a service for the room and then be put away when not in use to keep the feel of the room uncluttered are best.

Modern doesn't have to mean boring, museum-like or austere. There are fun pieces you can add to your decor that have a decidedly modern touch. If you don't already have one, add an entertainment center to hold your CD player, CDs, DVDs, and television. Go for a bold black or white for your finish.

Your walls should have minimalist art and cubism pieces look great too. A good example of Cubism lies in the works Picasso did. They weren't really abstracts, the natures of Picasso's work was to take one element such as a chair and take it apart in a painting by randomly examining each piece. A good Picasso print or other stylish piece will look fantastic in a modern themed interior.

It doesn't take a lot to go modern. If you're ready for a change, go modern and put your living room ahead of the times.

Go Tuscan in Your Kitchen- It's Easy!

The “Tuscan” theme is all the rage these days for kitchens. It’s easier than ever to find the perfect items to help you bring this dream kitchen into reality. It seems like everywhere you turn there are items designed for this theme in a kitchen. But how do you create an original space using this theme, while still keeping your space warm and inviting?

Warm colors are a must. The kitchen, at least in Italy, is generally the center, the heart of the home. This is the room people typically congregate in, to share laughter and stories, share home-cooked meals, and generally enjoy each other’s company. Choose from the warm palette; warm rustic reds, tans, browns, and mustard-y yellows work very nicely. A faux finish technique on the walls would also look lovely! For an even more “old world” style, consider using a wallpaper or appliqué that resembles brick behind the stove, or perhaps a scenic wall appliqué.
If you have a long wall that is just begging for something to adorn it, a long horizontal hanging piece of art, such as Randy Peyton’s: “Mission Courtyard” would be a perfect choice. This will set the mood for the rest of your space, and might even help a smaller space feel larger than it actually is.

Finish off your room with some accessories, like some wine bottles, antiqued or rustic hardware, and attractive window treatments. A warm wall plaque with a saying about family, friends, or food would be a nice touch as well. The goal is to create a space that is attractive, but very comforting and inviting at the same time.

Breathtaking Gift for the Disney Fan!

When it comes to anything and everything that is Disney, you may find that there are plenty of wonderful gift options that you can choose from for any of the people who may be on your shopping list. However, what should you get as a gift when the occasion is something that is extra special and out of the ordinary? For such a special occasion, a simple Disney related gift just won't do. When you really want to give something that any true Disney lover is going to fall for, you may want to look into some of the incredible sculptures that you have to choose from.

It really doesn't matter if your potential gift recipient is a fan of the villains or the good guys, there are all kinds of Disney sculptures that you can browse through. As a matter of fact, collecting these gorgeous sculptures can become quite and addicting past time, simply ask anyone who has a couple of them and they will tell you!

Whether there is a particular movie that is a favorite of the gift recipient on your list or they happen to have a fondness for one of the characters in the Disney family, there is more than likely a great sculpture choice that you can get your hands on.

Straight from the famous Disney classic film Sleeping Beauty, your gift recipient is sure to fall in love with the "Now You Will Face Me" sculpture. This is a stunning piece that shows the cunning sorceress Maleficent in the middle of a stunning Lucite case in the shape of the dragon. Any fan of this film is guaranteed to fall in love with this stunning sculpture upon first glance.

Of Course Art In the Bathroom!

While the way a bathroom looks does not matter to some people, to others a bathroom is their true sanctuary. Of course, while nobody spends all of their relaxation time in the bathroom, there is a certain level of comfort that comes from a bathroom that happens to be put together nicely. This could mean anything from the color on the walls to the kinds of decoration that you will find on the walls, shelving and more.

If you are the type of person who likes to have people over regularly for various dinners or gatherings, it is imperative that you have a guest bathroom that has a good amount of cozy decoration. While you do not have to break the bank in order to place an expensive piece of sculpture in your bathroom, a few strategically placed prints could make a world of difference to the entire look and feel of the space.

To find the right piece of art, it is a good idea to try and look past the fact that it will be hanging in your bathroom. No matter what the room may be, any piece of art will look amazing, especially if it speaks to each of your guests on an inviting level every time they have the chance to glance at it.

Certainly a floral piece is always a smart move to make when looking for a framed art print for your bathroom. Because of the versatility of the style, you really cannot lose. "Purple Dream Irises" by artist Cheri Blum is always a great choice when you want a delicate design for your lavatory. The subtle colors and flowing feel of this framed art will bring a whole new look to the wall of your choice within your bathroom.

Give the Gift of Love in "Love Will Find a Way"

Adding artworks that carry a message is a unique way to get a "theme" going in your decor or to give a special gift. If you are a true believer that love will indeed find a way through any hardship life can throw at you. Or you and your partner are living proof that hard times make good loves - there is a Paul Horton sculpture that will truly touch your heart.

Paul Horton's "Love Will Find A Way" is part of a limited edition of 395 resin cast sculptures that look and feel like the real deal. The sculpture features a detailed dog holding a brightly colored flower and a sack tied on a stick in a classic runaway pose. The dog's fur is etched into this piece in great detail. The dog and the sack and stick are all done in muted shades of pewter; however the flower rings out with a beautiful shade of red and makes this sculpture a very eye catching addition to your decor.

It has a flat base that is slightly wider than the sculpture itself and will sit beautifully on a favorite console table or on your desk to remind you every time you look it, no matter how annoyed you get with your partner, sometimes you need to step back and remember who has always had your back and you know that title of this sculpture is true, "love will find a way".

This would make a fantastic gift for a young couple celebrating their first year together as man and wife or if you have a dog lover on your holiday gift list, this piece is sure to speak volumes to them. Your sculpture will come with a certificate of authenticity and a numbered card so you know which one of the limited edition it is.

Tips To Make Your Room Feel Cozy

It's easier than you think to take any room, no matter how formal and uncomfortable it feels and make it into a cozy and inviting space to relax with your family and friends or just curl up with a good book. In addition to your furniture, there are a great number of wonderful accent pieces that can work wonders if they are placed in the right areas in your room. Pillows, mirrors, candles and the correct lighting can make a world of difference when you are aiming for the cozy feeling.

You may find that if your room is a bit on the larger side, you will want to add something that may give the illusion of a smaller space. In order to achieve this type of a decorating goal, you could look into getting some type of a room screen to help break up the room. If you happen to have a fireplace in the room that you are decorating, there is always the option of adding a beautiful fireplace screen to make the room even more cozy. On your sofa and chairs, some fluffy pillows that just beckon to be curled up with will make all your furniture seem very inviting.

Another touch is your lighting. Take the brightness factor down and make your lighting, while not dim. on the softer side and you will see the entire mood of your room change instantly. Candles around the room will put off a warm and cozy glow. Also put some cozy artworks on the wall. Soft colors, serene scenic landscapes will add a touch of relaxation to your room.

Once you have finished adding the cozy touches to your room, you are then free to sit back, relax and enjoy the space.

A Very Strange Love

There is not much of a stranger relationship than the one that is played out in the pages of DC Comics and on the "Batman-The Animated Series" than the relationship between Harley Quinn and the Joker.

The story of how they met goes that Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a beautiful blond doctor was working at Arkham Asylum as a psychiatrist where the Joker was incarcerated for life. She was attracted to him immediately and fell in love with him completely. She helped him escape, had her license revoked and wound up a patient along side her "Mister J".

During an earthquake, Harley escaped with the Joker and they become partners in crime. Joker and Harley have an on-again and off-again relationship. During one off-again moment, the Joker tells Harley as he puts her into a rocket ship that "I've noticed some changes coming over me since you came into my life. I've been reminded what it was like to be part of a couple. To care for someone who cares for me. It's the first time in recent memory I've had those feelings... And I hate having those feelings!" With that said - he launches the rocket sending an infuriated Harley into space, but as with great love stories, he soon misses her and they wind up back together as only a comic book couple can.

If you'd like a print of your favorite dysfunctional comic book couple, Alex Ross has a print out of a well known comic cover that features the Joker and Harley in a close embrace. Alex used his own likeness for the Joker and the piece is striking. This is a limited edition of only 250 and will arrive ready to hang. Now that you know the inside story of the Joker and Harley, add them to your walls and make this vibrant piece part of your personal collection.

A Real Collectible Conversation Piece

An artwork is more than just something to take up a little space on your wall or blend the colors in your interior decor. Another way to use art is to collect pieces that either speak to you through their use of color or content or get a piece that is thought provoking and will be a conversation piece.

Steve hanks has an outstanding piece in his limited edition print collection is his piece, "Things Worth Keeping". This print is only one in a small series of 95 prints total in the entire series. The print features a series of things that a young girl may have kept in her room until the time she grew up and became a woman.

Items such as a cherished dolls, Cabbage patch dolls, Teddy bears that look like they were loved and played with for years and years are all scattered across a young girl's bed along with all her other carefully saved toys from years gone by. In the middle of the bed is a snoozing newborn baby, who is now the most treasured part of her now adult life.

This piece is done in soft colors and the attention to detail is breathtaking. The print is done on a giclee print and will be a brilliant addition to any art collection. This is a fun print to look at the detail given to the items within and remembering when you saw these toys as a child.
Now that's art!

A Gift to Thrill the Outdoor Lover

Got a truly hard to buy for individual on your holiday gifting list? One way to narrow down a good gift is to think of hobbies or other activities that the person enjoys - if they love the outdoors and are an enthusiast about hunting, fishing, or just love hiking off the beaten path, your gift giving just got a little easier.

A Jim Killen print will make an outstanding gift. His lifelike renderings of faithful labs carrying back ducks, mallards flying overhead, Canadian geese and other common wildlife scenes brought to breathtaking life will enhance any sportsman's den.

Most of the print series are limited editions. This means that a set number of prints will be made from an original painting and those are numbered with a unique number like 1/450 will you have purchased print number one in a set of four-hundred and fifty. Once the four-hundred and fiftieth print is sold, the run is closed and no more will be sold. This ensures that your print is a one of a kind and unique.

If your sportsman would prefer something like a Wildlife Regulator Clock. These clocks are one foot wide and two feet tall and are handcrafted from solid red oak from Wisconsin. The clock runs on a AA battery and you get a choice of several images to put in the bottom of the clock that will reflect an aspect of the outdoors that your sportsman likes the best. This clock makes an outstanding gift and also comes with a one-year warranty.

Also, consider a sculpture of a flying duck, a strutting pheasant or a regal buck with his antlers held high. Any of these will make an outstanding gift for that hard to buy for lover of the great outdoors.

Secret Tricks to Make Your Bargain Decor Look Expensive

A dirty little secret that your local interior designer doesn't want you to know is that you don't have to have the bank account of Paris Hilton to make your room look like it was decorated by a top dollar interior designer. There are a few secret tricks that interior designers use to give a room a chic feel and you can do it yourself for a lot less.

First of all, clear the clutter. Expensive rooms have no clutter. Invest in a cabinet or simply move it a box in the bottom of your closet. Just remove it from sight and don't shove it under anything! The idea is to get organized as well as clutter free.

Next, look around your room and write down two main colors that you see and then write down two minor colors. Your goal will be to bring the main colors together and then add accents with the two minor colors. You can use your window treatments to bring in your two main colors. As for your minor colors, use them in pillows and area rugs to highlight lesser used colors.

Another way to add "wow" to a room is to add a artwork that had your minor colors in it. A large piece that can work as an impact piece is also a good trick to use if you are decorating a larger sized room. If you have a small space that you're working with, go for a small collection of three to four small artworks will look outstanding. If your budget won't allow for an original, go for a brush stroked print. The brush strokes appear on the print and when matted and framed under glass, it will look like for all the world as an original artwork on your walls. You can get a Monet in a brush stroked print or a lesser known artist.

Use these little tricks to give your room an expensive look and feel and no one has to know you really didn't spend an arm and a leg to do it.

Van Gogh - Always a Great Choice

If you want something eye catching to put on your wall and you'd like something with bold colors, go to the top of the line and put a Van Gogh on your wall.

Van Gogh's art is well known for the use of bold brush strokes and vivid colors. His art was dismissed during his lifetime and a fact about Van Gogh many people don't know is that he only sold one painting in his entire lifetime. Another painting he gave as a gift to his doctor was used a shingle for a chicken coop for many years until it was discovered and later sold at auctions for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Obviously an original may not be in the cards for you but you can own a print that is as dazzling as an original. One of Van Gogh's most celebrated paintings is called "Starry Night" and it features brilliant stars with a swirling blue background. This print is matted in a cream and blue frame to further set off the print. Framed in a gold frame this will be an outstanding addition to any art collection.

If you have a Van Gogh fan on your gift giving list, there are many pieces available in the Van Gogh collection of prints and every Van Gogh aficionado has their favorite. Try a sneaky conversation about Van Gogh and see if you can find out what their favorite painting was and get them that particular print as a holiday gift, they'll be thrilled and wonder how you knew!

The print is framed under glass and archival tapes and acid free papers are used to make this artwork long lasting. It will arrive ready to hang out of the box.

Add a Little Drama to Your Decor

Sometimes a room needs something dramatic to really wake it up. That is known as an impact piece. All rooms need a little waking up from time to time - here's an easy way to add interest and impact to a room that needs a little zing.

You can use a myriad of items to create an impact piece. Create a focal point in your room using a sculpture on a short column and add tall plants on either side to accent it. Another way to add an impact piece is to add a resin cast medallion that is lightweight and can be hung in the center of your ceiling (also referred to as your "5th wall").

You can also use artwork to create an outstanding impact piece. The type of artwork you want to add on your wall is entirely up to you. Think eye catching and think bold. If you only have fine art on your walls, consider adding a striking photograph to your collection. Put it in a solid black frame and a simple white mat will make it really stand out in your room.

Steve Hanks has a set of three limited edition prints that feature a woman at the bottom of the stairs, the climbing the stairs and finally at the top of the stairs. These three prints hung together will make a real impact in your room and tell an inspiring story of a woman who began a journey and at the top of the stairs is looking out at a new beginning. Steve didn't use the same model for the final painting that he used for the first to in order to get the idea across that we are not the same person that the end of a journey that we were at the beginning.

Monkey Around With a Little Wildness

If you want something to create a fun yet elegant tone to your room, consider adding a piece or two of designer framed art. There's something about monkeys that brings a smile to nearly everyone's face and now you can have a surefire smile maker on your wall in the form of a designer made pair of tiles that feature a monkey on each one.

Feng shui is the creation of balance within your room and if you use this method of design in your decor, you know the value of adding pairs of items to create harmony along with the spirit of the monkey that is said to bring wisdom and bit of good natured mischief to any room they grace.

These monkey tiles were created by the artist Swartzendruber and come in a set of two. The dimensions of each framed tile are 24 inches by 28 inches and the tiles are surrounded by filets and mats to create a real one-of-a-kind piece that will garner a lot of attention in your room. The piece is framed using archival (acid free) tape and mounted and framed using museum quality materials. The finished framed piece has a paper dustcover and will arrive ready to hang with the hardware attached. You can literally pop this set of exquisite tiles out of the box and find a place that you think they would look best on your walls.

If you want to add something to your walls that will wake up your room, add a designer touched artwork with something a little wild, like monkeys!

Tips for Giving Art as a Gift

Some people are a little apprehensive about giving an artwork as a gift as they envision giving only a huge painting being unwrapped by the recipient. Giving the gift of art doesn't have to a big and bulky painting in an enormous frame that is going to take up precious wall space in the recipient's home.

If you want to give someone a gift of art, you can get them a small print or sculpture piece that will not be a huge space commitment on the wall and will look stylish as well.
You can choose from fine art, whimsical pieces that will bring a smile to the recipient every time they see it on their wall or go for a personalized piece that allows you to enter a phrase that means something to the both of for a truly one of a kind piece of art.

If your gift recipient is a collector of a particular artist or liked a certain animal such as cats, pigs or fish, you can get them an art piece that will meld right in with what they love to collect. Another great way to give a gift of art is to have it ready to hang. Buy the piece and have the frame, mat and glass already on the piece so all your recipient has to do is find a place on their wall for the artwork.

Sculptures can be wrapped in a pretty scarf that is a gift as well or if you got a sculpture that will allow it, put a big, fat red bow on the sculpture and watch the receiver bust into a grin.

There are so many ways to give art; if you need some holiday ideas use these tips to get the best gift for that hard to buy for person on your holiday list!

Thinking Ahead for the Cat Lover

If you have a cat lover on your holiday list that also has a quirky, fun sense of humor, you will most definitely want to put a Bryan Moon print down on your gift giving list for them.

Moon has been painting realistic cats in very unreal settings and the result is a brilliant executed piece of art that is whimsical and detailed. Sometimes his cats are doing decidedly cat things and othertimes the result is surreal.

Another artwork that will please any Old West fan, is the "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". This piece shows the two famous outlaws at cats on horseback, looking over the horizon for the ever present posse that was always on their proverbial tails, which can be seen in this artwork.

You have numerous framing options and a choice in colors for both an inner and outer mat. You can pick the best frame and mat colors to match your interior design or the interior decor color scheme for someone else if you're purchasing this print as a gift. These are open edition prints, meaning there is no specific number being printed and at the size of 15 inches by 16 inches, they aren't a huge commitment for a wall space.

Any of Moon's works will make a fun gift for a cat lover and if you have someone who already collects his works, they will be truly purring with satisfaction at your thoughtful choice in gifts!

A Truly Personal Message

Want to tell someone how you really feel? Want to give a the most personal of messages to someone? You can do that in an art print that will deliver any message you want.

"Messages from Wolves" is an outstanding piece that carries any message you want to write to the recipient. From the message "Dare to Dream" to "You are the Best". Whatever you want to say to the recipient, the wolves will say for you. The piece itself contains three wolves and a sycamore that is ready to be engraved with the message of your choice. This piece is cold cast from the original relief carving in the mountains of Arizona and meticulously hand-painted. This is a limited edition of 3,000 signed and numbered sculptures. A Certificate of Authenticity is included. You may include a personalization of up to six lines containing ten characters each. Notice how the wolf's paw on the left side is actually coming out of the picture onto the frame.

This would make an outstanding housewarming gift, anniversary gift or even a very unique way of saying, "Will You Marry Me?" in a striking print that will grace any wall it is displayed for years to come.

Gifts to Thrill the Collector

If you enjoy shopping for holiday presents, you probably really love the collectors on your gift giving list. They make buying gifts oh so easy!

Have someone that loves to collect horses or western art? Get them a limited edition print featuring running mustangs, cowboys on the plains or Native Americans in an encampment or riding painted war horses. There are so many choices. You aren't just limited to items that can be hung on a wall. Get a sculpture to be displayed on a desk, table or shelf. You can get them in any size. Angels, cats and even large hearts can make the perfect gift.

If you want to be sneaky and get the colors right for your friend's house. Pay a visit to them and either sneak a few shots around the house with your cell phone camera if you have one or just make a note to yourself of the dominate colors in the room and you can be assured of getting a gift that will match the decor perfectly.

Prints will arrive matted and framed under glass and ready to hang. You can present the gift of a sculpture in its own box it is shipped in or put it in a gift box of your own. Either way, your gift recipient is sure to be thrilled!

Inspire Someone to Keep Trying

It's never easy to try anything new. Sometimes it's through a promotion at work or other life circumstance that you suddenly find you or someone close to you challenged and having to keep trying.

Learning anything new and the inevitable learning curves that come with many new situations can be defeating and leave a person anything but uninspired to keep trying. If you have someone that you want to motivate, give them a gift that will be there to remind them to have confidence in their abilities to do things right and have faith in themselves.

A perfect example of an artwork that will give continual inspiration is Patrick A. Lunquist's "Faith". It depicts a sure-footed goat leaping from one cliff top to another. When you give your gift, include a note that shows you care and you're giving a gift to inspire someone to "keep the faith" in themselves and know that they will come out on top.

Sometimes the best support you can give someone is in the form of something that will remind them how much you believe in their abilities, give them a gift that will show them how much faith you have in their abilities, every time they glance at their wall.

Surprise Your Halloween Host With a Boo-tiful Gift!

Going to a Halloween bash? Take along a gift for your host or hostess that will keep in the spirit of Halloween and let them have a great memory of a fun night!

Movie posters of classic horror films such as "Creature from the Black Lagoon", "Dracula", "Frankenstein" and more are all available in limited edition reproductions of the original movie house posters. The original posters are hard to come by and can cost thousands of dollars. These reproductions are made from the original posters and are printed on acid free paper to ensure they will gives years upon years of enjoyment.

This series is only available through authorized dealers for The Reel Scary Monster series and is licensed exclusively to S2 Art Group by Universal Studios Licensing, Inc. You will have the choice of getting your print matted and framed or get a print only and let the recipient choose how they want to display the piece. Please order early for custom framed items as they take three to four weeks for delivery.

Make sure the recipient knows there are several classic films available in case they'd like to start a collection or even better - keep it to yourself and surprise them with additional posters for their collection for birthdays, Christmas and more!

Give a Unique and Individual Gift

If you want to give someone a gift that is as unique and individual as the person receiving the gift, give them a gift that is one of a kind.

A limited edition print is always a hit. There are limited edition prints to suit literally every taste and if your gift recipient is a clown with a whimsical taste to the austere collector of museum quality memorabilia, you can find a print to please.

The very nature of a limited edition print series makes it one of a kind. A print run may only be 100 prints in the series and each one will be numbered 1/100, 2/100 and so on. This designates that the print is number one in a series of one hundred prints and so on. In many limited editions, the print is signed and numbered by the artist making it even more of a collector's prize.

And don't think a print has to be a printed paper. Prints come in a myriad of styles and designs. You can get 3-D prints with raised sculpture like qualities and you can also get the ingenious series of Brushstrokes. These are created through a state of the art process in which artists use the finest quality oil paints to highlight each image by hand on a printed canvas making your print appear as an original work of art.

Every Brushstrokes painting arrives ready to hang in a museum-quality frame, expressly chosen to compliment the beauty of the painting itself. Each frame is made of hand-finished seasoned woods. To protect and preserve its integrity, each painting is numbered and authenticated on the back of the canvas, then framed and delivered according to the sequence in which orders are received - until the edition limit is reached. If you're worried about a new edition of the print line being issued, Brushstrokes cancels all materials used in the creation of the limited editions and the edition is closed forever. A beautiful example of a Brushstrokes is Simon Bull's brilliant floral creations. That way you can be assured of giving a gift that is truly one of a kind!

Mirrors Don't Have to Be Square and Boring

If you want to use the old trick of adding a mirror or three to a small space such as a foyer or a small room in your home to give it the illusion of being a little larger, and now you just have to whittle down your choices and get a mirror that you feel fits your decor the very best.

Many people don't want a boring square cut mirror in a square cut frame on their walls, if you want every piece on your walls and in your home to perform a function of contributing to your overall decor, you're in luck! There are a huge number of mirrors to choose from and they range in shapes and sizes from small to large and come with scroll work, round, circular and in unusual and whimsical frames.

Consider a mirror that can be as much of a work of art on your walls as your actual art pieces. Additionally, if you want to add a little something extra design, look for mirrors that have beveled edges at the frame line. It's just a little bit of extra design that will add a quiet elegance to your mirror.

In a foyer, go for a tall skinny mirror that will catch as much length as possible and when someone enters your foyer it will give the full illusion to the eyes that the area is much longer than it appears and the area will feel a lot more spacious. If you're using smaller mirrors to decorate a room - put them around a room and they will randomly expand the room in the mind's eye and give a feeling of more openness around the room rather than using one large mirror in one place only in the room. Either way works but if you have a very small space, several smaller mirrors will perform the same trick that one large mirror will perform without calling any attention to themselves besides looking beautiful on your walls.

There's no law that says you have to be stuck with the same room winter, spring, summer and fall. You can plan your decor to reflect the cool and breezy style throughout the fall months and change it as the seasons go with just a few changes.

It's easy to get bored with your decor. Looking at the same couch, same tables and same chairs along with the same art on the walls can get really dull and you can feel the twinges of cabin fever during the winter months if you don't do something about it. Making a seasonal centerpiece is one way to add a little seasonal pep to your room. Use falling leaves, pine cones and other readily available items to make a beautiful centerpiece for your table and arrange it around a yummy pumpkin scented candle for a little more season feel.

Move your artworks around on your walls and add a seasonal piece too. Robert Duncan's "Fall in the Kingdom" is a great addition to your walls.
This print has all the rich earthy colors of fall and will meld nicely into nearly any decor.

Other additions you can make are to add homey touches such as a handmade quilt draped dramatically on a sofa or chair, whether of your own design or a gently handed down heirloom is up to you; quilts add a wonderful sense of warmth to a room. Soften your lighting and you will find your room instantly changed to a cozy and warm room for the fall season.

Thinking Ahead for a Hanukkah Gift

Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights and people of the Jewish faith celebrate it usually around the end of December. It falls on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, which may be in December, late November, or rarely early January as in the Hanukkah of January 2005–2006.

The festival is observed in Jewish homes by the kindling of lights on each of the festival's eight nights, one on the first night, two on the second night and so on. The lights are traditionally lit on a Menorah. A candle holder that holds eight candles.

The traditional story that commemorates Hanukkah is that at the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem following the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days - which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate new oil.

After prayer and lighting the candles, there is usually a feast of traditional foods, breads fried in olive oil and potato pancakes are another tradition and in Israel, many eat deep fried donuts. You can also hang an artwork in the room you will be holding your Hanukkah gathering that will help set the mood, such as a lovely detailed print of a Menorah.

All of these things combined can help you pull off a great celebration with your family and friends during the Festival of Lights.

Bad Apples....

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie, "Snow White" is when the evil queen assumes the form of an old woman selling apples and gives a poisoned one to Snow White, who eats it and falls into a deep sleep that can only be awakened by a kiss from her true love.

This scene has been brought to life by artist John Alvin in this limited edition series of 195, each is signed by the artist. John has designed and illustrated some of the world's most recognizable cinema art. He has worked on movies such as E.T. - the Extra-Terrestrial and has produced many special editions for Lucasfilm Ltd.'s Star Wars phenomenon.

Alvin is known for both his design of the Star Wars Concert and Star Wars Tenth Anniversary poster which are highly sought after by collectors of Star Wars Memorabilia. Disney sought Alvin out to produce their limited edition prints for some of their classic movies such as Snow White and the results have been breathtaking.

If you need a cool gift this holiday season and you have someone that loves the classic Disney movies or they just love to collect "the bad guys" in their collection, this print would make an outstanding gift for them. The print titled, "The Fairest in the Land" is size 20 inches by 15 inches and comes in your choice of matting and framing. The piece itself is outstanding in its rich colors and details and you can even see the detail of Snow White's face in the apple as it is being handed to her by the evil queen in disguise.

Get your own signed and numbered limited edition print or make the collector of film memorabilia on your gift list very happy this holiday season with this rare and unusual gift!

Whimsical Wall Treatment Options

Do you feel as though there is a room within your living space that could really use a lift? Often times, you may just want to give a particular room a boost. This can be done with a couple of coats of paint in a fresh, new color or even a new lighting fixture to add a whole new dimension to the room in question. Of all of the options that you have to choose from for kicking your room into gear, a smart choice might be to add a certain level of whimsy to the area.

Contrary to what you may think, you do not have to be a child or a young adult to enjoy a whimsical wall treatment. This kind of decor can include everything from intriguing colors, renditions of fairies in the forest or even a special print that depicts a starry night with some of the most stunning celestial formations that you could imagine. Basically, if your heart is in the design, you can create a whimsical wall treatment for just about any room within your home that could quite possibly be one of the best decorating decisions that you will ever make.

Star Light is a truly unique and exquisite limited edition giclee on canvas created by artist Kim Wiggins. To lay your eyes on this particular piece is to instantly fall in love with it. You might even end up wanting to use this wonderful piece of art and use it as the basis for decorating the rest of the space.

Looking For A Wedding Gift?

Weddings are definitely a special occasion that calls for an even more incredible gift. After all, you want to be able to show the happy couple that you love them, care about them and wish them all of the best in terms of a wonderful union ahead of them. Taking the time to find the perfect gift can often become a daunting task, especially if you are a perfectionist.

Know that you are not alone if you have been taking an excessive amount of time when looking for the wedding gift that is just right for the couple that you have in mind. However, you could easily come to a solution if you simply take a look at some of the millions of stunning options that you have in the art world. Interesting framed art, limited edition and hard to find poster prints, sculpture and more are all waiting for you to snatch them up and package them for the bride and groom!

Instead of looking for a piece that goes with either one of their particular tastes, find something that will speak to the both of them in terms of their new journey together. The limited edition print by Christa Keiffer called A Wedding Party is definitely the piece to do just that. With a warm, loving feeling and all of the attention to detail that you can expect from this talented artist, the happy couple will fall in love with this print right away. Hanging this piece of art upon a special wall within their home will be something that they will surely remember for the rest of their lives.

New House, New Decor, New Art!

There are many different reasons why you would want to purchase new art for your home, one of which would be the move to a brand new house. When you are excited about a new house in your future, there are, many different ways that you can begin to dress it up. For those who are fond of interesting prints and even sculptures, various pieces of art are the absolute most incredible way to give your new digs a breath of fresh air as well as a touch or two of your style and taste.

Depending on the amount of space that you happen to have within your new home, you may be on the hunt for a couple of smaller pieces or even a good amount of larger pieces. With just about any size space, you should be able to find a great selection of art that will help to fill the home and give it a certain look that you are going to be proud of. Even if you simply place a piece of sculpture on the coffee table in your living room, it can bring the look and feel of the room to a completely new level. Many other pieces of decor can rarely have the same impact on your living quarters.

If music is your poison, you can look to one of the amazing pieces created by artist Mark Hopkins. Full of life and always memorable, all of the sculpture within the Mark Hopkins collection make for an amazing piece for any corner of your brand new home.