Tiffany Style Stained Glass Home Decor

 There has always been a mystery to glass: it is a form of matter with gas, liquid and solid state properties. It captures light and glows from within. It is a jewel like substance made from the most ordinary of materials: sand transformed by fire.

The origins of the first stained glass windows are lost in history. However, the Romans and Egyptians excelled at the manufacture of small stained glass objects. Stained glass windows as we know them appeared when substantial church building began. By the 10th century stained glass depictions of Christ and biblical scenes and saints were found in stained glass church windows. These window that depicted the life of Christ and many biblical stories were known as the poor man’s Bible. Very few citizens of the middle ages were literate, thus the stained glass church windows were the ordinary man’s reference to Christian themes.

The actual term “stained glass” referred to glass that had been colored by adding metallic salts during it’s manufacture. Adding copper oxide produced green glass; addition of cobalt produced blue; and the addition of gold yielded red. The term also refers to glass on which scenes and designs are actually painted. This method was popular in the 1500′s.

In England in the 1800′s several art historians and scientists rediscovered medieval glass techniques. Glass studios began making their versions of stained glass windows for public buildings, churches and residences of the wealthy . English immigrants, established the first stained glass studios in America in the late 19th century. Eventually, Comfort Louis Tiffany adapted the stained glass technique by the use of copper foil in the place of lead, to construct lampshades and capitalized on the new innovation of electric lighting. His designs were painstakingly, individually constructed and available only to the wealthiest of patrons of the day i.e. Vanderbilts, Astors and Rockefellers.

The Tiffany style and the Art Noveau movement of his day were popular through the turn of the century. Tastes changed, and except for church windows, stained glass was in decline until the post WWII era. Stained glass as an art and a craft has enjoyed a resurgence in the last 30 years. Today stained glass has evolved into window panels, stained glass fireplace screens, lamp shades, sun catchers and wind chimes. Given modern techniques of mass glass cutting, individual creations are more accessible to everyone today. The possibilities of stained glass art are limited only by the imagination of the craftsman.

To see some of the tiffany stained glass available today, see our website at:

tiffany Lamps
About the Author

The author became interested in stained glass as a hobbyist.  the intrest grew into a fascination and curiosity about the origins of the art of stained glass.  As a result of that research, this article came about.

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Add Some Pizzazz to Your Powder Room!

(ARA) — It’s a room with a toilet and a sink. Maybe a window, if you’re lucky. The average size is a tiny four feet by five feet. And if it can’t get any worse, it’s probably the most frequently used room in your house — especially for guests and visitors.

Yes, it’s the powder room . . . also known as the half-bath or guest bath. While for years this has been a miniscule room, often forgotten when decorating, today’s builders are actually allocating more space to the powder room. In addition, powder rooms in many newer homes offer such upscale features as high-end cabinetry, pedestal sinks, ornate accessories and sophisticated lighting.

Whether your powder room is big or small, this is a space where you can let your expression show. Because its size is typically smaller than other rooms in your home, it allows you the opportunity to be a bit more creative and daring. Plus, you can make a significant decorating impact with little time and expense, and change the look often to keep it fresh.

A Little Room That Makes a Big Impact

The name “powder room” actually descends from Victorian times. Bathrooms were often called powder rooms because it was the place where ladies retired to powder their noses. These spaces were tastefully decorated and full of charm.

Today, the powder room is equally as significant to a home’s décor, if not more so. In fact, its design has become so important that the National Kitchen & Bath Association has added a powder room category to its annual design competition which provides a barometer for what’s hot in the design industry.

But, sprucing up the powder room with a stylish flair isn’t a challenge left only to interior designers. Thanks to the popularity of numerous do-it-yourself decorating television shows, more Americans than ever before are trying their hand at stylish decorating themselves. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Creative Specialties International, a division of Moen Incorporated; and Rooms of America, a consumer research organization, found that more than 75 percent of respondents said that decorating themes are “important” in the powder room.

What does that mean to manufacturers of bath-related products? According to Mark Savan, vice president and general manager of Creative Specialties International, “Consumer style preferences are our number one consideration when designing new bath accessory collections. We take these survey results seriously and even conduct our own focus groups to further substantiate consumer preferences.”

Relying on this extensive research, Creative Specialties International recently introduced four new bath accessory collections designed to reflect the styles used in today’s bath. Sold under the Inspirations brand, the Stockton, Danbury, Sage and Avery collections each fall into one of three design categories — traditional, contemporary/casual or country. The Stockton, Sage and Avery collections are available in chrome and brushed nickel; while the Danbury collection is available in chrome and popular oil rubbed bronze. Each product creates a stunning look for a guest bathroom.

“In talking with consumers, we’ve found that many are really looking to make a statement in their powder room — and can be a bit more experimental with their decorating,” adds Savan. “That’s why our new collections feature a more stylish, contemporary design — to meet the demand for more on-trend styles. In addition to the style of the accessories, our new collections also feature exceptional finishes, such as brushed nickel. The result is a product which blends well in many of today’s fashionable powder rooms.”

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

As homeowners experiment with different decorating trends, it’s important to remember that a powder room is a great area to try more dramatic decorating ideas and come out of your shell a bit. Just because your family room is decorated in a contemporary theme doesn’t mean your bathroom has to reflect that same style. Perhaps you’re an attorney by day but enjoy gardening on the side. Why not paint the walls in a sage green and use accent pieces such as colorful flower pots filled with live or silk flowers. Or hang a beautiful wreath made of dried flowers as a focal point, and surround it with framed water-color paintings of vibrant gardens.

If you’re thinking of something a little more dramatic, the following are a few other decorating ideas to give your powder room some extra pizzazz:

Viva Italia!

Add a bit of Tuscan style to your powder room — and you’ll be ahead of the curve — using a trend that many interior designers predict will be one of the most popular decorating themes next year. Personified by items that are rustic, warm and inviting, a Tuscan room typically features items that look like they have been there forever, used by countless generations.

To achieve this look in your guest bath, use warm, golden colors such as yellows, oranges and browns. Faux finishing techniques are ideal when painting in a Tuscan theme, as they duplicate the sun-washed walls and crumbled porticos seen in Italy. Since Tuscan homes often have tile roofs, accessorize the walls in your powder room with mosaic tiles, or add a detailed tile backsplash behind the sink.

Providing the perfect finishing touch to the bath, add Italian-made ceramics to the powder room by placing plates or decorative vases on a decorative glass shelf. Or, add a feeling of casual comfort with pewter or copper picture frames and candlestick holders. If you’re looking to add a signature piece with old world appeal, install a towel ring from the Danbury collection in oil rubbed bronze — it adds classic style to a traditional accessory.

Finally, we all know that Italians love to eat and entertain — so why not place a bowl of fresh lemons or homemade biscotti next to the hand towels. It’s a small touch that your guests will be sure to remember.

Retreat to the Spa

We all love to be pampered, especially when we’re far from home. Why not give your guests the “spa treatment” when they are visiting your powder room? Start with cool colors, such as light blues, greens and purples on the walls. White accents are the perfect addition to provide a calming effect.

One of the best amenities in visiting a spa is the luxurious, fluffy towels. Feature these beautiful items, perhaps with your monogrammed initials, on a simple, yet stylish towel bar. An ideal choice would be an 18-inch towel bar from the Sage collection from Creative Specialties International. Offering smooth, rounded edges with clean lines and understated accents, the Sage towel bar coordinates well in a variety of bath decors.

Complete the spa look with small items that make a big impact — such as aromatherapy candles in coordinating colors. Or, place a small CD player in a corner of the powder room and play mood relaxing or nature-inspired music. Finally, place a basket of lotions, scented hand soaps and a small hand massager in the corner of the counter top.

A Touch of Sophistication

Who says a powder room can’t have a sophisticated style? An elegant décor is a perfect way to spruce up a half-bath — especially if it is located off a formal living or dining room. Start with rich, deep colors on your walls, such as red, burgundy or navy. Another popular choice is chocolate brown, which many designers are calling “the new black.”

Next, put an extra emphasis on lighting, as it can have a major impact on the overall feel of the room. And just because it’s a powder room doesn’t mean you have to be limited to a boring overhead ceiling fixture. Instead, be a bit daring and use spot or track lighting, wall sconces or even small Table Lamps set on the countertop or the back of the commode. Or, why not hang a small chandelier as the primary light source — perhaps in a coordinating style of another fixture in your home? Whatever lighting you choose, increasing the number and variety will add drama to its appearance.

To add a sophisticated touch to the sink area, many homeowners are turning to the past for inspiration by installing pedestal sinks. Another dramatic option used by top designers includes mounting the sink bowl on top of the counter as if it were a large bowl on a table. Furthermore, granite, marble and Corian countertops aren’t just for the kitchen anymore — they make the perfect addition to a powder room, thanks to their intricate designs and rich color options.

Finally, don’t forget about the accessories and small details. Mirrors don’t have to be limited to simple squares on the wall — add a bit of drama by framing them with beautiful molding or draping them in rich fabrics. Carry on the elegant theme by installing a Stockton double towel bar filled with thick, luxurious hand towels. And bring a touch of warmth to the room with a beautiful rug. But instead of traditional bathroom rugs, try a small oriental rug, which can bring all of the colors of the room together with one piece.

Final Words of Wisdom

When it comes to sprucing up your powder room, it doesn’t matter whether you decorate in a country, contemporary or traditional style. Just remember to have fun and try new things. Your powder room can be an extension of your personality, expressing your special interests. Create a statement and if things don’t pan out, try again.

About the Author

http:wwwthedesignbuild.com

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4 Simple Tips to Reduce Camera Shake

Fancy new digital camera’s have image stabilization technology builit in. But there’s no need to go out and buy a new camera if yours doesn’t have it. You can still capture nice crisp photos without having to lug around a heavy tripod. This article will show you some easy tips that will greatly reduce the amount of blurry photos you take.

It’s All in the Grip

This tip is targeted towards those people who have a traditional film camera or digital SLR. Most people are shocked to find out that just by holding their camera correctly the can greatly improve the number of crisp shots that they take. It’s simple. When looking through the viewfinder make sure that the camera is firmly planted against your face! That’s right, you use your face as a stabalizer. You will probably end up with some smudges and nose prints on the back of your camera, but they can be easily wiped off and you’ll be happy with the reduction in blurred photos. Your other hand should be holding your lens from underneath. This simple setup creates a solid platform for your camera similar to a tripod.

Bring In Your Elbows

This works for all camera’s including point and shoot digital cameras. Tucking your elbows in to your sides stabalizes your arms and reduces shake compared to having your arms floating in front of you.

Prop Yourself Up

This may seem obvious, but leaning against something is another great way to reduce the chances of a blurry shot. Lamp posts, railings and walls are all great choices. This works extremely well in low light conditions where you can’t use a flash. If you combine this with tucking in your elbows, you can get low light photos that would otherwise have been blurry messes.

Improvise a Tripod

This works well in indoor situations and for outdoor long exposures and night shots. Railings, books, tables, beer glasses and coasters are just a small number of everyday objects that you can use to prop up or rest your camera on. Make sure to use the self timer when doing this. It is essential in order to get non-blurry shots. If you don’t use the timer, your finger will cause the camera to shake when pressing down on the sutter button resulting in a blurry photo.

There you go. Some simple and easy tips to get great crisp shots. Try these out and I guarantee you’ll be happy with the results you get from these simple techniques. Best of luck!

About the Author

Sheila Jonstone loves to help people get a great deal. Visit her latest site to find a fantastic deal on stainless steel toasters including the popular KitchenAid KMTT400 4-Slice Toaster.

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Caring For Stained Glass Panels

Stained glass windows are a beautiful addition to any home whether as part of a remodel or new construction. When most people hear stained glass panels, images come to mind of old cathedrals with extremely large panels depicting religious scenes. Those are beautiful examples of the art, but much smaller simplistic panels can be placed in your home to add character. Windows for your home can come in a variety of shapes, designs, and sizes, which can be used in many rooms throughout the home. Stained glass panels can also be set in doors whether it is a large exterior front door or interior sliding doors, stained glass can add a unique touch while allowing in light.

Time and the elements do take a toll on the glass, but much less damage occurs than you would think. In reality too much cleaning can be worse for the panel than the sun and the rain. Stained glass panels in old cathedrals have been in place for centuries with minimal damage to the surfaces. With proper care and knowledge of the signs of damage your panels can look great for generations as well.

Generally any stained glass exposed to the outdoors, the exterior surface on a window, is kept clean by natural means. Any extra scrubbing is more likely to scratch and damage the glass deeming this an unnecessary task. Interior stained glass window panels on the other hand do need periodic cleaning. Generally the glass surface should not be wet cleaned as water can do damage to the glass, lead, putty, and metal components. Light dusting is the best cleaning method on these glass surfaces using a soft, dry brush with possibly some combined vacuuming. Though you should always be careful that the brushes and implements used are soft as to not damage the glass surface in the process.

When inspecting your stained glass for possible damage there are several different areas to look at.

Glass – The glass can have single cracks from an internal stressor, or several cracks from an external source. Also watch for pitting in the glass or discolorization which are signs of deterioration. On the other hand bubbles and textures within the glass are normal and were probably part of the artisans vision for the piece.

Lead – Due to the fact lead is soft, malleable, and easily soldered is also can sag and lose its structure. Be on the look out for bulging in the stained glass panel, and cracking near the solder joints.

Paint – If the paint was not fired into the glass properly it can be more vulnerable and fragile. Watch for blistering and peeling of the paint on the glass.

Putty – Putty is usually used to seal the glass with the structure. Over time it can go hard, crack, and fall out which creates leaking in water usually between the lead and the glass.

Window Structure – If a stained glass panel is not installed correctly the window will begin to sag and bulge. If the window has been in for some time this could be regular settling of the structure and is actually better left alone.

So regularly inspect stained glass panels for defects such as bulging, sagging, faint paint, water leakage, cracks, rattling glass, peeling mortar, and loose copper ties. If the damage is bad enough contact a stained glass conservator. Many times work to repair glass damages it more than just leaving it alone! Ensure any work to be done is absolutely necessary before going through with any glass restoration.

About the Author

All-Things_Tiffanycarries a full line of stained glass panels, for use throughout your home in a wonderful variety of styles. Also if you are in need of Tiffany floor Lamps and stained glass Table Lamps, All-Things-Tiffany has the lighting you are looking for.

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Size and Positioning of Dining Pendant Lights

The most common questions asked by people purchasing Pendant Lighting for their dining room are how big the should pendant be, and how high above the Table it should be positioned. These are important considerations; you don’t want your table dwarfed by your pendant, but on the other hand you don’t want your pendant to look small or out of place.

The optimal size of the dining light depends not only on the size of the table, but also the size of the room itself. Here are some good rules of thumb:

• In general, the width and breadth of the pendant should be at least twelve inches smaller than the width and breadth of the table. This will make sure the pendant is far enough from any edge of the table that you and your family are unlikely to bump into it.
• If you have high ceilings, choose a taller shade, so that the vertical space is filled proportionately. Ten inches is a common height in a room with eight-foot ceilings; add an inch or two of shade length for every extra foot of ceiling height.
• Color matters. If the color of your lighting is bold or in high contrast with your wall color, you’ll want the dining pendant to be on the smaller side to keep the lighting from overwhelming the other elements in the room. On the other hand, if you’re choosing a more neutral color, you’ll want a larger pendant so that it doesn’t fade into the background.

As for how high above your dining table to position your pendant light: in general, the bottom of the pendant should be 30 to 40 inches above the table. In other words, it should be at least high enough that you have an unobstructed view of the person sitting across from you. In fact, you may want to have the tallest person in your house sit at the table and measure from the table to a few inches above his or her head.

Another consideration for proper height is how you want your dining room to feel. Hanging a pendant relatively low and close to the table creates a sense of intimacy, and also fits well in a contemporary space, whereas hanging it higher creates a sense of classic formality. One thing you don’t want to feel is like you’re sitting under an interrogation light, so if you’re hanging the pendant on the high side make sure it has a diffuser across the bottom to shield the light bulb from view. Diffusers may be made of frosted glass or acrylic; acrylic is the better choice, as it is less fragile.

About the Author

Erika is a home decor consultant and textile designer who has worked in the industry since 2001.

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Different Colorful Linens of Sferra in Etabletop

Sferra Fine Linens set the standard in luxury for the home. Since its inception in 1891, the company has evolved to become the most exclusive name in home textiles. With unsurpassed quality, Sferra continues to design for the times, creating a one-of-a-kind marriage of comfort and modern day elegance. Sferra Fine Linens have graced society homes as well as tables at White House state dinners.

The hand-embroidered detailing on the beautiful Francesca sheet set by Sferra will give your bedroom a classic and elegant look that you will love. These heirloom quality linens feature an intricate floral scrollwork pattern that is bordered with a delicate Italian lace inset for added texture and detailing. The white and ivory sheets are constructed of 100% Italian spun Egyptian cotton for added softness and smoothness to allow you to rest in perfect comfort. The Francesca sheets will give your bedroom that touch of luxury that you are looking for.

Sferra Fice Linens set the standard in luxury for the Table. Sferra continues to design for the times, creating a one of a kind marriage of comfort and modern day elegance. Please purchase on online www.etabletop.com

About the Author

Representing Sferra in the website www.etabletop.com

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Can Professionals Buy Tanning Lotions at Wholesale Prices

Body lotion goes with tanning like catsup goes with French fries. Salon operators, or even serious home tanning enthusiasts, can go through a lot of tanning lotion in a short period of time. This can prove quite detrimental to one’s wallet.

Luckily, a convenient solution is only a mouse click or two away. . Wholesale distributors now carry tanning lotions and they are available to everyone whether you are a major salon owner or just a normal consumer looking for a bargain.

Tanning lotions are available in many varieties and qualities. Some contain tanning accelerators which compress the amount of time needed in the tanning bed or booth, allowing salons to better cater to their busy clientele. Tanning accelerators work by stimulating the production of melanin, a natural darkening agent found in the skin, allowing the skin to tan faster with less sun exposure. This also often serves to prevent unwanted freckles. Get more at http://www.buywholesale-wholesalers.org

Most lotions also contain additional ingredients that serve various purposes. Examples include aloe, vitamin E, hemp oil, and extract of guava. Generally, these additions are intended to improve skin texture and add moisture to counteract the harsh effects of concentrated UV light exposure. Superior tanning lotions allow the consumer to emerge from the tanning bed with smoother and healthy feeling skin Many lotions also contain bronzing agents. The most common bronzing ingredient is dihydroxyacentone (DHA). By including DHA, a lotion can create tanning effects even without exposure to the sun or tanning Bed Lamps-excessive DHA results in a self tanner. Premium lotions include all of these components and can act as accelerators, bronzers and softeners all in one.

Another important factor to consider in selecting the tanning lotion appropriate for you is the sun protection factor, generally referred to as SPF.

Those with light complexions are advised by professionals to use a tanning lotion with the highest SPF possible, assuming tanning is even appropriate for them. Lotions with high sun protection factors are widely available through wholesale distributors, and should be stocked by all resellers without fail.

Many retailers provide a good selection of tanning lotions for the average consumer. However, they do not offer a good selection of prices. A good quality tanning lotion will cost you close to $10-$15 USD per bottle. If you operate a professional tanning salon price becomes extremely important and your customer’s disposable income diminishes. Similarly, an avid tanner who has a tanning bed at home can benefit by reducing the expenses associated with purchasing tanning lotions.

There are many traditional “brick and mortar” wholesale stores across America, but you may not have immediate access to them. Good wholesale distributor directories are available online for those who desire to shop the old fashioned way and find the addresses of the wholesale distributor and go there to shop.

However, the more popular option is to purchase the tanning lotions direct through an online wholesale reseller. Most every reputable wholesaler now has a web site that will allow the consumer to purchase whatever they desire without ever leaving the comfort of your home or salon. Many of them also offer free shipping with minimum purchase amounts.

Hardcore tanners won’t even consider tanning without a good quality lotion. So it isn’t difficult to understand why wholesale distributors of tanning lotions can make significant profits. Consumers don’t want to squander their hard earned money by paying retail prices when they can get the same product from a quality wholesale distributor. This results in high profits for resellers and saved dollars for consumers. Whether you choose at a traditional storefront location, or a wholesaler’s web site, you can satisfy your lotion needs without spending a well tanned arm or leg.

About the Author

Ryan is an expert wholesale buyer. Check out the top 5 wholesale suppliers at
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Why Should You Buy a Desktop PC?

People are always “on the go” these days, and the convenience of a laptop computer fits with our busy schedules. Thus it makes sense that depending on several analyst reports, more people worldwide choose to purchase laptops instead of desktops. With today’s popularity of netbooks, tablet PCs, and digital media players that also substitute as Internet browsers and miniature computers, why should one purchase a desktop over a laptop PC?

1. Cost and Power

Even though one many find incredible the amount of power in a laptop that can be purchased at a reasonable price, desktop computers are still cheaper than their portable brethren. Generally speaking, for the same amount of money you can purchase a desktop with a faster processor, more memory, more hard drive space, and generally faster components. Desktops may support newer technology first such as multi-core processors, offering added speed when you multitask. Plus desktops, due to their case sizes, may offer more ports such as additional USB and media readers.

2. Dedicated Graphics Card

Many laptops, except the higher-end models, come with an integrated graphics card and/or one that uses shared memory, taking up some of the laptop’s RAM for use in graphics processing. Most vendor desktops, however, include separate graphics cards with dedicated video memory. This results in faster graphics and video speed, vital for modern games, computer-aided design (CAD), and video editing. Plus, these graphics cards may handle higher resolutions, allowing you to display more information onscreen simultaneously with a larger monitor. Desktops also support additional graphics cards for multi-monitor support, though one can purchase USB VGA adapters for laptops that support a limited display resolution.

3. Ease of Upgrading

Depending on a laptop’s design it may be relatively easy to upgrade memory and RAM, usually only requiring a screwdriver and a little bit of time (and careful hands). Plus, via USB you may be able to upgrade or add some other features such as a dedicated sound card for surround sound. Upgrading other components, however, may prove difficult or impossible without specialized equipment and a great deal of know-how.

However, with desktop computers you may find upgrading components much easier. You can swap graphics and sound cards as well as the motherboard and CPU if you have the money, time, and knowledge. Depending on the case size, desktops may support extra internal hard drives for additional storage. If you require more power to handle additional components, replace the power supply or have a computer technician do so. Cooling systems can be installed if the CPU or graphics card gets too warm, or if you want to push the limit and overclock your system (run it faster than what the computer manufacturer recommends). Plus, you can even strip out all of the components and place them in an entirely new case.

4. Use as Servers

Desktop computers are better-suited to run as servers such as those streaming multimedia throughout a home network. Since many desktops contain room for expansion, you can add a greater amount of hard drive space with internal drives than you can with laptops, at possibly a cheaper cost. Plus you can switch out IDE or SATA hard drives and controllers for SCSI, offering greater speed when using multiple drives, essential when many people access files on your server simultaneously.

Even though laptop computers offer portability, essential for those who need to work outside of the home or office, many reasons still exist to use desktop computers. Games, video editing, and computer-aided design are among the many tasks that require the added speed and graphics capabilities that desktop computers offer. Desktops allow for easier and a wider range of upgrade options, providing access to newer technologies than those that have been shrunk down to fit in a laptop. Plus, desktops are better as servers, such as media servers, due to their added speed and expandability. While laptops let one write letters and access the Internet while away, when you’re not out on the road a desktop machine may still be the best option for your entertainment, multimedia, and business needs.

Copyright 2009 Andrew Malek.

About the Author

Andrew Malek owns the MalekTips computer and technology help site at
http://www.malektips.com/
. MalekTips offers tips to help you get the most out of your computer, including basic
technology tips
, web browser tricks, and advice on how to stay safe when online.

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