Archive for January, 2011

Custom Fountains Standing Out From The Crowd

The customisation is achieved by a number of different methods the most common is for the logo to be either attached or engraved into the glass within the water fountain. When the logo is in the glass this provides a superb visual effect with the water running down and the backlight illuminating the company name or logo. This really makes a company stand out and creates a definite wow factor.

The other method which can be used is for the logo to be engraved directly into the face of the wall fountain. In order to achieve this effect the usual material used for the back drop is either stone or slate it can also be created in glass but this is not so common. The stone is carefully sculpted to display the company name and or logo with precision and the final results are a stunning visual display. The custom fountains are completely adaptable and many suppliers will give you exactly what you require if you explain to them the plans. Size is of no object and any size fountain can be created to meet your needs some of the larger ones that have been produced have been over seven feet in height and three feet wide.

To get a custom fountain it is a very quick process and most suppliers will follow the same process. The first task is to find a water fountain that meets your requirements; this will be in height and size design and materials used. This is where it becomes essential that the style will fit the design that you want to add onto the fountain for example a long and tall water fountain will better suite a similar size logo and vice versa a long and wide logo will better suite a similar shaped water fountain. The selection process is very important and it is best to take some time over making sure you choose one that is best if there is any doubt then it makes sense to speak with the supplier or if you do not find one that meets your requirements then ask about getting a custom fountain designed and made for you.

The next step is to send a copy of your logo to the supplier in any one of the specified formats that they request the better quality the logo the better it will look on the fountain so be sure to send the best one you can find. Once these tasks are complete then the work can begin on making the fountain turnaround time can often depend on the size and complexity of the design but usually you can expect to receive the finished custom fountain within a quick timeframe. Custom fountains need not be just for companies you may want to add a picture of your favourite pet your house name or your crest whatever you would like added to the fountain this can be achieved.

About the writer:  Chris Courtis enjoys writing for Ethan Paul Thomas who are one of the leading suppliers of water features including Custom Fountains.

Classic Pottery Bookends From Famous Makers

Southeast Ohio was once the home of many famous pottery makers. Even today names like Hull McCoy and Robinson Ransbottom still echo through the Muskingum River Valley. Pottery bookends are among some of the most collectible pieces from these well known pottery makers.

The area around the Muskingum River Valley provided the perfect combination of natural resources that included a ready source of fine grade clay. Often found along the seams of coal that dotted the subterranean landscape the clay gave birth to over fifty pottery manufacturers. The abundance of coal provided a great source of energy to fuel the kilns that were needed to fire the clay.

The fine quality of the clay found in and around towns like Zanesville Crooksville and Roseville produced porcelain like quality. A combination of artistry and quality has made pottery from this area some of the most collectable in the country if not the world. Pottery bookends from southeast Ohio stand as a testament to the century of fine pottery making that continues today. Annual events are held to celebrate and commemorate the rich traditional of pottery making drawing thousands of collectors and pottery enthusiasts.

Some pieces were created strictly for the sake of art while others like bookends had a functional purpose as well. In the early days of pottery making form most definitely followed function. From bowls pitchers and other useful pieces scarce resources were not ordinarily expended on purely decorative pieces. This was especially true in ancient times. This is not to say that a flower vase or ewer could not be useful and decorative at the same time. During the heyday of pottery making in Ohio decorative and commemorative pottery pieces gained in popularity.

Companies like McCoy and Hull are famous for vases and planters that doubled as bookends. How beautiful it was to have fresh cit flowers adorning the bookshelf. Many of the pottery bookends produced during the early to mid twentieth century closely followed the arts and craft movement and eventually the art deco form. McCoy pottery was also well known for producing many different themes that included various plant and leaf patterns. In addition to bookends and such popular forms of McCoy and Hull included distinct fluted vases and deep color glazing patterns.

The lovely McCoy White Horse bookends were first produced during the nineteen forties. Porcelain white in shade the figures depict two draft horses rearing up on their back legs. The colorful birddog bookends also from McCoy feature beautifully detailed depictions of hunting dogs having just retrieved some game birds.

The Roseville bush berry pattern is a very collectible bookend that if found in perfect condition can fetch hundreds of dollars. The Roseville Zephyr Lily bookend is a beautifully unique pattern and is highly prized among some collectors. This distinctive pattern features a yellow lily shown on full bloom placed in the middle of an open book. The Roseville magnolia blue is another highly prized and collectible set of pottery bookends. Set in a simple green L shape the flowering magnolia is placed in the center with a subtle accent of sunburst surrounding the flower.

Most of the kilns that produced some of the worlds most recognizable pottery are cold or have disappeared forever. The dozens of pottery and stoneware producers that once dotted the landscape of southeast Ohio have dwindled to a handful.

The internet has provided collectors from all over the world with the opportunity to gain an appreciation for these pieces of Americana. As with any collectible pottery bookend the buyer must always be wary of fakes and knockoffs.

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular decorative bookend site:
http:/www.decorativebookends.com. He provides interesting information buying and collecting decorative bookends.
www.decorativebookends.com

Choosing An Area Rug

Are you having a hard time choosing an area rug? And that because of the ample varieties to choose from you dont know where to start and what factors to consider? Say you are redecorating or moving into a new home; and you are planning to add a certain twist to the rooms in the house and so you plan to buy area rugs for each of the rooms. But then you cant really decide what rug to buy. So how do you really choose an area rug? What are the factors to consider when purchasing rugs?

The first and easiest thing to take account of when buying an area rug is color. Choosing a rugs color is very important. You need to opt for rugs that will compliment a rooms wall color and furniture. Whether you want it to be the center of attraction or a supplementary decoration you ought to make sure that the colors in the room doesnt contrast or go against that of the area rug. Try using a color wheel or color palette to see which colors go together.

In terms of rug function you have to consider what room you are going to place the rug. It is important to know how much activity the room is going to have. When choosing an area rug deliberate on the quality of a rug depending on how you want it to function whether just a plain floor covering or home decor purposes and the like. For example you want a rug to be placed in the kids playroom where most probably there would be spills and lots and lots of dirt and accidental stains. You would want to choose a rug that is more stain and dirt resistant like pure wool. If you are just looking to buy a rug for display purposes to show off a good chosen design to your friends and colleagues then you can opt for synthetic rugs that are cheaper than that of natural fibers. Buying a highquality rug is necessary especially in rooms with high foot traffic.

Size matters. It is important to know how big a certain room is for you to be able to know what size of rug to buy. Additional inches are necessary if planning to place a rug under furniture. You dont want it too big or too short. With size comes shape. Know what shape to choose depending on the dcor and furniture in the room where you are about place the rug. The shape of a rug influences the size you are to choose. Make sure the shape of the area rug whether rectangle oval or square blends and doesnt go against the rooms prior furnishings.

An aspect to also contemplate on is the pattern and design of the area rug. Like the color and shape factor patterns should also blend with the design of the room. You dont want the wall decors and beddings to clash with the design of the area rug. A nice harmonizing room design would certainly please ones eyes.

If you are a person that likes to walk around the house barefoot you probably prefer area rugs that are soft and relaxing. Well then you would want to take note of a rugs texture. Not only can a rug give comfort but also warmth and focus. Thus the feel of the rug also adds character to a room.

Area rugs can surely help you spice up a plain old boring room. And with the wide range of patterns styles colors and sizes to choose from it is impossible for one to not find an area rug that is right for them. Remember that when choosing an area rug you should consider factors such as size color shape and how you want it to function.

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;17120 S Figueroa St. Unit AGardena CA 90248310.324.1200http://homedecorcenter.com