Archive for August, 2009
Beauty below the Bark
It’s astonishing to think what a bit of human creativity and ingenuity can accomplish. You and I might look at a block of marble and see a nondescript chunk of rock. For an artist, this is the raw material required to chisel out a sculpture. Woodworkers are the same way – finding treasures in the logs and bits of timber that would normally be relegated to the fire pit.
Knots and other “imperfections” make pieces of wood uniquely suitable for wood turning. This process involves the use of a lathe to craft elegant bowls, vases and other decorative pieces. Knots and grain in the wood naturally create a pleasing aesthetic effect and set each piece apart from the rest. What looks like just another nondescript log could theoretically contain a genuine masterpiece.
Bring Out the Character of Your Home
Interior decorating can be a daunting task for the uninitiated, especially if it means starting from scratch. Luckily, a home’s unique character and external surroundings can do part of the work for you. Rather than trying to transform your home into something out of a Victorian novel or a Pacific isle, play off of its inherent features. For instance, a house in the woods practically calls out for a rustic cabin makeover.
Once you’ve settled on your overarching design motif, it’s time to adorn the home with accoutrements. You’ll be surprised at the way a few simple additions will jibe with the furniture and flooring you already have. Seek out some handmade wood décor – either light or dark depending on overall theme – and mix it in with your preexisting furniture. Place a homemade wooden basket atop an old table and witness the aesthetic transformation.