Posts Tagged ‘Wood Art’
Placing and Aligning Wall Art
Nothing is more noticeable than a poorly aligned picture or an off kilter poster. When it comes to hanging wood wall art, don’t bother with the hassle of a carpenter’s level. Using laser levels saves time and ensures that you have perfectly aligned wall art. It’s also possible to use a laser level for a number of household needs, such as setting up shelves, aligning bookcases, and even placing lighting fixtures.
While some do-it-yourselfers may see a laser level as a bastardization of traditional carpentry, the improved accuracy and precision that the tool provides can’t be questioned. With hundreds of applications and a clear advantage over the carpenter’s level, for all your household needs there’s no reason not to own a laser level.
How to Get Gold Clean, and Keep it that Way
Gold doesn’t tarnish, but it can be dirtied or dulled by the oil in your skin, body lotion, makeup or other substances. There are lots of products out there that promise to clean gold, but you can do it easily with mild detergent and a soft cloth. Of course, it is also imperative to take measures to ensure that your jewelry stays looking great once it is cleaned.
~Mix a squeeze of mild dish detergent with warm water in a bowl.
~Put the gold item into the soap mixture and let sit for a few minutes.
~Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the jewelry.
~Remove item from soapy water, rinse it and dry thoroughly with a soft polishing cloth.
~Keep your gold jewelry in ring boxes or some other container so that it is protected.
Handmade Fretwork
Whether it is used to highlight some aspect of your home or as a completely unique work of art, fretwork is one of the best ways to beautify your abode. Fretwork typically features intricate geometric designs that are created from wood or metal. Traditionally, fretwork was done by hand, but today many pieces are mass-produced.
Although there is certainly more precision in fabricated fretwork, I prefer the rustic appeal of handcrafted art. The fact that there may be a few errors or blemishes reminds me of the hard work and countless hours that an artisan poured into the piece. These handcrafted items often feature designs that are more meticulous and original than their cookie cutter counterparts.
Personalized Decorating
When I moved into my new apartment, I knew that I wanted to have furniture and artwork that was original and representative of my personality. In my opinion, your personal possessions should be an expression and inextricable component of your character. Finding décor that fits the bill has been an ongoing endeavor.
In order to highlight my rustic side, I have been scouring the internet and antique shops for handcrafted wood art. Last week I was finally able to find a site that had just what I am looking for. Now that that is covered, I plan to begin working on my Zen garden, which is emblematic of my spiritual side.
Custom Wood Turning
Back in middle school, I took a class known as “General Technology.” It is basically the 21st century version of shop class, incorporating computer technology with basic tool skills. We covered the basics of course, but one thing that sticks out in my memory was a visit by a professional wood turner.
The shop was equipped with an old lathe, and one afternoon he came in and gave us a lesson in custom wood turning. It was amazing to see him transform a block of wood into an intricately designed work of art. While my skills will never reach that level, the experience has given me a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship that is inherent in various forms of woodworking.
Storing Your Jewelry
Part of proper care for your jewelry is to store them correctly. Nice jewelry is typically unique and one-of-a-kind, so you don’t want to damage the pieces if they are irreplaceable. There are some fairly easy ways around this, though. Here are some quick tips on jewelry storage.
~Isolate each jewel from one another; an easy and effective solution is to wrap each piece in layers of acid-free tissue paper, untreated cotton, or raw silk. If you sew, you might try creating individual, acid-free bags for this purpose, which you can also purchase.
~Getting jewelry boxes or wooden ring boxes is imperative. Separating your pieces will ensure that necklaces won’t get tangled up and you can avoid each item scratching one another.
Creating a Warm, Inviting Atmosphere
One of the best ways to positively change the feeling of the home is to add warmer decorations on a centralized fixture, such as flowers on a dining or coffee table. Of course, flowers are just one part, in order to have the best aesthetic possible, finding a vase that will complement the flowers is just as imperative.
I have found that the best decorative vases have been handcrafted wood ones. In the past the wood vase has been a staple of flea markets, art shows and church craft fairs, but aside from that they have been difficult to find. Thanks to the internet, you can find homemade vases all over the place and you’ll be able to choose from a near infinite selection that would best complement your home
Anniversary Commemorations
Celebrate your wedding anniversary in style. Renew your love for each other by updating your old-fashioned rings, or adding another one to commemorate a new chapter in your lives. The 14k yellow gold anniversary band comes in various designs that will satisfy anyone’s discriminating tastes. It is easy to wear on a daily basis and won’t irritate your skin.
Wedding bands can be ordered in different ring sizes as well as millimeter widths. They also now come in very attractive designs that include one or more gemstones to enhance their look. Anniversary bands are also available in other metal types aside from gold. There are platinum, sterling silver, titanium, stainless steel, and even rubber. Make sure that the presentation of the ring is special by placing it in a handcrafted wooden ring box.
Quality Handmade Wood Art
Before this summer I had never been a frequent patron of farmer’s markets, but as my sister was employed by a local fisherman, I found myself visiting her at several markets around the Greater Seattle area. At first I was slightly skeptical about what I would find there, but was pleased to discover a laid back atmosphere and an assortment of quality goods. I assumed that there would be nothing but herbs and turnips, but I found that there was actually an assortment of vendors.
One of my favorite booths to visit was an old woodworker named Lyle. He would bring his lathe to the market and make exquisite handmade wood art on the sport. For my mom’s birthday, I decided to buy her a piece of wood art that was a spitting image of her dog Charlie.
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.