Top Tips For Selecting a Tapestry For Your Home

If you're wanting to select a tapestry for your home, then here are the top 7 tips that will help you out. Decorating your home is a personal decision, and if you have a partner or others living in your home, then remember to get their opinion as well. Here's how to ensure that your choice is a superb one:

1. Consider the theme of your home decor

If your home has a certain feel and look to it, then you may want to stick with this theme. For example if you have a French styled home, a cottage home or a modern home, then select a work of art that will complement and go well with this style. With modern homes, the style can be quite varied and still fit in.

2. Consider the size of the wall

If you have a large wall, then a large work can make a more profound impact than a small wall hanging. In fact, a large tapestry can create a backdrop impression to a room or hallway to give the illusion that you've just walked into another place and time. Quite impressive.

3. Consider the colors surrounding

If you have a light colored wall, then most works can suit this space. But if your wall is strongly colored, then just ensure that the work will go well with that color. Most tapestries are forgiving this way as even a contrast in color can be very striking and even enhance the effect of the art piece.

4. Choose a tapestry that you like

Above all, despite the above considerations, you should choose a scene of design that you like. Some people prefer romantic scenes of Francois Boucher, while others prefer a verdure where foliage and nature abounds. Some prefer impressionistic art. Whichever way, select from a good range and find something that you like.

5. Consider a work that has a specific impact

What this means is that the tapestry can have a specific impact depending on the scene that it's portraying. For example, you can create an illusion of an enlarged living space by selecting a scene of the outdoors.

You can add romance with a work depicting floral illustrations or a pastoral scene by Boucher. You can also create serenity with a scene of gondolas in Venetian canals.

6. Choose a tapestry that is backed with a tunnel

Most tapestries nowadays have a tunnel at the back. This is so that you can hang the tapestry easily by inserting a tapestry rod and using mounts on the wall. This makes the hanging of tapestries so much more convenient. Not many pieces come without a tunnel, but check anyway to make sure.

7. Frame the tapestry with a tapestry rod

Choosing a beautiful tapestry rod that features a scroll finial, Fleur de Lis finial or other elegant design can really finish a tapestry off very nicely. Consider the choice of rod whether it's finished in black, rustic gold or other color with the colors and theme of the work itself.

So as you can see, you can use these above tips to help you select a wall tapestry art that will suit your room or home. It's a personal process and one that will reap many rewards over the years as yo enjoy the space that you live in with this beautiful form of art.

Looking for wall tapestries? Tom Matherson is a writer for Worldwide Tapestries which offers a range of European wall tapestries and wall decor to transform any home. See this site for the finest and most romantic designs in tapestry wall art that you can use to enhance any room setting or home.

How to Create Romance in Your Home Decor

Ever wanted to create that extra sense of romance and luxury in your home? Then take a few tips from here and easily create that special feeling that only a well loved and well thought about home can give.

Whether you want a lovely sanctuary to live in or a place where your guests and friends can feel at home and serene and much appreciated, these tips will help you achieve that. So where to start? These 5 tips will get you started.

1. Have a piece of art on your wall

There is nothing as alluring to the imagination as well as the emotions as a piece of art on your wall. Whether it be a painting, wall hanging or other piece of art, a piece of beauty here will set the entire tone and mood of the room.

When you enter any room in your home, you are influenced subconsciously, whether you know it or not, by the clarity and beauty of that room. When you have a beautiful piece on your wall, your mind and emotions relax and go to another place and time. A gorgeous work here will transport you, transform your experience, and set a backdrop to the entire scene.

2. Have a piece with color to enliven the room

Whether this is from an art work on the wall, a throw or a piece of art you place on a table, a piece in crimson or pink will add romance. A crimson throw or cushions will add not only color, but mood to light up the day or night.

Colors in this range adds fire to sensuality and improves appetite, and encourages thoughts and feelings of romance. Flowers such as tulips, gerberas or peonies also add to the romantic fire in a home.

3. Add a photograph of picture depicting romance

You can choose a picture of yourself with a partner or a picture of a couple or any scene which means romance to you. When it is in the room, again, your mind subconsciously picks up on the theme of romantic love.

Even a small picture placed in an appropriate position will do. If you subscribe to Feng Shui you will know to put this image in the South West direction of your room or bedroom for added effect. Either way, select a picture you like and place it where you can see it!

4. Add flowers

Yes, flowers will add a feeling of warmth to any room or home. It doesn't have to be any particular type, but anything that you like such as tulips, roses, and even potted herbs such as lavender, rosemary and fragrant species such as jasmine will enliven the room and add a sense of serenity, relaxation which can help romance and love. If you don't have the real thing, a picture or wall hanging can have the same effect.

5. Have a place for 2 people to sit in comfort

This is such an obvious point but so many people miss out on this. If it's your sofa, then ensure that it's neat and clean and is ready for guests to sit on. On the coffee table, clear away clutter and have a clean empty space.

Make sure that he space is easy to get to and nothing is in the way. Look and feel your home as if you're a visitor with new eyes, and see where you need to declutter or need to add an element of beauty.

So as you can see, these 5 tips can help you achieve a sense of romantic mood in any room or home. By doing one or two you will get there, and if you follow all 5, then you're sure to be on a winner when it comes to transforming your home into something truly special and romantic.

Want to add romance to your home? Then see this collection of romantic French tapestries that will suit any home. Tom Matherson writes for Worldwide Tapestries where you will find a variety of large wall hangings and European wall tapestries from France, Belgium and Italy to suit any home decor.

Cheap Decorating Ideas Turning the Spare Bedroom Into an Old Tuscan Villa on a Limited Budget

Interior decorating ideas begin by deciding on a theme this will establishes guidelines to which a basic design is allowed to develop as a style. Every journey has a destination, a point of arrival, to go somewhere without the correct directions will end up, with you lost, in the state of total confusion. Let's decide on the theme, the look of Tuscany remains a very popular style, and is a beautiful vacation setting, so, go pack your bags!

The trip to a Tuscan Villa transformation starts by clearing the room of all previous furnishings. Prep the walls first, now paint three of the four walls, and ceiling a rich cream, the wall the bed anchors on apply a Tuscan terracotta paint color. Next add glaze, and rich cream paint into a container, half and half of each,and stir.

This will create the vintage look of Tuscany. Using a roller apply glaze on the terracotta wall in small sections, use a rayon cloth wiping off, after you add the glaze similar to a bread kneading motion. You can achieve random runny affects by lightly spritzing with a spray bottle of water, and use a cloth to control the dripping.

Who doesn't have some of Mom's or Aunt Tillie's treasures lying around the house just collecting dust. Furniture items like comfortable reading chair, dressers, armories, desks, trunks, hat boxes, or old birdcages.

The condition can be old, battered, and distressed is even better. Here's several suggestions for headboards, old doors, aged shutters, wrought iron pieces , or how about a collection of odd size frames, with added tapestry fabric inserts.

Aged lace curtains as a bed skirt, new works as well, a good soak in cold coffee for a few minutes, and presto an instant antique. A Damask coverlet, with five to seven textured pillows, and lots of fringe.

On the floor, place three various sized tapestry rugs going in different directions, and a larger rug partially the under the bed for a grounding technique. Add warmth, with a collection of old photographs in vintage frames on, a round skirted table, and a tapestry wall hanging, or an area rug are perfect for the wall.

The final touch, a window treatment, without hardware! Purchase six window scarves at an outlet or import shop, tie a medium knot at one end, hang them with drawer pulls, small nails, or cup hooks. Attach three panels on the left, and three panels on the right of the window, let them crush on the floor, and now send out the invitations, you're ready for guest.

Transformation complete, Chow!

Interior decorating is a personal expression of your inner self. Everyone deserves to live or work in an environment that is comfortable and excites them. You can definitely do it yourself but you want to be sure you're not making any costly mistakes.

I invite you to discover the answers to the most important decorating questions asked by people planning a decorating project. Visit http://www.AffordableDecors.com now to pick up your free special report.

Donald Ramey, is a graduate of the American Academy of Art, with more than 25 years as a professional designer. He has been a highly sought-after designer for upscale department stores. He now works with private clients locally and across the country to help them define their style, choose colors, fabrics, paints, furniture, accessories, lighting and flooring that creates a wow factor for every day living. He also owns a design showroom in Naperville, Illinois.

The Quaker Tapestries - An Inspired Creation

For centuries faith and spirituality has inspired art and the development of tapestry. The Quaker tapestry is a twentieth century creation, and originally an idea by Anne Wynne-Wilson after studying the magnificence of the Bayeux Tapestry.

She became enthralled at the concept of telling stories through tapestry and aimed to create a project that told the story of the development of the Quaker religion worldwide. As the masterpiece grew the very essence of spirituality became woven into the work.

The Bayeux Connection

Anne Wynne-Wilson proposed a crewel based tapestry consisting of separate panels which could then be sent to different Friends in the Quaker faith to complete, and at the same time enable people to learn about the story of the Quaker religion.

Like the Bayeux Tapestry the technique saw three separate panels, each with a restricted colour scheme on hand woven wool with the material designed to stand the test of time. The tapestry contained four ancient stitches - Stem, Knot, Split and Chain with the thread laying method of Bayeux Point, and natural dyes.

The original intention had been to create a tapestry to tell the story of the development of the Quaker faith globally, however the faith of the stitchers became embedded in the work and in doing so captured the very essence of the elements that motivate Quaker faith.

The Children of Light

Light has always been significant in the teaching of Quakerism, particularly the concept of Inner Light. This is portrayed via the first tapestry inspiring Quakers to use themselves to reflect their inner light on others. A simple prism glowing colour and direction strengthens the belief that early Quakers called themselves "The Children of Light."

George Fox founded the Quaker movement in 1652 and his life and teaching is beautifully recorded throughout the panels. Accompanying pictures of events in his life are texts with simple Quaker teachings and beliefs.

Light weaves its way through the tapestry and acts as a simple thread which joins the thoughts, work and culture of Quakerism. Panels bearing simple teaching and thought accompany designs of key Quakers such as Fox, and tell their story through tapestry.

Through the panels the feeling of quiet contemplation and simplicity emerges when viewing the designs of Quaker Merchants or John Woolman in prayer. Others reflect a more turbulent time and portray anger, persecution and a questioning of belief during the history of the religion.

The panel depicting the persecutions of Oxford in 1654 have been designed to impart fear and the real horror of the event when two Quaker missionaries attempted to talk to the people. The detailed facial expressions ensure the dark days of Quaker history are told to the observer and not forgotten. Art has always enabled stories to be told through expression and simplicity and this dramatic and reflective work stands as a testimony to the Quaker faith.

Simple Values of a Global Religion

As light shines through the panels the true Quaker values of healing, compassion and reform emerge. Elizabeth Fry and her work in transforming prison services, known Quaker doctors who pioneered new ways of healing, and those who reached out to help displaced people are represented in the stitching and tell the story in simple words and pictures of their life's contribution. Healing through plants and the relief of suffering weave their way through the tapestry with the placing of delicate botanical pictures adding colour and light.

The adventurous and enterprising nature of Quakers is portrayed both with the designs of William Penn discovering Pennsylvania and in those showing engineering inventions and the whole tapestry manages to tell many different stories within one bigger tale.

Each small picture carries a message and new learning within the designs and colour schemes. Simple Quaker texts combined with pictures and expressions impart the thoughts and beliefs of their designers in a creative tableau.

The unique concept behind the Quaker Tapestry has ensured a global belief has been captured by sending sections overseas to be completed, each adding a new story and a cultural flavour, whilst enabling the light of the Quaker faith to be reflected in the exquisite design.

An Inspirational Legacy

When the Bayeux Tapestry was designed and put on display it laid the foundation for a concept in storytelling that spanned the ages and enabled a tale to be portrayed in a unique media. In future years the Bayeux and Quaker Tapestries may inspire more creative ideas in art and design to tell a tale of momentous and transformational events in history and everyday life.

Angela Dawson-Field writes extensively on home decor and tapestry & textile art. She divides her time between family and The Tapestry House

Professor Helps Shed New Light on Renowned Bayeux Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry captured a pivotal moment in European history. The 230-foot-long embroidered cloth, which depicts events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and scenes from the battle iself, is renowned among scholars of medieval history, art and literature.

Illinois Wesleyan University Professor of English Dan Terkla is helping to uncover the mysteries of the Tapestry with the new book The Bayeux Tapestry: New Interpretations (Boydell & Brewer, 2009).

“History is written by the victors, and the Tapestry is a great piece of public relations,” said Terkla, who co-edited the collection of essays for the book, and contributed his own chapter. In the case of the Bayeux Tapestry, the victor was William of Normandy, who defeated King Harold I of England at the Battle of Hastings.

Thought to be embroidered around 1068, the Tapestry tells the story of how William the Conqueror ascended to the throne of England as the rightful king, and portrays Harold as a usurper.

Bayeux Tapestry Cover

Edited by Terkla, Martin Foys and Karen Eileen Overbey, the book is a collection from a combination of well-established scholars and voices new to Tapestry studies, said Terkla. “We truly hope to live up to the title of the book, New Interpretations,” he said.

“Not only does the book take a multi-disciplinary approach, with scholars from fields ranging from history to art to Anglo-Saxon studies contributing, but its particular mix of seasoned and young scholars can provide a new perspective.”

Terkla’s chapter, titled “From Hastingus to Hastings and Beyond: Inexorable Inevitability on the Bayeux Tapestry,” situates the Norman invasion of 1066 in a context that reaches back to the first Viking ruler in Normandy, Hastingus, forward to William and the Norman invasion, and beyond to the broader history of Norman conquests.

Setting the Tapestry in this broad context causes one to wonder, as Terkla does, “Did Hastingus’s presence in Normandy set into motion an inevitable link that runs all the way to William?” He argues that the Tapestry’s design creates a sense of historical inevitability through its use of line.

Read complete article in IWU.edu

Live review: Amity Dry in Tapestry – A Carole King Tribute Show

Amity Dry clearly has a loyal following in Adelaide if the audience at her final performance of Tapestry at the Promethean is anything to go by. There was a real warmth in the applause of this largely older crowd, who hummed along to many of the great songs from the ’60s to the ’80s.

Dry is an understated and unpretentious performer. She just gets up and sings, along with her three-piece band and back-up vocalist Charmaine Jones. The show opens with a somewhat underpowered rendition of “I Feel The Earth Move” and doesn’t really pick up pace until mid-way through with a powerful interpretation of “So Far Away”.

Other highlights included “Smackwater Jack” and the James Taylor classic “You’ve Got a Friend”. Unfortunately, a number of the songs were undermined by a harsh mix and various microphone problems.

There are no accoutrements of cabaret here – no slinky evening frocks for the girls, no sharp black suits for the boys.; this is more “come as you are” cabaret.

Read complete article in IndependentWeekly.com

Tapestry-Tastic Exhibition at An Lanntair

TAPESTRY has never gone away, but the new An Lanntair exhibition – Suas leis an Oir-Ghreus! (Long Live Tapestry!) – is still pitched as something of a revival.
And Suas leis an Oir-Ghreus was in fact first shown as 'Vive le Tapisserie!' at the French Institute in Edinburgh last year – proving in its own way that tapestry is something of an international language.

The exhibition comprises of four miniatures, each created by 17 of Scotland's leading tapestry artists.

Archie Brenna, Sara Brennan, Amanda Gizzi, Linda Green, Alice Hannigan, Maureen Hodge, Stephen Hunter, Fiona Hutchison, William Jefferies, Ellen Lenvik, Brigitta MacDonald, Jo McDonald, Susan Mowatt, Colin Parker, Paul R Penrice, Anna Ray and Joanne Soroka are all members of the newly formed group STAR (Scottish Tapestry Artists Re-Grouped); and graduates of the tapestry department of Edinburgh College of Art.

Read complete article in StornowayGazette.co.uk

The Wish Maker Unfolds A Cultural Tapestry Of Contemporary Pakistan

About a month ago on "The Daily Show," Jon Stewart began a segment about Pakistan by describing it as a “distant and mysterious land of spice and anger.” After momentarily feigning interest in the country's history and culture, he admitted, “Actually, we really just care about the nuclear arsenal.”

That wry jab at single-minded reporters might amuse Ali Sethi, who's written an earnest and deeply considered debut novel about Pakistan without pandering to the interests and clichés that dominate our nightly news. The Wish Maker is a family saga that gracefully unfolds a cultural tapestry of contemporary Pakistan.

Zaki Shirazi is the intelligent, observant son of two affluent matriarchs, his grandmother Daadi and his mother Zakia. His father died while flying a military plane when Zaki was “minus two months old.”

The Wish Maker begins with Zaki returning from an Ivy League education in the States to find his home, Lahore, Pakistan, changed. “There was an added estrangement from the known,” Zaki notes.

“The drive home was too short, the bridge too small, the trees not high enough on the canal ... the bed in my room was just a bed.” Sethi's clearly writing from recent experience — he, too, is an affluent Ivy League-educated 24-year-old of Lahore, Pakistan. Sethi's prose, however, is written with the disciplined distance and evenhanded delivery expected from someone twice his age.

Read complete article in CreativeLoafing.com

The Rich Tapestry Of Contemporary American Extremism

For many years he was the “monetary architect” of the “Liberty dollar,” much beloved by antigovernment “Patriots.” Nowadays, after running afoul of federal authorities over his alternative currency scheme, Bernard von NotHaus has embarked on a more ethereal venture: the Free Marijuana Church of Honolulu, where he is the “high priest.”

Church members step into the “High Room” for one toke of marijuana, then retire to a meditation room “in serene bliss,” according to a church press release.

Von NotHaus, 64, says he once was friends with psychedelic drug proponent Timothy Leary. But he’s best known on the radical right for creating “American Liberty currency” certificates in denominations of $1, $5 and $10, starting in 1998. The certificates were backed by stocks of silver and gold stored in Idaho, von NotHaus said.

The currency has been popular with extreme-right tax protesters and members of the radical “sovereign citizens” movement, who maintain that the federal government has no right to tax or otherwise regulate them, as well as those who believe that the Federal Reserve, America’s central bank, is run by a private body for personal profit.

In 2007, federal agents raided the company’s Evansville, Ind., headquarters, and seized two tons of copper coins featuring Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul and 500 pounds of silver from a Liberty Dollars warehouse. The raids followed the U.S. Mint’s issuance of a public warning to consumers and businesses that using Liberty Dollars in lieu of U.S. currency was a crime.

Read complete article in Wired.com

The Battle Of Fulford Tapestry

THE team creating a huge tapestry showcasing an ancient battle near York is looking for fellow embroiderers to join them in “sewing a piece of history”.

The creation of the 15-feet tapestry is well underway and the first three feet, depicting the arrival at Scarborough of Harald Hardrada, king of Norway, is now complete.

The project, which has been funded with part of a £24,000 lottery grant awarded to the Fulford Battlefield Society, began in 2005. After a slow start due to a lack of volunteers, it could now be finished by the end of the year.

One of the organisers, Mary Ann Dearlove, 63, said: “We are really motoring on with it now.

“I am on a bit of a recruitment drive at the moment because we need more people who can come down and work on it. The first three feet are done and we are working on the next section which depicts the arrival of both sides at Fulford. Once you start working on it, time absolutely flies – it’s so absorbing,” she added.

“It’s not complicated at all – it’s a laid stitch which is fairly basic.”

The embroiderers meet at Barley Hall in Coffee Yard, and will be there on Wednesday, from 10am to 2pm, if anyone is interested in adding to the piece.

Taken From ThePress.co.uk