If Under the Tuscan Sun left you breathlessly and hopelessly in love with tuscan style decorating you’re certainly not alone. The rolling hills and the call of the earth itself seem to have imparted their presence into the psyche of those who either read the book or saw the movie.

This growing trend in tuscan style decorating is similar to the which-came-first theory of the chicken or the egg.

Whichever the answer, the results are genuinely inspirational. Images of our direct connection to the earth itself are born and spark a craving for the proximity of familiar faces.

In tuscan style decorating we are able to reflect our passion for that connection to the earth and to what is real.

All that which is old and forgotten becomes new and significant again.

Elements of tuscan style decorating incorporate the outdoors within the inside confines of where we live. You don’t have to be outside to commune with nature. It instead communes in harmony with the life inside our homes.

Colors in tuscan style decorating

Warmth and intensity … just as in fine Italian coffee fills the vivid color palette of this style. The earth’s hues in ranges from blistering yellow like the sun itself to the concentrated gold’s like those she hides in her furthermost crevices are used throughout this theme. Intense shades of russet and chocolate are likewise incorporated abundantly with prominent amounts of terra cotta.

Other earth tones are likewise blended in tuscan style decorating harmony. Include expressions of coal black, deep pool or lake blue, and olive with hints of sea green in combination with generous amounts of rusty reds for added spice.

Stone in tuscan style decorating

When it comes to home décor, this style is literally the salt of the earth. Natural stones and rocks from the earth itself bear this evidence. Even bricks, which are made by man, begin with clay and other elements of the earth.

Stone is used in tuscan style decorating very effectively in kitchens and in bathrooms. Other places where it makes a powerful statement are in fireplace surrounds and hearts as well as in foyers and other entrances. Creating a faux stone wall adds an immediate tuscan air to any room.

Before choosing stone for your tuscan style decorating project, know the physical qualities of any stone you’re considering. Before you decide which stone to use where to use it, you need to know its limitations. The three most commonly used stones are granite, limestone and marble.

Granite - strong, long-lasting and heat-resistant. This stone creates a stunning tuscan style decorating focal point, but is expensive.

Limestone - natural in appearance, but very absorbent and stains easily. It is typically used in flooring and for shower interiors but is not recommended for areas that receive frequent traffic.

Marble - soft and porous, unsuitable for kitchen countertops, recommended for bathrooms and floors. Use unpolished to best compliment this theme.

Metal in tuscan style decorating

True to the concept existing in harmony with the earth, the idea in tuscan style decorating is to appreciate the natural. Instead of using highly polished metals that have a shiny appearance, you’ll be incorporating metals from the past.

Select basic tin pieces to create a feeling of genuineness. If you’re creative, you may even want to try your hand at making your own tin tuscan style decorating accessories. You can go as basic or bold as you like from doing a simple picture frame to a tin insert for an antique cabinet.

Mix in other unpolished metals like copper, iron and pewter as well for dramatic effects.

About The Author

Michael Holland is the creator of http://www.kids-rooms-and-crafts.com and http://www.home-decorating-made-easy.com. His web sites offers lots of FREE decorating tips and ideas for decorating your home. Copyright ImagineQuest Information Products Inc.

support@home-decorating-made-easy.com

When building a new home or renovating an old one, there are innumerable choices in commercially produced building and finishing materials; but when you want to restore an old home, particularly one built before standardized building materials were widely available, you may need help from a custom millworks. Stairways in old houses are narrow and steep, rooms are off square, and dimensions vary tremendously from home to home. How do you incorporate a modern, functional kitchen, for instance, into the design of a home restored to its original 1850s design?

You may have the expertise or the research capability to make the design decisions yourself; otherwise, hiring an architect who specializes in the restoration of antique buildings is a must. Many antique buildings, particularly in New England, were built and renovated over a period of centuries, with additions in different styles (sometimes compatible, sometimes not) tacked on to the original building. You probably don’t want to remove the additions, particularly if they’re a substantial part of the building; but do you restore them to their original state, or do you impose the style of the original building onto the addition? If embellishments were added to the original structure, do you keep them or get rid of them? If your house is a hodge-podge of different styles from different eras, can your architect incorporate a new design which will blend the warring styles together? And do you want him or her to do that, or are you enough of a restoration purist not to want to add modern elements to the design?

Antique buildings were most often created using materials locally available at the time of its construction; but some materials may have been imported from far away; by the nineteenth century, New England ruled the seas, importing goods, including exotic woods, from places as scattered as Ireland and Southeast Asia. Whether originating locally or abroad, these antique materials may or may not be readily available from local sources now.

Maple, oak, walnut, cherry, ash, hickory, mahogany - all may be found in an antique home, and all may need to be specially purchased. You or your architect will probably need to communicate with manufacturers of custom building materials; so be sure to choose a millworks company which has experts on staff who can provide design and specification assistance. These millworks companies should be able to provide custom milled wide plank flooring, individually designed stairs, historically accurate reproduction moldings, and special lengths and widths of lumber.

Antique homes offer a fascinating look into the history of a region and the lives of people who lived through various eras. The story of a particular house may span centuries of building, rebuilding, and renovations, making each home a unique connection to the past. Restoring one of these gems to its original beauty can not only extend its life to another generation of residents, it can contribute to the legacy of a region.

Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and Topics. She has published numerous articles in local and regional publications on a wide range of topics, including business, education, the arts, and local events. Her feature articles include an interview with independent documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and a feature on prisoners at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.

The spirit of the Wild West lives on in rustic inspired Western lighting. Light fixtures come adorned with pinecones, antlers and bears, as well as wildlife: trout, deer, elk, and buffalo. For the sportsman or woman, inspirational themed lamps decorated with croquet, snowshoes, bow and arrow, fishing reel, and boat paddles can enhance the décor of a country cabin, farmhouse, or home in the mountains. For a step back to frontier days, wagon wheel chandeliers and tin punched lighting offer unique turn of the century decoration. To get you going on your Western lighting décor consider these three fixture options:

Bear lamps and chandeliers

Generally speaking, these lamps, sconces and chandeliers capture a bear scene: you will find bears and cubs climbing trees or walking among pine trees. Capturing the spirit, bear figures tend to be either 3 dimensional; or one dimensional, decorating the lamp’s shade, base, or both. Look for sconces, vanities and chandeliers with decorative bear scenes cut out of metal. These art fixtures are wonderful and tend to include soft rust finishes and amber mica shades. Bear lamps often include shades made from faux leather.

Wagon wheel chandeliers

These fixtures tend to be made as either authentic or reproduction chandeliers. The difference is obvious: the materials. Authentic wagon wheel chandeliers (up light or down light models) will be made from true antique wagon wheels, whereas reproductions are typically made from a lightweight durable material such as medium density polyethylene. Reproductions (up light or down light models) should come with all the necessary parts: chain, globe or hurricane lights, and light fixture. So what’s the difference? Price! An authentic wagon wheel chandelier will certainly cost you more: could be as much as 4 times the cost of a reproduction. However, with an authentic fixture you gain a true haunt from the past and a great conversation piece.

Antler lighting

Similar to the wagon wheel chandelier above, an antler light fixtures can be purchased as reproduction or authentic. Absolutely no harm is caused to a deer or elk in the creation of an antler lamp or chandelier. Antlers are typically collected on the deer trails where annual antler shedding occurs. If you are choosing an authentic antler fixture expect to spend considerably more than for a reproduction. (Each fixture is unique and handcrafted). Reproduction antler fixtures are made from molds of actual antlers. These pieces tend to be more lightweight (an advantage in many homes).

Nicole Martins is a contributing author and publisher to http://www.chandeliers-and-home-lighting.com an online resource providing you with information, articles of interest and reviews on chandeliers, floor lamps, table lamps and outdoor lighting.

Home accents and surroundings today offer much more opportunity for self expression. Don’t be afraid to try something different. I’d rather decorate my home with items that appeal to my own individuality, than adhere to someone’s standards of what is the norm. Artisan crafted products truly create the ability to make one’s castle their own. It is our hope that by providing you with suggestions and ideas, we are encouraging you to enhance your home in a style befitting your distinctive personality.

The charm of artisan crafted items is in the originality it provides. Imagine decorating your bathroom in tropical decor, accented by a hand painted shower curtain. The bathroom is the one room that is often overlooked, but it need not be. Add an artistic designed mirror that reflects your unique persona. “One of the most exciting changes you can make to a bathroom is the addition of a distinctive toilet seat” says Dawn Fowler, co-owner of Unique Decor Online. “Believe it or not, there are many design possibilities, including our line of limited edition lithograph seats. Our customers are delighted by the whimsical characters that highlight our toilet seats.”

Decoupage is a popular craft that turns ordinary items into incredible works of art. A simple glass bowl becomes a cherished heirloom. You can turn a tray or platter into a relative’s favorite gift. The possibilities are limitless, and the works created are quite stunning.

Lighting is another outstanding way to set your rooms off. Don’t be afraid to add color. Versatile and vibrant, lamps are stylish accents that can turn a whole room around without much effort. Lighting comes in many different shapes and sizes for table, floor, and ceiling. There are many options and you are only limited by your imagination. It’s a simple change that can make a dramatic change.

Don’t forget your walls! Everyone has paintings and photos adorning their walls. Be different, add a piece of metal wall art. There are patterns available for everyone’s taste, so don’t be shy. Try something new and out of the ordinary. Like the title says, don’t be afraid to step out of the box. You’ll be rewarded with a home that is a representation of your unique personality.

Last, but not least, simple accessories provide the finishing touch to your unique home. The small things sometimes make the most difference.

Switchplates
There are many different types of switchplates that can perk up a room while keeping within theme.

Picture Frames
Picture frames have become very popular over the past several years and there are literally thousands of designs to choose from.

Clocks
We can’t forget a very simple, yet important addition to every home in the world. Everyone needs a clock, but it doesn’t have to be your average run of the mill clock. Don’t settle for dull and boring, when you can have unique and striking in appearance. Christine Francis, co-owner of Unique Decor Online says “Another popular item that our customer’s often request is our line of whimsical clocks. We have a large variety from which to choose and each one is an artistic original design.”

There are many more accents which seem subtle, but really play an important role when decorating your home. We must not forget the many styles of mirrors, outlet covers, fans and more. The possibilities really are limitless. It is our mission to impart to everyone, don’t settle for ordinary, when you yourself are extraordinary.

For more information on the products available from Unique Decor Online, please visit their website at: http://www.UniqueDecorOnline.com/ , or call 314-401-9852.

Author’s Note:Unique Decor Online, is a division of Heartland Treasures. The company sells a complete line of artisan created unique decor including many one of a kind and limited edition items including artistic mirrors, unique toilet seats, hand painted glassware, metal art decor, southwest decor, western decor, rustic accents, whimsical clocks, unique lighting designs, hand painted shower curtains and more. Our motto is "Distinction with a Difference" and that’s what we’re proud to offer.

For special occasions like a family dinner, or when you have business associates or friends over, little finishing touches can add a lot to the dining table where you sit down to share the meal, as well as conversation and each other’s company.

Table centerpieces are the favorite decoration, and in a pinch, you can always use the silk arrangement that you keep in the china cabinet, or get a fresh flower arrangement from the local florist.

Some people however, like to exercise their preferences or creativity, and assemble their own centerpiece creations. Candelabras are extremely popular, but when considering these, keep in mind the material they are crafted from. Silver is wonderful, but cleaning something with whorls and deep troughs in the design can be very difficult. The alternative is silver-plated candelabras, but although they do look nice, just don’t have the same shine as "real" silver.

The candelabra should not dominate your table. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the number of candles for a small dinner party of eight. It just means you need to choose a style that is lower in the pedestal, so that guests are able to see across the table. You can still have five graduated candles with a peak in the center, which provides plenty of light and warmth to the room and the table atmosphere.

To enhance the light from your candelabras, place them on round mirror bases, than have felt on the reverse side, to save the table surface if you aren’t using a cloth. Multiply your light and the glitter of crystal and silver, by placing miniature crystal figurines around the base of the candelabra, or for the very low models, on either side. Not only will the glitter dazzle your guests, but it will earn you a reputation for inventiveness!

Love home decor? Why not make a career out of it by checking out the home decor opportunities at http://www.homedecorbusiness.com

When you use Feng Shui to plan your home or office, it’s important to know where the Dragon seat is, also known as the power position. This is the area where you should place your own chair, and the Feng Shui elements that are most important in your life right now.

The power position in any room is usually the seat that is furthest from the door, but faces it. It should not be in direct line with the opening of the door; it should be slightly diagonal from the door.

In some schools of Feng Shui, the power position can be commanded by art, a window, a display, or anything else that catches your eye as you enter through the door. You can achieve this with design elements such as gold highlights, or with small spotlights or other decorative effects.

If you are planning your office, place your desk chair in the power position and arrange the rest of your furnishings around that. Ideally, your desk chair should also be in the Money corner (left corner) or the Fame area (center back of the room). You can still be effective if your desk chair is at the far right–in the Romance (Relationships) corner–where you are most likely to develop networking opportunities.

At home, design your dining room so that you sit in the power area. If it is impossible to place the table so that your chair is in the Money corner or Fame area, be sure to put some eye-catching decor in one of those areas to strengthen your position.

Also, although the dining table is likely to be in the Health area (center of the room), plan the seat covers in the colors of the power seat.

That is, if the power seat is in the Fame area, your dining room chairs should be upholstered in red, orange, or yellow fabric. If the power seat is in the Money corner, choose upholstery in Mardi Gras colors of green, purple, or gold. If possible, add gold accents to the chairs or upholstery to better support the Health aspects.

When planning your living room, place your favorite chair (or your end of the sofa) in the power position. The upholstery color should match the location of the power seat rather than the overall placement of the sofa.

When planning your kitchen, consider where you spend most of your time. This is often at the stove, a food preparation area, or at the sink. Ideally, you should spend the most time in the power area, facing the doorway. If that is not possible, either add design elements that immediately draw the eye to you, or weight important areas with extra Feng Shui elements.

If you do not see the doorway easily from that position, place a mirror or other reflective surface so that you can always see someone entering the room.

This can be tricky when designing the bedroom. Try to plan your "power seat"–in this case, the bed–so that it’s in far right corner of the room as you enter through the door. That’s the Romance corner.

When you are in bed, you should also be able to see the doorway easily. However, if you can’t, do not place a mirror for this purpose. In Feng Shui, if you can see yourself in a mirror from the bed, this can lead to poor sleep habits and insomnia. Instead, move the bed.

Above all, never place the bed so that your feet are in direct line with the door. This is very bad luck. Try to place the bed at least a few feet away from a straight line to the door; that is, it can be diagonally across from the door.

Whether you are selecting a seat at a banquet, on a bus, or in the boardroom, always try to secure the power position. This is where you will shine and where you’ll find the greatest success.

By using Feng Shui’s "power position" at home and work, you can improve your luck and success in everything that you do.

Aisling D’Art is an artist and a Feng Shui consultant. ("Feng Shui" is pronounced like "fung shway." It is the Chinese art of design and placement.) She is the Feng Shui columnist for BellaOnline.com, and offers free Feng Shui advice at "Shui To Go!" - www.ShuiToGo.com

All of us want our homes to be places of comfort and beauty. Some of us enjoy decorating and furnishing our homes and some of us don’t. How do we decide if we need an interior designer or not?

Not everyone needs a designer. If you enjoy creating your own home and you are confident in what your are doing, it is possible that what you really need is a professional shopper. You know what you want, you just don’t have the time or the expertise to find it. This is where the personal shopper comes in-to help you find a specific item or list of items. They know where the stores are and where the bargains are-and don’t we all love a bargain? These hardworking folks can find you just the right table or those elusive accessories that give your home an individual look while you’re at work earning money to pay for all of this style and elegance.

If you enjoy the shopping experience and just need an item or two (a new sofa, a club chair, or a table to put beside your recliner), you can find the help you need right at the furniture store. Better furniture stores usually have trained staff on hand to help you choose a style and a fabric. Take along pictures, fabric samples, anything you need to match the new piece. Above all, don’t forget measurements. At the furniture store find a salesperson who is attuned to the look you are trying to achieve and with whom you feel comfortable. Don’t hesitate to ask for a different salesperson if you feel that you are being pushed to buy something just because that is the flavor of the week. A good salesperson will work to help you find the exact look you are aiming for and you will be quite happy with your purchase.

However, a word of warning-if you are putty in the hands of an expert salesperson, or undecided what you want, or unsure of yourself, don’t go this route. You will end up with a room that is never quite what you wanted.

So when do you absolutely need a design team? Here are 10 reasons to hire a professional:

1. You have a difficult room. If the room is oddly shaped, has too many focal points, or architectural details that are in the wrong places, you need professional help.

2. You have ideas, but don’t know how to implement them or don’t know where to start changing things.

3. You just don’t have the time, energy, or the desire to do designing.

4. You need a major make-over, but you are on a budget. I know this sounds contradictory, but decorating mistakes are expensive, and a good designer will make sure they don’t happen.

5. You have major work to be done, but it needs to be done in stages due to budget considerations or a growing family. A designer can set you up with a list of things to do and buy which is prioritized, and on a time-line.

6. You think you know what you want, but are insecure about whether or not your ideas will work.

7. You want to update a room without throwing everything out and starting over. This is a challenge , but it can be done. It generally requires quite a high level of skill. If you don’t have a talent for this, get someone who does.

8. You have a piece or pieces of furniture, paintings, and accessories which don’t seem to fit your rooms or style, but which you can’t eliminate because they are family heirlooms or simply because you can’t afford to replace them. After all, you may not want to get rid of great-grandpa’s desk even if it is Victorian and you like contemporary.

9. You are trying to achieve a specific style or period such as French Country, Scandinavian,18th century, 50’s Retro, etc.

10. You are unsure about color combinations, proportions, mixing patterns, composition and styles.

If you fall into any of these categories, or if you simply want a professional touch, an interior designer is probably the solution to your decorating problems. Your home is too important to your happiness and lifestyle not to have the comfort you desire. If you don’t love decorating or you have a decorating challenge, then hire an expert and use your time and energy for things you really enjoy.

Content for this article has been contributed by ON THE GO 4 U, Design Consultant, Suzanne Copenhaver. Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company’s creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience.

In addition to its services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE GO 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net

© 2005 Indra A Books for ON THE GO 4 U. All rights reserved.

The world is growing – boundaries seem to be disappearing and never has this been more apparent than in home decor. Now that travel is so much cheaper and people are more adventurous, their tastes are changing and being redefined by the various cultures they come in contact with during their travels.

Gone are the days when houses were decorated in the colour tones and furnishings that were more specific to Western culture and tastes. Step in to some houses and the abundance of Oriental decorative items such as Buddha figurines, Feng Shui influenced accents and decorative vases as well as the rich and vibrant tones with which walls are painted, come as no surprise. The number and popularity of home makeover shows is proof that people value the appearance of their living spaces more than ever before. Often the décor of a living room is an expression of one’s personality and a lot of time and effort goes into the positioning of furniture, colour and material of curtains, decorative accents and type of floor coverings.

Studied symmetry has given way to softer lines, fewer rules, and more color. Asian & Oriental decor is well known for featuring softer, warmer and more ‘earthy’ or natural tones - often the furniture is made of dark-wood such as teak and the fabrics in the room are soft linens, cottons or even Silks. Area Rugs of Wool, Jute, Hemp and Cotton are used to add colour and character to an otherwise dull and unexciting room.

The internet has also made it easier for people to access these Oriental products without having to travel to the East. Internet shopping has grown over the years and the increased security features make it more appealing – it helps that you don’t get sore feet too!

Some of the best Asian & Oriental décor products can be found on websites like www.MyOriental.com that specialise in home decorative items from Thailand. The products are unusual and have been carefully sourced by its owners who have a great love for the Orient. The products featured on the site have been chosen with great care – they are known not just for their unusual nature but for their quality as well.

Regardless of what purpose your living room serves, the fabrics, colors, furniture, and accessories should be what you love. Whether it’s serene and neutral, colorful and lively, or something in-between, it should reflect your taste. It is, after all, your room.

______________________________________________________________________

© Copyright 2005 My Oriental Home Décor/eManagers Limited.

Sumit & Ann Dattani are the owners of MyOriental Decor and eManagers(property) limited. They have combined over 16 years experience in retail, finance and economics to provide the ideal online shopping experience.

Make the most of the East and get Asia delivered to your door by visiting http://www.MyOriental.com.

Many times we meet people who are interested in stained glass, but they haven’t learned enough about it to really be able to tell whether a piece of glass is a true work of art or just a good piece. I once overheard a woman gushing over a piece of glass that had been painted with fake glass paints, the kind that craft stores sell. “Oh, Look at that, I love stained glass, that is just exquisite!” Her comments were nice since she had an appreciation for art glass, but they were also ridiculous because painted fake glass just isn’t in the same class as other techniques and certainly should never be described as “exquisite”.

So that incident prompted me to write this brief description of what the different types and qualities of stained glass are. After reading the following paragraphs, you will be more qualified and more able to distinguish between good glass and great glass than the majority of people you meet. You will be well on your way towards becoming a “Stained Glass Expert.”

1. Brass And Glass – made of Brass pre-shaped metal (or brass encased lead), called “came”. The stained glass is encased in the pre-formed metal and the joints where the metal meets are then soldered. After the panel is completed and soldered, the joints are colored with a brass colored paint so that they look brass.

Advantages: Brass windows match the brass plated hardware on many homes. Brass windows are almost always mass produced, so cost is usually lower than other styles of stained glass.

Disadvantages: Brass windows usually don’t get the glass and metal cemented to each other, so they are not as strong and have a tendency to rattle more often than any other stained glass window. If the panel is sandwiched between tempered glass sheets, the lack of strength is not a big deal.

Quality: This is the lowest quality of stained glass available and is usually found in cheap furniture and mass produced door frames. It hasn’t been around for a long time and is often associated with the cheap waterbeds of the 1960’s.

2. Leaded Glass – refers to both beveled glass and colored glass surrounded by pre-shaped lead, called “came”. The stained glass is encased in lead and the joints where the metal meets are then soldered. The solder and the lead look very similar, so no special treatments are needed in the joints as with brass came. After the panel is completed and soldered, the windows are cemented by forcing cement in under the metal and the glass. Then the exposed glass is cleaned thoroughly.

Advantages: Lead construction is the most common type of stained glass to be found. If cemented well the window is fairly strong. The leaded method is fast to construct, so is quite popular in commercial installations.

Disadvantages: If the window isn’t cemented, the lead will easily stretch over time and the glass shapes will deform quite easily. Windows that are placed in insulated units can’t be cemented because the cement reacts with the desiccant in the foam tape used to create insulated units.

Quality: This is the mid-range of stained glass quality. It’s not bad, just not the best. There is pretty good detail available in this type of panel and it is quite good for many styles of glass design. If it wasn’t fairly good it wouldn’t be found in so many highly respected installations.

3. Copper Foiled or “Tiffany Style” Glass – refers to stained glass construction where each piece of glass is individually wrapped in a copper foil tape and the gaps between the glass are soldered with lead and tin based solder, usually 50/50 mix or 60/40 mix. After the panel is completed it is very strong and pretty often water tight. Chemicals are then added to color the lead lines, either copper, bronze or black. The lines can also be left pewter-like gray or they can be polished to bright shiny silver. It’s often called “Tiffany Style” because the studios of Louis Comfort Tiffany are credited with coming up with the method in the late 1800’s.

Advantages: Copper foiled windows are very strong and allow the artist the most detail of any of the construction methods. It also allows for the most ranges of patinas of the methods discussed. The copper foil method allows an artist to follow contours and so lamp shades and other 3d construction is almost always built using this method.

Disadvantages: It takes a lot of work and is more labor intensive to hand solder each and every solder line in a stained glass window, so these panels usually cost more than the leaded type. Also, because the resulting windows are so very strong, they can develop very slight hairline cracks as the glass expands and contracts in the heat of the day and the cool of the night. These cracks usually develop in the first year after a panel is installed and are minor.

Quality: This is the highest quality of stained glass, but there are different ranges of quality in this style. Imports will often have very thin lead lines not as a design element, but as a way to save money on the amount of lead used to construct the panel. The highest quality of copper foil constructed lamps will feature a built up lead line which will often stand up the same height as an extruded lead line. Best quality soldering will feature very consistent lead lines and few if any areas where the lead has shrunk after cooling.

4. Epoxy Glued Faceted Glass – refers to a technique where thick slabs of glass are broken in rough pieces and glued together using epoxy glue to form the joint between the various pieces of glass. It’s very uncommon and not available in any but the most unusual commercial construction.

David Gomm started building stained glass windows professionally back in 1983 and has become an expert at many aspects of stained glass building, design and repair. He writes a monthly newsletter at http://www.betterstainedglass.com

He also has a website with many other articles at http://www.gommstudios.com

These articles may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as the entire article, copyright notice, links and this resource box are unchanged, or if using a portion of the article, it points back to one of our pages where the entire article resides. Copyright © David Gomm All Rights Reserved.

Earthy colors and natural materials are two basics for the “old world” style of decorating. To get an idea of the colors we’re talking about, go for a walk outside and take notice of the beautiful colors around you, the blue sky, the golden sun, even the chocolate brown of mud in the springtime. Ok, so you don’t have a view of the blue/green Mediterranean Sea but you’ve seen pictures of it haven’t you? On that walk, stroll through the produce department of your local grocery store and note the dark purple eggplants, the red peppers, yellow lemons, green olives. These are some of the colors you’ll want to consider for your Tuscany decorating. Natural materials will include wood (think rustic, sturdy type furniture), tile (colorful ceramic for wall accents) natural stone for flooring and unpolished metals such as copper, tin, or pewter for accents.

You probably already have some Tuscan influences in your home. Iron scrollwork brackets, terra cotta planters (more about these later), fruit themed artwork, colorful pottery, copper, tin, pewter items, tapestry wall hangings – what was old is new again! Check your garage, attic or flea markets for some of these items.

What could be simpler than lining a sunny windowsill with some pretty little terra cotta pots with Italian herbs (oregano, basil, sage, etc.)? Do you have a section of old wrought iron railing that once graced your front porch? Bring it in, clean it up and get creative. Maybe you could use it for a pot hanger in the kitchen or hang it on the wall for a decorative accent in the family room. How about that old leather trimmed trunk? It may make a great coffee table or storage area. Since colorful tile work is essential for the Tuscan style, how about making your own mosaic masterpiece? Just break up a few pieces of old china, (use safety goggles), apply it with tile adhesive to a terra cotta planter, old vase or whatever you choose, let it dry for 24 hours, grout it and wipe down with a damp sponge.

If you’re redoing your walls, a simple way of getting that time-burnished stucco look is to use Venetian plaster, which is simply drywall compound mixed with latex paint. First, paint the walls a Tuscany color such as gold, cream or even a terra cotta red. Then spread the plaster over the wall in varying thicknesses – let some of the painted wall show through. Then, you can seal it with a latex sealer if you wish. Or, you may want to check out wallpapers that imitate this look.

Keep in mind, the whole idea is to create a warm, comfortable “lived in” look and you’ll get it using these ideas and some of your own.

Jill Kane is the owner of http://www.1st-Home-Decorating-Ideas.com. A site with tips and resources related to home decorating.