June 15th Drawing for Blanket

A Thomas Kinkade Tapestry is An Investment in Quality and Exquisite Beauty

In this article I want to discuss some of Thomas KinKade's tapestries.  If you love exquisite works of art, your home is not complete without a masterpiece fashioned by this "painter of light."  One thing is for certain, a Thomas Kinkade tapestry will be the highlight of any room. Thomas Kinkade is an American painter who characterizes himself as "America's most-collected living artist."  He is very well known; in fact 1 in 20 homes in the United States include some sort of his artwork.

Cobblestone Bridge Tapestry Throw

A Thomas Kinkade tapestry is likely created from scenes in his own home town of Placerville, California.  Intricate and saturated pastel colors feature glowing highlights.  Many of the tapestries are created from works that portray serene settings such as streams, gardens and stone cottages.  Main street and tranquil snow scenes are also some of the images created from settings in his home town.

You will find that a Thomas Kinkade tapestry often represents a specific season and is created with glorious detail and color.  The Garden of Prayer tapestry is filled with intense greens, purples, violets, blues and gold's, and is an especially striking piece.  Sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating beautiful spring flowers and landscape surrounding a Gazebo that is truly captivating.  Kinkade gains much of the inspiration for his art work through his religious beliefs.  Bringing peace and joy to people of all faiths is his goal, and nothing demonstrates that better than the Garden of Grace tapestry, which offers the verse "You are my hiding place" from Psalms 32:7.

No matter what you color or decor theme, a Thomas Kinkade tapestry blends with nearly any style of decorating.  Vibrant colors filled with light reflections add charm and elegance to any room.  Intricate details, exquisite color and abundant texture will add original personality to any wall of your choosing.  These magnificent works of art are perfect for creating an eye-catching focal point in any room.
        Clearing the Storm Lighthouse Tapestry
Add a serene, tranquil and calming atmosphere to your home, while lighting it up with vibrant color! A Thomas Kinkade tapestry is much more than just a picture; it captures the true feeling of nature in all it's glory and the beauty of the changing seasons.  Decorate your home with inspiring art that evokes emotion and restores peace to the depths of your soul.

A Photo-into-Blanket: The Perfect Gift for Any Occasion

A personalized photo-into-blanket is a great gift for friends and family members.  Whether you are ordering a personalized blanket with a picture of you and your best friend or a picture of your family there is nothing as meaningful and as personalized as a blanket with your favorite photo. 

Have you ever sat in front of a computer, flipped through multiple store catalogs, or paced through the aisles at your local department store looking for the perfect gift for a friend or family member?  If you have then you are not alone.  Each day there are multiple individuals who need to purchase a special gift for a birthday, anniversary, or another special occasion.

 
On the left is the PictureWeave photo-into-blanket finished product and on the right is the original photograph.  Final size of throw is 54" x 70"

If you wind up buying a gift from a department store or a catalog it is likely that the gift you selected isn’t as personalized as you wished it would be. The problem with purchasing a personalized gift is that many individuals are looking in the wrong spot. 

A personalized photo-into-blanket is a gift that would likely meet your needs; however, it is one that cannot be found in most department stores or store catalogs.  Many times the only way to purchase a personalized blanket is to find a photo designer online.

You can even use personal artwork to have a photo-into-blanket tapestry product. This tapestry throw blanket was created from the artwork of Sid Campbell, from his Japanese Warrior Art collection.  50" x 60" size shown.

Finding a personalized photo-into-blanket designer is easy thanks to the internet. 

Many individuals who make a living developing personalized photo-into-blankets only advertise their business online. This is why you may have never seen or heard of a personalized photo-into-blanket before.  Each photo-into-blanket designer is likely to offer different product features and designs; therefore, you are encouraged to see what each individual has to offer before planning your blanket design. 

Personalized photo-into-blankets often come in a large number of different sizes and styles.  To determine which size and style you would like to purchase you should first learn what is offered.  It is not uncommon for small throw blankets to be offered; however, it is possible for smaller and larger photo-into-blankets to be developed.  When purchasing a personalized blanket you will also need to know if color blankets are available.  Most individuals prefer a black and white blanket; however, both items are popular. 

When a personalized photo-into-blanket is purchased many times they are just used as a memento.  If you are purchasing a personalized blanket for someone that you know you should keep this in mind when making the purchase. There are many photo-into-blanket designers who sell wall hanging kits. This is a great personalized blanket accessory for those who will want to preserve the blanket and keep it as clean as possible. 

This photo-into-throw is 54" x 70" and is of the Roxie Boyd family before the dad passed away.  Photo taken in 1987, and made into an art blanket in 2008. 

Why purchase a generic gift when you can offer so much more to the person that you care about?

Kids Room Decorating is Challenging - and Fun!

Decorating a kids room can be quite a challenge, but it is always fun.  No matter what furniture and accessories you choose, the real enjoyment comes down to the small things - the walls, desk, lighting, etc., Selecting the perfect theme is also fun, and your children will love giving their input.   

Depending on the age of the child, there are endless themes you can choose from. Disney characters, butterflies, jungle themes and underwater characters like the Little Mermaid are just a few options.  You may also decide you want bedding that matches the theme, or you may want to use a solid color on the bed if it all seems a little too much.

Kids room decorating usually involves the use of a large variety of colors.  These days, you can purchase paints with various textures that can be used on one wall to create various illusions.  Magnetic paint is something to give some thought to if your child collects magnets.  They can hang all of their favorites directly on the wall!

Painting a mural on one wall is an idea that really adds a unique look to the room. The mural you paint or have someone to paint will go right along with the theme you choose. Can you imagine your child's favorite theme characters painted right on the wall?  There are options if you cannot do this yourself. Art deco wall stickers can create the illusion if you don't feel that you are talented enough to take on the challenge.

Kids room decorating can be much more intensive than you may think.  For example, if your child has a desk or activity table in their bedroom, you can paint a checkerboard on top!  And when it comes to lighting, you need more than a single lamp to create a magical atmosphere.  Place several small lamps around various areas of the room, so that it glows and reflects the imaginative themes you and your child have chosen.

Childhood is a special and magical time in anyone's life.  Make your child's bedroom a memorable and cherished sanctuary that will remain in their mind for the rest of their life.  Kids room decorating is a challenge, but it is also fun and very rewarding when you see the results and the eyes of your child light up in wonderment!

Accent Pillows Are Great for Displaying Your Favorite Photos!

Have you ever considered using accent pillows to show off your favorite photos?  You can use photographs of your children, family or even your pets.  With tapestry products, you can have richly colored accents that will totally change the look of your room, while being uniquely decorated with the ones you love!

Tapestries have been around nearly since time began.  In ancient times, patterns were often displayed that depicted war victories, battles and other scenes.  While you can still choose beautiful designs to decorate your accent pillows, using your favorite photographs gives your decor a special, personal touch.

Need an unusual gift for a friend or loved one?  What better and more welcome gift could you give than a pillow that is useful, decorative and embellished with a special photo of their child, pet, grandparents or anyone else close to them?  This is a gift that they will truly appreciate and enjoy.  It may even become a family heirloom!

You may be curious if this is an image that is simply "stamped" onto accent pillows.  PictureWeave is a process in which your photo is actually woven into 100% cotton jacquard material.  This means that your product will be of top quality and craftsmanship.  Simply provide a quality digital photograph with a clear image, and it can be designed into a beautiful accent that looks amazingly exactly like the picture you provided.

Are you looking for a unique gift, or perhaps a few unusual ways to change up your own decor?  Consider tapestry accent pillows decorated with your favorite photographs.  It is certainly not your ordinary pillow!  Even better, it is a way to capture an image of someone who is near and dear to your heart, and become a keepsake as well.

If sleek and stylish is the look you love, contemporary home decor fits the bill.  
This look is somewhat minimalist, using basic colors that are easily blended.  
Depending on your tastes, this style can be adapted for a light, sheer look or 
a masculine finish.

Modern is the perfect word to describe contemporary home decor.  Here are 
some tips that will help you create the perfect look in any room:

•  Use beige tones as the basis of your decorating. Add black and white
  accents. This adds to the sleek, clean look of the room.

• A minimal amount of decoration should be used on the windows, so
  choose carefully. Sheers are perfect if you want a light look; wooden
  blinds are a nice touch if masculine is the feel you are after.

• Linear shapes are best for contemporary decor. Try to choose tables,
  sofas and other pieces that are sleek and don't have a lot of curves to
  detract from the "straight" look.

• Add a few knick knacks, but keep them simple. A contemporary style
  vase with a light, basic flower arrangement is good. Don't go overboard
  with accessories; it will detract from the look.

This look can sometimes be a little drab because of the basic colors.  If you 
feel that you want to add a splash of red or gold to liven it up a bit, tapestries 
are a great accent for this style.  Add a modern wall tapestry and perhaps a 
rug to add an exclamation of color.

Simple, basic lines and colors are what you want to keep in mind if you are 
considering contemporary home decor.  Add a few little touches of your own, 
and make it something special!    

 Your Home Decor Style and What it Says About You

You may not realize it, but the home decor style you choose says a lot about 
your personality.  We all use colors, fabrics and other accessories we love 
when decorating our special place.  What does your home say about you?

Do you love country themed accessories and furnishings?  People who enjoy 
a country kitchen decorated in bright, colorful sunflowers with lots of roosters 
are often from a rural area.  This atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, ready 
for family to come and stay for the day.  You are more than likely a family 
oriented person who loves company.

Is shabby chic more to your liking?  This home decor style is usually very light 
and airy.  Light, muted pastels are often used when decorating in shabby chic.  
Furniture is white or light colored with a charming worn look.  The windows 
are often covered with light colored sheers, to add to the airy atmosphere.  If 
this is what you love, you are probably a carefree person who is a bit of a romantic.

Love Asian touches?  People who like the bold colors used in this style are often 
bold themselves.  Red, gold, black and other dramatic colors add a distinguished 
look to your home.  Your personality may be one of control and order.  You like 
to be in charge of the way your home looks, as well as your life.

Are you one who loves a sleek, contemporary look?  Smooth style and minimal 
fuss is what you strive for.  Your furniture is streamlined and neutral, with very 
few accessories.  Much like your choice of decor, you may be someone who
loves classic styles in clothing as well. You function at your best when your life 
is in perfect order.

What is your preferred home decor style?  It says a lot about you and who 
you are!

Brighten up your home with Equestrian decor.  Equestrian (also known as Horse) home decor may be the solution if you are thinking of giving your home or a room a makeover.  Horse decor is one of many animal types that grace our homes and apartments. 

"This tapestry is named 'Messengers of the Spirit.'  If you click on the picture you will be directed to the sales page. Original Artwork by McCavitt. Galloping wild and free, two white Arabian horses are shown with marvelous facial detail revealing their grace and strength."

Ever since I was a small child I have loved horses.  Why?  Because they are just so beautiful, graceful, majestic, powerful, and free.  That is how I still see them today, many years later.  I read the whole series of The Black Stallion books when I was barely old enough to read.  Before then, my older sister would read to me, and I guess it may have been her influence in my reading choices.  We played outside a lot as children.  We would take a piece of fabric and take out all the weft threads and have a long "horse tail" that we would put in the back of the waist band of our shorts and we would gallop around the neighborhood for hours and days on end, just being horses. Those were the days, weren't they?    This Tapestry is named Lepa Zena, size is 53" x 45" .  Original Artwork by Marta Gottfried. Horse with architectural accents.  Clicking on the picture will take you to the sales page for more information.

The versatility and beauty, not to mention the availability, of horse decor makes it easy to have equestrian artwork in your home.  Here are some ideas on decorating your home with the horse image: You can start with small accent pieces such as a statuette, a horse-shaped wooden wall clock, or even horseshoe shaped wall clock. 

• That photo below of the black stallion lamp is my personal favorite - I found it at a speciality store for about $50.00.
  
• Or, you can get some wall art with a horse design.  Smaller pieces are great for small spaces. 
• You can probably find a doormat or welcome sign with a horse theme to set the mood of your home as you come in the door. 
  

If you feel you can go with bigger pieces, other types of equestrian decor are furniture accents that link a country-themed chest of drawers or an armoire with a horse design. This would definitely work as a centerpiece of the room as you place it along a wall or in a corner for an accent.

This White Stallion is a photo of a horse about 18" tall that I picked up at a garage sale for $10.00.

A lot of people confuse the "horse" with "country", like as in "Country & Western."  You can hi-light your home with horses without having it "country", or cowboyish.  For example, there are English Fox Hunting images with horses and French Chateau pictures with horses - although there is also French Country, which is not the same as "Country & Western" as folks in the USA think of it.  French Country will be another article series.  Or add your comments on this article below.

Hello and welcome.  I found this great article written by Tess Tackett, Author and Home Decor Business Owner, that I would like to share with you.  When you find articles in the directoies on the Internet you are allowed to use them as long as you keep them in their original form, and include the author's bio box [which you will find at the end of the article.]  I have added pictures from the large collection here at TapestryBiz.com to make reading the article more fun and interesting.  And if you click on the picture you will be taken to that product page.  Technology is so cool, don't you think.

I tried to locate Tess to let her know that I wanted to use her article but was unable to find her email address.  If anyone knows how to contact Tess, please let me know. So, on with the article.

Country and Western – A Match Made in Heaven

If you're the type who likes a relaxed and comfortable look and feel for your home, country and western decor is something you should definitely consider. Although these are two separate styles, put them together and you will have a spectacular mix!

Country decor has always included such accents as roosters and cows, anything that is associated with a farm.

 Western decor typically includes cowboys, indians, horses and things of that nature.

Where do cowboys normally work and live? On a farm! You can see how the two go hand in hand - a match made in Heaven!

Color is another aspect these two styles share. Country and western decor both use an abundance of rustic colors, such as deep reds, denim blues, golds and burnished orange. Combining these two styles is extremely easy since the colors already blend.

All you need to get started are some shelves and curio cabinets to display your horse figurines, roosters, cowboys, Indians and any other western decor you may have. Add some rooster statues, gingham lined baskets, a few ceramic cow accents here and there and you are well on your way to creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that everyone will love! 

Decorating your walls is another easily accomplished task. There are many western wall decor items available, from mirrors embellished with sheriff's type stars to canvas cowboy art and western wall sconces just to name a few. Rooster decor for your walls can vary from a rich-hued wooden wall clock to elaborately detailed copper wall hangings. A very unique accent you can use are cowboy boot planters - they are absolutely adorable! You can also find many Indian themed pieces, many accented with leather and very colorful. 

With so many choices available, decorating your walls, kitchen and tabletops won't be a problem at all. Add a western style lamp and a few horseshoe themed accents. Now, just throw a few western type rugs here and there, a southwestern or country themed throw and pillows on your sofa, and you're done. The relaxed, inviting aura you create will make you the envy of everyone who enters your home. Want to realize the true meaning of "Home is where the heart is"? Decorate your home in country and western decor!

We have a winner!  Johnny B from Montana is the winner of the December. 15, 2008 drawing of "Win A Blanket" sweepstakes.   Johnny has asked for special consideration in that he would rather have a tapestry than a throw.  He has a large blank wall in his living room that would be perfect for a tapestry.  TapestryBiz has allowed him to make up the difference in cost from what the winning throw would cost compared to what the tapestry would cost. He has picked "Dogs Playing Poker" the new version, appropriately named "A Bold Bluff" with nice bold colors.

As always, our tapestry products are 100% cotton, jacquard woven pieces of art.  Our tapestries are woven with over 17 miles of cotton thread, unsurpassed in their quality.  Made in the United States with raw materials also from the United States.  Everyone who is on our list will still have a chance to win in the next quarterly drawing scheduled for March 15, 2009.  Good luck to all of you.  And once again, congratulations to Johnny.

It is my pleasure to announce that Donna J. of Hawaii, has won a "Throw" in the drawing of March 15.  We are awaiting her choice of Throw, and will keep you updated.  Congratulations Donna!