Unique Glass Home Decor

“Time is too slow for those who wait,
too swift for those who fear,
too long for those who grieve,
too short for those who rejoice,
but for those who love, time is eternity.”
… Henry Van Dyke

Show your valentine how much you care with these unique and exquisite pewter Love fairies with real butterfly wings.

These are original pewter fairies with authentic butterfly wings that are attached to each unforgettable piece. Butterflies are not harmed for the production of these fantasy fairies. After they live their normal life span, their wings are collected and dipped in resin for preservation. Wings are different on each piece and the color may vary from piece to piece.

A love partner is someone that shares with you, their hopes, their dreams and their inner most feelings. That person is the one you can count on to always be there for help and support, for comfort and care.
Now that Valentine’s Day is approaching, we have a few ideas that we would like to share with you, to help surprise your love on this special day.
For a man, sometimes finding the right gift for that special someone in his life can be very difficult, but if you are the kind of man that pays attention to small details and listens to your love, picking up on subtle hints in everyday conversations, you shouldn’t have any problems.
A woman likes to feel appreciated and knowing that you put deep thought into the smallest gift would count more then any diamond ring in the world.
Bring joy and happiness into her life with this unique hand blown perfume bottle made by one of the best artisans from Romania. Each piece is intricately hand made and signed by the artist.

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can’t get rid of… you know that whatever you do, they’ll always be there. Someone once said, “There is no better friend than a sister, and there is no better sister than you.”

A close sister is always willing to talk and explore emotions in an open and honest way. Celebrate that cherished bond with this wonderful pewter fairy piece that is simply called, “sisters”. It is beautifully accented by real butterfly wings.
Butterflies are not harmed in the production of these fantasy fairies. After they live their normal life span, their wings are collected and dipped in resin for preservation. The wings are different on each piece.

(ARA) – More and more Americans today are looking at their homes as a place of refuge in a stressful world of challenges and economic instability. Instead of going out to dinner or social events, they’re cocooning with their families. Now, more than ever, their homes need to be restful and soothing, yet stylish at the same time.

Interior designers and industry experts across the country have noted this trend as well, along with an increased focus on cost-consciousness as homeowners become more selective about how their money is spent.

Here are their top 10 home decor trends for 2009:

1. Color Your World
Colors will literally be across the spectrum next year. On their Web site, the Pantone Color Institute forecasts lively colors and sophisticated, grounded hues with Fuchsia Red, Salmon Rose, Palace Blue, Lavender, Rose Dust and Vibrant Green predicted to be popular.

Andrea Vollf, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), believes strongly in “transforming an ordinary home into a living oasis” using neutrals, especially warm and cool grays, along with bold accent pieces. Deep shades of blue are in demand by customers of Jan Hubbard, ASID, and Candice Mathers, Allied Member of ASID, with Hubbard also noting a draw to spice, bisque, toast and green/gold tones to create a warm ambiance. On a brighter note, both Mathers and Susan Pantaleo, ASID, see yellow emerging as a very versatile color. Popping up in every shade from Sunlight to Dijon Mustard, Pantaleo lauds yellow’s attention-getting appeal and ability to add life to any room.

2. Light up Your Life
Because residential interiors are incorporating more intense paint colors — not only as accent walls, but throughout an entire room — more light is needed to properly illuminate a room. According to Jeff Dross, senior product manager of Kichler Lighting, lighting manufacturers will introduce chandeliers with more arms or multiple lights per arm, as well as pendants and wall-mounted fixtures that accept higher-wattage bulbs.

3. We’ve Got You Covered
Wall murals will continue to be in high demand in 2009, according to Todd Imholte, president of www.MuralsYourWay.com a leader in the production of decorative wall murals for more than 35 years. “Wall murals are a very cost-effective way to completely transform the look of a room,” says Imholte. “We recently introduced 90 new mural designs including bold graphic patterns, contemporary designs and murals inspired by nature such as birch trees and bamboo.” Murals Your Way offers a gallery of more than 5,000 images, as well as the ability to personalize an existing gallery image or create a custom mural from a personal photo or artwork.

4. Establishing a Pattern
In a press release distributed earlier this year, Michelle Lamb — co-founder and chairman of Marketing Directions, Inc. and senior editor of “The Trend Curve” — stated that patterns are being constantly updated and reinvented. Some ways to keep them fresh include combining classic and contemporary styles in one piece; utilizing tiny, country patterns that include calico or patchwork; and trying distinctive materials, like foil, or embellishments that cluster and layer upon each other.

5. Comfort is Key
Vollf sees 2009 as being the year of comfort, with furniture that is comfortable and functional, yet still elegant. More and more people are interested in creating a personal refuge that is chic, peaceful, inviting and easy to maintain so that they can relax and unwind at the end of a busy day in an aesthetically pleasing environment.

6. Wood is Good
According to Kathy Peterson — celebrity design expert and co-host of Lifetime TV’s “The Balancing Act” — wood flooring is blending into an eclectic mix of wood tones. She also forecasts hardwood wall coverings (wood, resin, metals) with seamless panels of custom designs becoming focal points of a room. Dross echoes the popularity of wood throughout the home, seeing floors, walls, ceilings (bead board) and furniture incorporating wood at their center.

7. Shining Stars
Metals will continue to shine next year, according to Lamb. She envisions them being translated into modern metallic finishes and textures that create a sense of visual excitement and high energy. Particularly noteworthy are platinum, dark silver, rose golds and copper, and colorful metallics.

8. Hooray for Hollywood
Carmen Natschke — editor of “The Decorating Diva” — sees a revival of “Hollywood Regency.” According to her Web site, this style is “glamorous, classy and elegant; composed of an eclectic mix of styles like Neo-Classic, Asian, Baroque and Art Deco; sumptuous and luxury fabrics, shimmering finishes, mirrored furniture, chinoiserie, bamboo and lacquered furniture; bold color; clean lines and beautiful symmetry.”

9. Embrace the Outdoors
Seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor space are envisioned by Pantaleo, who says the most successful outdoor spaces will be an extension of the home’s interior style and color scheme. Using nature as a backdrop, she suggests pulling colors from adjacent rooms to maintain a visual connection. She also recommends accessorizing gourmet cook centers and plasma televisions with weather-resistant chandeliers, rugs and artwork to create a cozy, appealing and relaxed ambiance.

10. Go Green
Eco-friendly products will continue to be in demand by today’s energy-conscious and environmentally-aware consumers. McKinley Adams, Allied member of ASID, predicts consumers will be interested in sustainable building materials that may cost a bit more up front, but will save money in the long run. He also sees a surge of interest in vintage furnishings for inside the home, while Mathers anticipates increased use of grass cloth and natural Sisal finishes.

Please visit homedecorbylulu.com for great ideas in home decor items such as modern decorative pillows, mohair and cotton throws, a variety of Romanian handblown art glass products and much more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – In the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and travel, it can be easy to lose track of the traditions you loved as a child. A great way to make new memories is to bring back old world holiday traditions with friends and family.

Whether it’s buying a new ornament each year or gathering for a large family feast, drawing on old world holiday traditions is a great way to bring people together to celebrate all the season has to offer. A good way to start, and a great family activity, is to research your heritage and the holiday traditions that your ancestors practiced.

A few traditions you may wish to draw on include:

Austria
On December 24, presents are placed under the tree for the children. Kids wait in another room until they hear a bell then enter to see the tree decorated with candles, ornaments and candies. Everyone sings carols while wishing each other happy holidays.

Denmark
Each family has a special plate, used only during the holidays, that becomes a family heirloom. Families take pride in making their own decorations with bright paper and natural objects.

Italy
During holiday week, children go from house to house playing pipes, singing and reciting holiday poems. Their delighted listeners give them small amounts of money so the children can purchase gifts.

Scandinavia
Many people in Scandinavian countries celebrate Lucia Day on December 13. At dawn, the youngest child dons a white robe and a crown of (battery operated) candles. The other children accompany “Lucia” dressed as “star boys” and “hand maidens”. The children wake their parents and serve coffee and special Lucia buns.

USA
Modern holiday decorations can be just about anything. Get back to basics with traditional holly, mistletoe, Poinsettia flowers and evergreen boughs. Hang strings of popcorn, bells and candy canes from the tree. Start a new tradition and purchase a collectible ornament each year to pass down through generations.

The Glitteratzzi Gemstone Elite Collection from Jewelry Television (www.JTV.com) incorporates sparkling gemstones on luxurious, durable glass ornaments handmade in Europe. Each piece is created by artisans and takes seven days to make. Choose one featuring a loved one’s birthstone for a gift that will endure.

This holiday season, take some time to create a new tradition taking cues from the old world. The memories will make you smile all year round.

At homedecorbylulu.com you can find a variety of holiday gift ideas for your friends and family. Beautiful hand painted glassware, kids decorative pillows, scented candles, unique collectables such as pewter fairies and a variety of mango wood vases and candle holders.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Women have always been striving for beauty. Doesn’t matter if we are young or old, we all have something in common, to look attractive and youthful. An important aspect of that beauty is choosing beauty products that are compatible and accent that look. Her choice in perfume is the finishing touch in the overall appearance. Because of that, the perfume industry today has grown immensely.

Surprise the special lady in your life this holiday season with this hand blown glass perfume bottle. This art piece is created straight from the imagination of glass artist Ion Tamaian, and is etched with his signature.
Choose from our wide selection of perfume bottles, the one that suits her personality best.
A very intricate piece of art, this perfume bottle would be a treasure for many years to come.

Jazz is an American musical art form which originated in the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States from a confluence of African and European music traditions. Jazz is among America’s greatest cultural achievements. Its music history has always made powerful statements about freedom, creativity and American identity at home and abroad.
Its unique expression materializes from life experience and human emotion as the inspiration comes from the human spirit.
If you have special people in your life that love music, appreciate art at its own value, artist Tina Tarnoff with her unique wall art featuring the best Jazz musicians of all time, can add flair to any room making your art collection very personal and most considerably based on emotion.

I am lucky and grateful to have my grandmother in my life at this age.
Everybody knows and feels that the relationship between a grandmother and her grandkids is a special one. A grandmother is a kind sweet caring woman, one who has a big heart, a warm smile and a loving touch. She is the one who gives great big hugs, tells wonderful stories and bakes yummy cookies. The one who is greatly admired, cherished and loved very much. What grandmother doesn’t love to talk about her grandkids? I know for sure that mine does.
Keep your grandmother close to your heart with one of these beautiful pewter fairies.
The pewter fairies are enhanced with authentic butterfly wings that are attached to each unforgettable piece bringing each pewter fairy to life.
Butterflies are not harmed in the production of these fantasy fairies. After they live their normal life span, their wings are collected and dipped in resin for preservation. The wings are different on each piece.

The euphonious name is composed from ‘lapis’, the Latin word for stone, and ‘azula’, which comes from the Arabic and means blue. So it’s a blue gemstone – but what an incredible blue! The worth of this stone to the world of art is immeasurable, for the ultramarine of the Old Masters is nothing other than genuine lapis lazuli. Ground up into a powder and stirred up together with binding-agents, the marble-like gemstone can be used to manufacture radiant blue watercolors, tempera or oil paints. Before the year 1834, when it became possible to produce this color synthetically, the only ultramarine available was that valuable substance made from genuine lapis lazuli that shines out at us from many works of art today. Many pictures of the Madonna, for example, were created using this paint. But in those days, ultramarine blue was not only precious and so intense that its radiance outshone all other colors; it was also very expensive. But unlike all other blue pigments, which tend to pale in the light, it has lost none of its radiance to this very day.

The pure royal blue pigment, also known as Natural Ultramarine Blue or lazurite is extracted from the gemstone, Lapis Lazuli. The Lapis Lazuli rock is composed by more or less 15 minerals, mainly by Lazurite, Calcite, Pyrite, Dioxide, Mica, Huynite, Homblende, Wollastonite and others.

Making The Pigment

The raw material to obtain the pigment, is crushed, grinded and cleaned to separate the other minerals using various methods, in order to concentrate only the Lazurite in pure crystals under 70 microns. The natural Lapis Lazuli pigment is a lazurite concentrate that differentiates itself from its syntetic counterparts by the vibrancy of the blue that it produces. The large size of the lazurite crystals, with irregular and angular shapes, react to light like a finely faceted small diamond, thereby producing and ever-changing display of rich vibrant blues. This creates a three dimensional gem-like effect, which is not attainable with the very small, round and uniformly shaped particles of the synthetic ultramarine blue pigment. This pigment is not affected by the UV rays.

The intense and exclusive blue color of lapis lazuli has always been a symbol for purity, health, elegance, luck and nobility. It is for this reason that this splendid semi-precious stone has been used by man for more than 600 years to highlight its creations.

The Sumerians and Babylonians gave splendor to their best jewels, by using lapis lazuli mined in Afghanistan. The Greeks also attributed to the stone healing. The Egyptian Pharaohs used lapis lazuli in their thrones and funeral masks and Cleopatra used its dust as eye-make up. During the Renaissance period, lapis lazuli powder has also been as a fade resistant blue pigment by renown Painters as Leonardo da Vinci, Fra Angelico and Albrecht Durer.

In the Americas, the Incas, Molles, Diaguitas and other pre-Columbian cultures have for ever 200 years, used lapis lazuli to ornament different artifacts, by extracting the stone from the same deposit located 3600 meters above-sea-level in the Andes Mountains in the area of Ovalle in Chile, which today is named Las Flores de los Andes S.A. In 1851, the location of this deposit was mapped, and 1894 registered as Las Flores de los Andes, In 1989 the company Las Flores de los Andes S.A, owner of this Lapis Lazuli mine, built at 60km. Access road that allowed the extraction of material in larger quantities and sizes.

We are proud to introduce at homedecorbylulu.com an exquisite line of hand blown glass products that contain natural Lapis Lazuli lazurite crystals. These products are known as Lapis Glass. What makes these pieces special is, unlike the synthetic lapis glass being used by jewelers, these products are made with 100% Lapis Lazuli.

We love to feature at homedecorbylulu.com Tina’s newest designs.
The Autumn Kiss is one of my favorite original wall art pieces by Tina Tarnoff. I am confident that this piece of art will bring back fond memories for most of you.
Now let’s tell you more about Tina Tarnoff.
I have never met Tina in person, but I feel like I already know her thru her art. Sometimes you don’t even need to speak with an artist to know their beliefs and values in life. You can feel it through their creations.
”Every artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own nature into his pictures.” — Henry Ward Beecher.

Tina Tarnoff was born in Zagreb, Croatia in 1974. After careening through her childhood and teenage years, she left Zagreb at the age of eighteen and embarked on the path of liberation. That path took her to London, where she dived into a vivacious city; developed gills needed for survival, and learned cultural tolerance and appreciation. The road curved and twirled and continued around the world… Switzerland, France, Greece, Turkey, across the Atlantic and deep into the Amazon. She felt great joy in seeing, feeling, smelling, and finally believing. After returning to her homeland, she started writing poetry and was published in various literary magazines. She surrounded herself with the magic of books, ran a prominent bookshop, and was carried on a wave of the word. In April 2006, she went on a two-week vacation to San Francisco, where she discovered her true meaning and endless inspiration. She decided to stay. She lives and paints in the most beautiful place in the world.