So what’s so great about Facebook photos for wall art was my first thought…..and yours I suspect. After doing some review it seems there is actually some merit not only to the question, but to the answer. How would you feel about having your favorite low resolution Facebook pictures produced as high definition, high quality, large scale digital photographs on canvas suitable for wall art? I’ve discovered a company that seems to have the technology and ability (exclusively so far) to do exactly that, and for a very short time they’re offering a 20% discount if you know the code. They’re not limited to canvas wall art however, as they’ve come up with some unique ideas on how to extend the concept to all sorts of fun, simple projects.
It all began when people started coming to this particular company with their Facebook favorites to get a high quality picture produced large enough to make it into wall art…..not an easy task. However, this particular company, instead of seeing it as a problem could see it as a great niche to fill if they could master the needed technology. ” Voila,” as they say, and two years later we now have a new resource that is on call to produce your favorite Facebook photos into your favorite wall art, or a dozen or more other media ideas.
CanvasPop Image Idea
The use of the “instagram” process to make additional products I find to be of real interest: calendars, post cards (have them made while you’re on site during your vacation and sent to friends and family), collage posters, virtual business cards…….14 different items. Some great ideas, and a unique way to have your favorite photos made into customized wall decor, or even into your favorite coasters if you want something different at your next party.
Who’s the company? CanvasPop, and they created what they call “PerfectPicture” technology which uses a micro-vectorization process to produce high definition images, even in larger formats. At this time they are offering productions up to 2′ x 3′, and state they can use “any image, any size from anywhere” and their service is available for Canada and the USA. Prices begin at $30.00 for an 8″ x 10″ photo and their services do include the option of framed art as well. If you hurry (and find this in time) you can use this code for your 20% off through 3/18/2012 (Sunday): MASHABLE20.
Have fun getting your phone photos and other low resolution pictures made into artful productions, large or small, less than a dollar each for postcards, or the large framed 2′ x 3′ framed photo for $219.00. Your imagination is the only thing that will limit you to give it a try, so go have some fun and impress your friends and family.
Three Pics Together
If you decide you need some special accents for that wall art don’t forget we have some uniquely crafted designs of our own, or let us know what you have in mind and we should be able to put together that perfect piece.
There are pluses and minuses when it comes to selecting live flowers or life-like for your wedding, whether it be large or small, indoor or outdoor. It takes plenty of planning, but you need to remember that silk flower arrangements and centerpieces are much more flexible than live florals. Before you discount either, lets take a look at the options and requirements.
It’s been said that planning a wedding starts with the dress, but begin with when and where for your once in a lifetime event. Here are the essentials when planning for your floral needs:
Floral colors wanted?
Type of flowers?
Availability?
Indoor or outdoor event?
Temperature controlled environment?
Are the flowers hardy enough to perform well?
Any allergies to florals (participants & attendees)?
Who will be in charge of arrivals?
Quantity of flowers needed?
Local florist or web order?
Who will accept and take care of the order?
Where will the flowers be stored (safely)?
Order date?
Arrival date?
Supplier experience and dependability?
Samples available?
Planning the Perfect Wedding
Silk Vs. Real Bridal Bouquets —powered by eHow.com
These are some of the more critical questions to ask when planning fresh floral arrangements or bouquets, but the list is much shorter and more flexible for silk floral bouquets, centerpieces, and arrangements. Some opt to use a combination of both, and that can be a great option, but if fashioning arrangements, dependable, skilled people are a must.
Hydrangeas and orchids prove they have staying power and maintain their status as the most popular fresh flowers for weddings. Calla lilies and roses have also been a poplular choice the last several years.
Lets check one of the fresh florals web sites and see what they suggest. Pacific Callas says hydrangeas are available year round at their site, and may be easier to keep fresh than most. An example at this publishing: price is $99 for 10 stems and includes over night shipping. They say “Please order as far in advance as possible to ensure availability. You can order your calla lily flowers no later than 2 days prior to your desired ship date.” For calla lilies there are 9 steps they recommend and six additional “tips” for making sure they’re ready when you are. Of course you will have plenty of time to take care of all of this since you won’t have any other details to be concerned with…….right? If ordering bulk flowers on the web, plan on them being arranged by someone you can depend on and keep it simple unless you have a skilled artisan.
If you’re leaning toward fresh, call a local florist shop first for availability and pricing. If you’re encouraged it’s time for a visit. Ask to see examples and past pictures and discuss the ordering process, delivery procedure, timing, and of course pricing. If you’re set on fresh and your local shop meets all your qualifications + no serious known allergies go ahead.
Small hand held bouquets made by a web supplier should be fine providing the timing and your maintenance environment upon arrival is correct. Do they have a phone number in case you have questions? Give them a call and see if you’re comfortable working with them.
Silk Flower Hydrangeas Arrangement
If you need centerpieces or arrangements, but not the hassle of fresh flowers check our site as we have beautiful examples of the most professionally crafted and designed silk floral arrangements available. If you don’t see the perfect one notify us about what you want, size, colors, flower type and number of arrangements 60 days or more before the event to be safe and we’ll get you an estimate.
For more on this subject check out Hanna Johansen’s blog article from the Iowa State Daily, and if you’d like to see an educational video about live flowers vs. silk flower bouquets check out the three minute video below.
Would glassart fit into your home décor blueprint? What exactly is glassart? Can it be a profitable investment, and what are the details one needs to know? These are some of the questions I’m going to help you answer about the subject and I think you will enjoy the trip. You’ll see an example of how glassart is made as well as discover some essential resources if you’re interested in learning more. I’ll even enlighten you about an annual event at the Miami Beach Convention Center that will be a fun and intriguing show to visit if you’re in the area. What a great reason to visit Miami in the winter!
Glass Art Vase
Glassart (usually referred to professionally as “art glass”) is an art medium that has been used for centuries that’s evolved into one of the finest and most interesting of all art forms in my opinion. According to Peenstra Appraisals, “Art glass” refers to collectible glass pieces that have been crafted into works of art by a glass artisan. This could mean a vase, a pitcher, a bird figurine, a bowl or a variety of other forms.” To get a quick visual lesson of some of the most beautiful and interesting I’ve seen take a quick peek at a few of one of Dale Chihuly’s most impressive works on his web site. Dale, from Seattle, is noted throughout the art realm as one of the most gifted art glass artisans in the world. Art glass comes in all sizes, colors and styles, and you will be amazed at what’s available on the market. With today’s energy prices, labor prices, and high taxes, baked into the pricing along with the highly valued craftsmanship of the masters, it’s going to be a lot easier to start with older productions, and here’s an example of what can happen: “What my research uncovered was that John Lotton had recently retired from blowing glass and collectors were grabbing up his pieces because they knew they would become scarce. I learned that our $800.00 investment had instantly risen in value to about $1400. Today this vase would conservatively bring about $1700.00 at auction!” That was in 6 years, and comes from Deb Petersen Fitzsimmons of Molten Splendor, who deals in some beautiful wares.
If you decide to take the plunge and invest, be sure it’s not a low quality Chinese import which covers a large portion of the market. The mass Chinese productions are easily identifiable once you get familiar with the flaws, light weight, surface applications and their over all low quality. Because of a finish that’s usually added, the performance and visual stability of this particular medium is very disappointing. On the other side of the scale, Dale Chihuly’s hand crafted productions are definitely on the high end, but so is the quality. That doesn’t mean new productions are the only thing on the market that’s worthwhile. There are plenty of valuable antiques that are beautiful as well as some lesser known artist’s productions that have proven to be amazing art, and a great investment. As with any art, before purchasing, make sure it’s something you’re going to enjoy for an extended time. Today’s uptrend may be tomorrow’s downtrend, but if you enjoy your art on a daily basis in your own home or office you’re still going to realize your value.
The number one antique show in the USA will be arriving at the Miami Beach Convention Center February 2nd-6th, 2012 and according to Reyne Haines of “Justglass” who appears on Antiques Road Show, there will be plenty of art glass dealers on hand (over 800 expected) and will be a great place to learn what to look for as well as find beautiful and valuable art “at all price points.” Older, good quality art glass is easier to purchase and are some of the very best values since you’re not paying for today’s high production costs according to Reyne. And who knows, you may even win one of the free men’s or women’s Rolex watches to be given away at the event!
Robert Kaindl Art Glass
Before you go, lets take some quick notes about what to look for according to Glass Facets Glass Collecting: “The body should be free of paper burns, chill marks and cords. Paper burns are small bits of ash that stuck to the glass when cooling and shaping. They look like dull spots in the layers. Chill marks are uneven waves of glass; they refract light differently than the surrounding area. And finally cords are waves of glass that look like strands of material that refract differently than the surrounding glass.” Another thing I’ve learned is the deeper the color, the more difficulty there is in achieving a high quality piece. Additionally as I witnessed at Mary Hill Museum above the Columbia River in the state of Washington about 18 months ago, was the variety of interesting items that are being made. I witnessed some gorgeous and intriguing designs by William Morris from Seattle, one of Dale Chihuly’s trainees, who has become very well known in the glass art world for his own expertise.
If you have a safe area to display in your home or office, are excited about this concept, and ares prepared to make an investment into glass art, remember to purchase something you’re going to hang on to and enjoy no matter what the monetary value. If you get educated, shop carefully, and plan carefully regarding your decor surroundings there’s no reason you can’t find just the item (or two or three, or ?) that fits your style perfectly. You may even find a decor treasure that will become a financial treasure!
