blog.ptoone.com

I moved the blog to WordPress (ptoone.com)

2009-12-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

This blog is now no longer updated as over the past four months I have completely adopted wordpress for all my blogs. To continue reading this blog, click the link below

http://ptoone.com

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Create Your Own Desktop Wallpaper Background in Illustrator

2009-08-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

1. Create a gradient background box
Create a rectangular box to fit the size of your canvas and fill it with blue gradient.

2. Create multiple screen gradient paths
Create another path to go in the corner with a nice curve on one side, you can match the colours or change them slightly and make them slightly more transparent than your background rectangle. You can repeat this step to create as many paths as you please.

3. Create wavy abstract lines
Now the fun part, draw two wavy/curvy lines with the pencil tool (N). Make then both white.

4. Blend the stroke lines
Go to Object > Blend > Blend Options, enter Specified Steps = 20. Then select your two stroke white lines you made with the pencil and go to Object > Blend > Make or press Ctrl+Alt+B. This will blend 2 white strokes and add random lines giving the two much greater depth and visual amusement.
You can also blend two lines that are different colours to achieve a gradient blend for added depth. Go crazy and blend two very different lines to see what effects you get.
You can repeat these steps to create as many blended lines as you desire and when finished you will have your very professional desktop background.

Click here to read this article on Associated Content

Paypal troubleshooting: Add to cart button

2009-08-25T20:47:00.000-07:00



© Photographer: Ptoone | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Paypal offers web masters a fast, secure and free service to add a full e-commerce shopping cart to your site. Sometimes when you implement a paypal add to cart button on your online store the link takes you directly to the home page of paypal and not to your online shopping cart where it should be.

For a solution you do not need to change the button, just slightly change the source code. This is a common problem with Dreamweaver CS3 and involves taking away the number next to the "cmd values" and the "hosted_botton_id." Once you have located the words "cmd" and "hosted_button_id" in your code editor, look to see if there is a numeric number directly after each word. It could be a 2, 3 or 5. If you see a number next to both words - simply delete and refresh/save the html.

By doing this you will not be editing the paypal code which is not recommended by paypal, you are simply deleted two numeric characters that shouldn't be there. For some reason Dreamweaver seems to add the digits when the html code is pasted in to the site.

Read this article on Associated Content.

How to fix a broken rocking chair

2009-08-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

Before you part ways with your broken but beloved rocking chair, read this and learn how easy it can be to repair the chair yourself and enjoy many more years of rocking.

Glue and clamp

To repair a broken rocker, lay the rocking chair face down and gently clean the break by scraping the old away. Spread an thin layer of carpenters glue inside the break, then press the sections together by hand and wipe away any excess with a clean damp cloth. To make a splint, place waxed paper and a thin, flat piece of wood along each side of the break. Secure the break with adequate pressure with a pair of C clamps for 4 hours. When the time is right, remove the clamps and splint and you can now reinforce to the break.

Drilling a dowel hole

To determine the depth of the dowel hole, measure along the side of the rocker; the dowel will be inserted two thirds of the way into the rocker. Mark the hole position an awl. Fit a power drill with a bit the same size as the dowel and wrap masking tape around the bit to indicate depth of the hole. Brace the chair against a wall and drill a hole at the mark, stopping when the tape touches the rocker.

Inserting the dowel

Cut a dowel one inch longer than the depth of the hole and bevel one end slightly with coarse sandpaper. Draw the dowel through the jaws of pliers to score its side; this will allow excess glue and air to escape as the dowel is forced into the hole. Spread a thin layer of white or yellow glue on the dowel and in the hole. Set the beveled end of the dowel in the hole and tap it in with a rubber mallet. Wipe away excess glue with a clean, damp cloth. Let the glue set for 24 hours. With a coping saw, cut the dowel flush with surface of the rocker. Use medium then fine grit sandpaper to sand the dowel smooth.

Click here to read full article.

VOTE NOW! ptoone floral threadless.com tee design

2009-07-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

Please quickly score my design! My tee-shirt design is being scored by an open vote on threadless.com. The higher my design scores the higher the payout so please also be kind and give it a high score! In 6 days from now we will know how the design squares up to the rest. Remember to check back to this blog for the latest as I break the news next week.

Click here to vote and score my design.

Once there you can click on a number to score the design.

No registration required.

Meet James Olive

2009-07-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

Description:
Meet James Olive, he loves to be in the kitchen where he creates his crazy dishes. He's so crazy.
Click here to download.

Google to launch operating system

2009-07-10T15:45:00.000-07:00

In a sudden announcement earlier this week google said that later this year it will releasing it's own operating system. It will be the first open source operating system, competing with Apple's Mac OS X, Microsoft's Windows and Linux.

The linux based platform called "Google Chrome OS" is designed to be lightweight and fast with preference given for web apps. Simplicity and security are also key aspects of the new OS.

Will Chrome be designed to push google applications like Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Sketch up etc? Or will Google make more of an effort in pumping up the compatibility of the system.

Many Windows were upset last a couple of years ago when vista was released. When customer purchased and upgraded to Windows Vista they realized that software, hardware, printers and other devices they had grown to rely on, were no longer compatible with the new version.

Although most fixes have been improved in Windows 7 released earlier this year. Compatibility remains and key issue for consumers, and Google must ensure the system works with as much existing apps, hardware and software to ensure success and a larger piece of the pie, which is currently dominated over 90% by Microsoft.

As Microsoft continues to disappoint users, Google's fresh insight and ideas could reshape the industry by offering simple solutions to companies. According to Google 1.75 million firms already use Google applications.

Free image of the month "Tropical Sunset"

2009-07-02T14:51:00.000-07:00

TROPICAL SUNSET
© Ptoone | Dreamstime.com

Description:
A sunset beech view of Israel taken from Jordan.

ID: 8642952
Resolution: 3264x2176 pixels (7.1 MP)
Print size: 10.9" x 7.3"@300 dpi

Visit http://port.ptoone.com to download for free or click here.

House of Cards Greeting Cards go on sale at Pride

2009-06-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

A picture of the beautifully decorated 'house of cards' stand at this year's Toronto Pride Parade. For more info and to check out the designs, please view the house of cards website by clicking here or pasting http://www.thehouseofcards.ca in your browser box. A big thanks to everyone that took part!

How to install a Favicon on your website

2009-06-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

A favicon is the little icon that appears on the left of the domain on your browser window. All well known websites have one and here are four quick and easy steps to ensure you can have one too. You can see ptoone.com uses a black and white "pto one" icon.

1. Make an image that is 16 pixels by 16 pixels exactly.

2. Save it as or rename it favicon.ico.

3. Upload it to your server in the same directory as your main index page.

4. Edit the code of your index page, somewhere between the and tags, insert the line , and remember to put your own domain name in.

Done! you may have to refresh or clear your cache and then your little icon will appera next to your domain. It will also be saved whenever someone bookmarks your site.

I assume the name 'favicon' come from putting 'favorite' and icon together. Some other names for the favicon include; website icon, shortcut icon, url icon, or bookmark icon.

The Man In The Panama Hat

2009-06-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

This young man in a Panama hat and silk suit, likes the way he looks, but knows better that to think it matters. Fully scalable vector illustration. Click here to view or buy image rights.

ptoone announces greeting card line

2009-06-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

ptoone is thrilled to introduce a new line of greetings cards called "House of cards," which aims to fill the void in the marketplace for greeting cards, saying it how it really is with a bittersweet edge. Each with an exclusive, expressive visual from the flourishing archives of the ptoone image portfolio.

Based in Toronto, Canada the House of Cards are getting set to initiate the launch at the 2009 Toronto Gay Pride Festival. Come and check us out and get the first glimpse of our new designs, cards, stickers and all round good time. Otherwise the website (thehouseofcards.ca) will be going online later this month.

Links

House of Cards website

Pride Festival

Map to Festival

Date: June 27th and 28th, All day, FREE

ptoone books get picked up by Amazon.com

2009-06-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

Good news for me and the millions of book buyers that use Amazon.com. As requested by Amazon ptoone books will soon be appearing in the vast international marketplace of the amazon domain. To see the current book list to be included click here.

As revenue from paid content continues to rise, more ptoone content will be available free of charge. These items will not be appearing on Amazon.

Off Topic: My Week Of Glory

2009-06-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

My Week Of Glory

To any confirmed smoker, the thought of stopping the dependency of nicotine scares them to half to death. "Will I ever be the same again?" It is as if the poor smoker fears quitting like losing a limb. I was the same as I would regularly confess my love for the precious weed.

For the last few years I have been telling myself "I need to quit," and being told the same thing by friends and family. The only question in my mind was choosing the right time. A time that I envisioned zero stress in my life and plenty of fun activities to keep the nicotine monster out of my brain.

That time didn't seem to come. My time came randomly when looking at the books on a friends bookshelf and picking up a book called, "The EASYWAY to stop smoking" by Allen Carr. A fascinating read for any smoker, x-smoker or even non-smoker.

While reading the book I soon realized this was my time to quit and the best part about reading the book is that you are encouraged by the author to chain smoke while reading. So I picked up a couple packs and went with my book to just about the last place you are allowed to actually smoke in a urban public environment, the park.

While reading I began to encounter greater confidence in myself that this was it. I was going to last far longer than any previous attempt to stop. I credit the certainty that I could quit my heavy smoking of 11 years cold turkey to the knowledge and understanding I accumulated from Allen's book and information found online.

I could not wait to finish the book and while reading the final page, I consciously smoked my last cigarette, taking deep puff's to ensure I got my fair share of all of the cigarettes precious ingredients like; ammonia, formaldehyde, arsenic, butane, hydrogen cyanide, lead, mercury, vinyl chloride, methane, carbon monoxide and of course nicotine. I felt excited to begin my journey becoming a non-smoker, allowing my body to begin the amazing healing process from knowingly poisoning myself for eleven years.

The first day was the hardest. As you would expect when going from smoking 30 a day to 0 overnight. As I had done my research and read the great book by Allen Carr, I was prepared and knew exactly what to expect. I was surprised when I found the whole thing a lot easier than I expected. The craving's seemed more mild than all previous attempts and I barely suffered any physical withdrawal symptoms.

When day two eventually arrived (day one felt like a month), things dramatically improved. My breathing improved, energy levels increased, my happiness and well-being doubled, I felt fantastic and continue to get higher than any high I could get from smoking.

After 72 hours the worst is over and I continue to look forward to every day as a non-smoker, richer, healthier, faster, fitter, happier, more free, better smelling, better tasting almost as though I was born into a new body. The feeling of this new found freedom from the weed excites like I am a child again.

I can now only pity my ex-fellow smoking pals and urge them to take the same leap. You have nothing to fear and so much to gain. I hope reading this blog plants the seed. I have included several links to sites that I found of paramount importance in my journey.

Leading web site for advice on quitting.

Allen Carr has helped millions butt out for good.

Watch 64 free video quit smoking lessons.

A message from Bryan

Some facts.

Quit smoking article.

© Photographer: Ptoone | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Free vector of the month "Wild Boy"

2009-05-28T18:49:00.000-07:00

Free download with royalty free license courtesy of ptoone and Dreamstime.

Resolution: 8333x8333 pixels (69.4 MP)

Print size: 27.8" x 27.8"@300 dp

Click here to download.

The Importance of Keywords

2009-05-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

Electronic Props And The Wooden Laptop Computer

2009-05-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

When using modern day electronics in a photo it is always important to remember not to include a brand or logo. They can be hidden, covered, cropped or photo-shoped, so they will no longer be recognized as a specific brand.

I however went down a different path and made use of my wood finishing skills, to build a custom unbranded modern day consumer electronic prop. This laptop does not work like it should, but then again it is made from solid wood. Bevelled rounded corners and edges, inspired by a computer company named after a fruit. The details were to be essential to ensure the wooden shell looks like plastic.

When using wood in photography or film, it is best to shoot wood that is flat matte with as little glossy shine as possible. The sheen will otherwise cause a reflection. To avoid mirror like gloss, I used a custom mix of less than ten percent sheen flat matte lacquer. I tinted the lacquer and built up the finish, finally applying some clear coats for added depth and lustre. I rubbed and smoothed the finish with wet and dry auto finishing paper in between coats to remove any unwanted blemishes.

With a veneered walnut trackpad and twenty six solid walnut round buttons from a cabinet maker friend it was then ready to be hinged together by a custom sized piano hinge. Two little clear rubber stoppers were aligned in each corner of the screen to prevent wood touching.

After many days (and some nights) of work, I finally had a laptop appropriate for commercial purposes. And some thing to take with me on the go and write a blog like this.

© Photographer: Ptoone | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Free iPhone/iPod Touch Icon Set Download

2009-05-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

FREE IPHONE ICON SET
A set of 15 different icons designed specifically for iphone and ipod touch. Sized at exatcly 57 pixels by 57 pixels. They are saved in PNG file format without glossy glare and rounded box as that is applied automatically by apple.

free download by ptoone.

http://www.ptoone.com/iphone_icons.html

Where to host your website

2009-02-19T11:35:00.000-08:00

Web Hosting Pad

Many people have been asking where to host their website. Look no further:

Best value and most reliable web hosting on the internet. No need to buy a new domain as you receive a domain name for free for life when you sign up. Unlimited email accounts and bandwidth. Very easy to update your site with little html knowledge. Use this link to sign up and receive special discounts and promotional coupons: http://www.webhostingpad.com/743.html

Over 500 approved images as ptoone goes exclusive on Dreamstime

2008-11-23T09:11:00.000-08:00

With over 500 approved images and new images every week. The vector illustration versions of ptoone art is available exclusively on Dreamstime.com

The Alphabetic (And Some What Poetic) Gist Of 'Ology' Jobs

2008-05-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

eBook and soft cover available only from ptoone.com. Release sometime next week!

A guide to the best stock photography/illustration sites to buy and sell top quality images.

2008-04-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

Developer Stock Photo's & Illustration's.

StockXpert

ShutterStock

Stock Vectors

Xomba

123 RF

Fotolia

Website Redesign at ptoone.com

2008-03-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

For those that check back to the ptoone.com site regularly, you may have noticed some bigger changes in the last update, Yes finally a fresh start. All content is the same as before. The design was inspired by a few comments from visitors informing that the old site design was difficult to navigate. The new design is far more consistent through out with simple larger icons in the tool bar. This makes navigating pages on a Handheld/PDA device more accessible. Enjoy the new features...More on the way.

Saving eBook's on the iPod Touch/iPhone

2008-02-12T11:14:00.000-08:00

There's no doubt that the iPhone and iPod Touch are fun and elegant toys to own. While there has been some criticism on saving documents that don't originate from itunes. There are numerous ways to import your documents to itunes, iphoto and mail.

A major factor into purchasing the iPod touch was its ability to display eBook's (pdf's). While it is not quite that simple as there is no PDF software available and no way of saving the document.

The solution to saving eBook's on the iPod Touch:

When you are viewing a PDF document on your computer (Adobe reader/Preview etc).

Click > Print.

At the bottom left of the print screen you will see a 'PDF' box. Click on the box and a list of options for saving the document as a pdf come up.

Somewhere down the list you will see the option to 'Save as PDF for iPhoto.'

It will take a short time to convert, meanwhile you can open iPhoto.

When converted a small box will come up from iPhoto asking you to import your PDF and where. Create a separate folder for each PDF you upload otherwise they will all save together.

When you next sync your iPod Touch, upload the chosen folder from iPhoto and bingo you have an eBook saved on your iPod!

Could the itablet be the next iPod gem for apple?

2008-01-28T08:47:00.000-08:00

eBooks...I for one foresee this phase to be as big as the ipod/mp3 boom, may be larger. The hold up has lasted many years with technology firms unable to reach the masses with an accessible and user friendly device. Some big names in the technology have tried and miserably failed to produced a low light, e-ink screen to display ebook's. It may seem hard to believe in 2008 as companies invest billions into getting in the mind of the consumer. How can they miss what is important in an eBook reader?

The first problem with many big name readers such the Amazon's Kindle and Sony's long list of failed eBook readers is ACCESSIBILITY. People do not want to pay $300 for a reader, plus cost of the content (e.g. eBook) and an additional usage cost for each time you download, save or move your already paid for content around. The added and hidden costs only deter people from investing in a new age of media. Especially a new age of media in desperate need of a kick-start.

Accessibility and ease of use is number one to reach full market potential. CEO's are already foreseeing this as the next big earner, a way to earn huge profits from doing very little - restrict the market. It is a shame these companies have been so blinded by greed before they even do the research or hit the drawing board.

Alike communist dictator's, these CEO's are so worried about how people use these readers. They are restricting them to only open a particular file of eBook. One that has to be converted, at a cost. The cost is then past on to the consumer as they are now locked into reading only what the company allows them to read. Each time paying a fee for downloading, saving and converting the file. Three steps that are unnecessary and preventing a lot of people (myself included) from investing in the industry.

Some small publishing firms have foreseen which way the wind is blowing and developed their own reader with no restrictions. Hardly brain surgery you might think, others have gone further into implementing the much loved and easy to use 'SD card," as a way of saving and transferring files. This is the same chip you may find in your digital camera, it can securely save video clips, music, pdf's and any other document. A step forward for moving information from your phone/camera to your computer.

Once companies get over their restrictive greed, you can be certain some will fail over the next hurdle...The internet. Nothing new on a hand held device although only one company that I know provides free wifi on a hand held and that is the much loved/hated 'Apple.' The new ipod touch does just that offers users a free wireless internet once they have purchased and set up the ipod touch. While the speed of the service reminds us all what dial up was like during business hours, the quality of video' on sites such as YouTube is unmatchable. After testing the device I was impressed and only one factor prevented me from acting on impulse the ipod touch is not geared towards eBooks.
It does everything else well, but lacks an 'e-ink' screen that allow people to read text from a screen without the strain on the eye.

In recent months speculation over the release of eBook reader by apple has been growing over the web. The timing for this much desired product couldn't be better. An who better than Apple to reap the rewards of several years of failure in a industry that was set from the get-go. The iTablet or so it has been rumored to be named has been much anticipated. I for one was disappointed to not see it released in January 2008. An insider has also been rumored to suggest that there have been unforeseen problems with launching the revolutionary product.

I for one, am hopeful and holding my breath for Apple's eBook reader. For everyone else in the world like me, this could be the device we have anticipated for years.

Mixing Shellac - Making the Cut

2008-01-20T13:47:00.000-08:00

Mixing shellac is simple, although you may wonder why you'd want to when it can be purchased premixed. Shellac has a six month shelf life once mixed with alcohol using an older solution of mixed shellac will result in longer drying times and more prone to water spotting.

Shellac flakes are the raw material of mixed shellac and when stored away from heat and sunlight offer a much longer shelf life. By buying shellac in flake form you can mix only what you intend to use.

To make a solution, shellac flakes are mixed with denatured alcohol. The amount of shellac and alchol can vary depending how thick or thin you want the mix to be. It is worth keeping in mind that the thinner shellac is easier to apply smoothly and dries a lot faster. Once mixed the shellac flakes start to dissolve almost immediately. To make a pint of sealer use the 2:16 ratio (2 oz. of shellac flakes dissolved in 16 oz. of alcohol).

The SD card and the eBook industry

2008-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

While publishers face many short fourth comings with the eBook market, many large electronic companies have recently released their own digital eBook readers. Sony has been trying to become the iPod of the book world for the past three years, yet it's latest improvements of its electronic book readers are disappointing to say the least.

In a technologically progressive society Sony's new product will stand out like sore thumb offering an abundance of restrictions (imposed by Sony) and a reminder of what technology was, ten or more years ago.

While Sony continues to fail miserably, other companies are starting to understand the complexities of this foreseen market. Franklin and Palm seem to have been successful in their PDA versions of electronic readers. Unlike the Sony reader, the existing PDA's have the ability to surf the web, send email, and open files without restrictions.

The E-ink screen is nice touch for trying to improve the experience of reading on-screen. Using no backlight and sharp text similar to quality of a laser printer. Could these little touches attract the masses to the efficient advantages of reading on a screen. Although the sales on eBooks are growing, they still account only a fraction of the market.

Recently Amazon launched its own digital book reader, 'Kindle.' On sale for $399 US, it stores up to 200 books on its standard memory. What's different from other portable media devices, is the Kindle does not need to be loaded with content from a PC. Instead content will arrive via wireless. A nice innovation, but not great to debit users for content that is available free of charge to other web users. Even sending a file already purchased, users will incur a ten cent charge for sending over the wireless network. Every user is granted a Kindle email address to send Word and PDF documents that the device automatically converts into a readable file.

On the plus side, the Kindle has buttons that link it directly to the Oxford American Dictionary and Wikipedia. The memory is extendable by the SD card, a small chip that digital camera users are now very familiar with.

For an electronic reader to be successful, the media stored on it needs to be accessible and trusted. The SD card has allowed users to open, share and store a variety of media. This card played a big role in the transition from manual to digital photography. Can the same card revolutionize the eBook industry. The timing of introducing a new unified media format couldn't be better, as the previous era of tapes has almost completely been phased out. Could the SD card one day replace CD's and Dvd's, grant all people unrestricted and easily accessible access to all formats of media on one little card measuring a little over two centimeters.

A timeline of English Period Antiques from 1485 to 1918

2007-09-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

| View | Upload your own

When King Henry VII came to the throne 1485, the event signified the end of the Middle (Medieval) ages. It marked a brighter new era for England and the historic beginning of the English Renaissance.

Tudor Furniture Characteristics

• Made of Oak.
• Heavy, strong, detailed and uncomfortable furniture.
• Similar to medieval and gothic furniture periods preceding it.
• Often decorated with tapestries, embroidery, carpets, and fabrics.
• Very rare as only a few rich people in the 1500's could afford such luxuries.

Before Elizabeth the furniture in previous ages was always made to be functional and plain, repetitive patterns and square based design. The Elizabethan age saw a greater degree of experimentation with furniture as influences from abroad made their mark. Furniture was also starting to be constructed out of Walnut, however due to the lack of strength many walnut pieces have not survived the years

Elizabethan Furniture Characteristics

• Solid inlays now being used.
• Mother of pearl, Gold Guiding, Marble.
• A greater devotion to the arts.
• Home decor objects becoming more available.
After having difficulties working with Walnut, the Jacobean period saw a move back to Oak. Not as square as previous Oak pieces they remained inward looking, without not fully embracing exotic influences, and its ornamentation became less prominent, more ordered and uniform, this was the last era of wax based finishes.

Jacobean Furniture Characteristics

• Relief carvings of geometric or floral motifs
• Solid and sturdy, made of Oak.
• Influenced many early American pilgrims.
• Accentuated mouldings used to divide areas into geometric shapes
• The wax used to preserve the pieces has built up an aged dark oak lustre.
After England breaks out into civil war, leadership is overturned marking a new era, 'The Commonwealth' producing Cromwellian or puritan furniture. This era stands alone in the history of English furniture, moving away from the the Gothic styles we begin to see more ancient and classical forms of decoration, although the period continues to differ from foreign influences.

Puritan Furniture Characteristics

• Wood carving and upholstery was rarely used.
• Sharp, angular, a simple practical styling.

The Carolean or Restoration period brought the traditional aspects of English furniture back in line with European styles. It was also during this era that the ancient art of 'French polishing,' was beginning to be experimented with. It would be another 100 years before the process was mastered.

Restoration Furniture Characteristics

• Restoration furniture was decorative and colourful.
• Veneer and marquetry made advancements to produce detailed designs.
•In addition to walnut and oak there was also used olive, white cedar, kingwood, and coromandel among others.

Previous eras saw dark, Gothic, primitive and uncomfortable furniture, The William and Mary period gave us bright insight into what was ahead for English furniture. Great numbers of French and Dutch refugee's came to England, many of them working in the furniture industry. They brought with them many new techniques that continued to increase the standards of English furniture.

William and Mary Furniture Characteristics

ª Oak, declined as Walnut was used widely, Mahogany made its first appearance.
• There was also use of kingwood and amboyna for inlay work and ebony
• A lot of Dutch and French influences.
• Standards improve as we see a greater number of these antiques today.

By now, English craftsmen have mastered foreign techniques and adapted them to their own. English furniture is now developing a distinct style and can be compared at par with Italian and French furniture styles.

Queen Anne Furniture Characteristics

• Working class people are now more able to own furniture.
• Walnut now the wood of choice.
• A small amount of Queen Anne furniture was painted white and gilded.
• Furniture design is more thought out as the pieces become lighter.

A big change began in this era, the introduction of Mahogany. It would later replace Walnut as the wood of choice. 'Geargian' furniture consisted of a wide variety of styles including Adam, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton.

Georgian Furniture Characteristics

• The beginning of Mahogany and Architectural influence
• Consisted of a wide variety of styles

Finally, the long awaited mastering of the technique to apply Shellac to wood, 'French polishing.' Now furniture is coated with smooth surfaces and intricate veneers are laid. A striking vibrant display of colours are introduced as knowledge of a variety of wood increases.

Regency Furniture Characteristics

• Plain, slender, elegant lines
• Mahogany is continued to be used along with Rosewood and Zebrawood
• Elaborate inlaid marquetry

The straight and smooth lines of the Regency period were opposed with a more oval and circular style. Mass produced furniture had taken a new level and the Victorian style was rapidly welcomed into the homes of many. Later in the period the demands of mass market would have a negative effect on the quality of the furniture being produced.

Victorian Furniture Characteristics

• Oak makes a nationalist comeback for its Englishness.
• Mahogany and Rosewood mostly used.
• Japanese design shows influence in ebony finishes.

Edwardian furniture designers came to the realization that reproductions would outsell anything new or innovative. During this era the Antique trade was launched and quickly grew as people started buying second hand furniture.

Edwardian Furniture Characteristics

• Art Nouveau is given a English interpretation.
• Reproduction furniture is produced.

Gain inspiration for your Interior DIY projects

2007-09-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

A great way to gain inspiration for your Interior DIY projects is to look back at the past. Many of todays techniques in construction and design are undertaken with minimal labour costs. An attention to detail has been lost and quality craftsmanship seems to be on a steady decline.

There is hope. Many of the original trades, such as Upholstery, French polishing, Cabinet making, Guilding, Needlework, Printmaking and Masonry. Have all been replaced with modern and efficient techniques, power tools have replaced extensive hand labour and precision spray systems have replaced the skilled touch of hand application.

You don't need to wonder why these great trades that played a major role in the industrial revolution, have slowly disappeared. People these days are not interested in labour intensive work and want things as cheap as possible.

For the "DIY enthusiast' that doesn't mind getting a bit dirty and some hard work, you can achieve quality far greater than any store or contractor will offer. With short google history lesson and some practice, you could be on your way to unleashing hidden creative talents from within.

A great site to start your search is http://www.ptoone.com here you can see video's and projects that have been undertaken using an original 'French polishing' method from 17th century Europe.

Care instruction for period antiques and French polished furniture

2007-09-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

Ensuring your antiques are displayed, stored and handled correctly is essential to preserving them for future generations. It is important to remember that furniture isn't just wood and the beauty of it is often how the wood is aged as well as the other materials used. French polish is fine and beautiful finish from a natural source, unlike any other finish French polish never cures which means it continues to harden with age. Below are unique instructions to keep the polish in pristine condition.

General housekeeping tips
The temperature in your home can greatly affect the condition of your furniture. Excessively dry conditions can cause furniture to dry out and shrink, while excessively damp conditions can cause mould growth. Try to keep your pieces in a stable environment where the temperature and relative humidity don't fluctuate dramatically. The following points are worth bearing in mind:

Don't place furniture near heat sources as heat causes shrinkage. This can loosen joints and veneers and change the shape of the piece over time. High heat will also soften the polish and sometimes leave a white mark. To avoid this coffee or tea and hot plates should lay on top of suitable place mats.

Light can also damage furniture. Natural or artificial light of a high intensity can alter finishes and if severe can break down the wood. Use blinds or curtains to reduce light levels.

Drips of alcohol/nail varnish remover on a polished surface will soften the polish or leave a mark if not removed immediately.
Water on a polished surface should also be removed immediately as with time it will leave a mark in the finish.

Keys and hard objects may scratch the surface.

All commercial spray polishes contain silicone that will eat away at the wood beneath the finish. Cleaning a French polished surface should be done with one lightly damp lint-free cheese cloth. The surface can then be wiped with a lint-free dry cheese cloth, fast strokes along the grain with minimal pressure will restore a glossy surface.

If moving furniture, remove drawers and lock doors so they don't open. Pieces should be padded and covered for transport. Use clean white cotton gloves when moving gilded furniture.

Lifting furniture should be done carefully. Check for loose areas. Chairs should be lifted by the seat rather than the back or arms. Tables should be lifted by the legs rather than the top, which could come off.

After taking these care instructions into consideration you may feel that antique and French polished finishes may not be suitable for your woodwork, however it is also worth keeping in mind that the French polish is far more forgiving than any other finish in the sense that unlike lacquers, it can be efficiently repaired.

Determine the quality of Reproduction Furniture.

2007-09-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

Determine the quality of Reproduction Furniture.

The efficient advantage of modern finishing techniques and precision machines to create reproduction antique furniture has pushed the traditional methods aside. Many of the original trades such as upholstery, French polishing and cabinet making that guided the industrial revolution have been left behind and are becoming lost arts. Part of the reason I write as a professional French polisher is to recover, re-invent and restore these trades that played a remarkable role in European culture during the later part of the 20th century.

During my years as a Finisher, French polisher and Restorer, I came across many different styles of furniture. Most of which were reproductions of European period models. Some containing an unmatched attention to detail that they almost could pass as the original model.

As a professional in the business, I quickly learned an accurate technique of distinguishing the reproductions by determining the type of finish. The finish that was used during the periods that produced some of the finest European antiques, was a technique called 'French polishing.' This process is very labour intensive and was refined in France in the 1700's, hence it's name.
From my experience of working with almost every type of finish on the market, there is nothing that brings out the beauty of wood, than wood that has been carefully French polished.

As America becomes increasingly capable of producing high end European reproductions, so many other countries with much lower labour costs do the same. At first the reproductions, mostly from the eastern hemisphere were crafted to a much lower standard than the ones being made in western nations. With time people began to realize the sheer economical incentives to producing, labour intensive and intricate models of furniture overseas. Large companies sent their quality control operators to improve the quality of craftsmanship. The reproductions were now made to a much higher standard and the already competitive industry became fierce. One thing that has always been hard for non-industrial countries to implement was a high quality technique of finishing. To this day that fact remains that recognizing a finish, helps you recognize the quality of the piece.

My trained eye helps me recognize the type of finish and from that I am able to evaluate the value of a piece. Learning about the different types of wood finish, and the years and periods from which they were used, can greatly benefit your ability's to determine the quality and craftsmanship of a piece whether it be a rare Queen Anne original antique or Regency reproduction.

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2007-07-27T06:46:00.001-07:00

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