Pendants Blog



             


Wednesday, May 28, 2008

The Amazing Marigold - From Love Charms to Chicken Feed

Marigolds are a fascinating flower with a wide variety of uses and symbolic meanings in different cultures. Marigolds are commonly known as the "Herb of the Sun" and are generally symbolic of passion and creativity. The various meanings and uses of marigolds make an intriguing botanical study.

The Welsh believed that if marigolds were not open early in the morning, then a storm was on the way. Marigolds have also been used as love charms and incorporated into wedding garlands. Water made from marigolds was once thought to induce psychic visions of fairies if rubbed on the eyelids. In some cultures, marigold flowers have been added to pillows to encourage prophetic or psychic dreams.

The marigold is also associated with the lion and the astrological sign Leo. In addition, early Christians named the flower "Mary's Gold" and offered the blossoms in place of money at the foot of statues of Mother Mary. The Portuguese introduced marigolds into India. Eventually the flower was offered to the Hindu gods Vishnu and Lakshmi. The marigold was also considered to be sacred among the Aztec Indians, who decorated their temples with the flower.

The marigold was once thought to protect against the plague and to be effective in stopping gossip. Interestingly, the marigold can also symbolize cruelty and jealousy. When used in combination with spells, however, the marigold is an anti-dote for the sharp-tongued and promotes cheery conversations.

Marigolds can be found in Europe, Africa and the Americas. Marigolds can adapt to a wide range of conditions, but prefer full sun and rich soils. The marigold is a hardy plant, usually with yellow, orange or rusty red blooms. Marigolds have what many people consider to be a disagreeable odor. Some varieties have been bred to be odor-free, but this negates their use as a plant that wards off insects in gardens. Marigolds are grown from seeds and range in height from 6 to 36 inches. The blossoms can be from 1/2 inch to 5 inches across.

The uses of marigolds vary widely in the different locales where marigolds grow. For example, in some places the leaves of marigolds have been used to remove warts. Marigolds are also grown and harvested in Mexico to be added to chicken feed. Chickens eating marigold-enriched feed produce eggs with a deep yellow color. The flesh of chickens fed marigolds also take on a rich color to make them more appealing for human consumption. The marigold blossoms are quite edible for humans, too, and are often used in egg and cheese dishes. The blossoms also make a yellow dye for fabric.

This amazing flower comes in such a wide variety of sizes and colors that there is sure to be a marigold to suit any garden. Marigolds also do well as cut flowers. In addition to their use in summer bouquets, the common orange, red and rust colors are perfect for autumn arrangements. Make sure to enjoy marigolds this year both outdoors and indoors!

Kathleen Karlsen, MA is an artist, writer and design consultant residing in Bozeman, Montana. Kathleen is best known for her contemporary impressionism style and her colorful forest, landscape and flower paintings. Kathleen's original art and fine art gifts can be seen at http://www.livingartsoriginals.com For an extensive article about flower symbolism see http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/infoflowersymbolism.htm To see a selection of Kathleen's flower paintings, please visit http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/originalfloralart.htm

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Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Direct Mail Postcards - Its Charms and Strengths Unlocked

Consumers are becoming increasingly critical of the goods they purchase. Anyone who wants a particular service is drowned with a variety of goods to choose from. Even with direct mail postcards, you may find yourself overwhelmed by an infinite number of features to compare, contrast and even combine.

In the face of today's challenging times and cutthroat competition, advertising is changing. As an entrepreneur, your business should offer more than just a witty slogan or become just another one of those commercials.

Advertisements need substance. Businesses should either keep up with the race or be drowned out. One sure way of creating your own space and identity is through direct-mail advertising that is steadily becoming growing force in advertising.

Fill your the businesses' and consumers' need for a more direct and substantive form or marketing and advertising. Since mail is sent individually, there are higher chances that your mail will be read. This is especially true if you are sending out postcards that are targeted towards their needs and interests.

Direct Mail Marketing and Postcard Strengths

There's a better chance that people who couldn't care less are not bombarded with information they couldn't care less about and the people who possibly needs them will have them. Direct Mail Postcards are just the print products who will see you through this.

You may choose to send legal sized letters or brochures, but one must not forget the charm and strengths of a postcard. Here are the advantages of direct-mail advertising with postcards in particular:

• Cost. The cost of producing TV commercials on the average can cost up to hundreds of thousands of dollars which may go up depending on props, production, air time, TV spots and the like. Postcards, on one hand, are perfect for both small scale and large scale enterprises.

• Postcards can be printed anywhere from 250 to 100,000 prints and even more. You need not worry about catering to a small or large sized audience. Direct mail postcards can only be limited with your own client base or mailing list.

• Commercials may reach more people, but it invests on too much time for people to actually notice them. Postcards, on one hand, have more potential to read for it doesn't require much time.

• Direct mail postcards can contain catchy illustrations or witty taglines that can catch the attention of the audience. As it does so, it can act as a souvenir. It is a tangible keepsake that can be readily passed on or kept. It can be shown to other people or form a part of a collection.

• Postcards can open other channels of making itself useful or visible. It can be used as a bookmark. It can be stuck onto the refrigerator as a reminder of sorts. It can be placed on a scrapbook or it can simply be re-sent to another interested client.

• Postcards are not time limited. They can contain more information than a 30second television spot. With good copy writing, readers could easily read it through and through.

• With direct mail postcards, you can also track your progress. Since you know where it's been mailed, you can confirm and call people to further entice them on your promotions or offers.

There are many strengths hidden in direct mail postcards. You can tap into them through a good strategy and through quality printing. Find your way into direct mail postcards and into the helms of a great printing company and be prepared for rewarding returns.

More topics on direct mailing postcards can be found at Postcard Printing Full Color - My Postcard printing

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Saturday, May 24, 2008

Italian Charms - A Touch of Italy, Wherever You Go

One of the latest trend to hit the market today is the Italian charm bracelets as the jewelry itself is always linked to the uniqueness of everything Italy such as the food, the view of the landscapes, history and so on.

Another main reason for the fame and lasting power of this trend is the availability of choices of charms in the market. The Italian charm bracelet is actually a series of individual modular links hooked together on a stretchy band to form a single bracelet. Usually these bracelets consists of eighteen links with each link featuring a face either a design or an image soldered onto the actual charm link. It doesn't really matter what your personality or tastes are like, there will always be an Italian charm bracelet for you. You can also have a theme or topic to inspire your Italian charm. There is a variety of material that the charms are made of some are sterling silver, gold, and enamel or plastics and beads. Depending on material type, the face of the charm that features the design can be soldered or glued to the link. Gemstones can also be incorporated into the design of the charms. With variety of choices, motifs and styles, it is hard to find two identical charm bracelets unless of course you order a custom-made identical charm for you and your lover.

Charm bracelet usually would comprise of eighteen blank links connected together. To produce a personalized bracelet, the blank links are then replaced with individually designed charms. One will usually find them in a form of flat and modular links that can be hooked together. These charms would feature individual pieces soldered flat onto the surface of the joining link.

One of the hottest trends in Italian charms at present is the picture or photo charms. Not only are these full of fun, it can also feature any photo you like, from your pets to your boyfriend. The sky is the limit when it comes to pictures to be used on them. For instance, take a funny picture of yourself to give to your loved ones or you can even add a caption to your picture. These will make splendid gifts that the recipient will treasure for many years to come. A photo is a perfect representation of a memory and it speaks a thousand words. One can look back at a photo 50 years later and will be filled with memories about it and it will still be protected and undamaged no matter how many times it's worn.

Buying these wonderful charms' products need not be a hassle. Hook onto the world wide web and you are just a few clicks away from owning your very own piece of a wonderful art to call your own. So don't wait, get on there now and make that purchase to showcase your personality today.

The author is a consultant at an online Italian charm store, GoldCupJewelry.com. There you'll be able to find an Italian charm starter bracelet, a keychain for the man or woman in your life, and a huge variety of charms.

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Friday, May 23, 2008

Italian Charms - A Unique Fashion Trend

Clothes and accessories are not only a sign of the latest fashion. Now people tend to accessorize themselves with something they want to share with others. It is usually related to beliefs and principles. Accessories like bracelets are a great way to show your individuality. Items like charm bracelets are also believed to bestow luck on to the wearer.

The Italian charms bracelets can be decorated with real or fake gemstones on gold plated or 18 karat gold charm face. The charm face is fixed on to the back stainless steel back side with strong glue.

Most of the time, Italian charms are crafted to be in the form of a bracelet. What makes these bracelet special is you can personalized the bracelet to your own liking and personal desire. This is because the blank flat links has standardized sizing and are well compatible across any other brand. This gives the wearer a flexibility to change the link of the bracelet to suit the mood or the interest of the individual at any time.

The charm bracelets can be given a theme to it because of its ability to be changed according to preferences. Therefore, this will make them an excellent present for family members and friends. They can also be put on to show others your favorite color or to give yourself a motivation. The many designs you can choose for the bracelets are made possible by techniques like laser, hand paints, photos or even deluxe link.

As the trend progresses, the manufactures has come up with brilliant ideas in improvising and adding more designs in not only the bracelets but also creating new genre of accessories such as Italian charm keychains and photo bracelet. Italian charm key chain is a perfect way to start your Italian charm collection. They would usually resemble and look very much like the bracelet charm but the difference is that it will be attached with a key ring instead. It would be fashionably hip to hook this item onto your jeans bag, belt and also backpacks.

The key chains will impress your family and friends if you give them away as gifts. They will love the way their key chains are made especially for them. People will appreciate anything as long as the giver puts a lot of effort in making the gifts unique. You will be well received by family and friends.

The Italian charm keychain will make the perfect party favors for birthdays. They will be given as signs of appreciation to guests. This is because no one will expect anything as guests at the party other than food and drinks; it will be a pleasant surprise for them. The fact that you had made it personalized will make them enjoy it even more.

The Italian charm bracelets and key chains are a fabulous collection for those who are looking for uniqueness in style. They make great accessories on you and your bags. Not only that, they make perfect gifts for those you love.

The author writes about Italian charm ideas for GoldCupJewelry.com with his Italian charm keychain in his pocket

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Saturday, May 17, 2008

Dress for Success - Claim Your Style With Italian Charms

I don’t know about you, but the toughest part of my morning routine is deciding
what to wear. That’s right: I have no trouble hopping out of bed early…but I rarely
get to work on time–all because I spend precious morning minutes pondering the perfect
outfit. And it’s not even the big issues—like which top or what pants to wear—that
take up all my time. I don’t even hassle over matching my socks: no, it’s the accessories
that always get me. I blame my mother. She has always been great at accessorizing
- a real natural! Some how her skills were lost on me.


Fortunately, I recently discovered the ideal accessory—it goes with every outfit!—the
Italian Charm bracelet. This little accessory has rescued me from fashion oblivion
countless times. And, lately, I’ve even managed to get to work on time! Italian
charms meet every one of my criteria (and even several of my mother’s) for the perfect
accessory: they match any outfit (very important factor!); they are unique; and
they attract attention (especially on all-important date nights).


Italian charm bracelets are the popular new style of charm bracelet made of small
flexible metal links, each with a unique image. They have become popular for their
sleek style and because of the great variety of charm links—there are links for
each and every style. Italian Charm bracelets are the perfect solution to any accessory
problem because they go with any outfit.


The best thing about Italian charms is that they’re removable and interchangeable,
which means that they can both fit your fashion needs and express your unique personality.
Charms come in all styles—from serious to silly. You can choose to put your Italian
Charm bracelet together with letters, to spell your name, or with images, to tell
the story of who you are and what you like to do. For everyday use, you may choose
to wear fun, personal charms that express your identity.


There are thousands of charms to fit your personality: charms that reflect your
favorite pastimes and activities, charms that indicate your favorite travels or
artists; you can even have Italian Charms made with photos of yourself or your friends!
And, on those special occasions when you have to dress to impress, you can unlink
a few of your personal charms and replace them with some more elegant ones such
as flowers, classic paintings, or just sophisticated designs. And all the charms
come in a sleek silver color, so you can be sure that they will match any outfit
you choose.


Italian charms are just the accessory you have been looking for: they will flatter
both your outfit and your excellent sense of style! No more wasting precious minutes
before work or that big date digging through loud scarves and gaudy jewelry—just
pull out your Italian charm bracelet and consider yourself a fashion accessory success!


While I can’t guarantee that it will be easy to pick out your outfit next time
you’re preparing for that hot date, you can rest assured that you will at least
have the perfect and unique accessory: your Italian Charm bracelet. When you’re
on your date, you’ll be sure to impress him with your beautiful outfit accented
by a gorgeous bracelet. Plus, if you include a few of your personal, fun charms,
you’ll create a perfect conversation starter for your date. Who knows, maybe on
your next date he’ll be wearing one as well!


Find a wide selection of
Italian charms
and Italian charm bracelets at
http://www.GoldCupJewelry.com
where Greg Scott is a writer.

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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Astrological Magic Squares as Charms and Talismans

Numerologist use Magic Squares to create talismans and charms for protection,
and to enhance their abilities in certain areas. There are seven of these magic
squares, each with its own prosperities and uses. Will carrying one of them help
you?


Astrological Magic Squares


Cronelius Agrippa studied and named a series of Magic Squares for the various
Planets, and ascribed various proprieties to these squares based on their Astrological
influences. Later in Elizabethan times, John Dee and Sir Edward Kelly worked with
these squares, and included them in the Enochian system of magic.


These same squares were used in the Hebrew tradition of the Kabbalah, and are
associated with particular aspects of the Tree of Life.


The seven Astrological magic squares and their properties are listed below.


Square of Saturn


A talisman made using this square increases the chances for success in business,
and draws money to the wearer; It also tends to cure depression. This is a (3 x
3) magic square built using the whole numbers 1 through 9. Its essence (row total)
is (15) which reduces to a (6) by fadic addition. Its complete sum total of all
squares is (45).


Square of Jupiter


A talisman made using this square gives power and prestige to the bearer. It
enhances the persons authority and leadership. This is a (4 x 4) magic square built
using the whole numbers 1 through 16. Its essence (row total) is (34) which reduces
to a (7) by fadic addition. Its complete sum total is (136).


Square of Mars


A talisman made using this square protects the wearer from accidents and injuries.
This is a (5 x 5) magic square built using whole numbers 1 through 25. Its essence
(row total) is (65) which reduces to (11) by fadic addition. Its complete sum total
is (325).


Square of the Sun


A talisman made using this square brings peace of mind to the bearer. This is
a (6 x 6) Magic Square built using whole numbers 1 through 36. Its essence (row
total) is (111) which reduces to a (3). Its complete sum total is (666).


Square of Venus


A talisman made using this square brings love and affection from the opposite
sex. It also improves your peace of mind. This is a (7 x 7) Magic Square built using
the whole numbers 1 through 49. Its essence (row total) is (175) which reduces to
a (4). The complete sum total of all squares is (1225).


Square of Mercury


A talisman made using this square protects you from enemies, increases your memory,
and enhances divination skills. It's an (8 x 8) magic square built using the whole
numbers 1 through 64. Its essence (row total) is (260) which reduces to (8) by fadic
addition. The complete sum total of all squares is (2080).


Square of the Moon


This square is used to bring friendship, and increased respect in the community.
It's a (9 x 9) magic square built using the whole numbers 1 through 81. Its essence
(row total) is (369) which reduces to (9) by fadic addition. The complete sum total
of all squares is (3321).


Keith Abbott is the developer and owner of 'Numerology 4 You' where you can order
your own Numerology
reading
, including your
Yantra Magic
Square
chart. Visit him on the web today at
http://www.numerology4you.com

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Thursday, May 8, 2008

The Hidden Meanings Of European And American Charms

Starting at the inception of the 20th century and extending until the 1960s,
it was a mark of the middle-class that young girls be given a charm bracelet before
they reached puberty. At every holiday or anniversary, a new charm is added to the
bracelet, often by the relative who had given the original bracelet.


The demand for charms is ancient; only the method of marketing them is relatively
recent. Not all the charms on these bracelets were lucky emblems -- equally common
were hobby-related and school-related charms. In fact, the number of charms available,
and the ordinariness of many of them -- a telephone, a car, a cheerleader's megaphone,
a windmill -- may have devalued the word "charm" in the English language, so that
today it's often misunderstood that if someone refers to "charms" when that person
means "amulets."


The French, in particular, had a list of charms called "Le Langage de Porte Bonheur"
("The Language of Good Luck Charms") and included 10 charms that symbolized:


* An elephant: "Felicite" (happiness)

* A heart: "Amour" (love)

* A four-leaf clover: "Bonheur" (luck)

* A horsehoe magnet: "Argent" (silver -- or money, due to the magnet's "drawing"
power)

* A die, showing seven spots: "Veine" (games of chance; gambler's luck)

* The number 13: "Joie" (joy; the usual use of this number is as general luck or
gambler's luck)

* A pig: "Prosperite" (prosperity)

* A hamsa hand: "Richesse" (riches; this is not accurate -- the hamsa hand protects
against the evil eye

* A horseshoe: "Fidelite" (fidelity; not entirely accurate -- the usual meaning
is attraction or "drawing")

* A pansy: "Souvenir" (remembrance; it belongs more properly to the "language of
flowers")


During the 20th century American charm bracelet at left features a variety of
lucky charms in a bright mix of brass, copper, sterling silver, and gold-plated
metal. This bracelet is typical of the kind of jewelry worn by adolescent girls
in the 1950s and 1960s, collected charm by charm while traveling through the tourist
traps, flea markets, jewelry stores and yard sales. Many of the more modern American
charms symbolize:


* A silver heart engraved with initials: love for the named individual

* A brass heart pierced by an arrow: smitten romantic love

* A silver horseshoe: attraction or "drawing" luck

* A gold wishbone set with a pearl: wishes come true

* A silver horseshoe on which is placed a wishbone, a four-leaf clover, a horseshoe
and the words "Good Luck": good luck

* A gold and green enameled four-leaf clover: luck

* A silver money bag with a $ sign: wealth

* A copper horseshoe on which is placed a four-leaf clover: good luck

* A brass heart padlock: faithful love

* A silver spread of playing cards: gambling luck

* A gold double horseshoe set with an artificial diamond: money luck

* A brass money bag marked 1000: wealth

* A silver horseshoe: attraction or "drawing" luckOther popular 20th century charms
often found on European and American charm bracelets include:* A swastika: luck
(pre-Nazi Germany)

* Twin hearts pierced by a single arrow: reciprocated love

* An Amanita muscaria mushroom: luck

* A chimney sweep or his ladder and brush: luck

* A "Lucky Buddha": luck

* A black cat: gambling luck


And although unrelated to European and American charm bracelets -- but probably
made to meet Occidental rather than Far East tastes -- are, what are know as, Chinese
charm bracelets, made with glass beads, jade carvings, and metal amulets strung
on black cord and tied around the wrist.


Following similar design lines to Chinese charm bracelets, Pandora Jewelry invented
a new system for charm bracelets and necklaces, which added a new dimension in collecting
jewelry. This unique jewelry line established a foothold in Northern Europe as one
of the most successful jewelry businesses to date. Since 2002, Pandora Jewelry has
brought hope and opportunity to jewelers across North America.


Each item in our collection is a handmade Danish design in sterling silver and
14K gold. Various pieces of our line are handcrafted with colorful precious stones
and cultured pearls.


Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information,
contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.


Authorized distributed of beautiful
pandora
bracelets
and beads

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Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Italian Charms

Italian charms refer mainly to Italian jewelry. They are the rage not only among
teenagers but also among adults. People buy them to wear, collect or display.


Italian charms are often available in different styles. If you are buying in
bulk, heavy discounts can be had on these purchases. Italian charms can be purchased
online also. A number of web sites have come up during the last few years. These
online merchants deal in a vast variety of Italian charms.


Italian charms are available in different price ranges. Some of the expensive
and exclusive items are also resold. The secondhand Italian charms are also getting
quite popular. But before purchasing the latter, one should be sure about the quality.


It is always better to compare products offered by various designers before taking
a final decision. The comparison has to be made in terms of design, material and
prices. An Italian charm that looks good may not be actually that good.


If you can buy an Italian charm from a local designer or seller, you can replace
it if it doesn't meet the promised standards. Interestingly, a large number of merchandisers
have started purchasing Italian charms from outside Italy. These Italian charms
are produced at factories in China, and often compromise with the quality. Thus
there is always a possibility that the Italian charm you purchased recently was
shipped from Beijing.


If you want a genuine Italian charm, you should try out one of the several exclusive
showrooms of Italian charms, which have sprung all over the world during the last
few years. Many of these charms are also available in jewelry and department stores.


Italian Charms
provides detailed information on Italian Charms, Custom Italian Charms, Italian
Bracelet Charms, Wholesale Italian Charms and more. Italian Charms is affiliated
with Fallen Angels

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Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Amethyst is February's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday, you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we bet you don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients felt would be bestowed about you by wearing it.

February's birthstone: Amethyst

Birthstone powers: Brings peace and calm to your life

Alternative Birthstone: Bloodstone

Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February and the traditional anniversary gemstone for the sixth of marriage. Once considered more valuable than diamonds, this member of the quartz member occurs naturally as crystals within rocks. The stones are mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Zambia, Australia and in the mountains of Russia

American amethysts are mined in Maine, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Montana and Colorado. Amethyst from Maine is usually dark with North Carolina amethyst having a bluish tint unique to that area. Amethyst can lighten if exposed to strong sunlight for a long time. When heated to 550-560 Centigrade, the color changes to dark yellow or reddish brown. (They are then called citrines. These are more richly colored and more expensive then natural citrines)

Ideally deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes, amethysts generally range in hue from pale lilac to nearly black purple. Since purple has always been the color of royalty, amethysts abound in the ornaments of in the British Crown Jewels and in the adornments of the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, as well. They have been found in ruins dating as far back as the ninth century, adorning royal jewelry, scepters, and crowns.

The intense violet hue of February's birthstone appealed to early monarchs, perhaps because they often wore this color?as a symbol of their elevated position. Purple dye was once scarce and expensive, so it was reserved for the garments of royalty, and the color came to symbolize power and status.

Sobering Thoughts with Amethyst

The Greeks believed that whoever wore an amethyst or drank from an amethyst cup would not become intoxicated. In fact, the word amethyst is derived from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning sober. In ancient Greece, the gemstone was associated with the god of wine, and it was common practice to serve this beverage from Amethyst goblets in the belief that this would prevent overindulgence. It was also claimed that amethyst had a sobering effect on those "drunk" on love?s passion.

Even today, amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome addictive behaviors. In general, the gemstone is believed to be a calming, tranquil influence that symbolizes peace.

Amethyst and Prayer

Amethyst is symbolic of piety, spirituality, and a devotion to God. The rich purple gemstones are used worldwide to ornament churches and crosses used in religious ceremony, and they frequently found in the rings and on the rosaries worn by bishops and priests.

It is also believed that amethysts bring on pleasant dreams because they allow you to "channel" positive universal energy. As a result many people place an amethyst under their pillow before going to sleep at night to enjoy "sweet dreams" throughout the night.

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of ?How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.? This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com

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Friday, December 7, 2007

Turning Your Home On to Pendant Lights

Sure, pendant lights are a great way to light up your living room or kitchen, but did you ever consider styling your living space around them? Sounds absurd, but hear me out. If your place lacks furniture, the proper amount of lighting will turn your pad into a livable social haven perfect for celebrity style soirees. (However, if you have an overabundance of furniture, no amount of lighting will save you, but that's another story we'll work on later).

Consider the following scenarios: let's say you live in a place that happens to have cathedral ceilings (lucky you!) and you're looking to add some vibrant but not overly dramatic lighting into your home. Stick with contemporary styles that work in a variety of rooms and homes, preferably something with scavo vintage glass or with marblesque glass diffusers and finished in either a chrome or non-patina bronzes. Stay away from narrow, coniferous-shaped, and boxy shades unless you're looking to give your home a mod, Frank Lloyd Wright prairie-inspired ambiance.

If you live in a smaller space like a high-rise loft in the city or a studio apartment, and you're looking to jazz up your place with an urban-contemporary/artsy edge, I suggest going for anything with bold color and unusual shapes. Glass, PVC, silk shades in a variety of styles will truly transform your home. A word of advice if you're taking this route - less is more. Granted, there's a lot more versatility when it comes to choosing the perfect pendant light for your place, but don't go too over-the-top, honey; there's a fine line between edgy and kitsch, and trust me, you don't want to go kitsch!

What's great about pendant lights is that if you hang them in corner spaces or skewed from the absolute center of any room, your space automatically turns into a living art exhibit. Group about three or four ceiling pendants together, or line them up in a curvilinear fashion and, bam! Glorious light in your life (and home, of course)!

For a variety of stylish pendant lights and wall sconce visit Eco-lights.com.

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