Fantasy Art Warrior Women-Pictures of Cats-Drawings of Scorpions-Paint Them With Oils
February 21, 2012 | 
Author 
~~*~~
As far as oil painting goes it’s not as scary as some people think. If you want to create the visions that are in your head, be it fantasy art warrior women, pictures of cats, drawings of scorpions, or if you hope to one day obtain landscapes still life portrait commissions, whimsical angel drawings, you might want to consider oil painting as your goal. It is to me, the most respected medium.
It’s true! Painting with oils may seem way scary, but it isn’t at all really!
Lots of people get stuck into doing acrylics, watercolors or feel content to just draw. That is fine of course, those mediums are great, but oil painting need not be excluded because you think it is too hard.
I confess! When I first started painting with oils? I felt it was just so overwhelming to begin.
One thing I would do to get over fear of painting, and this is not exclusive to oils, is be a Jackson Pollack for the day. You can still slather on the paint to create pictures of cats, drawings of scorpions or fantasy fairies, just be loose about it. No pressure for realism.
Turn on your favorite music, pump up the volume and get ready for an art dance, or should we call it a dance of learning to play with art?
First find a piece of plywood lying around, or anything really. Search out some old house paint or go to the hardware store and buy some of their sale stuff.. just a few colors is fine. It does not have to be a major expense, in fact, that is the point, in order to free yourself up, it needs to be as little expense as possible. Find some old junk.. old jewelry, even Christmas wrapping paper or weird things you come across. Next take it all outside and PLAY! Just PLAY.. no pressure for anything to turn out. Dump stuff on the plywood and be a Pollack for the day. Let it dry and then go back and play again over the same piece, building up a patina effect. Metallic paints are great for this too!
OK, so after that you should feel a certain sense of freedom about painting. Now lets try some oils on canvas! How fun! (Yup no grumbling, this is gonna be fun.)
When oils are thinned down with turpentine they have a lot more ease. You can make it all really sloshiy (my word for messy) and PLAYFUL! That doesn’t mean you only use thinned down oils but just think about that and use it as you will. Start out thin and end with thick.
First paint a background on as large a canvas as you can. The larger the better. I find that if you paint a small work it is actually more scary. You tend to tighten up and fret more. When the canvas is big you KNOW you have to really get in there and paint or it will take you forever. There is freedom to it.
Try ‘sketching’ with your sloshy colors and oil paints. Starting with your darkest colors ‘slather’ on your base, be it fantasy art warrior women, images taken from female photography, or lords of the middle ages PLAY. Then let it sit for a day or two. Go back after some drying time and add your medium toned colors, then let that sit.. give yourself a rest for a fresh look at your progress as well as some drying time. Lastly add your lights and highlights.
Cover it up and be a touchy artist! Don’t let anyone see your work and/or let them lend comment. Others might sway your confidence because they cannot possibly see what is inside your heart and the end result. You may not either but the FEELING is there.. only worry about the feeling. Matisse said to feel the colors. Play with the colors as you create to one day produce fantasy art warrior women, pictures of lambs or landscapes still life portrait commissions is that is your goal. Learn to Play! This is what will set you free to paint by instinct rather than rules.
~~*~~
Convergence Jackson Pollock Painting
Jackson Pollock played a key role in the history of modern American art. He was especially influential in the abstract expressionist movement. Pollock used a style known as “drip” painting, and his creations came in both black and white and others with color right across each and every Pollock print.
Pollock’s earlier paintings were predominantly in black and white including Number Twenty-Three, Echo and Number Seven. By 1952 he chose to switch back to his large-scale, full color formats with Convergence and Blue Poles.
Jackson Pollock’s alcoholism and bouts of intensive depression added to his fame across America, as he continued to paint in order to break away and distract himself from his own social problems. Van Gogh and many other artists have done similar. He sought therapy through his novel approach of drip painting, which included Number 1 (Lavender Mist).
Convergence displays Pollock’s emotions in abstract form, and shows them to be wild, with his innovative, multi-levelled imagination on full show. It was the best art form that he could find to thoroughly represent his turbulent mind which both haunted him, but also drove him to his best art.
Jackson Pollock had a unique method for creating his masterpieces, by circling around a huge canvas laid flat on the floor, as he would drip, pour and splash paints randomly on the canvas. This has since been termed action painting. Each painting would have large amounts of randomness, encouraged by his unconscious mind, with no consistent subject from one painting to the next. It was the birth of abstract painting as Pollock’s subconscious became unravelled in a fusion of works offering his freedom of imagination as a bizarre art form.
Another attraction to Convergence is Pollock’s suggestion that being an artist does not require certain technical skills and that all can access art themselves. He opened up art through the abstract movement which educated people into believing in the freedom of art, rather than preset ideas.
Abstract artists of the time, such as Pollock and Rothko, believed that traditional art could not portray their emotions vividly enough and so they followed this innovative path which was later to bring American painting to the forefront of international art, and lead New York into replacing Paris as the leader of the avant-garde art world.
"Must-Buy" in Amsterdam
There’s plenty of things that fall into the “must-buy” category when you’re in Amsterdam. Some of these are souvenirs that you can take home with you. Others you can enjoy while enjoying your holiday in the city. Our list is not extensive, but serves as a taster of what’s available.
Clogs – Nothing says Dutch like a pair of wooden clogs. And they don’t just come in a boring wood colour either! Take a look at the vendors on Dam Square and you’ll be greeted by a range of bright colours. In fact, you may even find a few soft, furry ones.
Tulips and tulip bulbs – Again, the quintessential Dutch icon, tulips are a “must-buy.” They come in a wide range of colours, and it’s beautiful to walk through the flower market, past row upon row of gorgeous bright colourful flowers, to pick out just the one that you want. You can buy tulip bulbs to take back home with you to plant in your garden (assuming that “back home” does not have a tropical climate).
Dutch painter prints – The Dutch are very proud of the famous Dutch Masters, and why not? You’ll find some fascinatingly good prints of famous Dutch paintings for bargain prices. Capture your own piece of Dutch art and take it home with you.
Orange T-shirts – This may sound a little strange, but orange is the city’s national colour. On the Queen’s Birthday (April 30), you definitely want to hit the streets and join the parade while wearing a bright orange T-shirt like the locals.
Windmills – No, not a real windmill. You can get a miniature windmill at most souvenir shops in Amsterdam. If you get a chance to visit a real windmill, do put that on your list as well.
Museum tickets – Amsterdam is full of interesting museums. And it isn’t restricted to history or art, although it could be argued that the alternative museums are simply a “different” form of art.
Heineken – If you’re a beer drinker, you must sample the local brew. Heineken is known across the world as a quality Dutch beer. But there’s nothing like drinking it in the homeland.
Dutch dolls – You get wonderful little 6 inch to 18 inch dolls from the souvenir shops that make terrific additions to a showcase. They come dressed in traditional Dutch outfits. They also make great gifts for young children.
Genuine Dutch chocolate – Chocoholics simply must grab a piece of their favourite treat made in true Dutch style. Puccini Chocolates are one of the most loved among locals and tourists alike.
Snow in Alaska? — You’d Be Surprised
Does it snow in Alaska? Of course it does. But the reality of the snowfall amount that Alaska receives may be far different from the popular concept of snow in Alaska.
Many people conceive of Alaska as a barren land where it snows constantly in massive amounts and where everyone lives in igloos. Such a concept makes Alaska sound like a cold and white land.
In reality Alaska has more lakes, rivers, and green trees than does any state in the U.S. The state is intensely green and rich much of the year. But the rainfall total and the snowfall total may be much less than you may think.
Alaska Snowfall Totals
Here are some average annual precipitation and snowfall totals for a cross section of Alaska.
Anchorage — 15.37″ precip —- 69.0″ snowfall
Barrow ——- 4.67″ ———– 28.0″
Fairbanks —- 10.37″ ———– 68.0″
Homer ——- 24.93″ ———– 58.0″
Juneau —— 52.86″ ———– 101.0″
McGrath —– 16.18″ ———– 93.0″
Nome ——– 15.64″ ———– 56.0″
Valdez ——- 61.50″ ———– 320.0″
By comparison Buffalo, N.Y., receives an average of 80″ to 100″ of snow per year. Some sections of upstate New York, similarly affected by their proximity to the Great Lakes, receive an average of 150″ to 200″ of snowfall yearly. Hooker, N.Y., received 466″ of snow during the winter of 1976-1977.
Minneapolis, Minnesota, received their heaviest seasonal snowfall total of 98″ during the winter of 1983-1984.
As you can see from the Alaska totals above, most of Alaska is relatively dry, receiving less that 20″ of precipitation annually. The southcentral and southeastern coastal areas receive far greater precipitation.
Far northern Alaska receives precipitation totals typical of a desert. Notice Barrow’s annual total of only 4.67″ of moisture. Of course, most of that total falls in the form of snow. Due to the ice beneath the soil and the lack of intense drying sunshine runoff and evaporation are minimal. That’s why northern Alaska is not a dry desert despite the small amounts of precipitation.
Alaska Snowfall Records
It’s always interesting to hear about extremes and they can certainly be found in Alaska. For example, Thompson Pass, a popular extreme ski and snowboard area north of Valdez, once received a record 974.5″ of snow during the winter of 1952-1953.
Thompson Pass recorded 62″ of snow during one single 24 hour period in December, 1955. During February, 1953, Thompson Pass received a record 297.9″ of snow. That’s almost 25 feet of snow in just one month!
The deepest recorded snow pack in Alaska, and the deepest in all of North America, occurred at Wolverine Glacier on the Kenai Peninsula during the winter of 1976-1977. The depth was 356″. That’s packed, condensed snow. Almost 30 feet deep!
By comparison, Barrow, in the dry north, received a record minimum amount of snow during the winter of 1935-1936 of only 3″.
Here are a couple of other extremes for total precipitation. Montague Island in 1976 received a record 332.29″ of precipitation. That’s almost an inch of rain per day! On the other hand, Barrow received only 1.61″ of precipitation during all of 1935.
Alaska stores an immense amount of fresh water in its glaciers. An amazing 75% of the world’s fresh water is held in glaciers worldwide and Alaska holds more than its fair share.
Alaska has more than 5,000 glaciers, covering in excess of 100,000 square miles. Alaska has more glaciers than the entire rest of the world combined, excluding the ice fields of Antarctica and Greenland.
Valdez, the Switzerland of the North
Valdez lies on the southcentral coast of Alaska and receives an average of over 300″ of snow yearly. Typically, there are 6 foot drifts of snow on city rooftops. The canyon a few miles north of Valdez is home to several frozen waterfalls and makes Valdez a world-class destination for ice climbers.
Thompson Pass, further north of Valdez, boasts some of the best helicopter accessed extreme skiing and snowboarding terrain in all of North America. No wonder Valdez has been called “the Switzerland of the North.”
Each year Valdez holds a Winter Carnival. During the period of the 1990 Winter Carnival the year’s snowfall passed the 500″ mark. As part of the winter celebration the city showed the movie “Back to the Beach” on a 20 foot by 18 foot “screen” which they had carved from a snow bank. Talk about an outdoor drive-in theatre!
What is Snow?
Snow is crystalline frozen ice and the size and shape of the crystals depend on the temperature of their formation and the amount of water vapor present during formation.
Pure snow crystals are hexagonal, six sided. The basic water molecule consists of two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen and forms a triangle of three equal sides. During crystallization each new ice crystal bud is formed at a 60 degree angle. Crystallization continues until 6 of these triangles are complete. As the crystal falls through the atmosphere it becomes bigger and bigger and its six sided structure becomes the framework for more complex snowflakes.
Common forms of snowflakes include stars, needles, flat planes, columns, capped columns, dendrites, and irregular groups. Some snowflakes can be as large as 1″ in diameter.
For one of the most interesting human stories about snowflake research, consider that of Wilson Bentley. He acquired the nickname, “Snowflake” Bentley because he was the first person to photograph a single snow crystal in 1885. He studied over 5000 snowflakes and declared that no two snowflakes are exactly alike, a quote that has been passed on from generation to generation anonymously ever since.
In 1931, the year that Snowflake Bentley died, he published a book entitled, Snow Crystals. The book contained over 2400 of Snowflake Bentley’s images.
How Many Eskimo Words Are There For Snow?
It has been said that there are 52 words in the Eskimo, Inuit, or Yupik language for snow. It’s also been said that there are 21 words, and it’s also been said that there are over 400. Where does the truth lie?
The idea that since snow is so important in the lives of northern native peoples that there must be a multitude of words to describe it has attained the level of a myth. The truth of the matter is that there are probably about as many Eskimo words for snow as there are English words for snow.
Alaska Climate Changes
According to Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, “Alaska is harder hit by global climate change than any place in the world.” Global warming has been a trend for many years, but very few places show as many consequences of the trend as does Alaska. The average temperature has risen nearly 7 degrees in the past 30 years.
The changes due to a warming climate mean, for example, that the permafrost in Fairbanks and other towns is no longer permanent. Land has been slumping due to the melting permafrost and hydraulic jacks are needed on many buildings to keep them level. Further north, in Barrow, there are now mosquitoes where there once were none.
At the coastal village of Shishmaref increasingly higher water has been eroding away the land beneath the village buildings. The village may have to relocate further inland.
Spruce bark beetles have killed 4 million acres of white spruce forests on the picturesque Kenai Peninsula, the largest devastation due to insects ever experienced in North America. The beetles have been able to reproduce at twice their normal rate due to the higher summertime temperatures. The dead trees represent a huge fire hazard around numerous populated areas and prime recreational sections are threatened.
Glaciers have been receeding at an incredible rate. Portage Glacier, south of Anchorage, has retreated so much in the past 20 years that it is no longer visible from the visitor’s center. Columbia Glacier on Prince William Sound is currently the world’s fastest moving glacier, retreating 80 to 115 feet per day. It has receeded more that 6 miles since 1982.
There are still plenty of glaciers and significant snow in Alaska, but changes are occurring at an increased rate and will have worldwide effects.
Handel Lamp History
Philip Julius Handel first established the Handel Company in Meriden, Connecticut in 1876. They specialized in high quality reverse painted lamp shades and were generally considered a less expensive alternative to the Tiffany lamp popularized by Louis Comfort Tiffany. They also made leaded glass shades similar to Tiffany as well as vases, humidor boxes and other decorative objects. The most popular lamps of the Art Nouveau 1890-1920 and the Art Deco period 1920-1939 were Tiffany, Handel, Pairpoint and Duffner & Kimberly.
Philip Handel (age 19) and Adolph Eydam (age 21) formed a partnership in 1885 and created the “Eydam and Handel Company” in Meriden, Connecticut specializing in glass decorating and lamp manufacturing. They used lamp bases from other suppliers not their own lamp bases. In 1892 the partnership ended and the company later moved to larger facilities in New York city in 1893 and was known as “Philip J. Handel” and later as “Handel and Company”. In 1902 they opened their own foundry and began producing their own lamp bases. The Handel Company was incorporated on June 11, 1903 and Philip J. Handel, Albert Parlow, and Antone Teich were the principals. In 1906, Philip J. Handel married Fannie Hirschfield Handel his second wife. She became the company’s president upon Philip Handel’s death in 1914. In 1918 she remarried and in 1919 William F. Handel, Philip’s cousin took control of the company.
Following World War I was a period of tremendous growth. The economy was roaring and the company had assembled a very impressive and talented group of artists and craftsmen. However, the Great Depression drastically changed the company’s fortunes and by 1929 the company was struggling. The company ceased production completely in 1936. The Handel Lamp Company was the very finest maker of reverse-painted lamps. Handel also made some leaded glass lamps. The company is a prime example of fine American quality craftsmanship.
Handel bases were most commonly made of a zinc alloy, spelter with a bronze patina or finish. Some were made of genuine bronze. The marking was commonly the company name on the bottom of the base. The markings consisted of raised letters and/or a label. Sometimes the marking would be underneath the base or sometimes on top of the the base. Lamp shades were marked on metal components and/or on the glass itself. Some of the glass pieces are signed by the artists.
Many of the medium to larger Handel lamp bases were wired with multiple sockets which were operated by pull chains that had small and various shaped pull balls on the ends of the chain.
It has long been a common practice to match slag glass lamp shades, Tiffany type shades and others to various lamp bases that were not the original. Another common practice has been to place an unsigned shade on a signed Handel lamp base and pass the entire lamp off as a “Handel”. Many if not most lamps and shades are referred to as Handel lamps simply because the style is similar to that of an original Handel lamp. Experts today suggest that about 90% of all lamps called Handel were not actually made by Handel. There are many lamps that are signed but that are not authentic. Identification of Handel leaded lamps is a subjective process that few people are qualified to do.
Given the company’s history it may be difficult to prove the negative: i.e. that a particular lamp is NOT a Handel. But as usual, money speaks and you will find that a Handel lamp and shade with correct markings, attributes and documentation commands a very premium price as compared to any lamp that is “attributed to Handel”.
For instance, some of Handel’s small and simple desk and simple piano lamps have recently sold for around $500. Generally the more complex ones sell for over $2,000. There are some rare ones that have sold for over $80,000.
Some Handel glass artists are highly regarded and their works bring a premium price. Their signatures can be seen on some Handel lamp shades. Among these Handel artists are Bailey, Bedigie, Broggi, Gubisch, Matzow, Palme, and Parlow and Runge.
Winnipeg, Manitoba – Prairie Vegetation and Climate
Manitoba’s vegetation reflects the general physiographic regions and responds to local influences such as climate, soils, and topography. Cyclists will not see the tundra around the Hudson Bay, although northern cycling routes cross boreal or coniferous forests. Mixed deciduous-coniferous, deciduous forests and aspen parkland (aspen groves mixed with grasslands or fields) in southwestern and central Manitoba, travel past rare remnant tall-grass and mixed-grass prairie among the croplands.
Wildlife viewing is an asset to traveling in Manitoba, especially in the more remote and less populated areas. Riding Mountain National Park excels in this regard, with elk, moose, deer, bear, and numerous fur-bearers and rodents among its resident species. Watch for white-tailed deer, coyotes, foxes and rabbits along the roads of southern Manitoba.
Manitoba’s continental climate has benefits and disadvantages for travelers. The long and cold winters preclude travelers for all but the hardiest enthusiasts. When summer suddenly appears it can be wonderful, with warm, sunny weather prevailing.
Average temperatures for Winnipeg are slightly higher than those experienced in the rest of the province. Southwestern Manitoba receives less precipitation on fewer days, while higher elevations, such as Riding Mountain, tend to receive higher rainfall or snow over approximately the same number of days.
Wind is an important consideration for outdoor activities. When the wind does blow from the north, it is usually very strong. Winnipeg has the dubious distinction of being the windiest recording station in the province. In western Manitoba, easterly and westerly winds prevail from April to October, although northern winds are strong in April and May. In northern Manitoba (The Pas), winds tend to blow from the southeast and the west, although calm conditions are frequent in July and August. Throughout the province, winds are strongest in April and May.
The 10 Top Places to Shop in Barcelona
If you are seeking the best places to shop in Barcelona, then those detailed below are ten of the most popular. They are used for shopping in Barcelona, both by visitors and also the city’s residents, so are not just used by tourists. This beautiful city is famed, not only for its history and its magnificent architecture, but also for its shopping which is famed throughout the world.
1. Paseo de Gracia:
This famous street is also known locally as Passeig de Gracia, and boasts some of the most expensive shops in Barcelona. Noted for its famous modernist architecture, this street runs from Plaza Catalunya to the metro Diagonal. You will find many famous names here, including Gucci, Desigual, D&G, Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik, and also a number of top restaurants and bars to refresh you when you are tired of shopping. Those searching for world famous brands and pure luxury will be delighted here, but be ready to use your credit card and spend freely since this area is for upscale shopping, and the prices reflect it.
2. Portal de L´Angel:
If you are right in the centre of Barcelona, then this is a pedestrian thoroughfare in the Ciutat Vella (downtown) district beginning at Plaza Catalunya and running to the cathedral. You will find the department store El Cortes Inglés at its start and the street also boasts names such as Benetton, Massimo Dutti, Camper, H&M and Zara. This street offers more economical brands and its target market is a younger crowd, so if you are searching for the latest fashion trends at an affordable price you should come straight here.
3. La Rocca Village:
La Roca Village outlet is situated in the village of the same name that is off Junction 12 of the A7 motorway. You can also get a bus from Fabra I Puig metro in the Sant Andreu district or a train from Sants Station. It’s well worth the time taken to get here because you will find top designer outlets at up to 60% off and some of the best shopping therapy in the world. Being an outlet, it also has a Rebaixes period (seasonal sales) held in July and January when well known luxury brands are sold at a bargain prices.
4. Diagonal Mar:
This area offers a large number of Barcelona shopping stores, cinemas, restaurants and other facilities, as would be expected of one of Barcelona’s newest shopping centres. Open from 10 am to 10 pm, you can shop here day and night. Good for family shopping.
5. L’Illa:
Situated by the corner of Avinguda Diagonal 555-559 and Carrer de Constança, L’Illa is a shopping mall that offers more than 170 shops and restaurants, including Benetton, Diesel and Zara. It is easiest to get the Tombus, or circuit bus, starting at Plaza Catalunya and goes on to stop at 28 locations. This distinctive blue bus will drop you off at Diagonal and Paseo de Gracia allowing you hop on and off for your shopping. When it turns left on Diagonal, wait until it reaches L’Illa and then get off. The advantage of this large shopping center is that you can find mid-priced and well known brands like Zara, Mango, etc., as well as small, unique boutiques with more exclusive models all in the same place.
6. Raval:
Raval offers you a good choice of vintage fashion. You will also find several second hand shops here and the historic Boqueria Market, one of the most famous markets in Europe. Lailo, on Carrer de la Riera Baixa, is an example, offering top-quality goods such as genuine Victorian bustles and vintage dance costumes. However, if you can’ find what you want here, there are several others on the same street for you to check out.
7. Gracia:
Gracia was originally a separate village from Barcelona, and even now it retains its own character with bars, restaurants and plazas, and also several unique boutiques and shoe shops. Although you pay, you are sure to find original and creative fashions here. Get off at the Fontana metro stop and walk down Carrer d’Asturies towards Carrer Verdi and turn right. You will find all you want around this area.
8. Encants Mercat:
This is a flea market, or antique market, however you look at it. Known also as the Mercat Fira de Bellcaire, this is the largest open air market in Barcelona selling anything from books to furniture. You must haggle for a good deal and it is expected that you do. The Encants Mercat is open each day except Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm.
9. El Borne:
If you are young (or even not so young) and are looking for a trendy area of Barcelona, then El Borne is for you, with its clothing, shoe and jewelry boutiques. The cafes and bars are packed at night, and you will also find the textile and Picasso museums here. El Borne is where the artists tend to hang out.
10. El Corte Inglés:
Almost where we started, El Corte Inglés is situated in Plaza Catalunya, and is not only Barcelona’s largest department store chain, but also the largest in Spain. There are several around the city, and this is the biggest, offering a range of goods that you would expect to find in a large comprehensive department store. If you like wandering around large stores, then this is for you. In Spain it is said that if you can´t find what you´re looking for, come to El Corte Ingles, because the huge variety of items means you can find almost anything you need.
These are the top 10 places to shop in Barcelona as we see it, and unless otherwise stated, normal store opening hours are from 10 am to 8.30 pm, although you should expect some of the smaller boutiques in areas such as Gracia, Raval and Borne to close for an afternoon siesta from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Jewellery Stores – A Glance At World’s Best
Jewelry – a magical word that exudes bright smiles, diamond-like glittering eyes and deep, longing sighs. Ever since the human race evolved into an intelligent straight-backed species, there are evidences that jewels in the form of precious crude metals and stones were collected and considered to be forms of splendor. There are several archeological findings of hand-made simple and elegant jewelry in various parts of the world. No wonder that in the modern age, jewelry has gained such an important status in the global market and a nation’s fortune is decided upon its possession and utilization of gold and diamond mines.
Competition among the best brands is at its optimum level and today’s jewelers are the busiest in the professional market, trying to meet the never-ending craving for priceless elegant designs. With the revolution in the area of industry and communication, world class jewelry has come to the reach of urban man and is no longer limited to remain in the prized possession of royalty and film stars. No matter what the budget, jewelry, in today’s world comes in many different forms to suit your individual style. Every variety of jewelry has long since been the ultimate fashion statement and has stayed that way till date. The earlier small scale family jewelry shops have turned into massive corporate giants spewing thousands of fresh designs each year. It is quite an impossible task to bring forth the staggering number of brands floating in the current market. However, based on antiquity and their present grasp on the world’s economy, I am going to enumerate here some famous jewelry stores and brands.
America’s best jewelry brands and retail outlets
Zale Corporation
Zale is one of North America’s largest retailers in diamond, pearl and coloured stone, and gold (rings, chains, etc) jewelry. It has a chain of 2350 outlets throughout US, Canada and Puerto Rico. The firm has four flagship bearers aimed at different jewelry markets – Bailey Banks & Biddle Fine Jewelers, Gordon’s Jewelers, Zales Jewelers, and Piercing Pagoda. In addition to this, Zale also runs several outlets in Canada under the names Peoples Jewellers & Mappins Jewellers. Zales.com & Baileybanksandbiddle.com are the two official online shopping malls for sale of Zale merchandise.
A brief overview of Zale’s chains is given below:
Gordon’s Jewelers:
This was founded in 1924 by Meyer M. Gordon. With further expansion, the business grew into a dominant regional jewelry brand catering to local fashion and style and it has continued the tradition over the years.
Bailey Banks & Biddle:
This was created by two American silversmiths with very little capital in 1832 and the brand was established in 1878. This firm of fine jewelers became one of the country’s prominent jewelry brands and now has a nationwide recognition. Bailey Banks & Biddle has grown to more than 70 retail locations in 31 states across the country and Puerto Rico.
Piercing Pagoda:
As ear-piercing started catching up with the fashion market of the US, jewelry store owners Bernard and Bertha Cohen found it apt to open the very first Piercing Pagoda™ in the Whitehall Mall in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, in 1969. This venture became a success story when women from far and wide came to their stall for ear-piercing. Piercing Pagoda has grown from a single retail location to a chain of more than 820 kiosks today satisfying customers throughout the US and Puerto Rico with its specialty gold jewelry.
Signet Group plc
Signet, a UK based company, is the largest US specialty retail brand capturing a major chunk of the US jewellery market with its 1,221 stores in 50 states. It reaches to the retail customers through the malls under the banner Kay Jewelers and regionally under a number of well-established and recognized names. The superstores operate under the flagship name Jared – The Galleria of Jewelry. Signet Group’s US subsidiary is Sterling Jewelers.
Sterling Jewelers Inc.
Primarily dealing with sterling silver, Sterling Jewelers also showcases gold, silver, diamond, and gemstone jewelry, watches, collectibles, and gifts. It has a spread of some 1,220 stores in 50 states. Sterling jewelers is ranked number one in the US (ahead of Zale). It operates “Kay Jewelers” (as a subsidiary of Signet) as well “Jared the Galleria of Jewelry” (also as a subsidiary of Signet), and about 330 regional jewelry stores under the names “Belden”, “JB Robinson”, “Marks & Morgan”.
Kay Jewelers:
Since 1916, Kay Jewelers, with it’s headquarter in Ohio, has grown from one store to more than 800 from coast to coast. Together with Signet Group plc, its London-based parent company, Kay jewelers has been satisfying clientele in the US as well as other parts of the world.
Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry:
Jared is the leading chain of jewellery superstores. It is also the leading diamond jeweler in the US. More than 100 Jared stores sell diamond jewelry and loose diamonds.
Tiffany
Tiffany, established in 1837 in Broadway, New York, first captured the world’s attention with its intricate silver designs using sterling silver. Since then Tiffany has its name associated with presidents and royalty. It has captured significant chunks of the US and UK markets. In 2006, Tiffany has presented the Frank Gehry collection of jewelry designs in collaboration with the famous architect Frank O. Gehry. Dealing with diamond, pearls, watches, Tiffany stores are available all over the world like the one on 5th avenue, New York, Harrods in London, Printemps Boutique in Paris, at Sydney, Australia, Ngee Ann City in Singapore to name a few.
Macy’s
Opened in New York by Rowland Hussey Macy in 1858, Macy’s was just a fancy dry goods store. From such a beginning, it has made a long and successful journey to become America’s first largest retail departmental store. With over 800 stores all over the US, Macy’s showcases everything from items of daily use to exquisite jewelry, collectibles and accessories.
International stores
Boucheron
In 1858, Frédéric Boucheron founded his own jewellery house and opened a boutique in the highly fashionable Palais Royal district of Paris. The luxurious boutique quickly attracted a prestigious clientele. Over four generations, the family business grew into one of the world’s best-known fine jewellery brands. In 1893 Boucheron was the first jewellery store to open a boutique on the Place Vendôme, a neighbourhood known for its urbanity and elegance. In this century, while remaining true to its unique tradition and legacy, Boucheron has become a name synonymous with aggressive and luxurious modern jewelry designs.
Dior
Christian Dior, based in France, has been luring the rich and famous from all over the world with handbags, shoes, and jewelry along with other accessories. Its unique trademark jewellery designs make it figure in the top international brand names. It portrays a unique style of producing solid jewelry items with tiny, simple patterns etched or woven in gold, platinum and silver.
Bvlgari
Since 1884, Bulgari has been setting the pace for Italian style in jewellery. It was founded by a Greek named Sotirio who had a flair for roman culture. With a high volume of creativity and innovation, Bulgari looks for inspiration from Greek and Roman arts without losing focus on originality. It experiments with gold jewelry in strings of pearl and colored stones. This gives a unique colorful touch to its products. Via Condotti was its first store boasting visits from royalty and film stars galore.In Rome, Paris, London, New York and Los Angeles, as well as in Tokyo and Dubai, Bulgari has created a niche of its own.
H Samuel and Ernest Jones
In the UK, Signet is the largest specialty retailer of fine jewellery with 591 stores nationwide. Primarily situated in prime uptown locations or shopping malls, the stores operate under the banners “H.Samuel”, “Ernest Jones” and “Leslie Davis” (a trade name related to Ernest Jones). Signet sells gold, silver, diamond, and gemstone jewelry, watches, collectibles, and gifts. Some stores sell china and crystal.
Ernest Jones specializes in diamonds, branded watches and gold jewellery, which are all merchandised and marketed to appeal to the more affluent urban customer.
H.Samuel offers a range of jewellery, gold, watches and gifts.
Peoples Jewellers & Mappins Jewellers
Zale Corporation has captured the Canadian market through two brands, Peoples® Jewellers and Mappins® Fine Jewellers. Both chains are well-known throughout Canada. They provide traditional jewelry items through outlets located in prime malls and other strategically well-placed geographic locations. Founded in 1919 as a family business, Peoples Jewellers was the first company in Canada to sell jewelry on a time payment plan. Mappins Jewellers began operating in 1935, by a British jeweler named Mappins working in a Canadian firm. Mappins was acquired by Peoples Jewellers in 1964.
D’ Damas
D’damas is part of the Gitanjali Digico Group which was established in 1966. It is considered one of the earliest diamond houses and the largest diamond exporting company in India. The traditional role of diamond manufacturers exporting the bulk of their production to wholesalers worldwide is no longer sufficient to remain competitive in today’s changing market scenario. The Gitanjali Group has therefore tuned itself with changing times by adapting newer methods. Being a DTC Sightholder and a diamond manufacturer, the Group has strategically positioned itself to manufacture and promote diamonds as well as studded jewellery all the way to the retail level. D’ Damas brands include “Asmi”, “Collection g”, “Eternal”, “Glitterati”, “Gold Expressions”, “Lamhe”, “Nakshatra”, “Origin”, “Solitaire”, “Victoria’s Desire”.
Tanishq
Started in India in 1995 by the jewelry business group of Titan Industries Ltd (owned by Tata group), Tanishq is the fastest growing jewelry brand in India. Tanishq is a perfect blend of style and traditional elegance. It provides an exquisite variety of 22k pure gold jewelry studded with diamonds and other coloured gems.
Cartier
The name Cartier is synonymous to awe-inspiring jewelry since the beginning of 20th century. Cartier specializes in creating mesmerizing designs on gold, silver and platinum with gems and precious stones. Available worldwide, its flagship boutiques have been operating in Paris, London and New York.
Swarovski group
In the19th Century, Daniel Swarovski opened the door to the sparkling world of crystal when he invented an automatic cutting machine. Specializing in crystal artifacts, accessories and even innovative and elegant jewellery, the company has captured the minds of people globally with its exquisitely intricate patterns etched in crystal.
EROS Fine Jewellery
Located at the foot of the Acropolis in Greece, EROS Jewellery store is a family owned business. Jewelry making in Greece is traditional but exemplifies outstanding craftsmanship at reasonable prices. If you are looking for pieces of modern, traditional, classical or Byzantine styles you will find them all here. You can also manage to get custom-made jewelry at reasonable prices.
De Beers
De Beers originally based in South Africa, is the largest diamond mining company in the world today. Recently De Beers has launched a joint venture with LVMH (De Beers LV). This, in turn, has taken the De Beers name to the High Street with De Beers jewellery stores in the US, Japan, UK, France and Dubai. The first De Beers boutique opened in London in early December 2001 at the corner of Bond Street and Piccadilly. From there De Beers has carried on opening ten more outlets in various parts of the globe. Recently, in collaboration with jeweler Neil Lane, De Beers has opened a boutique on Rodeo Drive in Hollywood catering to the rich and famous clientele there.
Chopard
This Swiss jeweled watch-making company has clinched a name of its own in the jewelry industry. Its has its branches and boutiques worldwide in countries like Austria, Great Britain, USA, Switzerland, France, Germany, Japan and the Bahamas to name a few.
Damiani
This 80 year old Italian jewelry brand is a name to reckon with amongst world’s top film stars and royalty. Started in 1924 in Valenza, Italy, this flagship brand (owned by Damiani group) of exquisite and innovative gold and diamond jewelry has become the epitome of luxury jewelry keeping its balance with original traditions and elegance. Some of their newer jewelry collections include Tahitian Pearl Jewelry Collection and their Sophia Loren collection. The Tahitian collection features beautiful black pearls, diamonds and gold. Damiani has also won the Tahitian Pearl Trophy, Italy.
Costello’s online jewelry store
Costello’s was established as the Koala Opal Centre in 1955 in Australia, exporting Australian rough opal to Japan. Over the years, it has successfully established retail outlets in prime locations in Sydney and Perth. Costello is the also the national jewelry retailer and exporter of Argyle diamonds from Western Australia’s Kimberley ranges as well as South sea pearls from the waters around Broome. Costellos.com.au provides an online portal for the sale of its exquisite gemstones and pearls backed by International guarantee certificate proving genuineness of the products.
Dubai Gold and Diamond Park
Long awaited and dedicated jewellery shopping mall has finally opened in Dubai. The jewelry at Gold and Diamond Park guarantees certified quality at 37 outlets in air-conditioned comfort. Their range of jewelry includes several varieties of precious stones, yellow, white and even purple gold, platinum items; and pearls. The park is an extension of the Jebel Ali Free Zone, so, the manufactures and retailers are able to benefit from lower operating costs, which, in turn, give the opportunity to compete in international markets. The exterior throws an Arabic look while providing cool, clean and aesthetic interiors. The shops are arranged around a central square where an open-plan French Connection coffee shop gives you the opportunity to sit and observe the whole operation. There is even a museum inside the park providing the history of UAE in producing quality jewellery products. The world class manufacturers have shifted their focus on this jewelry mall. Hence it is not just the common yellow and white gold that is available here, as Prestige Palace at the park brings purple gold to the Middle East for the first time. Pinctada Pearls, which stocks only salt water pearls, showcases black pearls from Tahiti, and pinky white and creamy white Australian South Sea pearls. The park also has its special hallmark on the jewellery made here ensuring originality and quality products.
TOMEI Gold and jewelry
TOMEI Gold & Jewellery Holdings (M) Sdn. Bhd. was established in 1968. With hard work and ability to foresee client needs, TOMEI has evolved into Malaysia’s premier retailer, wholesaler and manufacturer of gold and jewellery. It has grown into a powerful contributor in the second largest export market for gold jewellery in the world after India. It has a chain of versatile subsidiaries and branches providing flexible services with ever-changing marketing scenario. Under the brand names “T.H. jewelry” and “My Diamond”, TOMEI has captured the Malaysian jewelry market and is a name to reckon with internationally.
China National Pearl Diamond Gem & Jewellery Import & Export Corp
China National Pearl Diamond Gem & Jewellery Imp. & Exp. Corporation, referred to as “SINOGEM”, was founded in 1985. It is a platform for the import and export of gold, platinum, silver jewelry/ornament, diamond and gemstone jewelry, jadeite and pearls; precious metals and finished products in China. It showcases its products under the brand name “Famous” to a clientele based in more than 40 countries.
Pearl Paradise
The Pearl Paradise, founded in 1996, has its showroom in Los Angeles, California. It mainly deals with a variety of exotic cultured marine pearls like Golden Akoya, Peacock Tahitian, and Pink Freshwater. It not only caters to the crème de la crème, but also captures clients with modest means by providing jewelry suitable to their budgets. Pearlparadise.com has turned into a multi-million dollar business and boasts fourteen websites in several countries around the world, including Canada, Germany, France, the UK, and Italy. Both the showroom as well as the online shopping site display same price for the chosen piece of pearl jewelry.
Tokyo Pearl
This Japanese brand existing since 1959, offers fashionable pearl and diamond jewelry in traditional and modern flavors. It’s Akoya, South Sea and Tahiti pearls have reached far corners of the globe like Moscow, Antwerp, India, Perth and New York.
Mangatrai Pearls & Jewellery
The company, founded in 1935 in Hyderabad, India, has pioneered in using latest cost effective techniques and modern innovative ideas to present the world with elegant, contemporary designs in pearl jewelry. For centuries Hyderabad has been the centre of world’s most exquisite pearls. Mangatrai Pearls & Jewellery showcases an unrivaled collection of South sea pearls, Tahitian pearls and Natural pearls woven in intricate patterns for producing the most exquisite collection of jewelry. The brand operates with just two outlets located in prime locations in Hyderabad.
Online Jewelry stores
Online shopping malls have come a long way with regards to sale of classic as well as fashion jewelry. With more and more websites providing seal of authenticity for their products, customers have got over the initial mistrust and are shopping for jewelry online like never before! The latest range of jewelry collections is available just a click away. Not only the signature companies have painstakingly built up their online portals for direct sales of their merchandise, but they have also opened their doors to other online retail stores. Due to low overheads, online stores offer better savings on signature brands than the retail outlets. A few giant online stores providing a wide range of jewelry from traditional to innovative, antique to modern, Celtic to fashion jewelry have been listed below for your convenience:
Forzieri.com (Forzieri is a name synonymous to access of classy Italian jewelry online. It caters to several countries all over the world including USA, UK, Australia, Germany and Italy)
http://www.tulumba.com/storeitems.asp?tag=130 (For authentic Turkish jewelry)
Ediamondjewelry.com [http://www.ediamondjewelry.info] (exclusively for diamond jewelry)
http://www.moonfook.com/ (For fresh water pearl jewelry)
ShopInIsrael.com (for typical Israeli jewelry- high quality Judaica, designer brands, ancient coin jewelry)
[http://www.bestindiansites.com/jewelry/] (for exclusive Indian jewelry)
The Average Cost For a Modular Home – What They’re Not Telling You
Ever wondered why modular homes manage to generate the hype and hoopla generally associated with the release of a more advanced version of the Apple iPhone? If you believe that it’s the jaw-dropping, earth shattering average cost for a modular home, you have more or less hit bull’s eye. The average cost per square foot works out to be around $28. Now contrast this with the average cost per square foot for a stick-built home of the same dimensions, that’s about $60, and you know who walks away with the honors in this calculus.
There are more figures that can send your imagination soaring. A single section home with a modest 1000 square feet of living area will drain your bank account by $24,000, while a double section home with an impressive 1,600 square feet of space comes with a price tag of about $43,000.
But before you let these stunning figures envelope you in euphoria, make sure you read between the lines. To put things in a nursery way, there are a plethora of factors that have a profound influence on the price of modular homes.
Consider Them Earnestly
Before you make snap judgments about the average cost, here are some important aspects that you just cannot afford to gloss over:
First, is it a spanking new home or something that has been occupied before?
What’s the location like? Is it a mobile park or a plot of land? In case it happens to be the latter, are you the proud owner, or do you shell out a hefty rent for the same?
The dimensions too matter. Is it a single wide, double wide or a full modular home?
And the state that the house is located in also has more than just a token import on its final selling price.
So before you go into raptures on seeing the price, make sure you consider each of these aspects carefully.
Decorating Your Teens Bedroom
When your kid gets to be a teenager, that little kids furniture and bedroom décor just won’t do. Your teen wants a cool new look, and here’s how you can get it.
First of all, don’t toss out that old bedroom furniture yet. Unless the furniture is totally banged up and broken, you may be able to give it a cool new look with some paint and new knobs. Before you start on that, however, you need to figure out the theme of your teen bedroom design.
Todays hot new looks are centered around retro, modern or “cool” designs. Teens actually have pretty good design sense (probably from watching so much TV!) and you can design a really neat room just by adding some new accents. Of course, your teen may need a new desk to do their home work at if the old one no longer works but you can give the old furniture a new look as mentioned above.
Luckily, you don’t have to spend a lot on accents for your teenagers room. Most of the discount department stores like Target offer hip furnishings and accents at discount prices. You can buy inexpensive shelves, or build them yourself, and use it for them to put all their stuff that might normally be thrown on the floor. This will help the room look neat and reduce the clutter.
You can give your teens bedroom a fun but sophisticated look by painting the room in a “cool” color like chocolate, sage or purple and using accents to as focal points. A flokati or rag rug will lend a sophisticated air and you can even put the down as area rugs on top of wall to wall carpeting to give the floor a whole new look. Replace the kids ruffled or theme curtains with tab topped curtains in a denim or canvas for a more adult look.
Bedding for you teen can be plain, or funky – whatever goes with the room. Depending on your teens taste, a neutral colored bed set with nicely textured fabrics like silks or a velvet duvet can add interest with out being too flashy. Or if you want to make the bed a focal point, how about an animal print set or something in bright colors like hot pink and orange?
Accents are where you add interest and give the room personality. Some fun accents include chairs shaped like a giant shoe, faux fur covered lamps in wild colors, bean bag chairs of all types, phones in all shapes and sizes, funky accent pillows, rugs and wall art.