Dating Primitive and Country Furniture
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The Shakers are well known for their simple but elegant furniture. Furniture built in the Midwest and the South is different from New England made pieces. The problem with using style to establish the construction date of country and primitive furniture is that regional styles remained unchanged for most of the 19th century. Unable to use style, dealers and collectors have turned to the telltale signs left on the furniture itself by tools and by construction methods. This system is remarkably accurate to within a ten-year period. During the Industrial Revolution, the method of making nails, screws, hinges, latches, and of milling lumber changed often. Each change is documented, most are patented. The style of nails changed a dozen times, the hinge changed four times, the screw changed three times, and so did latches and pulls. The methods of working wood also changed during this time. The saw changed, molding styles changed, mortising changed. Since it is impossible for any item to be older than the technology that made it possible, a chronological system of the advancement of cabinetmaking technology can be used to establish construction dates to within a few years. The up and down saw leaves marks on wood that look like this |||||||||||||. The circular saw leaves marks on wood that look like this ))))))))). The pit saw leaves marks on wood that look like this ///////////. The pit saw is a two-man powered saw used in America before 1680 to cut logs into boards. After 1700, its major use was as a large jigsaw to shape knees, ribbing, and planking for ships. The up-and-down saw, was used in this country from the 1680s until early in the 1900s. Therefore, most boards used in the construction of early cupboards show signs of being cut with an up-and-down saw. The circular saw although introduced in the mid 1850s could not be made big enough and powerful enough to cut lumber of the size used in furniture construction until 1880. The circular saw was limited to cutting thin pieces of wood such as shingles, clapboards, and laths until the early 1900s. Cupboards and other furniture in which the large size boards used in their construction are circular saw cut can date to 1880, but usually date after 1900. The rough sawed lumber used in furniture construction was smoothed with either a hand held plane, or a planing machine. The hand held plane was used in this country from the beginning until after 1900. Planing machines were experimented with early in the 1800s. Two early experiments are the Woodworth planer in 1824 and the Daniels planer in 1834. However, a perfected machine was not developed until 1860. Lawsuits over patent rights prevented its use until 1880. Machine plane marks are of some use in dating cupboards made as early as 1860, but machine plane marks usually suggest a construction date of 1880 or later. The introduction of the modern looking butt hinge used to hold doors on cupboards dates to 1820. Before 1820, hinges were made one at a time by a blacksmith. The first butt hinges were made out of cast iron. They were thick and heavy. By 1840, cast iron hinges became thinner as manufacturers tried to squeeze more hinges out of each pound of iron. By 1880, the use of cast iron in the making of butt hinges was discontinued in favor of stamped steel. The common wood screw underwent a major change in 1846 when T. J. Sloan of New York City invented the first machine to mass-produce this item. Sloan holds many patents for cutting threads, shaping points, and forming the heads of screws. Before 1846, all screws were handmade and the slot in the top of the screw was hand cut with a hacksaw. Seldom was the cut placed exactly in the center. Because the new machine made screw was inexpensive, it was readily accepted by cabinetmakers. Items made after 1846 are made using this new screw. For the first ten years of production, machine made screws were made with no slot in their head. The slot still had to be cut by hand with a hacksaw. Country furniture made with these screws can easily be dated to the ten-year period 1846-1856. The Mercer Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania has samples of Sloan’s screws on display. The Mercer library contains materials on both machine made screws and methods of cutting screws by hand. In 1871, cast iron latches became available to cabinetmakers. After the introduction of the cast iron latch, most cabinetmakers used this new feature in place of the little wooden turnstile that had been used for centuries. In the South and Midwest, hand-cast brass latches were in use before 1850. These early latches were inlaid into cabinet doors rather than being attached to the surface, as were the later cast iron latches. Dealers who specialize in country and primitive furniture have depended on the above methods (plus the study of nails) for dating their antiques. Many dealers feel that the technological system is superior to the stylistic system. Furniture styles linger for years. New technologies, because they bring cheaper prices or faster methods, are accepted quickly - usually within a year or two. The Dating of Old Houses, a paper prepared by Dr. Henry C. Mercer, contains photographs, drawings, and patent information on nails, hinges, screws, hardware, planing machines, etc. Call the Mercier Museum, Doylestown, Pennsylvania (215-345-0210) during business hours for information on reprints by The Bucks County Historical Society.
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Charging Station Cabinets
Charging Station Cabinets
Tired of all those cluttered cords when charging your cell phones, Ipods and blackberries. Now you can add that touch of country to your home and at the same time eliminate all of those tangled and unsitely cords.
You can find cabinets for all of your decorating needs at T Maries Galleries finished in the color of your choice. Custom orders are always welcome.
Benches
A bench can become the perfect solution for your ongoing home improvement projects. A bench becomes part of your life as you are blessed with a lifetime of memories. While sitting on a bench memorable conversations unfold, conversations with your parents, spouse, loved ones or friends. A bench is a place where some receive their first kiss or a much needed hug in a period of crisis or a simple touch from your spouse that reinforces your years together. A person can relax, think and experience many peaceful moments by adding a bench to their home improvement plans. There are many different kinds of benches to choose from.
As a bench quickly becomes the center piece of your home you can choose from a cubby bench, deacon bench, fly tying bench, potting bench or a teak bench. These benches are different in a variety of ways. With the proper information you will be able to make an informed decision.
A cubby bench is a sensible way to store all of those things that seem to always be in the way. This type of bench is great for a child's play room and other areas of the house where things seem scattered. A cubby bench usually consists of three open cubbies designed for storage and a firm bench seat. You can leave the cubbies open or you can put baskets into the slots. The baskets will give your cubby bench a sense of tidiness. This bench is available in beautiful cedar, oak, maple or teak wood. Parents love the cubby bench because of its convenient space storage; children appreciate the private space to sit with friends and to store all of their comforting treasures.
If you are looking for a trendier bench, the deacon bench may be just what you need. A deacon bench offers a place to sit, chest storage and adds a touch of attractiveness to any room or space. Most furniture stores carry this type of bench and they usually range in price from $300 to $500 dollars. This is a preferred bench for both style and storage. It is a great addition to any home.
Benches are made for indoor and outdoor use. Many people enjoy having a bench on their porch or in their patio area. During the summer an outside bench is a wonderful piece of furniture to have. Many times families like to sit outside, enjoying a warm summer breeze, while sipping homemade lemonade. This is a perfect opportunity for family time and the chance to create many lasting moments.
No matter what your home improvement plans are make sure to include a bench. Patio and lawn chairs are only made for one whereas benches are made for two. Have many romantic and heart-warming moments as your new bench quickly becomes your favorite piece of furniture. Any of the above mentioned benches can be purchased at many stores, online or through catalogs. Some enterprising individuals even like to build their own bench adding an extra touch of sentimental value. for more information of benches visit: www.fineartcraftsfurniture.com
How To Hang A Rustic Shelf
How to Hang a Rustic Shelf that uses Key Holes.
Hanging a rustic shelf doesn't have to be a difficult job. Let's start by making a template.
Step 1. Make a template by positioning the shelf upside down on a table. Hold a sheet of paper on the back of the shelf cetering it as shown.
Step 2. Make a pencil rubbing on both of the key holes on the back by holding your pencil sideways so the side of the lead outlines the keyholes. Then draw an arrow pointing down at the table as shown.
Step 3. While still holding the paper on the back of the shelf, make a hole in the paper at the end of the key hole as shown.
Step 4. Invert the paper so the arrow is facing up. Place on the wall and level the top edge of the paper. Using the holes you punched in step 3, mark the wall by inserting the screw in the holes and pressing them into the wall.
Step 5. Remove paper and install the screws in the marked positions. You will need to leave about 1/8" of the screw protruding for the shelf (adjust if nessasary). The key holes in the shelf should slide over the screws then pull down on the shelf to lock it in place.
Visit T. Maries Galleries at www.fineartcraftsfurniture.com for all of your country decorating needs.
How To Decorate Your Home in the Primitive Decorating Style
How to Decorate Your Home in the Primitive Decorating Style
Decorative items are the icing on any decorating style and should help pull your Primitive decorating theme together. This design approach works perfect with primitave, unadorned decorative accessories which help bring out the comfortable and warm atmosphere of warmth and simplicity. Choose good quality accessories like knick knacks, wall art and pillows that add to your primitive décor to pull the look together.
Paintings and prints are a great way to add unique interest to your walls, but most people don’t know the proper way to hang them. Single artworks should be positioned so the middle of the piece is at eye level, not so that the tops or bottoms of the frames are even as some people think. Try laying a group of artwork out on the floor initially to work out the best design. You can bring interesting flair into your Primitive decorating theme design with folk art which you could place in plain frames.
Knick Knacks can really bring a creative touch to any room, no matter what the design style. To round out your primitive country decorating, stick with accessories that have a comfortable and warm ambiance. Try putting a graduated set of pantry boxes stacked on a table or in the corner or adding antique baskets filled with dried flowers. You can inject your own distinct style to the room by selecting accessories which reflect your unique style. You don’t need to spend too much cash to acquire great items, try identifying a consignment store nearby and you’ll be surprised at the good quality accessories you can get for very little cost.
Some accessories that can help complete the ambiance of warmth and simplicity include folk art, tramp art, and vintage signs. You would be smart to pick accessories which coordinate with your overall room décor. Steer away from being too eclectic or the appearance you are trying to get could become diluted.
Another accessory you can think about to add charm to your design theme is decorative pillows. You can find a use for pillows in every room even the bathroom and kitchen. Displaying decorative pillows arranged at the head of your bed will add a fantastic professional allure. Pillows on your chairs or sofa may help insert the primitive country decorating sense to the furniture. In the kitchen or bathroom, a pillow put strategically on a hamper or chair can provide a comfortable touch. Using pillows that are plain and simple will help add unique charm.
Displaying primitives such as old boxes and baskets can add a professional style to your Primitive decorating theme. Yet before you go out and select a variety of items, you would be smart to have an idea of the kinds of accessories you want and shop for those pieces. You will need to try also to acquire items in the proper sizes and also proportions. This way you can make sure to get accessories that fit and look together fabulous.
How To Choose Furniture for Your Home
How To Choose Furniture For Your Home
By: Gabriel Adams
Decorating your home can be a lot of fun. You get to express your unique personality and style with the type of furniture you choose. Furniture should not only be pleasing to the eye, but should be comfortable so that it invites guests to sit back, relax and feel at home.
Styles of Furniture
The style of furniture you choose should match the type of house you have. If your home is modern, then crisp, clean lines should be what you look for in the items to place throughout your home. If your home is a colonial or farmhouse, you might want to opt for a more rustic style.
Your personal tastes will come into play as well. A home that seems warm and well lived in is what you should strive for when you are looking for furniture to fill your house. Color also plays an important role in what furniture you will want. If your home is filled with neutral colors such as whites and beiges, then you want the furniture to complement that color scheme. A home with pastel colors will require pieces with a bit more dash and splash to bring out the beauty of the room.
The Price is Right
Filling your home with furniture can become quite an expensive venture, so finding furniture on sale should be a priority. There are many places where you can find bedroom, dining room or living room sets that are deeply discounted such as a furniture warehouse outlet.
Buying a set of furniture will usually cost much less than if you buy each piece individually. If price is a concern, look for sales or wholesale outlets that sell furniture sets at a lesser price than you would find in many retail showrooms.
Quality is another factor to consider. Just because furniture is priced right doesn’t mean it will stand the test of time. Many of the megastores sell furniture at terrific prices, but the quality is not all it should be and once in your home, if you have an active family, you may find the furniture quickly falls apart.
The Size of the Room
Though you may fall in love with a particular piece or set of furniture you must take into account the size of the room where it will dwell. Large heavy pieces will make a small room seem even smaller, and delicate pieces or sets will be overwhelmed by rooms that are large. Balance is the key to buying furniture to fit the room where it is to go.
The same principle goes for your lighting needs too. You don’t want a big, bulky chandelier type lighting piece that is going to be used in a room with low ceilings. You will want to choose lighting that will brighten but not bring to mind stage lighting. Lighting that is too low will not bring out the best in a room and may prevent family members from using that room as there is not enough light.
Furniture selection should be carefully considered as it will be a part of your home for many years. So take your time, bring pictures of the room, along with color swatches when shopping to help you choose the best furniture your money can buy that will fit the room like a glove.
Article Source: www.webiar.com
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Shopping for Wooden Furniture for Your Home
Shopping For Wooden Furniture For Your Home
By: Gabriel Adams
When I think of buying living room/den, bedroom, or even kitchen/dining room furniture, I picture wood. Some people are really into the metal look, but not me. Although the idea of metal, especially iron, seems indestructible, it definitely does not give me a cozy feeling.
Before going out with your checkbook or credit card in hand, eager to purchase wooden furniture, there are some things that you need to consider. First, you want to do some detective work, locating a furniture company that carries wooden furniture that will meet your needs without breaking the bank. It will probably take several shopping trips to visit different furniture companies, but it will absolutely be worth the time.
Make sure that you will be dealing with a reputable company that deals in quality products and workmanship. Does this company deliver the furniture and set it up for you? How much additional charge is there for this service?
Ask them to explain their return policy and whether or not they make arrangements for payments. Many major furniture stores offer promotions. Some of these payment plans are interest-free from 12 months to several years depending on the amount of your purchase.
Do you prefer furniture that is American made, or have you been considering something from India, Indonesia, or some other country. You will want to ask how long it will take to have furniture delivered from outside your home region.
One couple wanted furniture from Finland since that is their family’s heritage. Although it took longer for them to have the furniture delivered, they were very pleased to buy exactly what they had always dreamed of having in their home. What does your dream furniture look like?
No matter what rooms you are planning to redo with a new look in wooden furniture, color is definitely a matter of personal preference. When you look through redecorating magazines, what appeals to you?
Do light-colored walls with dark furniture catch your eye? Is that the way your room looks now? There are many types of wood that would be included in this category. Oak is somewhat dark and has the reputation of lasting forever. Walnut is very dark, but probably wouldn’t look good in a small room. Room size compared to the size of the desired furniture is an important aspect of your purchase.
If you are considering light blonde wooden furniture, that would be pine. Although pine is very attractive, it is a very soft wood. It shows marks very easily which can take away from its beauty very quickly. Will purchasing very light blonde furniture mean that you will have to do a lot of painting for contrast? Are you prepared to make this change?
Another wood that is exceptional is Balsam, but it is rare and very expensive. Depending on your financial situation, you may want to consider this beautiful wood. White birch is not typically used for modern contemporary furniture, but many people prefer that type.
Maybe you are thinking of making a drastic change. Be cautious about doing something really dramatically different. Whether your choice is modern contemporary, French provincial, antique, or any of the other styles available, buy what really impresses you.
Keep in mind that no matter what room you are planning to redo, this will involve a substantial financial investment. Take your time making your choices as you will probably own your new wooden furniture for many years. Make sure that you choose furniture that is not only well-made, but also is furniture that suits your family’s lifestyle.
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Adding Comfort to Your Home With Primitive Decorating
By using rustic, primitive home décor you can transform your kitchen from a place of utilitarian tasks to a cozy nook where your family really wants to spend their time.
From Fast and Furious to Laid Back
The modern kitchen of the fast food generation, with its stainless steel appliances and round, black center island surrounded by barstools, leaves something to be desired. You can bring a sense of family and togetherness back to your house with a little primitive home décor.
What you Need to get the Effect
The piece de resistance, the ultimate addition in the way of primitive home décor, is the dry sink. It doesn’t have to serve any function other than as a conversation piece, but this item definitely brings you back to the “old country home”. Dry sinks are not all that easy to come by, so rest assured that if you can’t find one of these pieces there are other ways to achieve the rustic look.
An old fashioned, free-standing cupboard with a hanging wooden towel rack to match are easier to find and relatively inexpensive. You can even make your own sturdy wooden bench to use along one side of your table. Spending a lot of money on actual antiques for your primitive home décor isn’t necessary, since you can create a faux antique look for any piece of wooden furniture by using paints and glazes from your local home center.
Special Little Additions
Folk art accents add a hand-crafted touch to your primitive home décor. You can create folk art items yourself or purchase them at flea markets. Wooden cutouts of cows, sheep and fruit can be painted and hung on your walls, or placed on counters and shelves. You can fill wicker baskets with wooden fruit, and display handmade candles with country candleholders. A red-checkered tablecloth with matching napkins and towels, accompanied by hand painted salt and pepper shakers and a matching sugar bowl are also inexpensive additions.
Use quaint primitive home decor signs with welcoming phrases like, “Home is where the heart is.” Or you can use a child’s chalkboard to write, “Today’s menu,” to add a friendly touch to your country kitchen. Imagine holidays, weekend breakfasts and Sunday family dinners celebrated in the true sense of family and home when you spend those special times in the comfort of your quaint country kitchen.
Visit T Maries Galleries for all your Primitive Country Furniture.
Choosing Paintings to Decorate Your Home With
Choosing Paintings To Decorate Your Home With
By: Gabriel Adams
If you want to decorate your house properly, then you should consider buying some paintings to put up. Don’t buy photocopies of famous works – there are plenty of modern (and alive) artists who could use your support. If you want a good original painting, you should go to an art show and view the paintings there. However, there are many things you should think about before you go shopping for art. If you don’t figure them out in advance, you could end up making a purchase that you regret later.
First, you should set a price for what you are willing to spend on a painting. Figure out your budget – maybe it’s just $50, or maybe you’re willing to spend several hundred dollars on a painting. You may not find something within your budget, but you should never buy anything that is even slightly above your budget. It can be tempting if you see a painting that strikes your fancy, but if you can’t afford it then you shouldn’t buy it. Get the business card or web site of the artist, and check back at a later date to see if they have any other work (or even the same one) for sale.
Next you need to consider the style of the décor that the painting will compliment. Do you have a specific decoration scheme that you stick with for your house? If so, you’ll want to find a painting that complements the current style that you have already established. Even if you find a beautiful painting, it won’t look so beautiful if it doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest of your style. If you’ve got a modern décor, then you should look for a painting with modern sensibilities. Maybe you’ve got country style decorations. Then it could be appropriate to get a painting that depicts countryside, or cowboys, or anything else that would fit in.
This may not be quite as important to you, but you should also look at whatever information the artist provides about him or herself, and the painting. Oftentimes artists will put a pamphlet or a note card with their paintings, telling the story of its creation, and any events that inspired it. Sometimes you will find moving stories that help you understand the painting better. Other times you will find stories that deter you from buying the painting – maybe it was originally part of a hired contract that fell through, and so not much original creativity was put into it. To establish a good art collection, you should know as much as you can about the history of the painting, and about the artist who made it.
You shouldn’t rush the process of buying art. Instead you should establish what exactly you want, then keep your eyes peeled for anything that fits those needs. If you go to enough art festivals, galleries, and shows, you’ll eventually be able to find a nice painting that complements your home. But be careful – once you discover the joys of shopping for art, it can be difficult to quit.
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Decorating Your Home With Woodcrafts
Decorating Your Home With Woodcrafts
By: Gabriel Adams
Decorating your home with woodcrafts suffuses your home with a certain warmth and charm that is very reminiscent of country living. There is a wide assortment of woodcraft projects, from the simple plaque to more complex carved artifact and intricately woven wicker basket. Woodcrafts enhance your home with an atmosphere that goes beyond mere décor. The warm and welcoming appeal of woodcrafts is beyond compare. It’s in the way it is constructed and the way it is finished that makes a woodcraft welcome plaque feel wonderfully welcoming and a woodcraft Adirondack chair look infinitely inviting. Although there’s nothing tangible about the appeal of woodcraft décor; appealing it is.
Versatile Woodcraft
Woodcraft is a versatile accessory for any room, whether you wish to use it in the living room, kitchen, dining room or the entrance. You can customize it to suit your own unique needs and use it to display any image or message you wish. Woodcraft encompasses tiny decorative accessories as well as larger items of furniture.
Woodcraft Plaques
Hang a woodcraft welcoming plaque at your entrance and watch it soon turn into a conversation piece. A plaque with a special message for the whole family can turn a stark kitchen into a warm cozy haven. You could even get woodcraft plaques with personalized sun signs for each member of the family and hang it in their bedrooms.
Woodcraft Animals
Animal-shaped welcome signs add extra versatility to your woodcraft. You can leave them up wherever you want to and only change the outfits to match the season or even a special occasion or during the different holidays. Your little woodcraft animal could be dressed in black and orange for Halloween and red and green for Christmas.
Woodcraft Picture Frames
Preserve your special memories in woodcraft picture frames in different shapes and sizes. Woodcraft picture frames in the bedroom are an excellent way for each member of the family to display their singularly special photograph or family photographs or even to display a favorite keepsake. Frame your children’s art in woodcraft picture frames and hang them all over the house for a completely unique interior décor idea that you are unlikely to see in anybody else’s home.
Given their simplicity of construction, woodcraft picture frames are also easy make-at-home projects. Let every member of the family make their own picture frame. Alternatively buy plain picture frames from any craft and hobby store and get everybody to personalize their own frames. Woodcraft frames are easy to paint and stain and also easy to decorate with rhinestones, shells, beads and sequins.
Woodcraft Christmas Ornaments
Woodcraft Christmas ornaments will last forever. Give your Christmas tree a touch of ‘something old; something new’ by decorating the tree with traditional woodcraft ornaments along new and shiny baubles and glass ornaments. For a Christmas tradition the kids are sure to cherish and carry forward, commemorate every Christmas with a specially personalized woodcraft Christmas ornament.
Angels in different avatars are a delightful addition to any Christmas tree. Woodcraft angels with sassy expressions will give your Christmas tree a completely different look as compared to the look of a tree with innocent-looking angels or romantic angels hanging from it.
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