Silk Flowers

Silk Flowers

You can lend an air of sophistication to your house décor the minute you add silk flowers. The mystic luster of artificial flowers set in the average vase can dress up any corner and make it look eye-catching. Most home décor stores carry a wide range of silk flowers and some specialize in them. Because of the long lasting benefits many people choose them for Wedding Flowers.

Silk flowers are mostly manufactured in South East Asia and if you have a friend heading in that direction, you must ask them to pick up the latest choices from there. The range of artificial flowers you can choose from, can be from the simple sunflower to the more exotic orchids, gerberas, tiger lilies etc. Silk flowers also come pre-set in bouquets, beautiful arrangements in wicker baskets and even set around candle stands, wreaths, and other decorative items. All of these types of arrangements are commonly used for Wedding Flowers. 
 
If you are of creative bent of mind, you might not want to go ahead with a pre-designed silk flowers bouquet. Larger arrangements of artificial flowers placed in an urn can brighten up a dreary spot, or can be used very effectively as wedding flowers.

High quality silk flowers have encouraged more and more people to use them as they don't look as artificial as  'plastic'. The rich look of these type of flowers also need not make a dent in your pocket. Flower retailers keep various qualities of silk flowers and in all price ranges. The difference between two qualities is very subtle such as the lining of the stem or the size of the artificial flowers themselves. Artificial flowers take very little care, all you need to do is wipe them gently with a slightly damp cloth and they are as good as new!

Many artificial flower manufacturers create innovative products such as fire retardant silk flowers. Many offices have also begun using silk flowers to add to the otherwise standard look of the work place. Many office décor specialists have started recommending the usage of artificial flowers at the workplace to bring in good chi and a cheerful atmosphere. As indicated earlier that also make wonderful wedding flowers.

The internet is a fabulous place to start checking out the wide range of silk flowers available. You can get a local retailer in your locality or be adventurous and have a South East Asian manufacturer ship you a wide selection of silk flowers. However, sometimes, the shipping charges from another country may be prohibitive!

Silk flowers can be assembled into a wide range of containers. You can use traditional flower pots to put in artificial flower arrangements as a table décor or use a long stemmed vase and have just a couple of sticks of these artificial flowers to highlight a minimalist look . Metal or earthen urns, hand painted vases and pots or simple glass containers, all go well with silk flowers.

Whether you want to use silk flowers to brighten up your home or office, or use them as wedding flowers for your special day, you can't go wrong when you choose artificial flowers!
 

COTTON Fabrics

COTTON, cool, soft, comfortable, the principal clothing fiber of the world. Its production is one of the major factors in world prosperity and economic stability. Cotton "breathes". What would we do without cotton? Since cotton wrinkles, polyester was added to give it wash and wear properties for a busy world. In recent times, the consumer determined that polyester, although easier to care for, took away the cool from cotton and also added a "pilling" effect to cotton/polyester blends. Consumers now often request "100% Cotton". Permanent finishes also added to the all cotton fabric gave a wash and wear property to cotton. cotton. The cotton fiber is from the cotton plant's seed pod The fiber is hollow in the center and, under a microscope looks like a twisted ribbon. "Absorbent" cotton will retain 24-27 times its own weight in water and is stronger when wet than dry. This fiber absorbs and releases perspiration quickly, thus allowing the fabric to "breathe". Cotton can stand high temperatures and takes dyes easily. Chlorine bleach can be used to restore white garments to a clear white but this bleach may yellow chemically finished cottons or remove color in dyed cottons. Boiling and sterilizing temperatures can also be used on cotton without disintegration. Cotton can also be ironed at relatively high temperatures, stands up to abrasion and wears well.

Mercerized cotton is treated to permanently straighten the cotton fibers which then becomes a smooth, rod-like fiber that is uniform in appearance with a high luster. Cotton is often blended with other fibers such as polyester, linen, wool, to "blend" the best properties of each fiber.

 

SILK Fabrics

SILK, the fabric that makes its own statement. Say "silk" to someone and what do they visualize? No other fabric generates quite the same reaction. For centuries silk has had a reputation as a luxurious and sensuous fabric, one associated with wealth and success. Silk is one of the oldest textile fibers known to man. It has been used by the Chinese since the 27th century BC. Silk is mentioned by Aristotle and became a valuable commodity both in Greece and Rome. During the Roman Empire, silk was sold for its weight in gold.

Today, silk is yet another word for elegance, and silk garments are prized for their versatility, wearability and comfort. Silk, or soie in French, is the strongest natural fiber. A steel filament of the same diameter as silk will break before a filament of silk. Silk absorbs moisture, which makes it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Because of its high absorbency, it is easily dyed in many deep colors. Silk retains its shape, drapes well, caresses the figure, and shimmers with a luster all its own.

Contemporary silk garments range from evening wear to sports wear. A silk suit can go to the office and, with a change of accessories and a blouse, transform into an elegant dinner ensemble. Silk garments can be worn for all seasons.

Silk -- elegant, versatile and washable. In the past, owning a silk garment meant not only the initial price of the garment but also the cost of dry cleaning. All silk is washable. Silk is a natural protein fiber, like human hair, taken from the cocoon of the silkworm. The natural glue, sericin, secreted by silkworms and not totally removed during manufacturing of the silk, is a natural sizing which is brought out when washing in warm water. Most silk fabrics can be hand washed. Technically, silk does not shrink like other fibers.  If the fabric is not tightly woven, washing a silk with tighten up the weave.... thus, lighter weights of silk (say a crepe de chine of 14 mm) can be improved by washing as it will tighten up the weave.  A tightly woven silk will not "shrink"  or will "shrink" a lot less. Silk garments, however, can shrink if the fabric has not been washed prior to garment construction. When washing silk, do not wring but roll in a towel. Silk dries quickly but should not be put in an automatic dryer unless the fabric is dried in an automatic dryer prior to garment construction. A good shampoo works well on silk. It will remove oil and revitalize your silk. Do not use an alkaline shampoo or one which contains ingredients such as wax, petroleum, or their derivatives, as these products will leave a residue on your silk and may cause "oil" spots. If static or clinging is a problem with your silks, a good hair conditioner (see above cautions) may be used in the rinse water.

Silk may yellow and fade with the use of a high iron setting. Press cloths and a steam iron are recommended. Silk is also weakened by sunlight and perspiration.

Nepalese Jewelry

Todays Highlights - Nepalese Jewelry
Mila and Coral | Turquoise | Bell & Dorje | Prayer beads | Prayer flags | Singing Bowl | Tingsha Sterling Silver | India Sculpture | Yak Bone | Nepal Jewelry | Bracelets | Earrings | Necklaces | Nepalese Crafts

Nepal has had much recent national coverage. It is a very complicated situation there and interpreted differently according to whose eyes you are viewing the situation through.

Qingtian Stone Carving

Qingtian Stone Carving

Qingtian stone carving is one of the most famous handicraft works Three Carvings and One Statue of China. It originated in Qingtian of Zhejiang Province, a county reputed as the Hometown of Chinese Stone Carvings. With beautiful modeling and refined craftsmanship, Qingtian stone carvings are loved by many people and reputed as the Embroidery on Stones.  

Qingtian stone carving is a bright pearl in the art treasury of Chinese traditional stone carvings, and has a long history. The earliest Qingtian stone carving discovered today is the one unearthed in a tomb of the Southern and Northern Dynasties Period (420-581). In the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Qingtian stone carving witnessed a breakthrough development in both subject matters and techniques. By the Song Dynasty (960-1279), artisans had absorbed the technique of jade carving and made use of moderate hardness, beautiful colors and unique texture of Qingtian stones to usher in the multi-layer engraving technique. In the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Qingtian stones were applied in seal carving, further expanding the range of stone carvings. By the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Qingtian stone carvings had developed into tribute to the emperor and enjoyed great reputation worldwide.

As a traditional refined artwork, Qingtian stone carving has reached unprecedented perfection in carving technique, modeling and artistic conception. Artisans bring into full play their originality and carve the stones according to the original covers and shapes. In Qingtian stone carving, fruits, flowers and vegetables are major subjects. Up till now, Qingtian stone carvings have been exported to over 100 countries and regions.