India has been well-known for its hand block printing craft since the 12th century and the creative process flourished as the hand block print textile received royal patronage. This traditional craft is passed down through the generations of artisan communities using hand crafted blocks, natural dyes and classic motifs. This hereditary art is handed down from one generation to the next using hand crafted blocks, natural dyes and classic motifs. Ahmedabad, Sanganer, Bagru, Farukhabad and Pethapur, are the main centers in Rajasthan and Gujarat where hand block printing has continued to flourish.

How Hand Block is made

The preparation of the cloth is the first crucial step using natural ingredients like cow dung, sesame oil and soda ash mixed with water to soak the cloth overnight. The cloth is then dried along the riverbank for an entire day. The bleaching process is repeated everyday for a week. This time consuming and exhausting process allows for the fibres in the cotton to expand increasing its ability to absorb a bigger amount of colour during the dyeing process.

A black outline is stamped on the cloth using a carved wooden block. Next, a red dye is applied with an infill block to areas of the design where red is desired. More colours are printed to the cloth until the design is finished. The last stage is removing the gum on the cloth by cleaning it meticulously on the riverbank.

This traditional craft is at risk of becoming extinct with quicker and more modern methods of printing becoming more and more popular. The community of hand block printers are steadily decreasing with the popularity of modern printing methods. The pressure to compete in the modern world is taking its toll. The traditions seeped in this ancient craft gives the cloth an individual beauty that is missing in the modern and quicker printing methods. The survival of this craft depends on the support of these artisans and their special craft for them to continue the transfer of knowledge to the next generation.

The beautiful designs and motifs of this craft continue to be featured in contemporary fashion and home furnishings. One such company that celebrates the time-honoured tradition of the handmade is Darjeeling Cotton. View their collection of soft hand block printbedspreads and cotton bedding available for sale at www.darjeelingcotton.com.

My name’s January and I’m a reformed insomniac. I never knew what a good night’s sleep felt like. Every night, I drank warm milk and read a good book before bed – nothing worked. If anyone knows how to get a good night’s sleep, it’s me – your typical insomniac. Here’s my guide to beating insomnia.

Warm Decor
When it comes to your bedroom, vibrant colors are a no-no. Your bedroom colors should soothe and relax. Pastel green and blue are the perfect colors for an insomniac’s sleep cocoon. Get a dimmer or a few lamps that emit a soft glow. Don’t put your computer or T.V. in your room – it’s a den of relaxation, not entertainment.

The Wonders of a Supportive Pillow
Stress causes insomnia. Your bedroom needs to be a sanctuary and your pillow should be a source of comfort, not pain. Spend time looking for the perfect pillow. Side sleepers should consider thick, foamy pillows and back sleepers should sleep with a pillow underneath their legs for optimum comfort. Memory Foam pillows are perfect for those who sleep on their stomachs.

Sleep in Silence
As a reformed insomniac, the slightest noise would wake me up. It could be a police siren in the distance or the low hum of my radio clock. Go into your bedroom and listen. What sounds are disturbing you? Consider a “white noise” machine or a nature sounds CD if you’re a light sleeper.

Change the Temp
A room’s temperature is just as important during the night as it is during the day. Are you comfortable in your bedroom during the day? If no, you won’t be at night either. Make sure you have the right bedding for the right season. Get a thick comforter for winter and a light blanket for summer. If you share your bed, don’t share your blankets. Be sure you have enough comforters to keep you both warm at night.

Darkness Rules
Insomniacs need complete darkness to achieve a good night’s sleep. The slightest illumination could disturb your sweet dreams. Make sure your bedroom is as dark as it can get at night. Purchase black-out shades or invest in a sleep mask if light is affecting your R.E.M.

Mattress Pads Make a Difference
Insomniacs often wonder if their mattress causes their restless nights. But most of us can’t afford to buy a new mattress to test this theory. Before you put your mattress up for sale, try out a mattress pad or pillow topper. Don’t spend hundreds on a new mattress. It might not even be the issue!

If improving your bedroom doesn’t get you a good night’s sleep – see a Doctor or sleep specialist. Drink warm decaf tea or milk before you turn in the night. Avoid physical activity before you head to bed. And if all else fails – count sheep!

Walls are like blank canvass in any home. You can easily design it however it suits your fancy. The colors and the decorations that you put on it can almost distinguish a boring from a lively home. This is perhaps why if you look around home accessory shops, there are about 1001 accessories and displays that are meant to beautify your walls – paintings, large picture frames and decorative wall art are but to name a few.
 
Among the wall accents mentioned, decorative wall art that are made of wrought iron automatically stands out. This is because their intricate designs, different textures and interesting colors can give life to any dull and empty wall. In addition, they are versatile enough to earn them a place in any part of the house.

Think of a wrought iron wall grille for example, since its design is mostly composed of classical patterns, you can either display them in the living room, dining area and even the bedroom if the homeowner likes. This is so much different compared to the painting of the Last Supper. Sure, the painting is absolutely beautiful and religiously significant but it can look out of place when put in the receiving area or the bedroom for example.

Apart from that, there are simply a lot of decorative wall art pieces that you can choose from in the market. Here are a few of the examples:

1. Three – Piece Wall Art
These pieces are usually smaller compared to other traditional home accents and they are meant to be hung in a group. Their designs are usually embossed from a plaque and they bear the most interesting combinations of colors like red, gold and brown that border more on the metallic side.

They are ideal to be displayed on a medium sized wall. 

2. Metal Wall Grilles
The wall grilles are perfect for people who love the renaissance era. The patterns and the designs they bear are mostly limited to classical designs such as the fleur – de – lis, leaves, vines, flowers and even some Celtic inspired patterns.

In terms of size, the larger metal wall grilles can span in 3 to 4 feet in height and width. As such, they are meant to be displayed alone in one wall.

3. Metal Wall Frames
These decorative pieces can either come in singles or in groups. They are perfect to display your happy memories with your family, your portraits and the large one can even display the certificates or awards that you are most proud of.

Although they can be put relatively anywhere, these pieces are best hung on the walls adjacent to stairs or bedroom doors where they can be appreciated. 

4. Decorative Lighting Pieces
Some examples of these are candle sconces, bigger candle holders and wall mounted lanterns. These pieces are not only beautiful to look at but when adorned with lighted candles, they can provide the most interesting focal points in your home.

Where can you put them? They can be hung on hallways and dark corners of your home.

For more tips and information about decorative wall art, please check out: www.wroughtirondecorstore.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/decorative-wall-art-perfect-displays-to-your-dull-and-lifeless-walls-1287191.html