The most Beautiful Stained-Glass Windows Photographs
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Stained Glass Wndow Film Adds Instant Style to your Foyer by Jason L Harrison
Are you like me and have an entry way, that is wide open to views from anyone passing on the street? Wouldn't it be nice if there was a way to make the visibility into your home shielded from everyone's sight?
Or... maybe your neighbor has an ugly mess outside and you wish you didn't have to see it every time you passed by your windows. Well you're in luck!... there is now hope beyond just the usual drab window treatments.
You can use stained glass window film. This is a relatively hot new interior decorating idea that has helped thousands of people get creative with their homes and windows. Window film is usually acquired at most interior decorating niche stores. It is also available from decorating catalogs or even online.
The static cling film comes in a plethora of attractive patterns. There are many varieties that come in a stenciled look, a frosted look, a pebbled surface, a stained glass pattern, and on and on. All of these varieties of window film can be quite stunning when applied the correct way. I find that the window films that are mostly frosted or darker stained glass patterns provide you the best satisfaction of total privacy.
Budding home designers love the fact that they are able to spruce up any room, window, or doorway by applying these varieties of decorative window film. It also doesn't cost as much as you think, as it's great for those on a limited budget. Especially so, when compared to the cost of traditional window treatments.
Recently, with advancements in technology, some mosaic designs or other stained glass patterns using vibrant colors and styles have fooled the untrained eye into believing that the glass is actually real stained glass! This adds class to your home instantly and will fool even the most discerning guest. Some who are especially creative and have the right decorating flare, may even cut the window film to their specifications to make corner etchings, center mosaics, and other elaborate creations.
Since most people today are "green" conscious, one good thing to consider about window film is that it will save on your utility bill. Today's modern windows are made to block sunlight to a certain degree. Many times double paned glass windows are filled with an inert gas that keeps out the flow of heat and cold. However, this ability to work at optimum levels breaks down over time. Like all things, windows get broken, damaged, etc. Window film will assist in your home's energy savings by providing another layer of protection to block ultraviolet radiation as well as the sun's intense heat. Because of this, a simple layer of window film can keep your house cooler in the summertime as your air conditioner won't run so often.
Remember too, since decorative window films don't close or aren't drawn like blinds or shades, it allows in plenty of natural light. Because of this, just having a layer of semi transparent window film on your windows and doors can cut down the need for electric lighting, which also conserves energy. The savings might seem small each month, but over your home's lifetime, those pennies can add up!
Installation is where most people get a little nervous. But in my experience, following the easy to read instructions, along with some detailed planning, most homeowners will get this project completed in a few hours. Some of the more elaborate films or designs may require professional installation...but most of the time, you can do it yourself. The internet is a great resource to find help and even step by step instructions.
Now that you have some information on what decorative window film may do for your house, take some time, research into it a bit more and find the style, that will suit your needs. Taking the right steps of planning, preparation ahead of time will provide you with a great outcome.
About the Author
Jason Harrison is an avid amateur home decorator. He also loves writing and sharing detailed step by step guidance on how to turn new home decorating ideas into beautiful reality. Stained Glass Window Film is his latest passion.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Stained Glass Windows for Less Using Decorative Window Film by Jason L Harrison
When it comes to decorating your home, people try to come up with different ideas to make their home stand above the rest. People are not looking to make their home something unusually different but they do want it to look great and have people notice their decorating ideas. One way of doing just that is by working with decorative window film. This allows you to do so much more for your home than just hanging up dark ugly curtains.
Glass doors If you want to change the whole atmosphere of any room that has a glass door, cover it with stained glass window film and give the room instant beauty. Most people like to choose a plain frosted look for doors with a design that has flowers or swirls in it. Others like to decide on a design that looks like it is etched into the glass. If you are having a hard time choosing between the two typesthen there are window films that combine both the etched and frosted look. No need to compromise, as you are able to get the best of both of these designs with just one choice!
Privacy and shade By using stained glass window film, you add both privacy and shade to your home. No matter which design you decide on, you will not only add beauty to the area but people will not be able to see in and it will help to reflect the light from the sun, which will help to keep your home much cooler in the warmer months. By reflecting the sun's rays away from the living room carpet, you also help to make your interior decorations last much longer. Simply put, the less UV radiationthe longer the colors and patterns on your items will last.
Types and styles There are many types and styles to choose from when you decide to go with privacy window cling. Two of the most popular styles are the frosted look and the etched glass look. Many people also like to incorporate floral prints to give the effect of a beautiful garden. You may also be adventurous and check out beveled and cut glass designs. These gorgeous window films allow you to present the look of stained glass, which will instantly change the whole atmosphere of your home. Not to mention that its more affordable then real stained glass windows by a significant margin!
Kitchens and bathrooms When changing the look of your home, many people can easily forget areas such as the kitchen windows as well as bathrooms. It is absolutely possible to change the entire feelof your bathroom by adding stained glass film to your standalone shower. This helps to make the room look larger, warmer and more inviting not to mention that it gives the person in the shower, much more privacy then just a normal clear glass door.
Areas to apply film Really, window film is able to be utilized in all areas of your home that are made of glass. Because of this, it is very simple to add flarein just a short amount of time. You can apply borders,jazz up room dividers, make your light fixtures more interesting, and even add an interesting mosaic to liven things up. Make sure to match the stained glass colors to your décor so that you can be sure that everything is in sync and that you are not going overboard. I often find that a little window decoration can go a long way. You definitely don't want to make your room too ostentatious!
Cost effective You do not have to spend a fortune to get the customized glass look. Stained glass window film is very affordable. It is important to know how much you are able to spend before you go and make your purchase. With dozens of designs and styles to choose from, you will be sure to find something in your budget that you will be pleased with. Of great importance, make sure you spend time upfront knowing what your end goal is. Take good measurements, and from there, your selection will be simple
If you want to add flare to your home without spending your entire bank account, then stained glass window film is the way to go. You can change the look of any room by adding this film to a window, door, or a light fixture. The best part of using window film, is that most of us have the simple skills required to install it ourselves. Step by step guidance is also easily found online at many decorating focused websites.
Don't be afraid to experiment, research in magazines or online, and find what works for you. All in all, window film is a great addition for any weekend project.
About the Author
Jason Harrison is an avid amateur home decorator. He also loves writing and sharing detailed step by step guidance on how to turn new home decorating ideas into beautiful reality. For more Tips and Ideas on using Decorative Window Film or Stained Glass Window Film in your home visit his site.
picture source: www.connectworld.net
Monday, June 15, 2009
Opaque Window Film by Home Enthusiast
How do you make a window glass opaque? There are many ways how you can make your glass window opaque. In the past, to make your window opaque, you would have to either replace it with a frosted glass or you completely tint it using window tinting. The other way is to use spray. Now, many home owners make their window opaque by applying opaque window film.
Using static cling window film is perhaps by far the most practical and convenient solution. There are many types of window films available that can make your glass windows opaque. For example try the frosted glass films. The frosted glass films will block of unwanted views while allowing some light to pass through. If you prefer to have more light coming into the room, then try the Lite Frost window films.
There are also plenty of designs to choose from. The faux glass block pattern consisting of octagonal glass block designs is a popular choice. This design enhances huge windows. There are also plenty of delicate designs such as the Everleaf. This design is very popular for glass doors that opens out to a garden.
By far, most owners would want to make their glass door opaque to add privacy. Etched glass films are popular for this purpose, but you need not limit yourself to this choice only. Try using stained glass films and you will allow your creativity to soar.
Most opaque window films also have the ability to filter out UV ray and they are heat resistant too. As they also resist moisture, they make suitable window films to be installed on bathroom windows and shower doors.
There are in general two types of opaque window films - those that are adhesive-based and those that are adhesive-free. We suggest that you choose adhesive-free window films as these types of window films are easy to install and easy to remove too.
Most of the times, it takes less than 15 minutes to install an adhesive-free window films on a small window pane if you are working alone. For a larger piece of glass window, you may want to work in a team of 2 persons, and it will take less than 30 minutes.
When it comes to time to redecorate your glass windows, simply peel off the window films. Many opaque window glass films can be kept in storage or can be recycled on other window films. This is another advantage of using adhesive-free window films.
About the Author
When it comes to making glass window opaque, stained glass films can be an interesting alternative to spice up the entire house. However, you would not want to install stained glass films on every piece of your glass windows, otherwise, your house may look like a church. Try combining it with etched glass.
Buy Window Coverings with Confidence By Sarah Vande Krol
There are many factors that contribute to selecting the right covering for your window. The main functional reasons to install window coverings are light control and privacy. Additional factors include durability, life expectancy, cleaning, versatility, formality, attractiveness, safety, and price.
Light Control
The most difficult functional factor to control is light, and most window coverings fall in one of five categories:
Transparent describes an open window with clear glass. Few windows are left completely open unless the building is in a private setting with foliage or an overhang that block direct sunlight.
Translucent describes a window covering that is sheer or with components that are spaced for privacy. Included in this category are light fabric drapes and bamboo shades.
Filtered window coverings allow subtle transmissions of light. This grade includes medium fabric drapes and most mini-blinds.
Semi-opaque defines window coverings that almost block all light, allowing some light into the room through narrow gaps or along the edges. Shutters are a prime example of window coverings in this category.
Opaque, or black-out, window coverings block out all light. Few coverings can completely prevent direct sunlight from penetrating the window. Some roll shades on the market claim to be able to block all light.
In addition to the degree of light the window covering will keep out, the amount of light a window covering will let in is just as important. A successful window treatment will convert most of the window to be transparent when desired. Many window coverings can open to allow a view of 80% or more through the window. Most window coverings are easy to use and can transform from open to closed without much effort.
Privacy
Privacy can be easily achieved with almost any window covering. The window treatment simply needs to be translucent or better to diffuse distinct images. Even frosted glass or glass block can give adequate levels of privacy.
Durability and Expected Life
By nature, a window opening is a harsh environment subject to direct sunlight, humidity, and fluctuating temperatures. Accompany these factors with frequent use and it is easy to understand why window coverings need to be well constructed. The overall life expectancy is usually less for fabric window treatment that can fade over time. Solid window coverings, such as shutters, have an extensive life expectancy.
Cleaning
All window coverings will collect dust and dirt. Fabrics are the most difficult to clean and are the most subject to stains. Furniture-quality window coverings will generally wipe clean with a light solution.
Versatility and Formality
Some window coverings work well in formal environments and others work best in casual living situations. Alternate window coverings are versatile and blend well with almost any room.
Style and Overall Attractiveness
A particular window cover might meet all of the functional needs, but if it is not attractive, there is no reason to proceed. Today's window fashions come in thousands of colors and patterns, providing a number of options for any decor.
Safety
Small children in the home can, and will, have contact with window coverings. Some treatments have cords to raise or lower for visibility. These could become a considerable hazard if they are within reach.
Window Design
Window configuration can limit the number of window coverings that can be used in a particular space. Shallow windows, trim molding with larger corner blocks, and bay (or bow) windows usually require special installations.
Price
While there is a large discrepancy in the cost of window coverings, it is important to weigh the overall value. The term value is overused in this consumer marketing society, but when purchasing long-term household items it is necessary to consider the return on investment. Window coverings on the low end of the price spectrum generally have a short life expectancy and low durability. Higher priced window coverings, like shutters, are designed to last the life of the home and retain its original character. Although more expensive, they will not need to be replaced.
Shutters are a hard window covering that is semi-opaque when closed, but provides great visibility when open. Furniture-quality wood shutters can be either painted or stained to meet the needs of most decorss. Shutters are extremely durable and have a long life expectancy, and are versatile for applications in formal or informal settings.
Sarah Wright is employed by Horizon Interior Shutters and ShutterLand Interior Shutters. She is a regular contributor of All About Shutters. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Vande_Krol |
Window Cling - Tips on Working With Your Designs and Graphic Artist By Carla San Gaspar
Window clings are just amazing to look at. As they stick to the glass, they are like modern mosaics and are like art glass stained windows that embellish magnificent, old churches.
Large format prints such as window clings now adorn many urban landscapes as they become one of advertising’s arsenals. More than anything, it gives businesses a new tool and an even bigger space to spread its marketing gospel about. Just look around your city and you will easily find a large format print product that easily grabs your attention.
Large formats prints are about size. And the bigger the size of the advertisement, the larger the attention it commands. What even makes it a whole lot better especially for window cling is that these can be placed way above building windows.
Large window clings are definitely a sight to behold. On building windows, these giant non-adhesive signs often look like illustrations that came straight out of books. Colors on transparent film and glass appear like they were made using nothing but colorful crayons and pens.
Window cling applications are virtually limitless. As long as the surface is clean and smooth, window clings can stick anywhere. Aside from windows, you may also use them to stick on appliances and metal sheets. Just be sure to protect them from being exposed directly to the elements so that they will last longer.
Designing window clings
As with all advertising mediums, designs are what gives window clings their charm. Window clings excel in promoting products or brands in the market. It ably decorates windows while holding up advertisements.
Any image or illustration can readily be adapted into a window cling print, be it transparent or opaque. Use this medium wisely and know its strengths and weaknesses. Here are some design tips to help you out in your window cling design:
1. Know no limitations. Great ideas come from the most inventive minds.
2. Remember to use as many colors as you can to enhance your work.
3. Experiment with lines.
4. Try to see which one has more impact, a graphic design oriented vertically or horizontally.
5. Know which sizes works best for your window cling design and the background it is pitted against.
6. Window clings are not just rectangles or squares. Window clings can be die cut and fashion into the shape you want.
Graphic Artists
It is only sensible to hire a graphic artist if you truly want to maximize your window cling. A graphic artist can exhibit his skill to match your concepts. Work with him instead of asking him to decide on almost everything.
1. You can decide on which colors to use and the graphic artist would know how to combine them more effectively.
2. You can dictate the color scheme you want and the graphic artist again, would make certain adjustments so that the colors you want would blend more successfully.
3. You can describe all the details you want included in your window cling and the graphic artist can lay it out for you, without the design looking scattered or too much.
4. The more detailed you are with your concept, the better can your graphic artist conceive your plans.
5. Give your graphic some room for his own style to emerge and see if it works for what you had in mind.
6. Give your graphic artists some time to create various studies on the design you want.
Working on your window cling design may time you some time, so include a timeline for your design, printing and shipping so you can work well with your deadline.
Remember, window clings lasts for a long time so it really helps to give it some thought. And as you do that, it is also important to give a considerable amount of time deciding on which printing company to entrust you window cling printing to.
There are many large format printers out there so choose wisely as to who can deliver the results that you want and when you want them.
More on window signs tips and guides can be found at Large Format Posters Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carla_San_Gaspar |
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Nautical Home Decor - A Budget Choice By Johnson V
Nautical home décor style is popular with many people irrespective on the geographical position. Bright sea colors along with sky blues and bright whites help create a décor that is cheerful and clean-looking. And the best part of nautical home décor is that it is easy to achieve, and budget saving at the same time!
Nautical home décor is simply a matter of bringing outdoor things inside. Free items like seashells, sand, or driftwood evoke the sea very effectively. While on a vacation, take this opportunity to pick up some items that you will later incorporate into your nautical home décor. Sea treasures look good displayed in an oversized clear vase, stacked on bookshelves or hung on the wall. All you need is a little basic hardware to turn your found items into a decoration or adornment.
Life for sailors is brutal; working on a windswept boat, getting knocked around by storms, and being beaten by waves. Boats and seagoing equipment do not look too pristine after they have worked the ocean for years. And luckily for the decorator, this distressed, sea-worn look is inexpensive to use in nautical home décor.
For example, the glass décor in a nautical home is appropriate if it is an old, worn lantern, or a retired glass float. It is clear which style is more affordable, and which style you are more likely to find in a quaint collectibles shop or Main Street antique mall.
Likewise, an oar or fishing pole from an antique store does not have to be finely refinished to be a good decorative accessory. Let the oar be splintered or worn; that is how it would actually look at work in the water.
Ships, boats, sails, and seashells are never fading decorating trends that are always safe bets when you create nautical home décor. Once in a while you will need to update your fabric choices, but the general themes and colors of nautical home décor never go out of style. This is advantageous for the home decorator.
The best fabrics for nautical home décor are cotton canvas, usually in shades of ecru or blue. Coincidentally, this is also very inexpensive and sturdy cloth for furniture and even curtains.
Unless you get tired of nautical home décor, there will never be any need to completely overhaul your interior design. Since it is always in style, you can shop for last year’s (or even the last decade’s) nautical accessories and save a huge amount on reproduction nautical home décor at discount stores.
For more information on Nautical Home Décor check out http://www.homedecordiscussion.com You'll find loads of tips and techniques plus you'll find answers to questions many others in your situation have asked before. But Hurry! For a limited time you can get your very own copy of our award winning Home Decor Software at absolutely no cost. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnson_V |
How to Make Your Film Stand Out With Sound and Music - Part 1
As a filmmaker, you know there are several ways to manipulate your audience with camera angles, lighting, editing, etc. In the audio world, you have a great arsenal of tricks too. There are basically 2 kinds of audio in any motion picture.
1. Diegetic
2. Non-Diegetic.
The Greek word "Diegesis" means a recounted story. Oxford's English dictionary states "The narrative presented by a cinematographic film or literary work; the fictional time, place, characters, and events which constitute the universe of the narrative."
In other worlds, the world of your film.
Diegetic is the sound that is meant to be from the actual scene happening on screen like character voices, elements in the picture (cars, traffic, birds, etc) and music from instruments played on screen or from a radio or television (also known as "source music"). This diegetic sound can be on or off screen though it is always meant to be actual sound. Of course, nowadays in post-production, most of this is either created entirely by a sound designer and or sweetened by the mixer.
Non-Diegetic is the sound of artistic license. It's the sounds of commentary, narration, sound effects and the music soundtrack. This is where many purists have claimed that the use of such non-diegetic sound is articifial and contrived. Danish filmmakers Lars Von Trier and Thomas Vinterburg's Dogma 95 states "The sound must never be produced apart from the images or vice versa. (Music must not be used unless it occurs where the scene is being shot). " Of course Von Trier's Dancer in the Dark breaks these rules. Dogma 95 may be more of a publicity stunt like nailing your manifesto to the church doors. There is no question that music can heighten the mood, project emotions and stay ringing in your head as your leave the darkened theater to return to the real world. How effectively you use the music determines the level of "realism" and whether you even remember there was music in the scene.
Evoking Tension in Film
Tension is an emotion that is so effectively carried by the music in a film. Try watching any tense moment on film with the sound turned off and it's completely lost. I tried to watch the beginning of Monsters, Inc. with my young son recently. I had forgotten how scary the opening moments were - and my son has never seen anything scarier than Dora the Explorer or Maisy or Miffy. (Noggin is big in our house.) And as my son started to slink down into the couch, I reached for the volume to erase the scariness.
John Williams' two-note motif for the shark in Jaws still brings back terror to many. Flicking through the channels the other night, I stumbled on a film noir moment and the soundtrack was just chilling.
The Coen brothers' first film Blood Simple, scored by Carter Burwell, utilizes diagetic music as score and works extremely well. I didn't even notice it at first as the story had me so captivated.
In the final moments of the film, Frances McDormand's character is being hunted and is desperately trying to save herself. The music in the moments before this seem to be coming from her neighbor's window echoing through the courtyard. The diagetic then rushes up to the forefront building on the final moments. I found a clip of it in Spanish here on YouTube. The music I'm talking about starts at around 48 seconds in just before she breaks the light bulb.
Blood Simple won the Grand Jury Prize at the 1985 Sundance Film Festival. Not bad for a first film and shows how the use of these rather simple techniques, one can so effectively manipulate an audience. We'll be discussing more about film sound and music in future articles.
Andrew Ingkavet is a film composer and Head Monk of 300 Monks, an audio agency providing custom music services to film studios, ad agencies and more. You can learn more at http://300monks.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Ingkavet |
Friday, June 12, 2009
Stained Glass Windows for Less Using Decorative Window Film by Jason L Harrison
When it comes to decorating your home, people try to come up with different ideas to make their home stand above the rest. People are not looking to make their home something unusually different but they do want it to look great and have people notice their decorating ideas. One way of doing just that is by working with decorative window film. This allows you to do so much more for your home than just hanging up dark ugly curtains.
Glass doors If you want to change the whole atmosphere of any room that has a glass door, cover it with stained glass window film and give the room instant beauty. Most people like to choose a plain frosted look for doors with a design that has flowers or swirls in it. Others like to decide on a design that looks like it is etched into the glass. If you are having a hard time choosing between the two typesthen there are window films that combine both the etched and frosted look. No need to compromise, as you are able to get the best of both of these designs with just one choice!
Privacy and shade By using stained glass window film, you add both privacy and shade to your home. No matter which design you decide on, you will not only add beauty to the area but people will not be able to see in and it will help to reflect the light from the sun, which will help to keep your home much cooler in the warmer months. By reflecting the sun's rays away from the living room carpet, you also help to make your interior decorations last much longer. Simply put, the less UV radiationthe longer the colors and patterns on your items will last.
Types and styles There are many types and styles to choose from when you decide to go with privacy window cling. Two of the most popular styles are the frosted look and the etched glass look. Many people also like to incorporate floral prints to give the effect of a beautiful garden. You may also be adventurous and check out beveled and cut glass designs. These gorgeous window films allow you to present the look of stained glass, which will instantly change the whole atmosphere of your home. Not to mention that its more affordable then real stained glass windows by a significant margin!
Kitchens and bathrooms When changing the look of your home, many people can easily forget areas such as the kitchen windows as well as bathrooms. It is absolutely possible to change the entire feelof your bathroom by adding stained glass film to your standalone shower. This helps to make the room look larger, warmer and more inviting not to mention that it gives the person in the shower, much more privacy then just a normal clear glass door.
Areas to apply film Really, window film is able to be utilized in all areas of your home that are made of glass. Because of this, it is very simple to add flarein just a short amount of time. You can apply borders,jazz up room dividers, make your light fixtures more interesting, and even add an interesting mosaic to liven things up. Make sure to match the stained glass colors to your décor so that you can be sure that everything is in sync and that you are not going overboard. I often find that a little window decoration can go a long way. You definitely don't want to make your room too ostentatious!
Cost effective You do not have to spend a fortune to get the customized glass look. Stained glass window film is very affordable. It is important to know how much you are able to spend before you go and make your purchase. With dozens of designs and styles to choose from, you will be sure to find something in your budget that you will be pleased with. Of great importance, make sure you spend time upfront knowing what your end goal is. Take good measurements, and from there, your selection will be simple.
If you want to add flare to your home without spending your entire bank account, then stained glass window film is the way to go. You can change the look of any room by adding this film to a window, door, or a light fixture. The best part of using window film, is that most of us have the simple skills required to install it ourselves. Step by step guidance is also easily found online at many decorating focused websites.
Don't be afraid to experiment, research in magazines or online, and find what works for you. All in all, window film is a great addition for any weekend project.
About the Author
Jason Harrison is an avid amateur home decorator. He also loves writing and sharing detailed step by step guidance on how to turn new home decorating ideas into beautiful reality. For more Tips and Ideas on using Decorative Window Film or Stained Glass Window Film in your home visit his site.
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