February 03, 2008

Use Pow Wow Drums For Indian Drumming Circles Or Rustic Decor

Did you ever think about the meaning behind the pow wow drums used in native ceremonies? I did, but never realized that they played such a big role in the Native Indian culture until I had the opportunity to see one of these events, and started talking to the American Indian singers about the important part the pow wow drum plays in the ceremony. Native drum groups realize the importance and significant role of this type of drum in their culture, but most people I come across have only a small idea of why the native drum music is played and what it is used for. Because it is considered to be the heartbeat of Mother Earth and the tool used to call on the Spirits, the pow wow drum is, understandably, the center of the Native American ceremony.

If you ever have an opportunity to go to one of these spiritual events, you will certainly be amazed to watch how this American Indian drum is played during the ceremony. Made from a large base and covered with cow, deer or buffalo raw hide, the pow wow drum is played by eight or more men that strike the drum with drum strikers as they sing songs, often sung in the Native American language. These singers are responsible for knowing the songs necessary for the ceremony and for the songs asked of them by the singing leader.

You can also come across the powwow drum and singers at dances, ceremonies and other events where a pow wow is needed. The Native Americans regard these events and the native drums to be sacred. Since the drum was first given to the people by a woman, they are believed to carry her spirit and are greatly respected for this reason. The people's deep cultural beliefs make the Spirit world a very real part of these ceremonies and a time when they connect with their creator.

Today, you will not only find Native American pow wow drums being played in native drumming circles but will also find that they are very popular in rustic home decorating and western interior design. Many home owners, wanting to create balance and peace in their rustic style home decorating, find that the powerful presence of the pow wow drum does just that. Because of their popularity in country and southwestern home decorating, it is easy to find powwow drums online and in stores that sell Native American drums and other rustic home decor items.

Whether using your pow wow drum in native drum groups or adding it along with your rustic home decor, it is important to handle it with great honor and the respect that it deserves. There is really no incorrect form of expression when using your pow wow drum as long as it is done properly and out of respect to the spiritual role it plays among the Native people. You can open the door to the spiritual world in your Native American drum circles or create joy and balance in your southwestern home decor through the powerful presence enhanced by pow wow drums.

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February 02, 2008

Choosing Southwestern Rugs For Unique Native American Decorating

Southwestern rugs are an easy way to create that one-of-a-kind western, rustic or Native American look in your home decor. Because of their affordability, many designers are choosing to buy southwestern accent rugs online. Used as western rugs and also southwest area rugs on the floors throughout your home or when decorating a log cabin with a rustic or western theme, southwestern rugs give your home warmth and a definite authentic southwestern country look. When looking for American Indian style rugs, you will find a large selection of southwestern rugs to choose from and will definitely want to put a few of the most popular and sought-after rugs in your home decor. These rugs have a rich history that has grown over time and can truly be considered as pieces of art.

Among the most popular southwestern and western rugs are handmade area rugs, spirit rugs, Mexican Guadalupe rugs, Oaxaca Mexico rugs including Zapotec Indian rugs, Mohair and Navajo rugs. Each of these types of rugs mixes beautiful colors and characters, symbolizing spirituality or depictions of historical events. An excellent example of this is seen in the Southwestern Spirit rug which uses a wide variety of colors and designs. The spiritual characters used in these rugs are created in a variety of patterns and forms that show the spirituality of the people.

Not only are southwestern rugs admired for their incredible beauty, but the skill and hard work needed in making Native rugs and runners is also greatly appreciated. The makers of hand woven wool rugs are highly skilled and begin the rug making process by kneeling in front of a vertical wooden-framed loom. The designs are then put into place by using a shuttle to weave different colored yarn together, making large-scale geometric characters and designs. Initially, Navajo rugs as well as those of some other Southwest Indian tribes were weaved of hand-spun cotton thread. However, after the wool of domestic sheep was introduced to the region by the Spanish settlers, the people mainly used wool to make their colorful rugs and other traditional weaving.

Today, many of the modern southwestern rugs are made in areas where Spanish and Native American histories have melded together to create unique designs. Southwest rugs, with their rich earth tone colors and unique southwestern designs make them a great choice for rustic home decorating. If you are searching for a great southwest rug, you will probably purchase from American companies or directly from Native American weavers. Purchasing rugs from Navajo or other American Indian tribes not only allows you the satisfaction of owning a southwestern rug that is woven by Indians but also helps to support the Native American heritage of rug weaving, and the people who themselves sell their rugs, blankets, and Native American art.

The rug you purchase will certainly depend on what your tastes are and what kind of decorating you decide on. You will find that southwest rugs are an excellent southwestern accent when combined with rustic or western home decor. Whether you are decorating one room in your house or decorating an entire home using a western theme, you will find many designs and colors available to choose from. Among these options you will find everything from Zapotec rugs with no two alike, to southwest table runners and southwestern tapestries. Designers love hand woven rugs because of the rich colors and textures. Whatever your style and whatever your home decor needs, you will greatly enjoy the warmth and color brought to life in your home by decorating with southwestern rugs.

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January 29, 2008

Select A Southwest Table Runner For Rustic Style Decorating

A Southwest table runner is an easy way to bring out that one-of-a-kind western, rustic or Native American feel in your home decor. Because of their wide versatility, many home decorators are choosing to buy their southwest table runner online. Used as western accents and also southwestern accessories, in dining rooms or when decorating a cabin or log home with a rustic or western theme, southwestern table runners give your home that rustic appeal and a beautiful authentic Native American look. When purchasing American Indian style table runners, you will find a wide variety making it simple to use a western table runner and you will no doubt want to put a few of the most popular and sought-after runners or table rugs in your home decor. These table runners have a rich history that has changed over time and can truly be appreciated as pieces of art.

Some of the most popular southwestern and western table runners, in Navajo patterns, each type of runner combines a variety of colors and characters, symbolizing spirituality or depictions of historical events and a variation of colors and designs.

Not only is a southwest table runner appreciated for its great beauty, but the skill and hard work involved in making Native table runners is also very impressive. The makers of hand woven table runners work very hard and begin the runner making process by kneeling in front of a vertical wooden-framed loom. The designs are then placed by using a shuttle to weave a variety of colored yarn together, making geometric characters and designs. Initially, Navajo rugs as well as those of some other Southwest Indian tribes were made of hand spun cotton thread. However, after the wool of domestic sheep was introduced to the region by the Spanish settlers, the people mainly used wool to create their colorful rugs, table runners and other traditional weaving.

Today, many of the modern southwest table runners come from areas where Spanish and Native American histories joined together to create beautiful designs. Southwestern table runners, with their rich earth tone colors and unique southwestern designs make them excellent for rustic home decorating. If you are searching for great southwestern decor, you will likely purchase from American companies or directly from Native American weavers. Buying western table runners from Navajo or other American Indian tribes not only gives you the satisfaction of owning a southwest table runner that is made by Indians but also helps to support the Native American heritage of rug making, and the people who themselves sell their rugs, runners, and Native American art.

The table runner you purchase will greatly depend on what your tastes are and what kind of decorating you have in mind. You will find that a southwest table runner is an excellent southwestern accent when combined with rustic or western home decor. Whether you are changing your home decor or decorating a whole home using a southwestern theme, you will find many designs and colors available to choose from. Among these options you will be able to choose from Zapotec runners with no two alike, to southwest table runners with southwestern style. Home decorators love hand woven wool table runners because of the variety of colors and textures. Whatever your style and whatever your decorating needs, you will no doubt enjoy the warmth and color brought to life in your home by decorating with a southwest table runner.

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January 26, 2008

Choosing Native American Drums For Unique Rustic Decorating

Native American drums are without a doubt the most recognizable Native instruments among Indian and non Native American people alike. Drums for hundreds of years have always been at the center of American Indian lifestyle, forming what is now the vehicle of religion and spirituality as well as special days where a pow wow drum is at the center.

Indian leaders in North America history have all used drums in various ways to communicate with a higher power known to most as the Great Spirit. To Native people, Indian drums are much more than just decorations or interesting musical instruments. American Indian drums are thought to speak to the drummer. Native drums being made in a circle represent the earth and life. The most identifiable being hoop drums and shaman drums which are Indian hand drums used in many personal healing and religious ceremonies as well as public ceremonies such as a Native American powwow.

The animal skin that is stretched over the ring brings with it unique characteristics of the spirit of the animal and brings a sense of life to the drum when played. Many people think of hitting a drum to make a sound, but to Indian drummers and those involved in modern drumming groups and drum circles, the desire is to draw out the sound. The beating drum is compared to the beating of a human heart and is said to represent the heart beat of the earth which is a belief that is classic Native American. Drums in this way become the vehicle to connect one's spirit with that of the earth and the Great Spirit through out the history of American Indians.

Native American drums have a beautiful culture and because they are so important they are used in not only music but art and dance as well. Decorating a drum becomes a very personal artwork to the owner. The Indian drummer becomes an artist and communicates impressions of his inner feelings and beliefs which adorns his drum. Some American Indian tribes use pictures of animals to decorate their drums and others use geometric patterns and everything in between. In some Native cultures the drummer will place some item of personal value inside the drum to permanently join himself with his hand drum.

The different Native American pictures that the artwork on the drums depict is often painted with natural earth colors taken from nature. Some are dull and others are bright coming from flowers, roots, berries, bark or herbs that are boiled to release their unique earth tones. Other Native American drums are decorated with iron oxide which is a naturally occurring red rock that can be easily crushed. When mixed with water, it produces a rich orange red dye that is much like paint and is indicative if the surrounding hillsides and rock formations like those of the beautiful Arizona red rock canyons. The region of Sedona is thought to be a special place with spiritual energy like the energy created by American Indian drums.

The direction of Native American Education except for those Indian boarding schools that have tried to stamp out Indian has always involved the sharing of beliefs through music, songs, stories and legends. It is in harmony with these methods of learning that the communication and cultural importance has been found in the use of drums. If you are interested in the spiritual aspects of life as pertain to Indian beliefs, you will get a lot out of owning and playing Native American drums.

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January 24, 2008

Use Shaman Drums For Beautiful Southwestern Home Decor

Want to give your home authentic southwestern style decor? Try including Shaman drums along with your rustic home furnishings like I did. My love for these unique, American Indian drums began right after my husband and I purchased our new home last year. We knew that because of our love for the old west, we wanted true southwestern and Native American style home decor with original rustic home furnishings. Once that was decided I started filling my new home with unique western and country pieces that would match my southwest decor and entertain my visitors by telling a story at the same time. That is when I discovered how easy it was to give my home that chic southwest style that you see in designer home magazines, by decorating with shaman drums.

Maybe you are like me when I first began learning about the symbolic meaning of Native American drums, and have only a vague idea of what the Shamans drum is. Or, maybe you are wondering how to purchase the best drum to use in your Shaman drum circle. Whatever the case, it is necessary to understand the significance this raw hide drum plays in Native American culture so you can develop a true appreciation for its art and let its power influence you in the right direction.

If you are lucky enough to be part of a Shamanic ceremony you will notice that the Shaman, or spiritual leader, will beat a unique looking raw hide hand drum with a soft drum stick to create the soothing monotonous beat used to take him to an altered mental state. During this altered state of mind, called the Shamanic journey, the Shaman receives healing and spiritual powers he uses to help his people. If you look closely at the Shaman's drum you will see that unlike many other leather Native American drums used during tribal ceremonies, these rustic drums have natural raw hide, stretched over a wooden frame on one side and are laced with raw hide string on the other side. They don't have the loop hold like many other ceremonial drums do. A drum made in this way allows for a natural hand holding position so you can be in full contact with the drum and easily manipulate the sound that is vital in bringing out the right tones needed to lead you on your Shamanic journey.

You will also see that many Shaman drums have symbolic painted designs on the rawhide playing surface. These unique American Indian paintings often depict a map of the universe or symbols of spiritual powers you can use to aid you in your spiritual journeying experience. If you are choosing the drum for Shamanic work, take time to study the symbolic meaning of the painting. Since the southwestern designs have spiritual power that directs the journey, you want to make sure it is in agreement with your own practices and guides you in that direction.

Also, I think its very important to check the quality of the drum before purchasing. It's important to check that there are no thin places at the points where the cords of the drumhead are attached. This is vital to the quality and life of your Shaman drum and will save you money in the long run by not having to have it repaired or buy a new one.

Most of the focus is placed on the drum alone but it's also important to choose the appropriate striking mallet so you can enjoy the rich sound of these native drums to its fullest. You will see that there are many different types of mallets that pull out different sounds from the drum and although I personally like using a mallet with a fur covered head, it is a matter of personal experience. Whether you are looking for Native American musical instruments such as drums as part of your home decor or are using it to lead you in your spiritual journey, you will no doubt be mesmerized by the authentic Native American style and southwest charm brought to your life and home by Shaman drums.

Continue reading "Use Shaman Drums For Beautiful Southwestern Home Decor" »

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December 26, 2007

Hand Laced Rawhide lamp shades For Beautiful Western Decor & Rustic Atmosphere

Rustic lamps with rawhide lamp shades are among the most common rustic lamps you find in log homes and in rustic decorating or western decor. If you have lived in the west or visited western States, you know exactly what I mean.
Lamp shades made of rawhide are functional and very versatile, fitting into just about any home decor. Rawhide leather lamp shades are also found in colors to allow interior decorators to use any color pallet. Try adding rawhide shades in your decorating project and see for yourself how well they enhance your rustic design ideas.

When you prepare to purchase rawhide lamp shades you will want to decide how your lamp will be used. This is just a matter of choosing in which room you will be using it. For instance, you might be lighting a huge area or just brightening a dark corner of the room. Rawhide shades are also great when used with antler chandeliers and antler lamps since rawhide lampshades are a standard for rustic style lighting. From small chandelier lamp shades with attached bulb adaptors for candelabra bulbs or sconces to big accent lamps or floor lamps, rawhide shades work wonderfully for southwestern style home lighting.

When you use rawhide lampshades for home lighting, you are going to really be impressed by the warm atmosphere created by the lamps light coming through the stretched rawhide. This is how rawhide shades work to create that inviting feel. It is a balanced combination of color and texture that causes that warm glow. While it may not be the focus of your room, it will certainly add some character to the space.

When using raw hide lamp shades for reading you will probably want to utilize a larger lamp and lampshade that can be used to give off light from behind and above the person reading. This allows for the most comfortable reading environment. Sconce lamp shades also allow for correct reading light and rawhide shades come in just the right size for your reading and decorating needs.

Remember, when you are deciding on the lighting for your home, the light from rawhide accent lamp shades will allow you to filter the bright glare and capture the beauty of the light while using it where you need it. Light rawhide, sometimes called southwestern lamp shades, lets the maximum light shine through while dark colored rawhide shades, called western lamp shades, are more subtle producing a charcoal or smoke color when the lamp is turned on.

One of the greatest things about the rawhide lamp shades offered online is that they work with so many different types of lamps including rustic lamp styles as well as traditional ones. Like the sought after antler lamp with a rawhide leather lamp shade, they also look great on desk lamps or wooden lamps. Iron lamps with rawhide shades are another very popular choice in lighting accessories for rustic decor.

There is really no need to make big changes if you own more traditional style lamps. It is a rawhide shade that is enhancing the rustic look and feel which is why professional decorators love designing with them. You can use rawhide with traditional lamps and achieve a very nice southwestern feel.

The variations of size and color lend these lamp shades to be used in almost any environment where you want to bring out the rustic character or are enhancing a room in what has been termed rustic chic style. Just as appropriate in the living room, family room or den as well as bedroom or study, rawhide shades can be used in just one area or used to give a southwestern theme throughout your whole house.

Popular as table lamps as well as on bed stands or on floor lamps and chandeliers, lampshades can make a dramatic statement and bring a unique charm to any room. Purchasing rawhide lamp shades online is easy and fast and often saves you a lot of time and money. Using rawhide in your home is an investment in tranquility and peace that you will enjoy forever.

If you love the rustic decorating style of the southwest, or want to enjoy your own four season Arizona room or include the Native American style of New Mexico, you will love enhancing your rustic decor with rawhide lamp shades.

Continue reading "Hand Laced Rawhide lamp shades For Beautiful Western Decor & Rustic Atmosphere" »

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September 30, 2007

Characteristics of Good Rawhide Lamp Shades

Several years ago we began making rawhide lamp shades and selling them on the internet.  Since those early days we have learned a lot about rawhide lampshades and have had the opportunity to help others also understand rawhide.  There are reasons why it is sometimes loose or tight.  And then, there is the care.  What is best to condition rawhide shades; and how do you do it?  After all, you want to protect your investments in rustic lamps, lighting and home furnishings. 

When it is time to start that Arizona room project or bring in the western flavor to your space, it will be rawhide lamp shades that you will want because of their rustic design and functionality.  Since shades made of leather and rawhide are also available in colors, they are one of the easiest ways to set the rustic decor of your room.

In choosing a rawhide lamp shade you want to use only lamp shades made with goat skin rawhide.  It is goatskin that has the unique stretching qualities and translucency that make them the lampshade of choice.  You will also want to insure that craftsman used heavy metal frames.  The reason for this is that rawhide contracts or tightens in times of heat and dryness.  It can be so strong that it will cause a regular frame to bend.

There are a few things to consider when your rawhide shade arrives.  As mentioned, rawhide tightens when heated or dried.  It also expands or loosens when humidity is present making the environment of the shade is very important.  When your shade arrives, it may appear to have loose hide or there may be ripples in the hide.  This is normal as the shipping experience can be one that is very humid.  It may have been routed through a thunderstorm or humid warehouse.  The packaging will retain the humidity and cause the hide to loosen.  But once it is put into service the heat from the bulb and air will quickly tighten it.

This brings us to the other extreme, over heating.  Because heat causes the rawhide to tighten it is possible to overheat the hide causing it to split.  While this is a natural reaction to environment, there are a few things that you can do.  Don’t use a regular incandescent bulb which creates excessive heat.  Instead use a compact fluorescent bulb for the same wattage of light with a fraction of the heat.  Avoid placing the shade in direct sunlight of the heat radiated by the sun through a window.  And in the winter, be careful of heat ducts and very dry rooms.  Many people don’t realize that air conditioning can also dry the air in a room too.  And probably one of the biggest mistakes is to leave the shades in a closed up room.  When closing a cabin or summer cottage you can create a hot, dry environment.

Caring for rawhide lamp shades is easy.  A little common sense goes a long way, but even with the best of care rawhide will wear out because of the constant expanding and contracting.  You can help increase the life of rawhide lampshades with regular conditioning.  People have tried many different ideas to extend the life of shades.  Some people spray the shades with a coat of clear poly urethane to seal the pores and lock the rawhide in place.  This does seem to work but the polyurethane has a very strong odor and also may be flammable.  Others have used a variety of creams, lotions and oils.  Because rawhide although not tanned is animal skin, it can be helped and hurt by the same types of things that affect our own skin. 

From our experience, the best course of action to for rawhide lamp shade care is to condition regularly with neatsfoot oil.  It seems to have unique qualities unlike other oils.  Along with the use of fluorescent bulbs this can dramatically affect the life of the shade in a positive way.

The interval between conditioning varies according to use and environment.  Arizona and Colorado seem to need conditioning more frequently, but anytime the shade becomes dried out it should be conditioned.  It would be nice to be able to say once a month or every six months but it is better to check the shade and regularly condition it.  If you keep these thoughts in mind when planning your southwestern style room or western design you will get the most out of your rawhide lamp shades.

learn more at the Mission Del Rey website 

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September 17, 2007

Rawhide Lamp Shades & Southwest Rugs In Rustic Decor

Because you want your southwest home decor to be interesting as well as beautiful, make your rooms say something.  Give them life with rawhide lamp shades, Native American style baskets and pottery or southwest rugs.  Keep all ornamentation or rustic accessories subservient to the lines that your room naturally creates.

Try to imagine how you want each room to look when completed.  For example, light or dark rawhide shades on rustic lamps can make a dramatic impression.  Get the picture well in your mind, as a painter would.  Use the colors of hand woven area rugs and floor runner rugs in traditional southwestern patterns.    Try to think out the main features, for the details all depend upon these and will quickly suggest themselves to you. This is, in the long run, the quickest and the most economical method of furnishing and will keep you from constantly readjusting.

However, there is a theory that no room can be created all at once, that it must grow gradually. In a sense this is a fact, so far as it refers to the amateur decorator. The professional designer is always occupied with creating and recreating rooms and can instantly summon to mind complete schemes of wrought iron, rawhide and southwest rugs or wall hangings for interior design. The amateur can also learn to mentally furnish rooms. It is a fascinating pastime when you get the knack of it.

Beautiful cowboy or Indian accessories can be obtained for a minimal price, if you have established a feeling for line and color. If you are a lover of the beautiful rustic and country style but were not born with this art instinct, you can quickly acquire it. A decorator can create or rearranges one room, and then you can do the next, alone, or with assistance.  In a very short time you will have spread your wings mastering the art of southwest decor, working out legitimate rustic interior design, teeming you’re your individuality.

When you observe the results, you will be pleased and may ask yourself why you like it. This is the birth of good taste. Next, you should always be willing to experiment, makes mistakes, rights them, and takes up another challenge.  In this way you will grow your skill at interior decorating southwestern style and the development your knowledge of rustic home furnishings, rustic furniture and the fundamentals of western ranch, lodge and cabin elements.  

Here is a tip to get you started.  The more rustic accessories of natural materials you group together in a space the better the whole theme ties together.  Try earthen pottery, wooden bowls and kiva ladders along with Indian drums and woven baskets.  Use lamps made of wrought iron, pottery, wood or even antler lamps and rustic leather or rawhide lampshades.  Then use your theme colors in your southwest rugs even if you have carpeting.

Your progress will be rapid and certain in this fascinating study of rustic southwestern decorating, if a few of the laws underlying all successful rustic interior decorating and design are kept in mind.

These are:
HARMONY  in line and color scheme;

SIMPLICITY  in decoration and the number of objects in a room, which is to be dictated by the usefulness of each object and insistence upon

SPACES which, like rests in music, have as much value as the objects dispersed about the room.  Open space can be a welcome relief in your room.

Treat your rooms like a western still life or southwestern art.  See to it that each group, such as a table, sofa, and one or two chairs make a "composition," suggesting the comfort of lodge style as well as the beauty of southwestern homes, adobe or a western ranch setting. Never have an isolated chair, unless it is placed against the wall, as part of the scheme of your home decor.

Rustic decor is a lot of fun and as well as being developed from an empty space can be achieved with existing furnishings by the addition of rustic home accessories.  We cannot emphasize enough the wonderful impact that hand laced rawhide lamp shades and hand woven southwest rugs will make and they work equally well with country style.  Use these simple tips and you will find that you love to decorate with southwest style and also bring the old west into your rustic, country home ideas by using beautiful southwest decor.

Visit the Mission Del Rey Southwest for more information. 

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