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June 25, 2010 on 4:53 pm
 Southweste Aspen Log Lamps A southwest aspen log lamp lets you bring an authentic piece of the Old West into your living room, bedroom, or dining room. They are constructed of a carefully selected, unique piece of wood from a tree that grew in the shadow of the Rockies. The rustic, natural charm of a lamp made from this wood is only enhanced by the extra details that many craftsmen and women add to their creations. Details are included that speak of their love for the American southwest and the vibrant, unique culture of that corner of the globe. Creating items of both beauty and utility for your home, aspen log lamps make wonderful use of southwestern wood. To give a living, yet rustic look to the light, the talented artisans select unusual pieces of wood with interesting bends, knots and branches. Log sections are chosen that will produce a stable and sturdy lamp. The smooth beauty of the wood is revealed when the bark is removed. Next, a process of polishing and finishing is applied to ensure that your lamp not only looks elegant and rugged but will last for many years of use and display. These unique lamps are constructed in various shapes and sizes and will fit right at home in your southwest theme. Along with larger aspen log floor lamps, are smaller aspen lamps that can sit on your nightstand or end table. For greater stability, all feature a base made of aspen wood and may also include different decorative flourishes. Some artisans may mount a deer antler on the base to evoke the spirit of the southwest even more strongly, while others add shelves or other practical details to make your aspen log lamp a convenience as well as a light source. A warm and light colored wood, aspen wood lamps fit into most decorating styles and themes. It is unique to understand that since each piece of aspen wood is different, no two log lamps will ever look alike. One of the things you can look forward to when using a southwestern aspen wood lamp in your home, is finding one with a shape that fits into your design. A good way to bring even more southwestern charm to your interior decor is by combining an aspen log lamp with a rawhide lampshade. These two textures compliment each other and create a connection to the southwest that is unmistakable in any setting. Leather lampshades are also available, bringing to mind, images of hunters in buckskins, swift Native American archers galloping alongside mighty herds of buffalo, and the untouched wilderness of the early American west.
June 25, 2010 on 4:27 pm
 Native American Tomahawks Native American tomahawks are very popular because of their iconic look. There are also a lot of designs to choose from. There is much to learn as we understand the great importance of the tomahawk throughout history. We’ll learn how it is made, its importance to the Indians and the changes it has undergone throughout the years. When you think of Native American movies, one of the most prevailing and memorable items used in combat is the tomahawk. They look as though they do not have much use in today’s modern age, however, the tomahawk is used as a decorative and conversation piece, providing hours of intellectual analysis. The Native American tomahawk was a weapon used by the Native Americans for warfare. Those who used the hatchet most were the tribal Indian people. The name of this Indian weapon, tomahawk, came from an Algonquian word. The original look of the Native tomahawk was a stone head secured to a wooden handle with leather. The tomahawk could also have been made with the wooden handle secured in a bored hole on the stone. There were other kinds of tomahawks made when the Europeans infiltrated the New World. They were made with metal, such as the hatchet we know today. They were known as trade tomahawks. The initial use of Native American tomahawks was for hand to hand combat. It was also used as a mid or long range weapon when hurled at the enemy. The tomahawk was also used for ceremonial purposes just as many other pieces of artifacts. It was a custom for the tomahawk to be placed on the ground during important council meetings. It meant war will commence and it was approved, when a leader took the tomahawk from the ground. It meant that the warfare had ended if the tomahawk was buried. The well known phrase, “bury the hatchet,” came from this. Aside from its social and historical context, the allure of the tomahawk today rests upon the ornate and impeccable detailing on the handles as well as on the base of the stone weapon. Many crafters now make tomahawks with ornate details and beautiful coverings like leather work and embellished with pieces of fur. The result is a beautiful piece of art which can be used as wall decor. For those who want to add to their historical pieces of cultural Indian artifacts, these very unique Native American tomahawks have become a great item. The tomahawk becomes a special gift today from a Native American to a person of importance during a tribal meeting.
June 25, 2010 on 12:15 am
What type of fabrics and textiles should you choose for your room when decorating in a southwestern style? Wool and cotton are two popular options for this style of decorating. You will generally see a variety of different patterns in these fabrics and textiles. This is due to the fact that southwest style decorating is heavily influenced by many different cultures including Spanish, Mexican and Native American. As a result, you are likely to see a host of different geometric patterns and textures. Predominant colors include tones that can be found in the desert landscape, such as spruce green, desert sand, butte red and sunset orange. Off-white and beige can also be commonly found among southwestern color combinations as well. Bright colors such as reds, yellows, oranges and greens are often cheerful choices. While wool and cotton are predominant fabric choices, they are commonly mixed with other textiles such as leather and hide. These fabric and color choices are best displayed in the use of accent pieces such as rugs and pillows. Mixing and matching these vivid colors will bring life to your room and offer a theme that is both inviting and original.
June 19, 2010 on 8:18 am
 Native American Knives For many people, a knife is just a mundane item that is used for cutting or slicing. But to the Native American Indians, knives held a more significant role and purpose. Native American men have developed their skills not only as a hunter but also as a fighter throughout the years. Their activities required weapons. The use of a knife has always been an essential part of their everyday lives. These cultural icons have been made throughout many generations as well as other kinds of weapons. It is interesting to note that most Native American knives have decorated handles. They are much different than any other store bought knife. Imagine a knife handle made of carefully fitted deer bone, antlers or even a deer foot. Different kind of leather, furs and beads or traditional quillwork add a touch of beauty to these knives. The blades themselves are very interesting. To produce an overall rustic design, the metals are cut in unique forms. At one time, Native American knives were used as throwing knives for attacking during battle. As interesting as it sounds, warfare for Native Americans was not focused on physical aspects or the number of casualties, but more importantly, the spiritual experience that could be gained. Native Americans do have a great sense of affinity and connection to the environment. They used these resources as part of their weaponry like a blessing from the Great Spirit. Their knives are made to function, but at the same time, they are constructed with the idea of being closer to nature and harnessing the spiritual essence around them. As an unusual artistic artifact, these knives are commonly sought after. From the base of the handle to the tip of the blade, they are awesome pieces to include in your collection. The handles are very unique and the blades show their unique craftsmanship. For those who are really passionate about Native American weaponry and craftsmanship, these knives would be a good part of your collection. There are many who collect knives during their entire adult lifetime. These are passed down to their son and grandson many times. For those who want to collect cultural artifacts, the Native American knife will provide you with a lot of inspiration, as well as appreciation for the historical culture and rustic art of the Native Americans.
June 19, 2010 on 8:03 am
 Southwest Antler Lamps Many a bold explorer, just as the wild wanderer through the plains and deserts, has been sustained in a moment of need by the lucky find of a white tail deer. It is only fitting that this noble animal should be commemorated in your home décor with a southwest antler lamp. An antler lamp is redolent of the American west, and fits in with many different designs of southwestern decoration. Whether subdued or bold, focused on the brash exploits of cowboys or the nature attuned lives of Native Americans, your home’s southwestern look will be completed with one of these interesting lighting fixtures. A lamp made of antlers is normally small in size and placed on a table. It is constructed of antlers and secured together to form a type of base. Some of the first things we think of when we consider the southwest are its outstanding natural wonder. These include sandstone buttes and mesas, to the desert scenery of saguaros and cholla cactus as well as the wide expanses of grassland to the winding silver rivers and pine clad foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Both animate and inanimate items of nature fit well with southwestern decor and lamps made of antlers are no exception. Many lamp makers use various types of antlers. The antlers of the White Tail Deer are found most often since they are the most common deer in the country. The distinctive antlers of the southwestern Mule Deer are used in making unique lamps. Spectacular elk antler lamps are also available, making use of the huge, graceful antlers of these noble animals. They make a larger than average lamp that is sure to be a conversation piece. Even though the moose is not an animal from the southwest, some antler lamps are made of moose antlers. It’s nice to know that a deer has not been harmed in the construction of these antler lamps as the shedding process is a natural occurrence. All antlers are slightly different, and they bleach to different colors depending on how long they remain on the ground before they are found. Depending on the condition where they were shed, can also make a difference. This ensures that every antler lamp is different. Both man and nature is involved in creating these wonderful and unique natural sculptures. A nice southwestern touch is to use a rawhide or painted leather lampshade on your antler lamp. Both types of lampshade will look amazing with an antler lamp and will add beauty and a sort of ruggedness to your home. With an antler lamp adorned with a rawhide lampshade in your living room or at your bedside, you will feel that you have brought a genuine piece of the old west into your own snug cabin.
June 18, 2010 on 5:18 pm
When decorating a southwestern style room, consider how the room will function. Many living areas can serve different functions. For example, the living room may serve as an entertainment area or it might serve as a relaxing space for just the family. Considering the function of the room will help you to choose just the right southwestern style furniture to meet your needs. If you like to entertain, you might want southwestern style furniture that is easy to clean and floors of tile that can easily take spills. On the other hand, if the function of the room is to be more for the family to relax, then soft, cushy southwestern style furniture and plenty of southwest woven rugs for comfort, would be more suitable. In either case, southwestern decorating is a perfect style for any mood or function, from formal to casual.
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