Unique Gifts Are Great for Any Occasion

Unique gifts are a great option to give for any occasion.  Are you searching for the perfect birthday or anniversary gift?  If so then get one that will be remembered forever.  Any holiday special occasion is an excellent time to shop for unusual and out of the ordinary items that show the recipient how much they mean to you.   

For a woman, there a beautiful keepsake box will be a remembrance every time she sees it on her dresser. 

For a man a bronze statue of an eagle is something that will be treasured.

Visit us at www.uniquegiftsanddecor.com for hundreds of unique gifts. 

Enhance Your Home Decor With Antique Phones

When trying to create a vintage look, decorating with antique phones is an unusual way to enhance you décor.

The telephone has gone through many changes throughout the years and you can’t find the old but elegant phones of the past in your local retail store. Antique phones represent a time when things were simpler and easier.

Vintage phones are a great way to enhance your home décor.  There are many different designs to choose from so, you can find something for every room.  Some have the look of royalty while others have a classical design but they all create a certain type of atmosphere that nothing else can.  You can find old Bakelite phones and even vintage payphones.

You can buy both originals and reproductions that look just like the originals. With so many designs available, it’s easy to find something that suits the décor throughout your home. 

Using antique phones to decorate your home will help you stay in touch with the past in an elegant and unusual way. They can be used to dress up your office as well as your home.  However, they’re not just for show. Many of them actually work as well as contemporary phones.  Vintagephones serve a useful purpose while creating a conversational piece among friends and family.

Decorative Urns and Vases for Indoor Decor

Urns (non-funeral) and vases have been used for thousands of years according to archeological discoveries, and their functional and decorative use today is still as popular. The use of decorative urns and vases shouldn’t be overlooked when looking for inspiration for a gift or decorative item.

From a tiny vase to display a miniature rosebud from the garden to a large urn complete with an intricately designed stand, pieces of art are crafted to reflect history, whimsy and function. This makes the pieces a natural choice for many who are trying to include beautiful unique accessories into their home decor.

Smaller pieces can be displayed in matched pairs. A collection of styles, shapes and sizes can be mixed and matched to reflect the interests of the entire family. The versatility of the vessels allows for functions limited only by the imagination of the owner.

Replicas of vases and urns from various points in history of cultures throughout the world can easily be found in natural or elaborately detailed painted finishes to establish the backbone of a room’s décor.  Smaller sized pieces can serve as accessories to carry on the decorative theme in the choice of shape, color or texture.

Display cut flowers or living plants and trees in a piece of art on the mantle, entry table or bookcase in an appropriately sized vase or urn.  Use larger pieces alongside the entry door to change even an umbrella storage space into a decorative display.  Some vases are made to hang on a wall and look beautiful when this is done.

Vases and urns are versatile – they can hide a collection of pet toys when they are not in use as well as serving as the centerpiece of a celebration dinner.  This versatility makes decorative urns and vases great gift ideas.

Check out are collection of unique urns and vases at www.uniquegiftsanddecor.com.

Home Décor Products and Gifts that are Eco Friendly

We are pleased to announce that we are now carrying a line of home décor products and gifts that are environmentally friendly.

These products are made of CompoClay™ which is a revolutionary new material that is made of organic components.  CompoClay ™ is composed of minerals from the earth's crust, sea salt, sand and water.  It also contains fly-ash which is a byproduct of burning coal so it recycles this.

CompoClay has been tested and developed for over six years.  The testing statistics are extensive and too much to post here.  The bottom line is that, unlike most materials used for manufacturing, it is free of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions and is non-flammable and weather-resistant.  

Right now the CompoClay™ home décor products that we carry are statues, mirrors, Japanese Lanterns, pots and planters and wall hangings.  CompoClay™ will be expanding its product offerings and we will be adding these new products as they become available.

Not only is CompoClay eco friendly, but it is versatile.  As you look at their products you will see that they are indistinguishable from wood, metal, stone and pottery.

These products will make great unique gifts.

Gnomes and Fairy Statuary Lend a Bit of Whimsy to Your Home Decor

Gnomes and fairies are mythical, magical beings and as such, can lend touch of magic to your landscaping.  If you are looking for a way to add a bit of fun to your outdoor world, a gnome or fairy (or both) might be just the ticket you are looking for.

Garden Accents

Winged fairies look quite at home in a flower garden.  One naturally expects to find winged creatures such as birds and insects, in a garden.  Imagine the delight of visitors who spy the wings of something amongst your flower beds and investigate only to discover a whimsical fairy making her home among the blooms. 

Depending on the style, pose and size of the fairy, they add a certain charm to the edges of pools, fountains and waterfalls. The little creatures appear to have stopped to admire the water and remind you to do the same.

Lawn Statuary

Lawn gnomes have been around for generations.  Still popular today, they come in a wider variety of shapes, sizes and poses.  If you’re not sure what gnomes are, envision figures reminiscent of Snow White’s dwarves.  They are brightly colored and generally stand about 1 to 2 feet tall.  They make entertaining companions for trees, shrubs, patios and all but the most formal gardens.  You can expect to pay between $30 and $75 for most pieces, a little more for larger or more elaborate designs. There are even garden gnomes that can be suspended from tree branches. What a playful touch they add to the scenery.

Fairies and gnomes also make great unique gifts.

Decorative Clocks Do More Than Tell Time

Clocks can do so much more that serve as timepieces. As beautiful as they are functional, a decorative clock can add an element of intrigue to the design of any room, making them the perfect choice for the element that pulls the décor of the room together.

Throughout the centuries people have used clocks as decorative items in the home as well as pieces to serve a function.  Many clocks emphasize the artistic element more so than the timekeeping element.  An Art Nouveau clock featuring a sculpture of a swan and a woman is a perfect example. 

Clocks are also a popular collector’s item.  Available in different shapes and sizes, decorative clocks can be placed on an entry table or a wall shelf there are mantle clocks or mantles and wall clocks to hang on a wall.  A large free standing clock can easily become the main focal point of the room while smaller accessories continue on with the theme set by the timepiece. 

Small carriage clock on the end table or even a replica of a functional train station wall clock can serve to express your tastes and interests. 

Decorative clocks are very popular as gift choices.  Since they come in all sizes, shapes and styles, it is easy to find a clock that will add the right element to any room or office. Maybe you know someone who would like a gothic clock. 

Whether you choose an electric clock, windup clock, battery operated clock or pendulum clock, a quality, precision timepiece can be a piece of art or a simple functional home accessory.  And if you really want to get back to the basics you can always get a decorative hourglass.

For a great selection of decorative clocks and other unique home décor products visit us at

www.uniquegiftsanddecor.com

Using Decorative Office Accessories

Work is the main focus of many people so the office becomes a home.  Creativity and inspiration is needed to do a job well.  There is no reason why an office has to be boring.  Just as home décor is planned to make the areas inviting and relaxing, decorative office décor can make your work area an attractive and inspiring place to spend the major part of the work day.

Office accessories can be purely functional.  Book ends, desk clocks and lamps don’t have to be boring to get the job done.  Using decorative accessories that bring creativity and inspiration to the tasks on hand make productivity seem less like drudge work.

Decorative office accessories that reflect your lifestyle and personality allow a visitor or client to view you as more personable as they get a glimpse of the real you. For example you can show your bold side with gothic desk accessories.  Accessories that reflect your hobbies can form a bond, especially if the visitor shares the interest.  Without the accessory being displayed, the shared connection may never have been discovered.

If you are looking for gift ideas for a friend of colleague, consider office accessories.  There is always something that will be truly appreciated.

Add the Protection of a Gargoyle to Your Home

Gargoyles were originally added to buildings as a way to drain water from roof tops and it is common knowledge that these mythological creatures come in many shapes and forms.  It did not take long for the myth of them to grow into proportions that included warding off demons and offering the home or building they were placed on good luck.  There are those who collect these creatures in all forms for this reason. 

Those who love gargoyles typically look for the smaller variety that sit on a shelf or that can be placed in the garden.  There are so many different uses for these mythological creatures that one’s entire home can be decorated with them.  No matter which room you choose to put one in, or even if you choose to put one on the top of the house, a gargoyle can bring you protection if you believe it to be so.

One unique gargoyle is a table sized one with a glass top.  These make great conversation pieces in any room of the home.  Or put it in the yard and have a comforting place to eat breakfast or to sip a cup of tea after work.  Wall mounted gargoyles can be hung in any room of the home and also look great on an outside wall.  Maybe you have a gargoyle loving friend who would appreciate one as a gift.

There are no limits to the places where you can put your favorite gargoyles but do not forget the one on your roof if you want real protection!

For more information about gargoyles and other unique home décor products please visit us at www.uniquegiftsanddecor.com

Weathervanes – More than Decor

With satellites, computers and other monitoring equipment, weather forecasts are just a click away.  But not so long ago, people relied on weathervanes or wind vanes to give them information about the weather.  Perfectly balanced and with equal surface mass on each side for wind to make contact with, the portion of the vane with the smallest surface mass would turn into the wind.

Weathervanes date back more than 3500 years as described by writings from Mesopotamia.  The ancient Greeks, Romans and even Vikings used some form of them and in some cases; they were purely adornment, like many weathervanes installed today.

Weathervanes today are primarily decorative decor.   Once they were singularly adorned with a rooster or cockerel to remind Christians of Peter’s betrayal of Christ before the cock crowed thrice, they are now available with all sorts of motifs.  Every sort of animal, from the real to the mythical and even representations of hobbies such as sailing can now be found on weathervanes.

If your outdoor decor leans more toward the medieval, then a dragon could easily top the highest point of your home.  Prefer something a little more down to earth?  Horses, eagles and the familiar rooster are common choices.  For those with a spiritual inclination, an angel weathervane can stand watch over your home.  Even supernatural beings such as witches and vampires can adorn rooftops today.

Weathervanes are meant to sit atop the highest point, unobstructed by other tall elements that could interfere with the flow of wind.  This could be the highest peak of your roof or the top of a flagpole.  Once mounted, a weathervane can delight and amuse for years to come.  Consider a weather vane as part of your home decorating ideas. 

For more unique decorating ideas visit us at www.uniquegiftsanddecor.com

Using Bookends in Your Decorating Scheme and as Gifts

It doesn’t matter what sort of decorating scheme you choose, from Victorian to modern, there are fabulous bookends that will accent your décor and provide a unique touch to any room.  The great thing about bookends is that you don’t have to be a book lover or even a book collector to use them for decorating.  You can simply display the bookends as matched pairs anywhere you have the space.  So while they have a function, they can also just be a piece of décor for your room.

Bookends are available in nearly any style, shape and design you can imagine.  They are also made age-appropriate, so if you are decorating a child’s room you don’t have to have stuffy, posh, sophisticated bookends. You can find book ends that will fit in with the decor in a child’s room.  You’ll also find bookend sets that are appropriate for teens and young adults, which are more mature but still not on the too elegant side for their age.   For example animal bookends will work nicely.

For more formal settings and décor you may want to look at a variety of bookends before deciding on a set.  Also if you have a display area such as a mantle you may want to have a few sets with just a book or two between them.  In smaller areas a single scroll bookend can add a decorative touch.   

Many fans of bookends collect different styles and designs to be used as décor throughout the home. Bookends lend a sophisticated and polished air to nearly any decorating scheme.  They also make great gifts.  They are unique gifts simply because most people do not think of them when gift shopping.

For more on bookens please visit us at http://www.uniquegiftsanddecor.com/

Unique Wall Art Ideas

You’re probably not the type of person who likes to walk into another home and find same wall grouping that you display in your family room. But, if you purchase your wall décor in groupings that are mass marketed in sets, the chances are good that it will happen to you.

Wall décor doesn’t have to be limited to framed pictures and paintings or shelf displays. A three dimensional wall sculpture brings interest, color and texture into your home.  There is a wide selection of unique wall sculptures that can be found online.  With so many options, a wall sculpture that is unique to your interests and that also fit it with the overall theme of your décor will be easily found if you keep your eyes open as you browse.

Mirrors reflect more than what is placed opposite of them. They make great decorative wall art.  Frames and insets bring a unique interest to the wall they are displayed on, as well as giving the illusion of more space and light to the room.

An often overlooked element of wall décor is stained glass.  Stained glass is not just for windows and lampshades.  Hand crafted stained glass panels can be hung on any wall and will make an area uniquely yours.   

For a unique selection of Wall Art visit http://www.uniquegiftsanddecor.com/.

Garden Décor

Outdoor décor can make a bold statement or be used as a delightful element of surprise. Flowers and foliage make for beautiful garden areas, but the items that are not obvious at first glance can give it a touch that is uniquely yours. Hide whimsical or artistic ornaments and garden statues amongst the plants of the garden to invoke a feeling of mystery.

Walls and fences can also be used to transform your back yard haven into a personalized space. Unusual window boxes or hanging sculptures can easily transform a boring flat surface into a visually attractive focal point.

For a great selection of unique outdoor decor visit http://www.uniquegiftsanddecor.com/

Unique Gifts for Valentine's Day

Flowers and candy are traditional Valentine's Day gifts. How about trying something more lasting – romantic statues.

Romantic statues communicate how you feel about someone a lot better than flowers or chocolates can. They are three dimensional representations of your love.

Here are two that merit discussion:

1. Swept Away is a beautiful piece by Carlo Bronti. Although it is made out of high quality designer resin it appears to be shaped from crystals. The love of the male and female is unmistakable.

2. The Embrace is an erotic statue by Kaleb Martyn. Just seeing it tells you all.

Both statues are affordable and are a lasting remembrance of love. Much more lasting than traditional Valentine's Day fare.

Visit us at at Unique Gifts and Décor where you will also find great home decor and gifts ideas.

Quick Tips for Outdoor Wall Décor

One way to enhance the appearance of your outdoor décor is to focus on your outdoor walls.  Here are a few ideas:

1.  Put metal window boxes beneath your windows and fill them with flowers or plants.

2.  Become a fan of Greenmen.  No this isn't some rival to the Blue Man Group.  Greenmen is a centuries old art style first used in churches.   The best way to describe it is that it is a sculpture of a face surrounded by leaves, branches or vines.  Rather than describing it, it is easier to look at the pictures.  These things may be an acquired taste but they really are unique décor.

3.  Attach a large address marker to an outdoor wall personalized with your address.  Or if you prefer, get a lawn stake and display it in your front yard. 

4.  Get a weathervane.  This may sound odd, but weathervanes aren't just for farms anymore.  They are beautifully sculpted pieces of art.

5.  Go for broke – Get a dragon or gargoyle wall hanging.  They lay flat so that they look like they are crawling up your house.

For more outdoor and indoor decor ideas visit us at www.uniquegiftsanddecor.com

The Uniqueness of Egyptian Art

Egyptian art is a truly unique art form.  There are people who have devoted their lives to the recovery, preservation and interpretation of it.  The uniqueness of this art is best explained by the fact that the Egyptians did not strive for realistic depictions.  Rather, they wanted to present powerful images.  Egyptian art was used as an expression of social order.  For example, important people were painted larger than others and the gods were depicted as larger than life.

We are pleased to offer authentic replicas of ancient Egyptian statues and other home decor items that reflect this incredible style.   

View our collection at http://uniquegiftsanddecor.com/

Resin Statues

Many of our indoor and outdoor statues and sculptures are made of designer resin - so what is that? 

Resin is a synthetic polymer material. It has the appearance of metal and the feel of wood. It is much lighter in weight than concrete or stone.

The big advantage of resin over other materials used for statues and sculptures such as concrete, metal, porcelain or ceramic is that, when poured as a liquid into a mold, it takes on any shape in amazing detail.  The results that are produced are so great that higher quality statues of animals and children which require fine detailing are often made of resin.

Sometimes resin costs more than concrete or stone, but since it is much lighter, in the end the entire product can cost less because of lower shipping costs.  And, as stated, neither concrete nor stone can provide the same level of detail.

Resin is very durable which is why it is used for outdoor statues and sculptures.  However, like most other materials prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold can damage it.

Look at the difference in detail between the resin gorilla at the upper left and the porcelain gorilla at bottom right.

You can see the fine detail of durable resin in a number of our statues, clocks and illuminated sculptures.

If you want something lasting or if you want to give someone a lasting gift, a resin product is the way to go.  Check out more of our statues and sculptures at http://uniquegiftsanddecor.com/index.html