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