Arts and Crafts style furniture dates back to the early 1900s, when the artistic movement of the same name was taking place. This period of time arrived right after the Victorian days and was a welcome transition from the intricate, frivolous designs of the day to a more clean, efficient style. The furniture made during this time was perhaps the most famous offering of this movement and is still in great demand to this day. You will commonly hear Arts and Crafts style called Mission style, although no one really knows why.
Some experts will tell you that the name Mission style comes from the fact that the furniture performed a specific function or mission. Other experts will tell you that the style was inspired by the design of actual missions in California. The man who many deem the father of this movement, Gustav Stickley, called the furniture and homes Craftsman style.
Lighting is an important part of any home. Everyone needs lighting, however the lighting you choose is a matter of personal preference. Lamps have served as not only functional items but also artistic creations for many years. Arts and crafts lighting is one of the most popular styles for homes, especially if the interior or exterior of the home is also designed in this style. Also called Mission and/or Craftsman style, Arts and Crafts is a design movement created in the early 1900s at the tail end of the Victorian era.
The characteristics of this style include clean, straight lines and geometric designs. Ornamentation is kept to a minimum and the focus is on function rather than form, although you will find the pieces made in this style are still quite eye-catching. Natural materials, especially wood and wrought iron, are used abundantly in Mission style homes. Woods are kept dark and paint colors are often dark and warm in tone as well.
The colonial times were one of the most fascinating and important in American history. Colonial arts and crafts serve as a creative reminder of this exciting time. Many antique and art enthusiasts enjoy collecting colonial arts and crafts, or at least reproductions of them. If you’re a parent, it’s likely your child has or will bring home some of their own artistic reproductions of creative work done during this historical time period. Whether you’re a serious antiques collector or just want a little something to accent your home, colonial style pieces are a perfect choice.
There are a variety of crafts from which you can choose. Silver smithing, needlepoint, wood carving and glass making are examples of commonly practiced artistic trades during colonial times. Colonial silversmiths created gorgeous vases, bowls, utensils and coins, while wood carvers and furniture makers crafted everything from tables to bed frames to childrens’ toys.
The Arts and Crafts movement influenced not only art, but home design as well. Also known as the Mission style, the Arts and Crafts style home features an abundance of natural materials with an emphasis on quality dark woods like cherry and oak. Other materials often featured in this style of home include metal, glass and fabric. Patterns are often geometric and colors warm, as if baked by the sun. An Arts and Crafts bronze sculpture is the ideal way to add interest to any room of a Mission style home.
Sculpture is the perfect accent because it can be strategically placed to spice up any area. Bronze is an ideal material for sculpture as it is beautiful and durable. This is why it is one of the very oldest types of metal sculpture and remains popular to this day. Bronze takes on a gorgeous patina over the years, making each piece more distinct as time goes by.
Arts and Crafts rugs come from the movement of the same name which experienced its peak in the early 20th century. The focus during this time was on natural materials like wood, metal, glass and textiles. Shapes were geometric and lines clean. You may hear the Arts and Crafts style referred to as Mission style. Authentic rugs from this time period are often hand hooked and feature patterns of fruits and florals. Many of them are done in earthy, warm tones which are a characteristic of this decor style.
Of course, not everyone is going to want an actual antique rug from the early 1900s. The ones that are in good shape are certainly going to be very expensive. A better choice is to choose a reproduction. Reproductions are designed to look and feel exactly like the original rugs they are designed to resemble. Your rug will look like a priceless antique but will be in brand new condition. Reproductions can range in price from cheap to expensive.
The Southwest United States is an area rich with culture and heritage. From this region we get so many delights, from spicy Tex-Mex food to turquoise jewelry. Southwest arts and crafts are probably what this area is best known for, however. For ages, artists and crafters have been creating beautiful handmade pieces that let you take a bit of desert magic home with you. There are certainly many different pieces to choose from.
For example, a hand sculpted terra cotta vase filled with blossoms, grasses or even a cactus makes a beautiful accent on any shelf or table. Terra cotta is also sometimes used to sculpt figurines, such as those of Native Americans or animals. Many people choose a Southwest design for their homes. Think textured walls, lots of wood and warm, earthy colors contrasted with touches of silver and turquoise blue. Geometric patterns like squares and triangles are commonly seen in this style of home decor.
The Arts and Crafts movement is often also called the Mission style period of exterior and interior design. This movement, at least as far as homes were concerned, featured lots of dark woods and geometric patterns. Many people think of this style as somewhat minimalist. However, you might be surprised to learn that this style was often combined with the Victorian style of decorating for a tasteful marriage of simplicity and beauty. Both periods happened around the same time, so this was a reasonable thing to do. Nowhere is this more evident than in Arts and Crafts wallpaper.
With the Mission style of decor, textured walls in an earthy tone are common. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up the idea of wallpaper. Wallpaper of the time period featured incredible images of the famous Morris flowers which included daisies and marigolds.
Arts and Crafts furniture making is a hobby undertaken by many amateur woodworkers. The Arts and Crafts movement happened between the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is also commonly called Mission or Craftsman style. The term Mission is likely the most recognizable to describe this type of furniture design. Some think Mission got its name from the fact that the furniture was functional, while others think the style was derived from actual missions in the state of California. Either way, this style remains one of the most beloved for homes and furniture.
This furniture style focuses on natural materials and clean, functional lines. You certainly won’t see lots of intricate ornamental carvings on these pieces. Geometric shapes are big in this design style. Functional adornments are often crafted from hammered metal or wrought iron. Art glass is another commonly used material you will see in the Mission style home.
The Arts and Crafts style, also sometimes known as Mission style, was a popular architectural and decorative style of the early 1900s. This movement overlapped the end of the Victorian Age and welcomed a more simple, efficient style. Shapes and lines were geometric and clean, and homes were substantially smaller than their Victorian ancestors. There was no need for large ballrooms, servants quarters or massive kitchens anymore. Families on a budget desired more efficient and affordable homes. These days, many people use Arts and Crafts old floor plans to design their new homes.
The exterior of the average Arts and Crafts home features low gable style roofs which have decorative beams underneath. Eave overhangs provide more protection from rain and snow while adding visual interest. Stucco and brick were commonly used building materials for homes during this time period. Many families today find the need to modify the old floor plans to suit their needs.
Winter arts and crafts are a great way to celebrate the season. There are plenty of fun crafts that children and adults can enjoy. Being creative together is a great way to bring parents and their kids closer. One of the most simple yet most rewarding crafts to make during the wintertime is a wreath. Wreaths are ideal because they allow plenty of room for creativity and can be displayed throughout the season. Not only that, but it is easy to find lots of materials for wreath making at your local craft store.
You will need the wreath base, which is simply a plain wreath woven from twigs. Depending on what kind of finished product you want, you may want to go for a foam wreath in a ring shape. Wreaths come in a variety of different sizes from small to large. There are lots of creative ways to dress up your wreath. For example, try covering your wreath with colorful holiday candies. This can be achieved using a hot glue gun.