Ed’s Western Decor

Let’s face it, the same tired old round and square mirrors, even with intricate borders, are a little boring.  For people who want something a little different to hang above their dresser, vanity, or sink, consider etched glass mirrors.  The etchings on these mirrors can feature scenes from the outdoors, contemporary artwork, or even wildlife.  Etched glass mirrors make a superb addition to any home, and you and your guests will be sure to appreciate these unique pieces of art.  Some of us might remember being given a mirror from our parents or grandparents, and an etched glass mirror is just the piece to pass down to the next generation.  Every etched glass mirror is unique, and celebrating the unique aspects of each piece make the mirror special.

You can find etched glass mirrors online or from specialty retailers of housewares.  In addition, caring for these spectacular mirrors is as simple as caring for a standard mirror; it can be wiped off with a rag and all the standard glass and window cleaners have the same effect, and don’t damage the etching!

Some of my favorite times were spent together with friends and their families at the County Rodeo.  Good, wholesome, Western Shows still take place as an active participation in the Cowboy’s Western Lifestyle.   FUN is a keyword at any Cowboy Rodeo, and here is a schedule of events for the Parelli Celebration for 2009.  If you can’t take your family to see these FUN events, take someone else’s family!  EEEHAW!

Franklin, TN, Jan. 30-Feb. 1 . . . Sydney, Australia, March 13-15 . . . Harrisburg, PA, April 17-19 . . . Reno, Nevada, May 15-17 . . . Madison, WI, June 5-7 . . . Kansas City, Missouri, July 24-26 . . . Forth Worth, TX, September 25-27 . . . Lakeland, FL, October 9-11 . . . and Birmingham, UK, November 20-22. 

Should you be interested in excitement and intrigue of a wild hunting adventure, try spending a little time at a “Spy School.”  Your reward is capturing a handsome wall art trophy, or eating that roasterd or barbecued wild turkey.

The article, “Spy School” is a crash course in tracking, calling, and killing the Wild Turkey.  This handbook - section T1 is written by Scott Bestul, in the July 2008 issue of Field & Stream magazine.  You can’t miss the beautifully strutted Tom Turkey photo taken by Donald M Jones.  It might even help you become a better Bear and Deer hunter.

There are certain traits of rustic art that set it apart from other forms of art.  In fact, rustic art might even be designated in its own category of artwork.  When we think of rustic art, what often comes to mind is images of cowboys, the outdoors, wildlife, horses, and scenic vistas.  These are the central themes of rustic art, and these themes are portrayed on dozens of different objects including lamps, wall art, etched mirrors, signs, and furniture.  One of the most common forms of rustic art is rustic wall art, in which metal silhouettes are some of the most common forms.  Rustic silhouettes feature all the central themes of rustic art, and can function as wall art indoors as well as outdoors. 

People who love the themes of the old west will be delighted with a rustic art collection in their own home.  This delightful rustic art is sure to turn any home into an escape from the ordinary with a traditional feel.  You can find rustic art at certain specialty stores or from the designers themselves, but a good place to start a collection is online. 

Escape, seek refuge, spend a vacation, or just find a place to rest your “buns,” your feet, your mind and soul.  Spend a little time in our US National Parks.  The Outdoor Life magazine, June/July of 2008 features four unique National Parks with information on each one:  Yellowstone NP in northwest Wyoming, Olympic NP in northwest Washington State, Yosemite NP in southeast California and the Great Smoky Mountains NP that separates the states of Tennessee and North Carolina.

These are OUR public parks!  So, take your fishing and camping gear, and don’t forget your camera to record nature’s glorious landscapes.  You just might capture wildlife creatures in a bright misty sunrise, or colorful birds and butterflies active in a warm sunlit meadow.  Your special framed photo just might become a family wall art heirloom.

When two hearts come together and love is the center focus, then any dream can become a reality.  Such a dream was materialized by Elizabeth and Eddie Clarkson who built the 3-acre Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary in Charlotte, North Carolina.

It all started with a dream focusing on a sanctuary for wild birds and butterflies.  Yet it became a place of rest and serenity with glorious color and designs using flowers and plants.  All the brick walks merge into a focal point, such as a statue, water fountain, arbor, or a gazebo.

To view this beautiful garden, read the Southern Living magazine, Feburary 2009, pages 78-83.  The article is written by Steve Bender, with photography by Ralph Anderson (styling), and Leigh Anne Montgomery.

Many lovers of travel go to Europe and northern Africa to witness ancient structures over 400 years old.  Generally, architecture tells the story of how dwellings were built and with the availability and types of materials used to construct them. 

Yet, here in America, in central New Mexico, just 60 miles west of Albuquerque, exist the 1200- year-old dwellings of the Acoma Indian tribe.  The Acoma Indians still inhabit the pueblo on this 600-acre-square-mile reservation.  Beautiful southwestern pottery, revealing the Acomas’ ancient art designs, is one of the products that brings some 55,000 tourists annually to these ancient dwellings.

See the article by David Zax and view the great photos in the Smithsonian magazine, May of 2008, pages 56-60.