Ed’s Western Decor

Etched glass is a popular and attractive choice for people who are looking to spruce up a room or add some creativity to their house. Etched glass is glassware whose design has been cut into the surface through acid corrosion.

The surface of etched glass will vary depending on what type of acid is used and how long it was on the glass for; it can be rough and frosted, or smooth and satiny, or a combination of the two.

Various methods are used to transfer a design onto glass, but the most common is to coat the glass in beeswax or paraffin, then draw the design in with metal needles. The glass is then dipped in the acid, which etches the design through the grooves.

Cowboy decor and cowboy art is coming into vogue in a big way. A recent article in the San Angelo Standard Times discusses a “cowboy awareness class” being taught at Austin Community College. The class discusses the Spanish roots of the dress, weapons, art and music of the fabled-cowboy, and how it fits into American culture.

This cowboy class is just another example of the resurgence of interest in the cowboy and the southwest. Southwestern décor has long been popular in the southwest, but the pinks, turquoises and ten-gallon hats are slowly making their way out to the rest of the country.

A little miracle called a coincidence happened to me this week. 

I recently loaded beverage coasters to sell on my website.  The artist of the hunting dogs on some of the coasters is a world famous Western Wall Art  artist, Jim Killen.  The artwork on the coasters is exciting and full of nature’s fall colors. 

The coincidence occurred when only 3 days later, I opened up the magazine, Ducks Unlimited, Sept/Oct of 2008, and turned to pages 93 thru 97 and WOW!  . . . There they were, looking me right in my face . . . these awesome paintings illustrated by Jim Killen.  He was sharing his skills and talents with bird hunters and lovers of wall art just like me.  Thanks to the writer of the article, E. Donnall Thomas, Jr. and to Jim Killen for sharing.

Mark Hicks has given us six clever tips for keeping our broadhead arrows sharp.  The article is printed in the September, 2008 Field & Stream magazine, on page 45.  After reading his article, I learned that the sharpening process begins with a carbide sharpener, then color the edges with a black marker.  To develop a keen edge, we use a 600-grit stone, and then finish the sharpening with a 1200-grit stone or automotive sandpaper.   The broadhead arrow should be sharp enough to instantly cut through a 1/4 inch stretched rubber band on the blade’s edge. 

Interesting . . .  how far technology has developed since the Native Americans sharpened their arrows and spears to bring home their wildlife decor . . . for their wig-wams and lodges! 

Several years ago, my mother-in-law moved into a retired facility, leaving her home of 42 years.  One of the benefits to my wife and me was the privilege of digging up her Spider Lillies, Daffodils, and monkey grass that grew in her healthy environment.  The plants brought joy and appreciation to the family and neighbors for their faithfulness in returning each year, as they shined with their beauty each season.  We have a photo that’s a part of our western wall art.  Now the plants bring those same benefits to our family, transplanted to our home and garden.  It’s that faithfulness when the plants return each season that continues to remind us of the sweetness and loving spirit that my mother-in-law brings to us daily. I am one of the blessed sons-in-law to have known her personally.  I know her very well because she lives on, not only in the beauty of the plants, but also in her daughter that she raised . . . my beloved wife.  It’s not every man can boast that he is loved by two women and can love them in return.

So, bring cut flowers into your homes, husbands! Place photos, paintings or calenders with flowers and live plants, as a part of your tribute to love and faithfulness of your wives, moms, and mothers-in-law.

PS.  The tulip pictured above is a beverage coaster called, “Close to You.”

Silhouettes are used in artwork, often portraits of faces in profile.  A silhouette cannot convey a facial expression, but a silhouette artist with talent can create movement, mood and emotion nonetheless. 

Silhouettes were popular in America from the late 1700s to about 1840, when cameras began to replace them as the most accepted form of capturing a person’s portrait.  Silhouettes remain a unique and nostalgic way to preserve an image, as shown in our stunning and unique silhouette wall art.

Usually our beloved pets make messes, and we forgive them, but we have new absorbent beverage coasters featuring the photography of Paulette Braun depict a number of dog breeds at their most lovable, ready to protect your fine wooden furniture from the effects of condensation from your beverages.  (There is also one annoyed-looking cat from the artist Alan Carey.)

There are also a variety of other beverage coasters available in a number of cowboy images that will complement your home décor, as well as Asian- and Southwestern-inspired images, roosters, horses, fleur de lis, inspirational words, Texas, flowers, kimono, Native American, leaves, desert, tropical, birds, and many more!

Shah and Sarah were two Rottweiler puppies when their owners brought them home to their country ranch in northwest Idaho.  I was remodeling and painting the house, over a period of 12 months and $60,000 worth of improvements.  I became the adopted dog sitter and friend while the professors taught at Washington State University.  During that year, on my break periods, I played with both Shah and Sarah, treated them with love, and all the while teaching them obedience skills and discipline.

Every time I arrived at their home, Shah and Sarah met me with great excitement and anticipation for more of my affection and attention. 

You will have a hard time convincing me that Rottweiler dogs are mean.  I believe they could be, however, if treated badly.  I hope this breed of dog wil be added to someone’s pet decor.