Ed’s Western Decor

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.

When I reflect on the years growing up with Queenie, my German Shepherd, I’m reminded how important it is that every boy should have a good dog.  My Queenie was not only a good companion, a very special friend, but also gave me feelings of security and emotional stability.  She taught me to recognize the difference between people who could be trusted and those who had unfriendly characters.  She taught me to recognize the sounds of nature that surround us.  Just watching her eyes and ears, I became aware of the movements and unique sounds of this marvelous, spectacular world we live in.  Queenie saved my life several times . . . another reason why I have such fondness for pet images. 

How many people have 3-D wall art?  Not many!  There are animal and nature scenes available in 3-D that will make you feel like you are in that quiet cabin the woods you dream of.

Set your home apart with some three-dimensional pieces that will make the rustic décor of your home pop with energy.

Maybe you’re thinking, “I want some rustic wall art, but I don’t have any more wall space!”  Why not hang a piece of over-the-door metal wall décor?  This is an available wall space that is often overlooked in many households.

Pine cones, horses, a thunderstorm, Southwestern pottery…there are so many rustic motifs available for over-the-door wall art to bring the spirit of the West to your home.