Antique Oil Lamps - Timeless Beauty and Charm

The first oil lamp was made during the Stone Age. Now there's an interesting bit of history. The lamp could be described as extremely rough; likely make from a hollow out rock. The creator then lined the carved out rock with some moss. Finally, a wick soaked in animal fat was the final touch to this much needed invention; a source of light after dark fall. While this may have been a very useful model during the stone age, we are used to a much different looking oil lamp today; especially as collectors.

The antique oil lamps collected in this day and age are prized for not only their cultural value, but also the decorative appeal the provide. There is a tremendous following for this kind of lamp. Antique hanging oil lamps, fancy brass lamps, Aladdin oil lamps also draw quite a lot of interest from collectors. Let us discuss antique oil lamps here.

How Are These Lamps Made:
Most of the time when referring to antique oil lamps, one is referencing victorian oil lamps. They were built with a large glass globe on the bottom and then a smaller glass globe on top. They are very decorative and usually come with both globes painted and in a variety of floral designs. When they were constructed; they were made by hand. They come in nearly every color you can conceive of and are a true wonder to observe. These lamps are extremely fragile and look quite frilly and Victorian.



Collecting Ideas and Potential Uses:
Antique oil lamps have become so popular in this decade, they are arguably one of the most sought after collectibles. Once a necessity, antique oil lamps are now treasured by many for the settling glow and mood setting attributes they impart to any room. They can be used to accent any room and provide a warm inviting splash of color to the environment.

Believe it or not, they are often used in outdoor settings where they can light up a back yard gathering after dark. One should consider using the antique hanging oil lamp variety in this case.They act as a sort of tiki torch in this instance.

Where To Find Them:
These decorative lamps are easily found in Amazon auctions every day of the year. Of course, if you want to shop for them in person, go to estate sales, local auctions and any local antique store in your hometown.

What Does An Antique Like This Cost?
Of course you can expect antique oil lamps to vary in price. I did find that 19th century oil lamps in the best condition hardly ever sell for less than $300.00

Many people have made searching for these antique treasures a hobby. Collecting and displaying these lamps is a wonderful way to preserve history and work a few antiques into your decor.

Antique Oil Lamps are one of the most fun collectibles right now. Learn more about collecting by Clicking Here.


About The Author:
Antique Oil Lamps are one of the most fun collectibles right now. Learn more about collecting by Clicking Here.

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Fantastic Things Come From Spring Cleaning Your Closet

Spring cleaning your closet can seem like a completely dirty task that cannot and will seldom find its way into your busy office schedule. In fact, for many employees, it is one of the many house responsibilities that they choose to do without during hectic weeks full of work and deadlines.

This is particularly true because after the end of each workday, a lot of professionals would prefer to sleep out their tiredness than have to worry about their house chores. However, when the next day comes around , they find it nearly impossible to locate a particular clothing item that they would want to pair with another one. A shoe may have a lost pair, too. This causes many problems ,especially when the rest of the home, like the closet, is a disaster.

The closet is the first spot where spring cleaning should begin. This is very true since people are often in interaction with the disorganized, cluttered, and soiled items that get placed inside the closet. People who at first do not like the thought of cleaning up their closet will find that an organized closet is much simpler to work with.



Spring cleaning the closet is not very difficult. Believe it or not, in a few hours, you will be shocked at the amount of advancement you will make in reorganizing the closet. You should be able to save some money spending one weekend spring cleaning your closet instead of stopping by the movies or the mall.

To start, divide closet space and apportion a spot where used clothes will be kept . Empty the closet and wipe down the inside of the closet. This first step will help you see how much space you have in the closet. You may be overwhelmed initially with the number of clothes you have thrown on the floor.

Start spring cleaning by going through your clothes according to the things that you wear them for. School uniforms should be grouped together, while casual slacks must be in another area. Your shoes should be placed at the lowest portion of your closet. You must have small drawers or boxes as well to store your underthings . In addition, find a corner where you will throw old clothes that you need to dispose of. Organize all these inside your closet.

After you've spring cleaned your closet, you'll be pleased with the ease with which you will locate the clothes you want to wear. You also will not have to end up going through loads and loads of clothes thrown every which way. These are the rewards you'll get out of spring cleaning your closet.

Organizing your closet need not be a pain . Spring cleaning rids your life of all unnecessary worry and mess.


About The Author:
Brenda Simard is a mother and home owner who does not like to do the annual spring cleaning . Read these other articles and tips on spring cleaning and your home will be spotless the fast and easy way. www.allaboutspringcleaning.com

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How To Choose Great Light Fixtures

Home décor doesn’t end with some pretty vases, throw cushions, and paint. Your light fixtures are an important part of adding the finishing touches to a room. So how do you choose great light fixtures?

Everybody’s tastes are different which is why there are thousands of different choices in light fixtures. And some of the new styles have added an entirely new “light” to the options.

Before choosing your fixtures you’ll need to decide what type of lighting you need and what you are trying to achieve. You’ll also want to consider the type of bulb the lightening uses. There are many choices other than traditional light bulbs.

Ambient lighting is used as background lightening. It’s not designed to work with but rather to set a mood. It’s not a very useful lighting but if you choose fixtures that fit the room it can add character and charm to the room.



Accent lighting is used to “accent.” It can add depth, create a focal point, and of course create an atmosphere. Small halogen spotlights, track lightening, table lamps, and strip lights are all examples of accent lighting. How you aim your accent lighting will depend on what you are trying to do with it.

If you want to make a painting a focal point a strip light above the painting works well. If you want to prevent UV span lighting to plants floor spotlights that beam off the ceiling work well. If you want to light up a curio cabinet a book clip works well.

Task lightening is the lighting you depend on to complete tasks such as cooking, sewing, or working at your computer. It should be focused on the area you will be working in. Task lighting that is halogen, tungsten, or fluorescent works best.

Occasion lighting is used for special get together such as a party. It’s used to set the mood and create an ambiance. You’ll have to experiment a bit until you get the mood you want. You can easily make a room romantic or vibrant using lighting. You can also use occasion lighting to highlight an area of a room. Don’t forget that you can use colored bulbs to set the tone.

Traditional wall lighting is often more decorative than it is practical. The candle light bulbs are designed to add soft lighting to the room and many chandelier fixtures use this type of lightening over the dining table.

Enclosed fixtures are your typical fixtures that you find in halls, bedrooms, and bathrooms. You can also get enclosed fixtures that are weatherproof for your outside lighting.

Spotlight are very vogue and there are some great fixtures to choose from. They are also quite versatile because they send beams of light in any direction you want. Spotlights can be used in track fixtures or in cupboards, on desks, or above pictures.

Fluorescent lighting covers a nice large area and a quite energy efficient. However over the past few years with more fashionable fixtures and halogen bulbs their popularity has waned.

There are different types of fluorescent bulbs all which give off a different type of lighting. White lights are good in a loft or workshop. If you are putting them in your house avoid green and blue which are bad for your eyes, instead choose a warm yellow color which will give you a nice soft lighting.

Everyone has different tastes when it comes to the type of lighting and the type of light fixtures they want to use. The most important thing to remember is to choose effective lighting for what you want to achieve, and choose fixtures that compliment and give the finishing touches to your room.


About The Author:

Aura Mirchandani is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit ArticleClick.com. Article Click is a free content article directory.

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Tips for an easier move

Moving can be an unsettling ordeal. It entails enormous decision making, planning, packing, unpacking and countless other details. Here are some tips on how to make your move a little more palatable:

* Familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood by visiting city & state websites. Inquire ahead of time about local food markets, dry cleaners, entertainment, shopping, restaurants, and in general try to get a feel of the place you will soon call home.
* File a change of address form with US Postal Service.
* Call your bank/credit card company and ask about changing/closing/moving your accounts.
* Close any accounts you will not be transferring (saving, checking, empty out safe deposit boxes, etc).
* Contact your family physician for medical records and possible referrals. Also call your Health Insurance Provider.
* Contact current children’s schools and arrange for transfer of student records.
* Make sure all library books have been returned and all dry cleaning/repaired or altered items have been picked up.


* Contact your utility providers and have your utilities such as phone, water, power, cable/ satellite etc. canceled - leave a gap of a day or two between move-out day and disconnection of service to allow for unforeseen delays in moving out.
* Cancel / transfer magazine and newspaper subscriptions.
* Create a "move file" to keep track of moving company estimates, receipts and other important information.
* Begin packing of less frequently used items as much as 6 weeks prior to moving day.
* Work your way through each room taking inventory and deciding on what to keep and what to throw away.
* Properly dispose of all flammable and/or hazardous chemicals, as those will not be moved by your household mover.
* Make a list of all-important items/documents, which you would like to personally carry with you on moving day. Such items may include.
* Legal documents such as birth certificates, passports, wills etc.
* Jewelry, money or collections (coin collection, etc.).
* Stock certificates, deeds, insurance policies and other financial records.

Packing Tips
Start packing at least 4 weeks prior to moving day. Arrange all packed boxes in one designated room. Mark each box with its contents. Follow this link for a great packing tool: www.nackit.com

* Place heavyweight items towards the bottom of the container and lightweight items on the top.
* Use plenty of crumpled or shredded paper to protect your belongings in the boxes.
* Label boxes indicating what they contain. For example - if they contain fragile items, label “Fragile - This side Up”.
* After cleaning out the refrigerator or freezer, you may place pieces of charcoal in them to prevent mildew.
* As air causes silver to tarnish, all silver pieces should be wrapped in clean tissue paper or plastic wrap.
* After removing the light bulbs or lamp harps, wrap the lamp base, harp and bulb separately in newsprint/unprinted paper.
* Do not pack lamp shades in newspaper as the ink may rub off and stain them - use unprinted paper which may be provided at cost by your moving and storage company.
* It is advisable to let moving company pack furniture and artwork, as it will be done in professional fashion.

Essentials Checklist
Pack one box/suitcase to be transported with you. In it, should be items you may require at your new home, until you begin your unpacking process, or in the event your delivery is delayed for any reason.

* Scissors, masking tape, utility knife, can opener.
* Coffee cups, paper plates, paper towels.
* Instant coffee/tea, bottled water.
* Toys and snacks for kids.
* Plastic forks, spoons, knives.
* Flashlight, light bulbs, hammer.
* Dish soap, trash bags, towels.
* Toilet paper, toiletries.
* Prescription drugs, aspirin or other pain relievers and first aid kit.
* Phone books, pencils and paper, your "move file".
* Telephone, batteries, cell phone charger.

On moving day

* Check to ensure that closets, cupboards, attics and basements are empty -- it's easy to forget stuff in these places.
* Take note of utility meter readings.
* Leave a note with your new address in the house so that future residents can forward any ‘straggler’ mail pieces to you.
* Provide your contact number to your moving company rep., truck driver and family/friends, so they can contact you in case of an emergency.
* Relax…. If you’ve done your homework properly, it’ll all work itself out.

About The Author:
Steve A. Hadar is the owner and CEO of Alpha Relocation Services, an award winning relocation company based in Jersey City, NJ, providing Local, Long Distance, Commercial, Residential and International Moving and StorageServices.

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Furniture to style the modern home

Are you in the process of furnishing your home with some new furniture but can’t quite find the right look? Generally those looking for furniture base their decisions on a number of things. Price, quality, uniqueness or durability are some of the main factors. If the price is the main concern then you will have a budget and look for furniture based within your price bracket. If however you are looking for an exclusive piece of furniture then you will want it to be top quality that will last for years to come. So where do you look?

A type of furniture which you may over look is rattan furniture or cane furniture. When thinking of cane furniture you might have an idea in your mind of some old rocking chair your grandparents have in their conservatory. Well you need to think again as cane furniture has evolved and there are some seriously stylish and unique items available. Cane furniture is made to last for years to come and some pieces are so durable you can leave them outside in all weather and they will still look beautiful year after year. The price for quality rattan furniture may not be cheap but what you get is exclusive furniture that you won’t find in many homes across the country. You will have a very comfortable living suite of dining suite that will really make your room stand out from others.


The colour of cane furniture which is available has also evolved. No longer are you stuck with the antique pine type of colour, you can now get items in black, java brown and red. You can still get the original can colour but there are also different variations like tobacco wash which is a darker version of antique pine. You can also get custom made cushions in any colour and shade of the rainbow. So if you want a black living suite with bright red or blue cushions this is now possible. You may have to wait as designer cane is back in fashion and it is flying of the designers shelves.

You might have noticed on a recent holiday that lot of hotels and restaurants have durable but beautifully stylish furniture and many are made from cane or rattan. They need furniture that outlasts the normal life span of a piece of furniture so they only buy top quality designer furniture. You won’t find furniture like this in any high street shop so where do they buy it from?

Looking for unusual and exclusive furniture can be quite tricky as some of the best furniture makers only sell to a number of outlets and finding these outlets can be the hard part. Some of the best furniture is not available in high street shops because the designers don’t want their furniture to become mainstream. These furniture designers only allow a number of online stores or go around promoting their furniture at furniture and craft fairs.


So if you have been looking for some furniture for your living room or sunroom but are having trouble finding the right style, check out rattan or cane furniture as you may well be surprised. You can use Google to search as there are many online shops dedicated to selling unique furniture. Don’t go with the first shop you come across as you may well miss a bargain elsewhere. Once you have found the furniture you want, do a Google search on that particular name of furniture. If for instance you came across the ~Sea Breeze’ Furniture suite why not Google search that particular phrase and you will find every page on the internet with that furniture suite on it. You can then check and compare prices and get the best deal.

About the Author:
Carolyn is the webmaster of Sophisti-Cane, top suppliers in Cane furniture and Conservatory Furniture.

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Out with cotton and in with silk bedding

Silk has been around since centuries and has been the preferred choice of fabric by Emperors and kings due to its luxurious look and feel. It has always been and continues to be associated with wealth. Over time with modern technology silk has become a fabric of choice as there are low maintenance and easy to care silks available in the market. Silk clothing as well as silk bedding are slowly gaining popularity.
Silk bedding is the fabric of choice due to many reasons. Not only is it practical now but the luxurious and elegance it adds to a bedroom can’t be beat with cotton or other fabrics. The texture, feel and look of silk brings class and opulence to the bedroom. It not only looks great but feels great as well.
There are 2 types of silk made from natural or cultivated worms. Cultivated silk is more expensive than wild silk and is also finer, smoother, rounder, more uniform in shape, size and color, and has longer thread filament. This costs you more but it is also more durable. Cultivated silk is also known as mulberry silk. Wild silk is called spun silk because the filaments are not very long so the filaments are spun together to make it long.


Benefits of Silk 100% Natural and Hypo-allergenic Dust mites, molds and funguses stay away form silk due to the naturally occurring substances in the silk. Thus silk bedding is the perfect choice for people with allergies and asthma. Silk is also mold and mildew resistant due to the natural resisting protein found in silk which often cause allergies
• Good for the skin the naturally occurring amino acids in silk are good for a person’s skin and prevent wrinkling and bad hair days.
• Light Weight silk is light weight making it the perfect choice for silk sheets and silk bedding.
• Temperature regulation is breathable where one never feels hot or cold. Wicks away the moisture in summer and in winter forms to the body eliminating air pockets to hold in heat to keep your body warm. It is a perfect self adjusting fabric ideal for year round. Silks absorb moisture and oil form the body and easily shed the dirt thus making it a sanitary textile.
• Durable- strong and resilient and lasts for a long time. The natural silk fiber is superior to any animal or plant fiber despite its very delicate appearance. The durability of silk to the same diameter of steel is said to be stronger.
• Fire retardant silk is naturally fire retardant
• Easy to care for Most can be machine washed using gentle soap and water. Silk comforters should not be cleaned as they naturally repel dust mites, mold and mildew.
• Luxurious and sensuous feel silk sheets give you the feel and experience of luxury. They caress your body in the softness of the silk which is second to none.
• Calms the nervous system- allows the body to refresh and rejuvenate while sleeping

There are also great travel sheets available which one can use and take with while traveling so you can have that great silk experience wherever you maybe. These are called silk sacks. Make the investment of silk and feel the difference in your life. Next time you sleep make sure it is in an all silk bedding- float in a cloud of silk.

About the Author:
Rashmi is the owner of www.silkbedingandmore.com, Silk Bedding and More,the silk bedding store which carries all kinds of silk bedding and all that is needed for the bedroom and www.igiftabasket.com, your all occasion Gift Basket Online Store

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Do you have a neon clock in your home?

Neon ClockNeon clocks are clocks that can add great decoration to your room. Neon clocks are very attractive with their eye-catching brightness of neon. They can ornament specific wall of your home. The use of inert gas, colored glass, and fluorescent coating imparts bright and richly saturated colors. Neon and a mixture of argon and mercury used in the neon clocks emit a characteristic color when the electricity is applied.

Neon clocks are well suited for indoor use and can be placed almost anywhere in your home or business place. But be sure to locate your neon clock away from your TV or radio as neon clocks can cause interference with electronic equipments. Neon clocks are designed either to be fixed on a wall, or hang from the ceiling, or stand on a table or shelf.

The different neon clocks available are standard design neon clocks, external message advertising neon clocks, neon clocks with licensed logos and images, and custom designed neon clocks. Custom designed neon clocks are very much appreciated because you can buy personalized neon clocks to your specifications. When you buy custom neon clocks, you can personalize your clock by adding some text or picture on the face plate, such as your name, family name, or picture of your hobby, interest or sport.


Neon clocks can be used as residential/home clocks, restaurant clocks, business clocks, industrial clocks, advertising clocks, advertising wall clocks, factory clocks, commercial clocks, logo clocks, logo wall clocks, car clocks, theme clocks, etc.

The neon clocks are available in lots of designs, sizes, themes, and shapes. Neon clocks can serve as great gifts for your beloved ones as there are wide options of neon clocks to choose from. Neon clocks are available in a wide range of cost. The cost of the neon clocks depends upon the time taken to manufacture them and the cost of materials used in them. You can get quality neon clocks at affordable prices. Neon clocks may be bit expensive. But the cost of running a neon clock is inexpensive, and it requires little or no maintenance cost. But you have to change light bulbs of your neon clock regularly.

You should be careful in buying good neon clocks because you can be fooled by cheap neon clocks that use inferior neon. Cheap unlicensed neon clocks can give you nothing but problems. So it is better to buy your neon clock only from reliable retailers who offer licensed neon products.

You can use dry soft cloth or feather duster to clean your neon clock. Do not use water or cleaning solution to clean neon clock. Be sure to unplug or turn off the neon clock while handling and cleaning it. The neon clocks are safe as long as the tube particularly argon-mercury tube used in the clock is not broken. In case your neon clock gets damaged to a certain extent, you can get it repaired. Improper handling of the neon clocks may be unsafe to you and the environment.

About the Author:
Brayan Peter is an expert author for Business Neon Signs, Neon Clocks. He written many articles like Advertising Neon Signs, Metal Signs, Neon Lighting, Neon Open Sign. For more information visit our site http://www.myneonhaven.com/. Contact him at myneonhaven@gmail.com

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Decorate Your Home with Antique Maps

Most people today consider maps to be a practical thing, something that we occasionally look at when we are lost. But many centuries ago creating maps was an art. From the ancient maps of Babylon, Greece and Rome, China and India, to the age of great explorers, people have used maps as the indispensable tools to help them define the world, as well as navigate their way through it. In the past, maps were very valuable and they were treated in the same way as art. Many map makers and cartographers were true artists. They often decorated their maps with details such mythical gods or exotic animals.

Today many people are using antique world maps to decorate their homes. There are many options to choose from, such as original ancient maps, old map reproductions, old map prints and posters and wall tapestries.

Original ancient maps are definitely the most expensive option. These maps are available at specialized stores. Everything from world maps to the local maps is available. Many originals are quite rare, and therefore not cheap. Properly framed or mounted, these maps can definitely give a special charm to your home.


Other option, which is more popular, is using old map reproductions for decorating your home. Many famous ancient maps have been reproduced as prints and posters. You can find the exact replicas, as well as artwork that was inspired by the ancient maps.

Regardless of what you choose - original maps, framed reproductions or framed posters, you can be sure you'll make your home a more exciting place.

About the Author:
Here's a selection of popular old world maps. You can choose your map and your frame online. Visit OldWorldMaps.info

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