Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Jim Shore, Wildflower, and Kitchen Fairy Figurines Add Whimsy to Home Decor

!±8± Jim Shore, Wildflower, and Kitchen Fairy Figurines Add Whimsy to Home Decor

Although each person has a different sense of style when it comes to home decorating, everyone wants a home that feels comfortable and inviting. To that end, an increasing number of people are collecting and displaying figurines that bring a touch of whimsy to the home and smiles to the faces of family members and visitors alike. Three of the most popular collectible figurines are those from Jim Shore, DEMDACO, and My Little Kitchen Fairy.

Jim Shore Figurines

Originally from South Carolina, Jim Shore is an award-winning artist whose figurines can best be categorized as a cross between American folk art and popular culture. Made of stone resin, Jim Shore's figurines encompass themes ranging from his Heartwood Creek collection of angels and his faith-based angels to his collectible Disney figurines. Many of his Disney figurines have patriotic Americana themes, such as "Justice for All," which depicts Mickey Mouse waving a flag in front of the Statue of Liberty, and "Protect & Serve," which depicts Mickey Mouse as a police officer. Jim Shore has also designed a variety of Christmas ornaments, ranging from "12 Days of Christmas" ornaments and reindeer ornaments to farm animal ornaments. He has also made nativity set and Santa figurines.

DEMDACO Figurines

DEMDACO offers many collections of figurines, but one of the most popular is the Wildflower Angel collection. Each figurine in this collection depicts an angel holding a wildflower. Given the meanings associated with different types of flowers, each Wildflower Angel conveys its own message. "Poppies," for example, conveys consolation, while "Forget-Me-Not" encourages someone to always remember the other. "Lilies" convey celebratory enthusiasm, while "Nasturtiums" reflects patriotism. Similarly, "Periwinkles" recalls tender memories, and "Daisies" indicate compassion and concurrence.

My Little Kitchen Fairies Figurines

G.G. Santiago, an award-winning artist, designs the My Little Kitchen Fairies series of collectible figurines for Enesco. Typically between four and five inches tall, these whimsical fairies add heart to any home. Her "Wedding Cake Fairy," for example, depicts a little girl fairy reaching for the top tier of a wedding cake. Her "Hot Chocolate" fairy depicts a little fairy sitting on the handle of a candy cane striped mug with whipped cream on top. The detail in her "Asleep in an Oven Mitt" kitchen fairy shows a mischievous little girl fairy in pigtails, sound asleep with her teddy bear in a highly detailed red, white, and blue oven mitt.

Collecting and displaying fairies has become increasingly popular as a way of adding whimsy and innocence to home decor. Whether they have a touch of Jim Shore Americana, the hidden meanings of DEMDACO Wildflower Angels, or the sweetness of G.G. Santiago My Little Kitchen Fairies, figurines can reflect and express the personalities of their collectors.


Jim Shore, Wildflower, and Kitchen Fairy Figurines Add Whimsy to Home Decor

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Friday, December 9, 2011

Chinese Meaning of NeQwa - "Hand Painting on Inside on Glass"

!±8± Chinese Meaning of NeQwa - "Hand Painting on Inside on Glass"

Recently I discovered an exciting art form. It is called Reverse Hand Painting or NeQwa. The word NeQwa in the Chinese language means hand painting on inside on glass. This particular form of art began centuries ago in China. Originally the delicate painting was done on the inside of "snuff" bottles or other small glass containers. These objects were commissioned by Emperors and persons of high station and became quite valuable treasures.

This rare art form is still accomplished today in a studio in China where talented and patient artists paint designs created by North American and English artists in blown glass ornaments of various shapes and sizes. Famous artists such as Stewart Sherwood, Jim Shore, Susan Winget, G. DeBrekht, and Peggy Abrams create original designs for the paintings, many of the designs are limited editions for distributions to collectors and others who have no doubt received the ornaments as gifts and appreciated there untimely beauty.

The art form itself is most interesting. The glass is mouth blown using a special high grade of glass tubing. These pieces are etched on the inside to insure that when painted the paint will adhere to the glass. However, the etching makes it extremely difficult for the artist to see the brush inside and determine exactly where the paint stokes will be placed. Hence the need for both talent and patience!

The artist uses a combination of ink and paint, including acrylics, water colors and oils to create these delicate works of art. The first step is to develop the set of brushes needed to paint a particular design. These brushes are hand crafted by the artist to the exact size needed, some no larger than a single hair on your head. Unlike traditional painting, the artist begins with the foreground and then finally the background. The outline is first and painstakingly done with Chines ink and blended to create the dimensional effect of the finished product. Then the artist begins the first color. Each color is allowed to dry before continuing to the next color, and finally the colors are blended. Sometimes an ornament can be completed in hours and sometimes it takes several days.

The finished product is signed by the artist and authenticated by the company that commissioned it to assure that it is the real thing. It is then packaged in a lovely velour box which is satin lined and a certificate of authentication is placed inside. Some of the limited editions are packaged in leather boxes. The sets, which are comprised of ornaments not sold separately, are usually presented in finished wooden boxes with satin lining.

These objects of art are a delight to own and to receive as gifts. I personally have begun my collections starting with the Santa Collection and various Angels.


Chinese Meaning of NeQwa - "Hand Painting on Inside on Glass"

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