September 7, 2011 – 6:00 am
Did you know that the art of glassblowing has been around since around 50 BC? It was invented by Phoenicians somewhere along the Syro-Palestinian coast. One of the most prolific glassblowing areas within the Roman Empire was founded in Cologne on the river Rhine in Germany by the last 1st century BC, and the tradition was carried on in Europe throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance periods.
I’ve always been mesmerized by glassblowing. How do they not burn themselves? Don’t their eyes experience strain from such detailed work and careful scrutiny? I am one who can stand at the local art fair or Renaissance Festival and watch a glassblower for hours. I am fascinated and transfixed.
Studios of glassblowers exploded in the 1960s, producing fabulous artists such as Dale Chihuly and Dante Marioni. Today there are hundreds of glassblowing institutions and studios around the world that offer classes, techniques, and tricks of the trade for beginners and advanced students alike.
Luke Adams is one such artist, who designs unique artistic pieces in his Massachusetts studio. We’ve selected three of his stunning Hand-Blown Glass Pumpkins for your enjoyment this autumn, featured in the new Fall catalog.
Do you marvel at how artists are able to shape and color glass? Do you collect hand-blown glass pieces?
Kris is a Merchandise Buyer for Acorn. She works to support her travel and adventure addictions. She’s been to all 50 states (corners and airports don’t count!), enjoys the theatre, music, reading, and maintaining correspondence with family & friends worldwide.
August 24, 2011 – 6:00 am
The word tapestry
derives from the French word tapisserie, or tapisser, meaning “to cover with heavy fabric or to carpet.” Tapestries have been found preserved dating from the 3rd century BC, but gained in popularity when Kings and other noblemen would roll them up and transport them between their residences. They helped keep castles and churches insulated, in addition to providing some color and decoration for the dreary walls. There are hundreds of famous tapestries around the globe, including the oldest European one still in existence, The Cloth of St Gereon, dating from the early 11th century.
Tapestries often told, and continue to tell, a wide variety of stories. Depictions from the Bible, mythology, everyday life, and other religious sources were, and still are, commonly woven. Some ancient tapestries have helped modern civilization understand how our predecessors dressed, decorated their homes, and dined.
Lovely tapestries are currently featured in the catalog, including the Grand Bazaar, made in the USA by a family-owned mill in the mountains of western North Carolina, and the Tree of Life, expertly woven in Belgium. They’re both beautifully crafted, featuring colors and sizes sure to fit many home decors.
Do you have a favorite tapestry you’ve seen on your travels? Do you decorate your home with tapestries?
Kris is a Merchandise Buyer for Acorn. She works to support her travel and adventure addictions. She’s been to all 50 states (corners and airports don’t count!), enjoys the theatre, music, reading, and maintaining correspondence with family & friends worldwide.
