The Mission Style Lamps Affair

The late 19^th century saw a revival of an architectural movement that was deeply inspired by early  Spanish Catholic missions located throughout the Southwestern
United States and Mexico.  Later called the Mission revival style, the period from 1980 to 1915, when it reached it most popular  peak, saw numerous establishments sporting architectural characteristics and designs similar to those stone structures built by the friars of long ago.  Furniture inspired by this style also came  out of the woodwork, one of the most notable of which would be mission style lamps.

But first, a brief background on the history of the Mission revival style.  From the period of 1769 to 1823, Franciscan friars came to the Americas to convert the native people to the Catholic faith.  They established  small communities and introduced the populace to European livestock, produce and ranching.  However, due to a lack of architectural and construction knowledge and resources, these Spaniards were only able to build simple structures that covered the barest of their basic needs for shelter.

Each structural design shelter is highly characterized by the use of massive, unadorned broad walls and low-pitched clay tile roofs with wide eaves.  Interiors had long, arcaded corridors.  For a more decorative edge, piered arches and  curved gables were also utilized.  Exterior walls made of abode where further coated with stucco to provide additional structural support.

Although the missions ended in the early 1800s, its architectural style and design had a revival of sorts and the simple structural characteristics deeply inspired a
new breed of architects who would later incorporate this basic aesthetic to
some of California’s rich structural heritage.  Some worth mentioning are David Owen Dryden, who designed and built numerous mission style-inspired structures all along the San Diego North Park district; and Frank Lloyd Wright, who is credited with the conceptual development of middle-class home design aesthetics.

The first mission style furniture is believed to have originated from English architect Philip Webb who in 1859, designed and built a house for his good friend and corporate partner, William Morris.  Later dubbed the Red House, it was designed
with a holistic and functional approach in mind meaning to denounce the
excesses and industrialized concepts of the Victorian-era.  Due to this simple design value, the interiors and furnishing were made to follow the exterior’s aesthetic and
concept.

In America, the idea of mission style furniture came from A.J. Forbes, who
in 1894, constructed a chair deeply inspired by this movement for the
Swendenborgian Church of San Francisco.   The term mission style was eventually made popular by New York furniture manufacturer and retailer, Joseph McHugh, who copied
the Forbes’ chair design and further developed a line with pieces carrying the
same design aesthetic.  The line became such a huge hit after a successful showcase which was featured at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo,
New York.

A number of designers and corporations have also played important roles in the development and manufacture of mission style furniture to the public.  There is Gustav
Stickley, whose company Craftman’s Workshops produced nostalgic handcrafted
furniture pieces following the mission style aesthetic.

There is also Charles Limbert, whose  corporation Limbert Furniture Company made use of quarter-sawn oak wood in the  creation of their products.  This type of sawing produces a decorative grainy pattern that is ideal for mission style pieces.  It also lessens the probability  of wood warping due to changes in humidity and moisture.  These are only but a few personages who have contributed to the popularity of this design.

The mission revival style has also been incorporated in almost every type of furniture imaginable.  From comfortable chairs to tables to beds, all have been designed with the mission style aesthetic in mind.  But one of the most enduring pieces would be
the lamps inspired by this mission revival scene.  Similar to other pieces, these lighting
fixtures carry the same simple horizontal and vertical lined characteristic
that has made this style so popular.  The flat paneled, simple pieces that accentuate the wooden grain of its material were such a huge relief to the public after the excesses that characterized Victorian-era furniture and style.

Although the mission revival style period has long since reached its heyday, one cannot doubt the enduring capability of this movement.  Similarly inspired pieces
are still being continuously produced by modern furniture makers — truly a
remarkable testament to its staying power.   No doubt the public will still continue seeing similar pieces of  furniture – particularly mission style lamps – adorning homes all across the world in the years to come.

Proper Care of Stained Glass Lamps 101

            Stained glass lamps are truly exquisite pieces of furniture that are not only functional, but are also great decorative assets that add charm to any home.  Made of soldered colored glass pieces, these delicate works of art have been design icons for more than a century now and have long been treasured by families, oftentimes treated as prized heirlooms handed down from one generation to the next.

            With such delicate glass pieces, how can one ensure the longevity of these exquisite lighting fixtures?  Well, contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to maintain and care for these delicate pieces.  All one needs is enough know how and the right tools to maintain these precious works of art. 

First step is learning how to clean these delicate lamps.  If one thinks that this is a pain altogether, think again.  Keeping these fine works of art squeaky clean is a breeze. 

Like all other electrical appliances, one should first unplug the lamp from its socket before cleaning.  Doing so prevents unnecessary accidents like electrocutions from happening.  It also allows one to freely move the piece around and avoid accidentally tripping on the wires.

Next is to determine the type of material used for the shades.  Oil-based cleaners, preferably of the lemon kind, are recommended for lamp shades made of opaque glass or jade stone.  Apply a small amount of polish to a soft cloth and, using gentle but firm stokes, wipe lamps clean.  Always remember that exerting too much force might crack the delicate glass pattern and leave scratches.  Another tip is to never use abrasive cloth materials as these can also cause damages and scratches on the lamp’s delicate surface. 

For shades made of mica or fabric, simply wiping them down with a clean cloth will do.  Use warm, soapy water is also recommended for removing stubborn stains.  Using a feather duster to help remove excess loose dirt is also advisable. 

On the other hand, shades made of beveled or transparent glass need to be cleaned using a special glass cleaner.  Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and wipe down clean.

Regardless of shade material, it is always recommended to wipe down lamps dry after cleaning to remove any excess polish that may have been left-over.  Excess cleaners may attract dirt in the future.  This also provides additional polish and gloss to the lamp’s surface.

            The lamp’s metal frames and fixtures should be cleaned using furniture polish, as well.  As always, do not forget to use a clean, soft cloth to gently rub out dirt. 

            Tiffany and other similar lamps, aside from their glass stained fixtures, are also known for their intricate metal work detailing which, although add beauty to the piece itself, may be prone to clinging dust particles.  Using a cotton swab dipped in furniture cleaner can easily remove stubborn dirt.  Wipe dry with another clean cloth after.

These lamps have also been known to be placed inside kitchens for a homey feel.  But what happens when grease is accidentally spilled or tarnish these exquisite pieces?  Fret not!  Using a grease cutter can easily remedy this problem.  Gently rub the solution using a clean cloth to remove grease stains.  Wipe any excess dirt using another rag and use oil-based furniture polish to wipe clean.  

One should always remember, however, that these lamps are made from a variety of delicate materials, hence it is always necessary that one uses the right equipment and cleaning implements to avoid damaging the lamp’s design.  Ask the manufacturer if they have a recommended polish brand that is compatible to their product.  If this is not an option, most especially for older models, then ask the local handyman or hardware store for excellent recommendations.  There are also websites wherein other Tiffany lamp and other similar glass art furniture aficionados love to convene and swap maintenance stories.  Join in one and ask for tried and tested products that worked beautifully on their pieces.

            Alright, the cleaning’s done, but what about everyday maintenance?  Always remember that using a feather duster from time to time can actually remove loose dust particles and prevent them from clinging and settling unto the small nooks and crannies of one’s lamp.  Doing so can actually lessen the need for a more rigorous dust polishing during spring cleaning.

            Following all these simple tips can ensure that one’s stained glass lamps can be kept looking as good as new for years to come.  A little patience and knowledge definitely goes a long way in keeping these treasures looking as priceless and exquisite as the day they were first brought into one’s home.

Home Based Businesses And Being Professional

The minute many people hear that a business is located in a home, they immediately jump to conclusions. Unprofessional is the main thing that comes to their mind. Therefore, it is imperative for a business only to do whatever they can to dispel this way of thinking. Home based businesses must learn the art of professionalism or, in other words, covering up the fact that the business is operated at home.

The first thing home based businesses should consider is incorporating. While this seems like a little extreme, the truth is, having a simple “INC.” at the end of your business name will do the trick. For one reason or another, it will lead others to believe that your business is professional.

Second, get rid of your home address. Think about it. If you are running a consulting firm and you have 123 Pet Lane listed as the business address, people will just assume it is not professional. On the other hand, if you have a PO Box as your address, they will think just the opposite.

Last, you must consider how you are going to handle any incoming phone calls, especially if you do not have a line dedicated to your business. Thankfully, there is voice mail or you can enlist the help of an answering service. Instead of answering your home phone, not knowing whether or not it is a personal call or business call, you can get someone else to do it for you and it will seem like a more professional business.

If these measures seem as if you are lying to your customers and clients, you are wrong. What you are doing is simply removing any assumptions about home based businesses. If someone is simply going to assume that your business is unprofessional because you do the work from home, the truth is, what they do not know is not going to hurt them.

Making Money With Affiliate Marketing Requires Patience, Dedication

You may wonder how sites such as FaceBook and other mega sites make money when it appears they offer their services for free. The answer? Affiliate marketing.

People all over are making millions—and sometimes billions—of dollars simply by allowing large companies to place ads on their websites. How does an ordinary person get into the action?

It’s actually pretty easy to get your foot into the door. But it’s a bit more difficult to make really good money solely through affiliate marketing. Here’s why. Large companies love advertising online because they can find a targeted audience and it’s far less expensive than traditional advertising. You see, many times they only pay the website owner when someone actually clicks on their ad to get more information. High traffic sites can base their advertising rates on the number of visitors their sites get. In other words, if you charge a $1 per 1,000 page views per month, you would receive $2,000 for an ad if 200,000 people visited your site.

For either scenario, the big problem for the little guy is getting enough traffic to your website to generate advertising revenue. Most websites start off by receiving pay-per-click revenues. Google’s AdSense, for example, will place ads on your website automatically and you receive money when someone clicks on that ad.

Sounds easy—and it is. The real work is driving traffic to your website, because without thousands of page views or hits, you’re not going to be driving that Mercedes any time soon. That’s why affiliate marketing often takes patience and determination. If you truly believe your website would do well if more people knew about it, you must market like crazy.

You’re going to have to write articles related to your website’s topic, issue press releases, use social networking, create Youtube videos. This is an ongoing job, and why large companies hire entire departments to handle their online marketing needs.

However, if you keep working, you will see results and will see an increase in traffic to your site—and an increase in your affiliate marketing revenues.

How To Write A Compelling Article To Boost Your Home Business

Writing articles can be one of the best ways to market your home business and increase your website’s visibility. One of the keys, though, is having something interesting to say about your topic, information your potential customers will not only search for, but will also read. Articles help in two ways: they can increase your website’s SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and bring customers directly from the article to your website.

How do you write the most effective article to drive more traffic to your business? Here are some tips to follow:

Keep it short. People have a limited attention span and, unless you’ve written a riveting piece about a fascinating topic, you’re going to lose them long before they get to the end to click on your website. In general, keep your articles under 500 words.

Careful keywords. Make certain you don’t overload your article with keywords. Most article services will reject such attempts. Choose your keywords carefully, and put your keyword in the article’s title whenever possible.

Keep it interesting. Write about something potential customers will want to read about. For example, if you’re selling sports equipment, you might want to write an article about keeping fit. If it’s something that would interest your customers, then it’s probably a good topic.

Write often. One article is not going to make a huge difference to the amount of traffic generated to your website. The more articles, the better. Article writing is a terrific way to market your business—and if you can write the article yourself, it’s also one of the least expensive ways.

Read it aloud. Even people who consider themselves good writers often miss mistakes. One of the best way to make certain your article is clear and readable is to read it aloud. You may feel silly, but you’ll also be surprised how many mistakes you’ll find.

One good thing about article writing is that you can see the results of your work. Most article services will give you a report that tells you precisely how many people are reading your articles and how many click on your website’s link.

How To Write A Compelling Article To Boost Your Home Business

Writing articles can be one of the best ways to market your home business and increase your website’s visibility. One of the keys, though, is having something interesting to say about your topic, information your potential customers will not only search for, but will also read. Articles help in two ways: they can increase your website’s SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and bring customers directly from the article to your website.

How do you write the most effective article to drive more traffic to your business? Here are some tips to follow:

Keep it short. People have a limited attention span and, unless you’ve written a riveting piece about a fascinating topic, you’re going to lose them long before they get to the end to click on your website. In general, keep your articles under 500 words.

Careful keywords. Make certain you don’t overload your article with keywords. Most article services will reject such attempts. Choose your keywords carefully, and put your keyword in the article’s title whenever possible.

Keep it interesting. Write about something potential customers will want to read about. For example, if you’re selling sports equipment, you might want to write an article about keeping fit. If it’s something that would interest your customers, then it’s probably a good topic.

Write often. One article is not going to make a huge difference to the amount of traffic generated to your website. The more articles, the better. Article writing is a terrific way to market your business—and if you can write the article yourself, it’s also one of the least expensive ways.

Read it aloud. Even people who consider themselves good writers often miss mistakes. One of the best way to make certain your article is clear and readable is to read it aloud. You may feel silly, but you’ll also be surprised how many mistakes you’ll find.

One good thing about article writing is that you can see the results of your work. Most article services will give you a report that tells you precisely how many people are reading your articles and how many click on your website’s link.

Work at Home Typing – Earning Money by Working your Fingers!

Work at home typing jobs are among the most popular for those who wish to create an online income. Not much skill is needed to get started, and you can do so with no monetary investment. In this article, three ways to earn at home by typing are mentioned.

Transcription

This involves listening to audio files and typing them up into documents. The types of files you would transcribe often fall into three categories: general, medical, and legal. Experience is typically necessary for the last two categories, but many people have been able to get a general transcription job with just knowing how to type. Transcriptions companies often require you to have a good deal of equipment, such as special audio players and pedals. However, this job generally pays more than other forms of typing jobs.

Data Entry

Many companies need data entry done for their business, and they often wish to contract it out rather than hire someone to work in-house. This work at home typing position requires little knowledge beyond basic typing, and can be done quickly by most people. The pay isn’t that great, but you can earn a great hourly wage if you are a fast typist and get can projects completed quickly.

Content Creation

Creating content can be done in various ways. You may write articles and submit them to directories in order to promote affiliate products. Another alternative to this kind of typing is offering a writing service to people who need content created. If you offer the service, you can choose to write articles, blogs, ebooks, press releases, manuals, or webpage content for others. The rates for each of these items would vary, but typically the more you write, the more you earn.

These are not the only work at home typing jobs you could do, as there are many opportunities available. It’s amazing how just having the one little skill of typing can present you with so many avenues for making money from home.

Home Businesses Are the Best Choice

As an entrepreneur, your goal is to start a business, make it profitable, and do it without spending too much money. This, of course, can be a challenge. However, there is another answer. If you want to start a new business and lack a large amount of funds to invest, you will find that home businesses are the best choice.

Home businesses can be started for a very small amount of money. The most costly expense for any business starting up is the location. Buying or leasing real estate can mean thousands and thousands of dollars that could instead be invested into your actual business. Starting a business at your home will save you all of this money. Along with not having to invest your money in your business location, you may not have to worry about staffing your business, as well. Most businesses located in the home are often operated and managed by the business owner themselves. What this means, again, is less start up expenses for your business.

Starting up a business in your home will have its downfall, though. If your business requires you to keep a large stock of inventory, you may find your business overtaking your home. Not only this, many people often find it difficult to work around the common distractions that occur with the home. Regardless, if you find that you want to save money, you will work around these issues.

A lot of people may want to start a business of their own, but find they simply do not have the money to start it up. Instead of giving up on your dream, consider the various types of home businesses that you would qualify to operate and manage. The truth is, this may be the best choice for you, no matter what your situation, and it could lead to many bigger and better things for you.

Making Money Online With Your Writing

If you have the skill to write well and you like to write, you have the perfect opportunity to start your own business. Go online and do a quick search. You will find hundreds of different opportunities. The truth is, if you have the skill, making money online with your writing is quite simple.

To get started in making money online by writing, the first thing you want to do is write a few sample articles. The articles can be on any topic. From pet care to childcare, you can write about it. Just be certain that the articles themselves are between 400 and 600 words in length and do not count the title as part of the word count.

Next, do a search for web content businesses. These businesses provide web content to hundreds of different online businesses. The reason that businesses want so many articles is that they use them to promote their business. What you are going to do with the articles you have written is use them as samples of your writing when you apply to these sites as a writer.

You can also find many jobs in some of the online bidding sites. These job sites will allow you to bid for a job. The only problem with this is that the bids are often quite low. If this is not how you wish to conduct your new business, you also can go online to some of the classified sites and search for writing jobs. Apply to as many as you can, because you are dealing with hundreds, if not thousands, of other writers.

While it can take time to start making money online with your writing, the truth is, it can be a very profitable business. The key is to find a niche that you are comfortable writing about and secure clients for yourself in this area. While it is often a great thing to be able to write about a wide variety of topics, becoming an expert in one or two areas is how you are going to get more business for yourself.

Start Your Own Small Home Business Very Quickly

Want to start your own small home business? While you may answer yes, you may be scared. A lot of people are simply too scared to take that risk. Thankfully, the Internet has made it possible to start a business of your own very quickly and, most importantly, very easy.

The first step is finding a subject that you are interested in. Children? Pets? Cooking? Sewing? Fashion? The list could go on an on. No matter what you are interested in, you will be able to start a small home business very easily.

Once you have your topic, you can then do some research on that subject. What is selling well? For example, if your passion is pets, look at pet products and find out what pet owners need and want for their pets. The next step is to come up with a domain name for your website. Choose keywords that are relevant to the topic, such as buypetproductsforless or something along that line. Register your domain name and find a hosting company.

Most hosting companies will have templates you can use to start your own website. Once your website is online, you can then apply to become an affiliate with companies that sell pet products. They will allow you to list their products on your site and whenever someone purchase the products, you earn money.

After you have the products listed on the website, start advertising. There are many different ways to advertise your site. From social sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, to online article marketing, you will not need to spend a lot of money to make your website more well-known.

Sounds easy, right? The truth is, starting your own small home business is very easy and it can be quick. All it takes is some time and a little patience. With the right advertising and the right products, you may have just started a very profitable business for yourself.