Articles by Nelson Montana on ArticleSnatch.com

Use Native American Rattles To Create Chic Rustic Home Decorating

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Native American Rattles make great additions to any group of Indian musical instruments. Rattles are wonderful Native American symbols representing Indian people and their unique culture. They are also some of the most popular musical instruments for use in powwows and other ceremonies throughout various Indian tribes. Rattles, for many generations and for most American Indians, have always played a large part in the spiritual connection with the creator as well as for use in public gatherings. As you research the interesting history of American Indians and their use of Native American rattles, you will learn that they are symbolic among the Indigenous people and are essential to the tribal ceremony in which they are played. It is said that they signify the animal, plant, and mineral kingdoms. The animal kingdom is exemplified in the form of the container or decorative feather of the rattle. The mineral kingdom is represented by the rocks that sound or also by the paint used for the artwork pictured on the rattle. And, the plant kingdom is represented by the handle. **End Summary** Topics: rattles]]> shakers]]> native american rattles]]> native american]]> indian]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about choosing Native American Rattles for Indian ceremonies and powwows. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Choose Native American Flutes For Playing In Ceremonies And Indian Rituals

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Native American flutes are extremely popular for use in ceremonies and rituals, or as home decor collection pieces. I have always enjoyed Native flute music for its beautiful sound quality and ability to bring a peaceful calm to the ambiance where it is played. Listening to Native flutes always bring back memories of my mother's kitchen where she often played flute music to invite a tranquil peace into her home. The soothing flute music cures the soul and creates a soothing affect on the lives of all who listen. If you read about the history of Indian instruments, you will realize that along with the drum, the flute plays a big role in the daily lives, ceremonies and cultures of many Indigenous Tribes. Native American flute music takes you on a spiritual journey where descedants look to their ancestors to lead them, and use their instruments to unite them with the Spirits. Flutes of various types have existed for centuries and have been part of many Indigenous cultures around the world. The research of flute instruments in history shows us that they did exist in ancient Tribes. **End Summary** Topics: flutes]]> native american]]> indian]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about choosing Native American Flutes for playing in Indian powwows and ceremonies. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Choose Indian Pottery For Unique Country Home Decorating

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Indian pottery, like that made by the Tarahumara and Tigua Tribes, is a wonderful way to bring true southwestern style to your home decorating. The rough clay is not only able to withstand years of use but is also what gives the pottery that popular characteristic primitive look. The knowledge of pottery making has been taught to each generation and is still made the same way as it has been for centuries. If you are like me and love Native American pottery, you will definitely be thrilled when you hold a piece of this exquisite art in your hands, imagining the effort involved in creating such unique pottery. If you are thinking about collecting Indian pottery, you will find many types and might even discover some that you never knew about. From rustic style pieces of dark earth-tone pottery to intricately detailed art pieces, painted by the Tigua Indians, you will definitely not have a problem deciding on something you like. The different kinds of pottery is exciting for collectors because there is so much available. The most interesting part of purchasing authentic American Indian pottery is the fact that it has always been part of Indian life. **End Summary** Topics: indian pottery]]> indian]]> pottery]]> native american]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how you can use Indian pottery for unique western home design. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

How To Use Indian Baskets To Enhance Chic Southwestern Home Decor

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Indian baskets have a unique purpose and place in the culture of Native Americans. I love using these colorful baskets to bring Native style to my home. It is fascinating when you begin studying the history of Indian basket weaving and find that basket use actually started hundreds of years ago and is one of the oldest art forms known in Indian history. Indian baskets, made by Tribes such as the Pueblo, Apache, Navajo and Tarahumara are famous for their detailed, handmade designs and intricate styles. As you read about basket weaving, you will learn that in the majority of Native American Tribes, women are given the task of basket weaving and learn the art as little girls from their mothers. Baskets serve many functions in the daily lives of the Native Americans and give the people a way to earn a living. As you will find, Indian baskets not only work wonderfully as accessories to rustic and southwestern decorating, but they are also very practical. Originally, baskets were weaved by the Inidans as a way to protect fragile or perishable items such as food, clothing, animal hides, blankets and even water. **End Summary** Topics: indian]]> baskets]]> indian baskets]]> native american]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to choose Indian baskets for unique western style. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Choosing American Indian Jewelry For Quality And Craftsmanship

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Purchasing American Indian jewelry really is a wonderful investment for those who like jewelry as well as those who like Native traditions. This beautiful style of jewelry is mostly crafted by hand, giving it a unique quality unlike commercially made jewelry. Now days, Indian cultures often support themselves by selling their exquisite jewelry and art to make a living. Purchasing Indian jewelry gives you the opportunity to help them support their heritage and continue practicing their customs. As with all Native American arts and crafts, each piece of jewelry is born from a Tribe of intriguing historical legend and unique traditions. For example, Native American jewelry produced by the Tigua Indians, a Puebloan tribe, is truly extraordinary due to the fact that during the 1930’s, their Tribe was believed by some to be extinct. It wasn’t until they reunited and began to express themselves as a people, laying claim to the land that they had lost from a dishonored Spanish land grant, that they were finally acknowledged in the 1960s by President Lyndon Johnson as a tribal nation. **End Summary** Topics: jewelry]]> indian]]> native american]]> tigua]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about choosing American Indian jewelry . For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Purchase Zapotec Rugs For Country Interior Decorating

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Zapotec rugs are beautifully hand-made rugs by the Zapotec Indians from the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. These hand-made rugs are famous around the world for their traditional craftsmanship, beautiful colors, and classic patterns. Native rugs are a wonderful southwestern accessory for use in western style homes and cabins, southwestern homes, or wherever you would like to add color and rustic flair. They look very nice when used on living room and bedroom floors, and also make fantastic Native style wall hangings for complementary color on your walls. Like the Navajo rug of North America, Zapotec rugs make it easy to achieve beautiful southwestern or Native American style in any room of your home. Understanding the history of Zapotec rug making allows you to fully appreciate the hard work of the weaving process. The Zapotec Indians, a people with a prehistoric past and no known records of migration, believed themselves to be born of nature. They were mainly farmers until the Spanish conquest, when they were presented with new methods of weaving by the Spanish. As well as with the weaving loom, the Spanish brought the first European sheep to Mexico and taught the Zapotec how to weave. **End Summary** Topics: zapotec]]> rugs]]> southwest]]> rustic]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to choose Zapotec rugs for beautiful western decorating. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Authentic Rawhide Lamp Shades For Warm Western Decor & Rustic Style

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Rustic lamps with rawhide lamp shades are some of the most popular southwestern lamps you find in cabins and in rustic style decorating or western decor. If you have lived in the west or visited western States, you understand what I mean. Lamp shades made of rawhide are functional and very versatile, working well with just about any home decor. Rawhide leather lamp shades are also available in multi-colors to allow designers to use any color pallet. Try including rawhide shades in your decorating project and decide for yourself how well they enhance your rustic design ideas. When you get ready to buy rawhide lamp shades you will want to decide how your lamp will be used. This is just a matter of choosing in which room you will use it. For instance, you might be lighting a huge area or just adding some light to a dark corner of the room. Rawhide shades are also the standard for antler chandeliers and antler lamps since rawhide lampshades are a standard for southwest lighting. **End Summary** Topics: rawhide lamp shades]]> western]]> rustic]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is a western lamp author who builds rustic leather and rawhide lamp shades . He also offers helpful free home decorating tips and resources on his website. For more information go to http://www.missiondelrey.com

Laced Rawhide Lamp Shades For Beautiful Western Decor & Country Design

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Rustic lamps with rawhide lamp shades are among the most popular western lamps you find in log homes and insouthwest decorating or western decor. If you have lived in the west or visited western States, you are familiar with this decorating style. Lamp shades made of rawhide are functional and very versatile, fitting into just about any home decor. Rawhide leather lamp shades are also available in many colors to make it possible for designers to use any color pallet. Try using rawhide shades in your decorating project and realize for yourself how well they pull together your southwestern design ideas. When you get ready to purchase rawhide lamp shades you will want to decide the way your lamp will be used. This is just a matter of choosing in which room you will be using it. For instance, you may be illuminating a huge area or just brightening a dark corner of the room. Rawhide shades are also a must for antler chandeliers and antler lamps since rawhide lampshades are a standard for western home lighting. **End Summary** Topics: rawhide lamp shades]]> western]]> rustic]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how you can use rawhide lamp shades for unique mountain style design. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

You Can Use Rawhide Country Lamp Shades To Enhance Chic Southwest Home Decor

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Rawhide country lampshades became popular after the great depression when women started decorating their homes and became interested in interior design. This was the case with not only kitchens, but living rooms and later family rooms and dens also. What is now known as southwest decor and western style, as well as ranch style, developed over time as the design styles sprung from essential everyday items. The same happened with country style homes. As the wealthy started to buy second homes called country homes, the working class started to use the same techniques in their decorating also. As lanterns and oil lamps gave way to the first rustic lamps, it was rawhide that was used for making lamp shades. Since then, it has been used to enhance western and southwestern style in home lighting and for lighting fixtures. If you truly like the unique, old-fashioned style of years ago, the natural style and color of rawhide will undoubtedly be part of what you want to use in your country kitchen and rustic design style. There are also other elements that will help you achieve the country look you see in designer magazines. For a country kitchen, consider decorating with wood. **End Summary** Topics: rawhide lamp shades]]> western]]> rustic]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to choose rawhide lamp shades for chic western style. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Choosing Custom Rawhide Lamp Shades For Unique Country Home Decorating

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Using custom rawhide lamp shades in your home will add true western style to your interior design. The part I like most about unique hand crafted lamp shades is the captivating glow and inviting warmth they generate no matter how they are used. These natural rawhide shades are made of goat skin, and are perfect because of the many ways they can be used and ability to compliment southwestern style home decor and color palettes. Great for use in cabins and log homes and anywhere you wish to incorporate great southwestern design, rawhide lamp shades are certainly the greatest choice in southwestern home lighting and for use on special lighting fixtures. The greatest part about leather shades is that they are made in custom sizes and in natural dark or light rawhide. No matter if you are selecting a western lamp shade for a large floor lamp or just want custom rawhide lamp shades for smaller chandelier or antler lamps, you will no doubt be able to find the perfect one for your design style. The rich variety of color tones is part of what gives the rawhide shades such wonderful charm. **End Summary** Topics: rawhide lamp shades]]> western]]> rustic]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to use custom rawhide lamp shades for chic country style home decorating. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Choose Rawhide Lamp Shades For Rustic Lamps And Country Home Decorating

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Rustic lamps with rawhide lamp shades are often used in log homes and in western interior design to enhance rustic furniture and add authentic southwest style to any room. A very popular decorating style throughout the southwestern states, you will definitely find these lamp shades being used in many areas to create western style. What I love most about using leather shades is the way they easily enhance authentic southwestern style in any room and also work well with both rustic and traditional style decor. Another nice thing about these lamp shades is that they come in many colors. This gives you the freedom to use the colors you want while still adding authentic southwestern style into your decor. Try using leather shades in your decorating project and realize for yourself how well they pull together your rustic design theme. The first thing to consider when decorating with leather lamp shades is where they will be placed in the room. Are they to be used on tall floor lamps to light a large space, or on small desk lamps to brighten a small area? **End Summary** Topics: rawhide lamp shades]]> western]]> rustic]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about using Rawhide lamp shades for rustic lamps for beautiful rustic style design. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Southwest Bedspreads Can Create A Fabulously Exciting Bedroom

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Southwest bedspreads are the only choice for any southwestern, western or even Native American style. It's easy to buy bedspreads online because they are growing in popularity everyday. The southwest is full of color and life and that rustic warmth is what you capture in the beautiful Indian pattern bedspreads. Western decor is also perfect for these rich fabrics. Bed spreads with American Indian designs compliment any rustic decor and can be used in every bedroom with distinct colors and patterns to bring out the personality of each. If you are fortunate enough to have a cabin or even if you want to bring in the popular lodge style to your rooms southwestern bedspreads will deliver that special feeling you want.When you purchase Native American style spreads, you will find a wide variety of patterns from the southwest. Arizona and New Mexico are rich in Native cultures like Navajo and Pueblo. You can choose from some of the most popular patterns throughout history and find them in modern textiles. Home decor is rapidly becoming the new frontier for many families. Many people are choosing to improve their home rather than think of moving. **End Summary** Topics: southwest bedspreads]]> southwest]]> western]]> rustic]]> bedspreads]]> native]]> indian]]> rustic]]> decor]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the owner of an online store specializing in southwest bedspreads and other rustic, southwestern, western and Native American home decor. Go to Mission Del Rey for more articles, discounts and special offers.

Try Native Drums As Rustic Tables To Enhance Chic Country Home Decor

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Looking for a great rustic decorating idea? Native drums used as rustic tables are the best and most inexpensive way to bring true southwest design and enrich Indian style in your home. Along with the traditional playing purposes of Indian drums in drumming groups and circles, you can use them to add decorative, southwestern style to any room. I recently changed the decorating theme in my home, including beautiful pieces of log furniture to give it an authentic southwestern feel, and found that adding a Native American drum coffee table and drum end table along with other country western accessories, looked very nice as accent pieces to my rustic furnishings. Maybe you are like me and truly like western style floor drums and log drums to use as rustic tables in interior design and southwestern decor. Indian floor drums are certainly a very real representation of Indigenous culture and are regularly used by many Indian tribes in traditional ceremonies and rituals. Rustic drums for many decades, have always played a very important part during the Native Indian ceremony, such as the powwow, and have helped lay the foundation of religion and spirituality for many Native groups. **End Summary** Topics: native drums as rustic tables]]> native american drums]]> native]]> indian]]> drums]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about using Native Drums As Rustic Tables for Indian drumming and for beautiful Native American interior design. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Use Native American Drums For Perfect Southwest Design

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Native American drums are without a doubt the most used American Indian instruments among Indian and non Native people alike. Drums for many generations have always been at the center of American Indian lifestyle, forming what is now the conduit of religion and spirituality as well as special days where a pow wow drum is at the center. Indian leaders in North America history have all used drums in various ways to interact with a higher power known to most as the Great Spirit. To Native people, Indian drums are much more than just decorations or interesting musical instruments. American Indian drums are said to speak to the drummer. Native drums being made in a circle represent the earth and life. The most recognizable being hoop drums and shaman drums which are Indian hand drums used in many personal healing and religious ceremonies as well as public ceremonies such as a Native American powwow. The hide of the animal that is pulled over the ring brings with it unique characteristics of the spirit of the animal and brings a sense of life to the drum when played. **End Summary** Topics: native american drums]]> indian drums]]> native drums]]> native]]> indian]]> drumming groups]]> drums]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about choosing a native american drums for beautiful southwestern style. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Choosing leather lamp shades To Enhance Beautiful Rustic Interior Design

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Try leather lamp shades for western decor and interior design. The use of beautiful rustic shades has grown in the past few years as home decorators have recognized how simple it is to create rustic and Native style in any room, by simply using a natural lamp shade as part of the home’s decor. The popular design you come across in the southwestern states and in interior decorating magazines can be readily obtained by simply replacing the shades on lamps you already have, or by placing them on beautiful rustic lighting fixtures like wrought iron and antler lamps. Rustic lamp shades come in a natural color and are also dyed in a variety of colors that look amazing and are simple to use with any color scheme. The thing I enjoy most about leather shades is their adaptability and the way they combine with southwestern decor. These hand-crafted, leather lamp shades are made of soft pigskin, suede leather that creates a nice glow when illuminated and has a unique finish because of the natural small hair follicle holes on the hide. **End Summary** Topics: leather lamp shades]]> rawhide lamp shades]]> southwestern]]> western]]> native american]]> indian]]> rustic]]> native]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to choose leather lamp shades for unique country style design. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Using Custom Rawhide Lamp Shades To Create Unique Mountain Interior Design

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Decorating with custom rawhide lamp shades in your home will add true Native American style to your home decor. Something I love most about unique hand crafted lamp shades is the natural glow and inviting environment they generate no matter where they are used. These rustic rawhide shades are made of goat skin, and are perfect because of their diversity and ability to combine with all rustic style home accessories and color schemes. Perfect for use in rustic style homes and anywhere you would like to add great southwestern design, rawhide lamp shades are truly the best option in southwestern home lighting and for use on special lighting fixtures. The best part about leather shades is that they are made in custom sizes and in natural dark or light rawhide. No matter if you are purchasing a southwestern lamp shade for a large floor lamp or just need custom rawhide lamp shades for use on small chandelier or accent lamps, you will definitely be able to find the perfect choice for your design style. The rich variations of color tones is what gives the rawhide shades such great charm. **End Summary** Topics: custom rawhide lamp shades]]> rawhide lamp shades]]> leather lamp shades]]> southwestern]]> western]]> rustic]]> native american]]> native]]> indian]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how you can use custom rawhide lamp shades for chic southwestern style design. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Use Antler Lamps To Create Unique Mountain Interior Design

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Antler lamps are wonderful for enhancing western home decor. Much more than average home lighting, antler lamps add charm to your room. If you have a rustic cabin or western style home, the wonderful character of antlers with their unusual shapes and variations in natural color will give your space the designer western look you are hoping to create. Ranch style home owners as well as those designing modern houses have used antler lamps for many years as the beautiful rustic lighting to enhance their western or southwestern home look. Because of the natural shape of antler lamps and chandeliers there is a unique charm in the antlers themselves that wonderfully goes along with any form of rustic style furniture. There is something dynamic about antler lamps that pulls every element together and creates a sophisticated rustic look within the room. Antler lamps have a magic about them that definitely enhances rustic beauty in any environment. Antler lamps also enhance many other western elements in home interior design. In the Northwestern states or "north woods" antlers may be put on snow shoes and adorned with rawhide lamp shades to create one-of-a-kind wall sconces. **End Summary** Topics: antler lamps]]> rustic lamps]]> antlers]]> rustic]]> southwestern]]> western]]> native american]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about using Antler Lamps for Southwest home decor. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Using Southwestern Purses For Beautiful Western Clothing

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Southwestern purses are a must for any lady who is truly a cowgirl at heart, or for those who love the southwest. Probably some of the most used components in a woman’s wardrobe, purses and handbags provide a secure place for necessary items while making a fashion statement at the same time. Choosing a western style handbag, or a southwest style tote to take along with you on your daily activities, becomes a form of personal expression and a way for you to show your individual style. When you ponder the meaning of southwestern style, what usually comes to mind is warm colors, tightly woven fabrics, and intricate Native design. This style is an intricate mix of many cultures melded together that began in Arizona and New Mexico. The vibrant colors you often see used in southwest decor and apparel, were derived from natural beauty and the colors found in the desert landscape. From the rich reds and yellows representing the clay soil and desert vegitation, to the earthtone browns and grays, part of the dry and arid desert, these colors have become what is known as southwestern style and are used to make decorative southwestern style totes and bags. **End Summary** Topics: southwestern purses]]> western purses]]> western handbags]]> southwestern handbags]]> purses]]> handbags]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to choose southwestern purses for beautiful western clothing. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Choosing Southwestern Purses To Create Beautiful Western Apparel

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Southwestern purses enhance the wonderful style of western attire, and personalize your unique look. Quite possibly some of the most important components in women’s attire, purses and handbags provide a protective place for necessary items while being stylish at the same time. Choosing a southwestern purse, or a southwestern tote to take along with you on your daily activities, becomes a matter of personal expression and a way for you to show your individual style. When you think of southwest style, what usually comes to mind is earth tone colors, vibrant fabrics, and unique Native design. This style is a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American cultures that originated in the states of Arizona and New Mexico. The exquisite colors you often see used in southwest decorating and attire, were influenced by nature and the colors found in the desert landscape. From the deep oranges, reds and yellows representing the clay soil and desert plants, to the neutral browns and grays, part of the dry and arid desert, these colors have become synonymous with southwestern style and are used to create decorative southwestern style handbags. **End Summary** Topics: southwestern purses]]> western purses]]> western handbags]]> southwestern handbags]]> purses]]> handbags]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to choose southwestern purses for unique western apparel. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Choose Western Tapestries For Chic Southwestern Home Decor

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Western tapestries are a great way to get Native American style in your home decor. If you love southwest and country decor, you will definitely enjoy decorating with colorful tapestries in your ranch style home or log cabin. Truly functional and versatile, you will find that southwestern tapestries, when used as a tapestry wall hanging or tapestry wall art, will liven up your room and give it a beautiful country feel. Many times decorators will add floor rugs and runners to the rooms in their homes but do not consider using wall tapestries made of the same beautiful fabric to dress their walls. The truth is that a wall tapestry is a wonderful way to enhance color and textures in your rooms and add life to your decorating. In addition, western tapestries can be used as wonderful pieces of art, worthy of display, because they are hand made. There are so many colors and patterns available that you will no doubt be able to buy the perfect southwestern tapestry style to harmonize with your home decor. Southwestern decorating usually uses combinations of desert colors like pink, purple and turquoise. **End Summary** Topics: western tapestries]]> southwestern tapestries]]> southwestern rugs]]> indian]]> native american]]> native]]> rustic]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to choose western tapestries for beautiful rustic interior design. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Choose A Wooden Dough Bowl To Create Beautiful Western Home Decorating In Your Home

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The wooden dough bowl is a true representation of items used in a typical Native American home. In the northern part of Mexico, high in the mountain regions, the Tarahumara people have primitive lifestyles and live in modest dwellings. They earn money for food and basic necessary items by selling their handcrafts. I have always appreciated the unique baskets, weavings, jewelry and other hand-made items fashioned by this Tribe. It is fascinating that although the women make most of these hand-crafted items, the Tarahumara men love working with wood and make beautiful pieces of art using simple and unsophisticated tools. Along with wooden dough bowls, they also make wooden spoons, figurines and traditional game balls used in the world renowned foot races. These wooden handcrafts have a simple, unpolished beauty, heightened by the characteristics of the wood. You will also find it fascinating how the wood dough bowls are crafted. The fashioning of the wooden bowl is started by hand chiseling a piece of native yellow pine taken from a fallen tree trunk. Native log bowls are made by splitting the trunk in half and then roughly cutting it with an axe. **End Summary** Topics: painted dough bowls]]> wooden dough bowls]]> indian]]> southwestern]]> western]]> native]]> native american]]> home decor]]> rustic]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to use a wooden dough bowl for beautiful southwestern home design. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

How To Use Rawhide Country Lamp Shades For Chic Country Home Decor

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Rawhide country lampshades became popular after the great depression when women started decorating their homes and became interested in interior design. Enhancing home decor in kitchens, living rooms, family rooms and dens soon became the fashionable thing to do. What is now known as southwest decor and western style, as well as ranch style, advanced naturally as the home decorating styles sprung from the necessary use of everyday items. The same occurred with country style homes. As the wealthy started to have second homes called country homes, the working class started to use the same concepts in their homes also. As primitive style lighting such as oil lamps and lanterns were exchanged for the first rustic lamps, it was rawhide that was chosen as one of the first materials to serve as a shade. Since then, it has been used to enhance western and southwestern style in home lighting and for lighting fixtures. If you truly like the handcrafted work and style of years ago, the natural texture and color tones of rawhide will certainly be part of what you want to use in your country kitchen and rustic decor. **End Summary** Topics: rawhide country lamp shades]]> rawhide lamp shades]]> rawhide]]> country]]> native american]]> southwestern]]> western]]> indian]]> home decor]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about using rawhide lamp shades for beautiful Native American interior design. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

How To Use Indian Baskets For Beautiful Southwest Home Decor

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Indian baskets come from a long and interesting history of native lifestyle. I love using these beautiful baskets to bring Native American style to my home. It is incredible when you start reading the history of Native basket weaving and find that the need for baskets actually started centuries ago and is one of the oldest art forms known in Indigenous history. Indian baskets, weaved by Tribes such as the Pueblo, Apache, Navajo and Tarahumara are famous for their detailed, hand-crafted designs and intricate styles. As you learn about basket making, you will see that in most Native American Tribes, women are responsible for basket weaving and are taught as a young girl from their mothers. Baskets are used for many purposes in the daily lives of the Native Americans and are a source of economic survival for the people. As you will learn, Indian baskets not only look great as accessories to rustic and southwestern decorating, but they are also very functional. Originally, baskets were created in Inigenous culture as a way to carry fragile or perishable items such as food, clothing, animal hides, blankets and even water. **End Summary** Topics: indian baskets]]> native american baskets]]> native american]]> baskets]]> indian]]> native]]> southwestern]]> western]]> rustic]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to choose Indian baskets for unique rustic interior design. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Choosing Indian Baskets For Unique Rustic Home Decorating

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Indian baskets come from a long and interesting history of native lifestyle. I enjoy using these unique baskets to bring Native American style to my home. It is intriguing when you begin studying the history of Native American basket weaving and find that the use of baskets actually started centuries ago and is one of the oldest forms of art known in Indigenous history. Indian baskets, weaved by Tribes such as the Pueblo, Apache, Navajo and Tarahumara are famous for their beautiful, hand-crafted designs and elaborate styles. As you learn about basket making, you will learn that in most Native American Tribes, women are given the task of basket weaving and are taught as a young girl from their mothers. Baskets are used for many purposes in the daily lives of the American Indians and help the people financially. As you will see, Indian baskets not only work well as accessories to rustic and southwestern decorating, but they are also very practical. Originally, baskets were weaved in Inigenous culture as a way to hold valuable items such as food, clothing, animal hides, blankets and even water. **End Summary** Topics: indian baskets]]> native american baskets]]> native american]]> baskets]]> indian]]> native]]> southwestern]]> western]]> rustic]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about choosing Indian baskets for unique American Indian home decorating. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Using Native American Rattles To Create Beautiful Western Home Decor

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

If you love Native American Rattles, you will definitely benefit from adding them to your drumming circles and powwows. Rattles are excellent Native American icons representing Indian people and their unique customs. They are also some of the most used musical instruments for use in ceremonies and rituals throughout various Indian tribes. Rattles, for many years and for many groups of American Indians, have always played a large part in the spiritual world as well as for use in public gatherings. As you read about the interesting history of American Indians and their use of Native American rattles, you will find that they are symbolic among the Indigenous people and are very important to the Indian rituals in which they are used. It is said that they represent the animal, plant, and mineral kingdoms. The animal kingdom is represented in the form of the container or decorative feather of the rattle. The mineral kingdom is represented by the stones that sound or also by the paint used for the artwork depicted on the rattle. And, the plant kingdom is represented by the handle. **End Summary** Topics: native american rattles]]> native american]]> indian rattles]]> rattles]]> native]]> indian musical instruments]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to choose Native American Rattles for Native Amercian ceremonies and powwows. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com